Morning journal and courier., 1881-06-02

HOW DECORATION DAY WAS OBSERVED.
Decoration day was observed here for the
first time. When the proposition was made
it met with favorable reception and as time
passed a sufficient number of efficient work
ers fell into the line of preparation, SO that
when the day arrived, all bright and beauti-
full, that was all that was necessary to make
success a certainty. Flowers in abundance
from the gardens and the wild woods were
brought to the church where all the exercises
were conducted. The pulpit was removed
from the platform and in its place stood
monument seven feet high, covered entirely
with bouquets, excepting space in ever
green on which, in white letters, was, ITO
our heroic dead" Around the base MOSES
and ferns were skillfully arranged. Many
designs and arrangements of flowers were
scattered around in artistic confusion, show
ing the skill and patience of the fair workers.
Thirteen veterans fell into line and march
ed up the aisle, headed by the drum corps of
Chester. Mr.. o. E. Redfield, general officer
of the day, announced that the Rev. Mr..
Knowles, of the Episcopal church, would
conduct the devotional exercises, after which
Deacon L. L. Nettleton made an Introductory
address in his usual appropriate style. Music
by the choir, after which Hon. J. b. Wright,
of Clinton, made the speech of the day.
Those who know Mr.. w. will know that we
had a clear, concise, instructive address,
filed with thought which could be carried
away and pondered over in our homes and
profited by if received into good and honest
hearts. Rev. Mr.. Horne, of the Methodist
church in Clinton, preached in exchange with
Rev. Mr.. Armstrong on Sunday and tarried
over to join in our exercises, making short
address.
Rev. Mr.. Armstrong made the memorial
address, and it was very interesting In a
community like this, where all know and are
Interested in each other, every little detail
comes with greater force and has deeper in
terest than in a community where the popu-
lation is huctuating.
Mrs. A. V. Evarts, aged and totally blind,
was present to bear the soldier dead eulo-
gized, and had the sympathy of all. her only
child being one of the dead Mrs. Franklin,
tottering under her fourscore years, was
there, thankful for the glory of the nation
which she helped purchase by the gift of her
two sons. Mrs. Benjamin Lord also remem-
bered with sorrow the sacrifice she made in
giving the father of her five little children,
all of whom live to do honor to his memory,
four of them having been educated at Get
tysburg.
There are many other interesting items
which must be omitted. Several pieces of
music interspersed the exercises. A quar-
tetta rendered by Messrs. Turnerz Dudly
Brooks and our musical pastor was highly
appreciated. The veterans gave one of their
camp songs, which was very impressive At
the close of the services the veterans went to
the platform each bearing a picnic
basket trimmed with evergreens. Six
young ladies were deputized to remove
the bouquets from the monument to the
baskets, which being done they took up their
line of march for Union district cemetery.
Mr.. O. e. Redaeld and Rev. Mr.. Armstro ng
headed the procession. followed by the drum
corps. Then came the veterans, under
command of W. A. Hull and H. G. Marsh.
The citizens on foot were marshalIed by Ed
gar A. Chittinden, those in carriages by A.
B. Stevens. About sixty vehicles were
in the line, which was nearly a mile in
length. After the ceremonies at Union they
proceeded to Southwest, where the services
of the day closed. III. NJ
May 81.