The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1880-06-03
DECORATION DAY Is MAS ILLoN,

DECORATION DAY IL MAS ILLOS,
Saturday. the day set apart for remembrance of
the fallen heroes in Massillon, dawned cool and
partially cloudy. The preparation for the obser,
vance of this beautiful holiday was never so gen.
eral as they were this year, and despite the driz.
cling rain that was falling the city was througed
with strangers long before the hour app, iuted for
the procession to move, who were anxious to par.
ticipate in the Observance Of this memorial day.
The city presented a gala appearance. The mer.
chants decorated their business places with flags
and bunting arranged in a suitable manner, and
the cit'zlns their residences. Hon. L D.. Wood.
worth and Hon. William Mckinley, the orators
of the day, arrived in the morning and were es
corted to the fremont House by the Reception
Committee and the MassillOn Dunn Corps. The
two o'clock train from the east brought the Can.
ton delegation consisting of the Wallace Grays
and the Buckeye Lodge, Knights of Pythias, who
were accompanied by the New Berlin Cornet
Band. Immediately after the arrival of this train
and in spite Of the heavy rain which was falling
the procession formed and marched to the Gene.
terry. Some of the organizations did not PARTED.
pate in the procession ON account Of the rain.
The following is the order Of the procession
Chief Marshal, Capt R B Crawford; Assistant
Marshal9. Chss Fl Tinker, v X King, J r Dunn;
Massillon Drum Corps; Floral Hearse; Veterans;
Members Of the Canton Post G A R; Massillon
Citizens band; Canton Wallace Grays; Massillon
band; Firemen; President and Wee Presidents of
the Day; Orators Of the Day; Sculptor and Recep.
ton Committee; Clergy, Choir City Officials;
Richville band; Citizens on Footan in Carriages.
Arriving atthe Cemetery and proceeding to where
a speakers stand was erected the following pro.
gramme was observe: Music by the band; Open.
ing address by Hon. George Harsh, the President
Of the Day; prayer by Rev. H. B. Cox. The multi
tude then repaired to where the monument is
erected and after a choice selection from the
M~assillon Band the monument was unveiled.
During these proceedings the graves Of the SOL
diers we're decorated by the committee Of vete'
trans appointed.
THE MONUMENT
Is erected on a triangular lot and is made from
fine Amherst stoue, standing "a feet in height
The base is Of Massillon stone, and forms a tri'
angle changing to a h~exagon, at the height Of
three feet, with a pedestal projecting on the three
| corner sides, facing the corners of the lot, on each
of which is an elegantly carved eagle sitting with
| halfspread wings. The lower die is three feel
eight inches by three feet pine inches; the shaft
IS FIVE feet nigh and two feet four inches thick
with q heavy laurel wreath hanging round the
upper part. The cap on this is two feet thick,
forming the base for the statue, which is II that of
soldier with a military OverCOat on. The height
Of the soldier is 7 feet, A inches. On one OF the
large panels on the main die is the inscription
'Our Country's Defenders-1S61-5." And on the
other two emblems representing the Artillery and
Navy, Infantry and Cavalry. On the fourth base
from the bottom are the words engraved in raised
letters, fraternity" "Charity," Loyalty" one
on each Of the three sides. Below the eagles thai
grace the corners are the letters G.. A. R.
The statue is a handsome piece of architectural
work, and presents an elegant appearance, The
soldiers may well feel proud of the lasting mem.
orial they have erected in honor OF their dead
comrades, The Rackle Brothers, Charles and
George, graduates of the Royal Academy Of Fine
Arts, Munich, Bavaria, were the sculptOrs and
carvers Of this lovely piece Of work,
After the unwilling of the monument the rair
continuing to pour down, Chief Marshal Crawford
announced that they would adjourn to the OpeIE
House where the orationE would be delivered
Arriving at the hall the meeting was called to or
der by Hon. George Harsh, He regretted very
much, owing TO the lsteness of the hour, tina
MaiorL D. Woodwork, who was to deliver thu
Decoration Address, was compelled to leave ioi
home as he had an engagement the next morn
ing, Major VIM. Mckinley was then introduced
and entertained the assemblage for t~hree.quarter
of an hour; at the conclusion Of which the peo
pie dispersed. This day will long be remembered
in Massillon as being the most extensive com
memoration Of the Fallen Heroes ever held In tn
city,