Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1877-08-20
THE BENNINGTON CELEBRATION


Bennington has passed. and the record
Of it is being written up for history.
Vermont has witnessed within her borders
a scene that the past century never saw,
and the future may not exceed. For
some years past plans and preparations
have been made for the fit keeping of
the hundredth anniversary of the birth
Of Vermonts constitution and of the
important battle fought near Benning-
ton. The legislature of the State had
made an appropriation for the building
Of a monument and the expenses of the
celebration, and the States of New
Hampshire and Massachusetts, had each,
in turn, made generous appropriation
toward the monument and their part in
the work Of the anniversary.
The event of August 10th, l777, be-
ing of national character, the nation had
been invited through its executive head
to participate. as had nearly all the
States in the Union. When the event
full week arrived, it found Bennington
we'll prepared. Immense preparations
had been made for the proper entertain
ment of the distinguished guests from
all parts, and for the thousands that
would meet on the important days of the
week. The doors of every house we're
thrown open to receive and keep those
seeking homes; vast tents had been
erected with tables, and others with ac-
commodations for sleep; houses had
been beautifully decorated with flowers,
flags and patriotic emblems a large
camping ground for the militia regiment
of Vermont, the invited militia of other
States, the veterans, and for general cell
ebration purposes had been provided a
large pavilion for orations, speaking, and
receptions had been erected, and canvas
had been spread over areas sufficient to
feed nearly ten thousand persons.
On Wednesday morning the various
personages. civic orders, and military
organizations, that were TO form the pro-
eessiOn Of that day, were called out, and
after some delay took up their line of
march through the prominent streets of
the town for the pavilion tent and pa
rade ground. Not less than dozen
bands we're present, and the air was full
of stirring music. Throughout the long
column the bands were interspersed, and
never was more music heard in Vermont
than on that and the following day. The
very hastily uniformed and excelently
drilled militia regiment of Vermont,
led by Col. Peck, headed the procession.
Gov. Fairbanks, with other Governors Of
the New England States were present in
procession. The noted Amoskeag Vete-
rams Of New Hampshire, the Putnam
Phalanx and Drum Corps of Hartford,
Conn, leach Of them beautifully uni.
formed, and the crack military organi.
cations Of their states.) the Vermont
Veterans, fifteen hundred or more, and
the Fuller Battery of light artillery
composed part of the long procession.
Arriving on the parade grounds, thu
procession broke up, and the great pa
vllion tent was filled to listen to the
mastery grafton Of Hon. Daniel Roberts
of Burlington, and poem from the &C
complished Mrs. julia r. Dorr of Rut
land. After the delivery of the poem
short speeches were made by Gen. Haw
ley Of Connecticut, Ex-Gov. Walter Har
riman Of New Hampshire, Gov. Val
Zandt Of Rhode Island, Gov. Conner o
Maine. and Gen. Banks of Massachu
sets. After collation., the literary ex
erciSes of the day closed.
During the afternoon of Wednesday
the President and his party arrived, an
was escorted to the residence of a di;
tinguished citizen, living on the site {
the old battle. In the evening be cam
to the hotel at Old Bennington, "a shol
distance from the encampment of tn
VT. veterans) and held reception. FL
some hours the thrOng Of eager visitor
passed by him and his accOmplisho
wife, each receiving very cordial shall
of the hand and an unaffected but plea
ant recognition.
The morning of the 10th opened vii
the sound of martial music, the noise
the hilarious veteran and citizen soldier
and the busy preparations for the gre
events Of the day. The clouds had be,
very treacherous, during the week, al
on this busy morning a smart show
fell. to make the roads muddy and
drench the many who were already for
ing for the procession. There was "hr
rying to and fro" in all directions, a
the various organizations were hasteni
on TO the grounds near the depot. to ia
their places in the line Of march.
procession Of Thursday was that of w
day, with the addition of the Cad
and the Cadet band of Boston. the
preme court justices of Vermont.
New Hampshire. Massachusetts, and
legislatures, together with the Presid
of the United States, and members
his cabinet After the arrival of
President, the procession start
aud for an bour on1 n koIc - -.