Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-09-18
MASSACHUSETTS,.
Boston's Anniversary.


the threatening ASSURANCES of had weather
which were current yesterday, to-day is a
perfect fall day. The effect has been TO
bring into the city thousands upon thousands
by early trains and conyeyances, until the
streets through which the progression is TO
pass and adjacent thoroughfares are crowded
to such an extent that is difficult to move
through them. The visiting military from
New York, Brooklyn and other points have
arrived and after an informal reception and
hasty Refreshments marched 10 their assigned
position in the formation of the procession.
At 9 o'clock windows along the route began
to fill, while at every point where il was pos
sible 10 place chairs or benches, Spectators
had established themselves, charging from
half dollar to two and three dollars seat.
according TO location. The streets are
blocked with wagons filled with people from
the rural districts and outlying wards of the
city, Business is entirely suspended and
there is every indication that the memorable
Bunker Hill celebration five years ago will
be dwarfed when compared with to-day's
events. The literary portion of the celebra-
ton was held in Old South Church, and COM
menced at 8 o'clock. There was gathered
within the walls of the ancient edifice Gov
errors of States and mayors of cities. The
invited guests occupied platform extending
opened with prayer by Rev. Geo. f. Ellis.
d. d., after which his Honor Mayor Prince
delivered an Grafton, its delivery occupying
two hours. At the conclusion the mavor
and invited guests were taken in carriages
and escorted into the line of procession.
All along the route of procession decora-
tions are lavish and public buildings of his
torical fame, stores and residences alike are
covered with bunting, flags, notices and
emblems commemorative the day. At the
Old Cradle of Liberty the decoration is tasty
but simple, being used mostly inside. Out
side the main entrance is an arch with God
dess of Liberty surrounding it and ground
piece of the first settlement of Boston, Sept.
18th, 1880. The effect of the bunting is fine
and consists of canopy festooned and
draped around the galleries, while all the va
rious portraits are draped finely. The out
side arrangements are most extensive. City
Hall presents beautiful sight, streamers of
the National colors and flags of all nations
meeting the eve. The entire windows are
covered with the large city seal, with back
ground of American, British, French and
German colors.
On the balcony the first superscription is
"l63O-Sept. Il, 1850" The site of the old
Webster mansion, now occupied by business
blocks, has an elaborate display. The entire
near the centre is large bust of that illustri-
Gus statesman resting on an arch, on which
are inscribed his last and memorable words:
Il still live" On High street there is a very
elaborate display, nearly all the buildings be-
ing decorated. The Batchelder building is
the most elaborate and is covered from sight
with bunting and flags. The dates l630-lSs0
are prominently shown. All warehouses are
finely decorated, this district being the spot
where fifty years ago were the palatial resi-
dcnces of the city. That part of Washing
ton street included in the route is a mass of
decorations, the principal feature of which is
by Jordan, Marsh & Co. The entire front of
their building is covered with scenic dccora-
tons representing Boston in $780, with her
three hills and one cabin, and underneath
Boston in 1850" with picturesque view of
the city from the harbor. All this is sur
rounded by the State and city seal, flags and
bunting.
Near this IS Shuman's new building, where
is a large painting of the Ancient and Honor
able Artillery of 1898 and 1850, and appro-
pirate notices. The Equitable Insurance
Co s building, Post Office square, is resplen-
dent with flags and bunting, and as the pro-
cession passed by a large eagle of historic
fame, in connection with Gen. Grant, passed
gracefully from the top of the tower on an
inclined wire to the building across the
street
The residences on Columbus Avenue were
hidden from view by the decorations and
every building on the avenue was covered
with flags and streamers. All through the
line of march the residences show the occu-
pants spared no money to prepare as gay and
attractive an appearance as possible on the
great celebration OF Bostons 2ooth birthday
Boston Common is alive with human beings.
Every path and wall Is crowded with anxious
people seeking place from where the pro-
cession may be seen at an advantage.
Columbus Avenue, one OF the finest ave
nues in the country for parade, is packed