The National tribune., 1885-07-02
FRIDAYS PLEASURING.

Encampment, GAR, adjourned sine die
FRIDAYS PLEASURING.
An Excursion Down the Bay to Clam Bake-A
Gay Party-The Ride Down-The Beautiful Island.
How the Clans Baked.
Perhaps more beautiful morning than that
of the day succeeding the closing of the busl-
ness part of the Encampment was never seen.
1t was perfect June day, such one as the
poets sing of, and just the kind to render an
excursion upon the sea delight forever.
The citizens of Portland had extended an
invitation to the Grand Army of the Republic,
the WOman's Relief Corps and the friends of
both, to take a steamer ride down to the Island
of Chebeague and enjoy a clam bake, something
which was a new experience to the larger part
of the pleasure seekers from the South and
West.
At 10 o'clock two large steamers with flags
flying and bands playing and laden with gay
crowd steamed away from the dock adown
Casco Bay under the smiling blue skies, with
the life-giving sea breeze kissing the faces of
the veterans as they recalled the old memories,
which they seem never to tire OF doing.
Everybody looked happy and ready to enjoy
to the utmost the pleasure and hospitality Of
fered to them.
Among those present were Gov. Robie and
Staff, Gen. and Mrs. Logan, the new Com
the retiring Commander-in-Chief, the new
President of the Womans Relief Corps, Mrs.
Sarah E. Fuller of Boston; the cx-President,
Mrs. Kate B. Sherwood; ex-Gov. Fairchild, of
Wisconsin; Hon. A. C. Boutelle, Gen. Van
DervOort and wife, and many others.
After half hours delightful ride Chebeague
Island was reached, and the guests of Portland
were scattered here and there in gay groups,
which seemed to embody all there could be OF
solid enjoyment
Many wandered down to the shore, where
THE CLAM BAKE
was in process of preparation. Upon the solid
rock, over a space of perhaps IL feet long and
6 feet wide, had been built, first hot fire that
had burned to ashes, leaving the surface at red
heat. This had been swept off and a mass of
wet seaweed placed thereon then barrels of
clans were poured upon the smoking mass.
Above this was another layer of seaweed, and
then again Holsters, eggs and potatoes were
tumbled on without regard to the order of their
going, and these again covered with seaweed.
The steam that came up hot from below cooked
this collection in a surprisingly short space of
time and it was ready for the hungry crowd OF
pleasure seekers
Long tables and wooden benches had been
built for the occasion, and from the way IN
which these were kept filled from to o'clock
it was easy to see that clam bake found as
hearty welcome among the gathered throng
as if they were to the manner born.
Later on some idea of the quantity prepared
for this occasion was gained, and the figures
show conclusively that the appetites of the
Grand Army people had much of the keenness
which belonged to the old army days, when the
marches in the open air, the out of door life and
exercise, made the soldiers feel equal to demol-
ishing anything in the way of eataoles that
could be laid hold Of About $50 bushels of
CLAIMS had been collected for the bake and four
barrels of live Holsters, which, as many may
not know, must be steamed or boiled alive in
order to be fit for eating. 1t seems barbarous
process and if the thoughts were allowed to
linger about it would take away the pleasure
of the repast.
Beside the CLANS and Holsters there were over
100 dozen eggs and several barrels of sweet
potatoes, with bread, coffee, and other provs-
ions in abundance. Considering that lunch
of fish chowder and coffee had been served
shortly after the arrival of the boats at IL
o'clock the devouring of this mass of eatables
was herculean feat worthy of old soldiers.
While part were
ENJOYING THE FEAST
many of the veterans with the ladies of the
party gathered in the grove to listen to short
addresses from several of those present. Gov.
Robe, as the host of the occasion, directed the
proceedings in a very happy manner, and for
an hour or two the crowd was moved to laugh
ter or to tears by the wit or the pathos of the
speakers. Among those who were called upon
and responded were Corp. Tanner, ex-Gov.
Fairchilds. Chap. Stewart, Past Commander
KOuntz, Commander-in- Chief Burdett, Chap.
Jack, Gen. GrOsvenor, Gen. Van Dervoort,
with several others, the list closing with Gen.
Logan, who spoke briefly, but eloquently. The
faces of the comrades and the repeated cheers
showed how great was their enjoyment of this
feature of the day.
Wbila tho CLAIMS uaro hnl a 1or0o croIrd
gathered on one of the pleasant slopes of the
island in tho shadow of grove of trees, and
called for speeches from prominent men who
were present. These were responded to n
bright, pithy little addresses by Judge r. III.
Cochran, of Ohio; Past Commander in Chief
Paul Van Dervoort, and others, and finally the
demand for Gen. Logan was so vOciferous that
he yielded to the opportunities to come for
ward, and spoke as follows:
Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen: can't for the
life of me understand why you should wish to hear
from me after the eloquence of the men who have
our freedom extending over the land of flowers,
ask why this is so? 1t is due to the private soldiers
such as make up the Grand Army. We have a
Union to-day such that no traitors arm can ever
assail.
The people of Maine have captured the people
of the West by the beauties of your scenery, your
manners of fraternity and cordality The West
will carry the remembrance as long life shall
last.
the CLAIMS and ended by defending the common
soldier from the charge of lawlessness
He was followed by Congressman T. c. Reed,
who made very bright little address, which
was only terminated by the announcement
that the CLAIMS wero ready, and the whole assem-
blage adjourned to the tables.
At o'clock the merry company returned to
the boats and were soon stcaming back to Port
land, which they reached in the best of humor,
and feeling, one and all, that this crowning act
of generous hospitality was pleasure that
would be retained i'll tho memories of all who
participated SO long as life should last, and
that it was only another proof that the Grand
Army of the Republic had builded better than
it knew when it selected Portland as the place
for the holding of its annual Encampment.
All day outgoing trains and steamers were
loaded down with returning soldiers, and by
midnight the city was pretty empty of its mar
tial guests.
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