Morning journal and courier., 1881-08-17
LOCAL NEWS.
High Rock Grove.

All of the early trains on the Naugatuck railroad yesterday had on extra cars which were well filled by the members of the G. A. R. Posts, their families and friends, and special train of nineteen cars went to High Rock Grove from Waterbury with Wadham Post, Colts band and ex-soldiers from the northern posts of the State Among the ar- rivals were Colonel David Torrance of Bir- mingham, Hon. D. B. Hamilton of Water bury, Judge Beers of Bridgeport, Depart ment Commander Ira Hicks, New Britain, J B. Hyatt, jr., senior vice, Meriden, and others Colts band from Hartford just after the ar- rival of the train, commenced playing in the pavilion, which soon attracted the people, The exercises were as follows: Mock guard mounting under command of John l.. Sa1e, assistant inspector general of the G. A. R., Department of Connecticut, at 10:45 G. m. A small squad marched to the main avenue and went through mock inspection of the guard. The position taken by the men in the ranks did not show much eff oiency in drill and elicited applause and laughter from the spectators. After guard mounting the string band took posi- tion in the dancing pavilion and very soon many were enjoying the fine music and trip ping the light fantastic, while others who brought lunch baskets secured a position near by and commenced to dispose of their eatables. Others enjoyed the swings, and the croquet grounds were well patronized as all seemed to be bent on having good time early in the morning. Business was brisk on the west of the grove, making preparation for the feast, witnessed by many interested spectators. The bake consisted of 400 bushel clans, 1000 pounds of fish and lob ster 4, GOO ears of corn, barrel sweet pota- toes. At quarter past 12 it was ready to be taken from the fire, and in half an hour the order was given to allow all with tickets to commence to make 8 grand charge on the IS long tables. A dozen sat at the first table
 Among the late arrivals were Hon. s. W. Kellogg, of Waterbury; Postmaster Dickin- son, of Hartford. At about two o'clock the Island officers and invited guests went to dinner It is estimated that there were 4, ,5OO persons present, and it was enc Of the most successful picnics that has been given
 
 NauRatuck railroad was on hand early with assistants to make everything pleas ant and to quen all dis turbing elements, but their services were not needed in that direction as everything went along smoothly. After dinner the toastmaster, Hon. D. B. Hamilton, rapped on the table for order and offered the following toast: Our President-whichw was responded to very feelingly and eloquently by Judge Cowel of Waterbury. The next was the State of Connecticut, responded to by Hon. Charles Searles, Secretary of State, who in his remarks very feelingly referred to our President Garfield.
 Next, ''The Volunteer Soldiers" respond ed to by Hon. s. W. Kellogg.
 Next, ssGrand Army of the Republic, D re- sponded to by Lawyer Baldwin, of Nauga- tuck, who said that if there was anything he was proud of it was that he was a member of the G. A. R. and that he had drank out of 8 canteen, and that he had had the experience of soldier.
 In closing he very feelingly sympathized with the President. The next toast was 'sThe Ladies'" always ready to honor the brave, etc., responded to by Captain Dodge. and A. B. Beera of Bridgeport. At the con- clusion of the regular toasts volunteers were called and Comrade Saxe made few humor- ous remarks, at the end of which he present ed to Comrade Wilde of Sandy Hook loaf cake, with the request that he cut it and pass | it around to those near him. Comrade Wilde 1 made response that was highly appreciated and knife was handed him to cut the cake. He was not successful in the attempt, it hay. | ing been made of wood.
 At half past four o'clock the command was given for the Meriden and Waterbury Posts to fall in when Commander Miles, of Merider Post, presented in neat speech to Waterbury Post silver ice pitcher with goblet and stand 1 to match. Commander Robbins responded and | did justice to the occasion. The afternoon trains continued to swell the numbers, and il is estimated that there were about [, 5,5o0 per. | sons there yesterday. The committee ot l Wadham Post had to work hard, but they managed everything to the entire satisfaction of the large crowd. At little after o'clocl p. m. the excursion trains commenced to ar
 rive, and they were soon filled going botI l north and south