The daily gazette., 1878-09-26
HALF CENTURY.
Ex-COuncilmam johnson Cele-
brates his Fiftieih
Birthday.
MENSE CROWD AND AN IMPos-
ING CELEBRATION.

season III this city, was the celebration,
last evening, by ex-Councilman Thomas |
johnson, of the fiftieth anniversary of the |
day Of his birth.
Mr. johnson was born in Brandywine
Village, on Sept. 25th, 1928, and during
the half century of time which his life
has covered, he has risen by his own lin-
aided exertions to the important position
of an active partnership in the most ex-
tensive corporation in this city dhe Har-
Ian Il liolingsworth Company and has
attained a reputation for sound, business
qualifications and solid personal worth
excelled by none.
In view of tire fact that this auspicious
epoch of his life could be attained but
once in his existence, Mr.. johnson deter
mined to celebrate the occasion in the
most appropriate manner, and with his
usual generosity he provided suitable
entertainment for the public in general,
as well az his invited guests.
Publicity having been given that there
would be fine display of fireworks, an
immense crowd gathered early in the
evening, and soon Third street was
densely packed from Washington to JEFF
fer, on with a solid mass of human beings.
So large was the crowd that it was with
the greatest difficulty the guests made
| their way to the house. 1t is estimated
that there were over 5000 people in the
immediate vicinity.
The fancy pieces of fireworks were
erected upon suitable supports in the
middle of the street, in full view of the
| assembled multitude, and the rocket
| stand was also conveniently placed in
| the same locality. All preparations
| ere made in advance, so that the public
display could take place at the time ap-
pointed, without delay or hindrance.
The house was brilliantly Illuminated
from top to bottom, and the handsome
garden was made radiant with rows of
Chinese lanterns, which reflected their
mellow light upon the beautiful fountain
and other surrounding objects.
By nine o'clock the invited guests, to
the number of over one hundred, were in
the house, and preparations were made
for the grand display, which was under
the direction of the son of Prof. Jackson,
! the great pyrotechDist, of Philadelphia
| The pavement IN front of the house was
| cleared by the police to make room for
| the guests, the United Cornet Band, sta
toned in the yard, struck up lively
air, and the exhibition commenced, with
a liberal display of colored lights at diff
ferent points along the street. Next a
dozen rockets went whizZing skyward,
one after another, and bursting into my
riads of fiery stars. Then came a piece
Representing the Fails of Niagara, which
for two minutes sent forth perfect del
uge of fiery beauty. 1t was followed by
la large star, which fairly ignited, blazed
forth in the most brilliant manner.
Then came the crowning piece. 1t
lstarted with large pin-wheel, which
whirled around Its fiery course, and
spreading upward soon displayed the let
ters and figures, "T. j., 50," in brilliant
Iiets of flame, to the gaze of the wonder
ling multitude. above this was large
globe, which was soon revolving swiftly
around, "a mass OF beautifully colored fire.
The piece burned for several minutes to
the intense delight of all the beholders,
and the applause which had been libera !
from the first, swelled iuto one grand
lshout of JOY and triumph.
This display was undoubtedly the finest
lpublic or private, ever given in this city.
Although not so extensive as the display
made by the city, during the Centennial
year, the beauty of the three large pieces
was fully equal to anything displayed on
that occasion.
When the last spark had expired, Mr.,
johnson addre ,sed the people, thanked
them for their presence, and Informed
them that the entertainment arranged
for their enjoyment was over.
The guests then returned to the house
and spent the balance of the evening in
the most enjoyable manner. Mr.. john
son. radiant with joy and good humor
| made every one feel perfectly at home, his
/ only care being slight fear lest some
one should not be completely happy. But
his fears were without foundation as the
: spirit of his jovial good nature permeated
: the the entire company, and the evening
was season of unalloyed pleasure te
each and every one pres. mt. In Ia duties
as host Mr.. johnson was ably assisted .,
his amiable wife andaccomplishedd daugh
ters, whose easy manners and graceIu
| cordiality soon placed all at their east
and made those who were strangers u
each other feel as If they stood upon TIM
: footing of old friends.
r a Large table in the dining room beint
t co onstantly supplied with ice cream, cake
Y and fine fruits. The table was Deautliui
" adorned with two huge pyramids 0
:. boouets, from which each aud every lad.
nresent received floral remembrance
. this most joyous event. =.
While part of the company was as
e sembled in the dining room, Rev. DI
e Wiswell. pastor of Girard street Presby
|, teran Church, Philadelphia, forme
e pastor OF Central Church, TINS city MAD
e host and his guests upon the happ.
During the evening the company wa
o enliyenei by the music of the band, an
d also by some vocal selections by yolqI
s tary eli or under the leadership OF I'll. L
d Pickles and Mr.. Lichtenstein.
q. Tho festivities were conIlhueu uIei
+ shortly after eleven o'clock, when tht
u, guests departed, leaving with Mr.. > o9I q
!, Son and his family their warm tnanks $40 70
"a The pleasure they had derived while eac
it and every one Joined in heartily wlshn
ir him "many returns of TIE day"
o, Among those present during liis c,
70 enino we're His Honor Mayor Ailmoh'
10 Cant N. r.. Benson and wife. n,,,
m mos. Smith and wife, Rev DR.; WI WI
u well, of philadelphia, Mr.. anu aa MI
he r;Tiff1n. of Chester, President OF Copnc
lie NJ H. Lichenstein, Councilman Jon
Mt Tones and wife, Councilman Lewis ray
In ter ~ and daughte Councilman joseph i
II aaams and wife, Councilman b; Fran
I'd Townsend, C Councilman Henry ". DOW
~. ~ mo and wife, ex-Couneilman Henry 1
~ e pIeekels, wife and daughter, ex-CoGnoi
We nan Rennett Hazett and wife, ex-Coui
re n'iman Caleb T. Wlndle and wife, u;
ep Mnrlev, wife and family, City Anaitt
ur Tfodarwood and wife, Chief OF ron.
0aToole, J. Winfield Scott and wife, =; e,
Coroner Lindsey Pierce, OF btandy wa.
u Rehbeker, James III. begg