The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-08-19
SEVENTEENTH MAINE.
Fine Reception by the C. a. r. Com
rades and Citizens at Norway.

The 18th Maine Regimental Association
enjoyed its annual reunion at the beautiful
village of Norway yesterday Two extra
cars for the benefit of the veterans were
placed on the regular morning train of the
Grand Trunk from this city which was in
charge of the veteran and courteous conduc-
tor, Mr.. A. B. Garland.
Arriving at Norway a splendid reception
awaited the veterans. The Harry Rust Post,
G. A. R.. of that town was out with full
ranks and the fine Norway Band, and amidst
music, cheering. waving handkerchiefs and
booming artillery, the veterans formed in
line on the left of the escort. The process
sion wheeled into column and made short
march through the village. The old regi
mental colors of the 18th was at the head,
carried by two sergeants who had borne
them on many bloody field. The Beals
Hotel was deliberately and tastefully decora-
ted with bunting and brilliant colored flags.
The colors were dipped in salute to
Commodore Paul, the proprietor, as the line
marched by.
There were about one hundred and TWEEN
ty-fve of the 18th present-the largest num-
Der, with single exception, that have been
together since the formation of the aSSocia-
ton. They were escorted to the Norway
Hall, a large and exceptionally fine hall, and
the association broke ranks and assembled
for business.
The meeting was called to order by the
president, E. G. Merrill of Pennington, and
after the usual routine business the follow
ing officers were elected for the ensuing
year:
President-Wm. Hobson, Boston.
Vice Presidents-G. G. Pratt, South Paris; S. S.
Richards Saco.
Secretary and Treasurer-John NJ. Webb, Sac
Nescrroiogist-Geo W. Merrill, Portland.
Directors-C. w. Roberts, j. G. Perry, Port
land; E. A. Duncan, Rochester, N. H.
Roster COMMUNICATION office. G, W. Roberts;
Co. A a. w. fnf Ba5dW Mar Gp # r. dSpaT an
G. A. Parker, Lewiston; Co. E, Geo. F. Smell
Gorham; Co; F, d. B. Stevens, Lewiston; Go. G
den, Saccarappa; Co. l, S. S. Richards, Saco; Co.
K, E. A. Duncan, Rochester, N. II.
After some discussion it was unanimously
voted to memorilize the Legislature to mark,
by fitting tablet, the trying position in the
wheatfield held by the regiment at such sac
rifce in the great battle of Gettysburg as
Massachusetts and other States are doing.
the great turning battle of the war, are also
moving in the matter.
The meeting adjourned for dinner A fine
repast was served by the Norway ladies in
Grand Army and the new Grange halls, and
a goodly number were accommodated at the
Beals Hotel, where, of course they had a
good dinner without any special preparation,
for Mine Host Paul always sets capital ia
BILE.
"Rations'' dispatched, the Norway band
and grand orchestra discoursed fine music in
the handsome hall, and the march and dance
were enjoyed with the gentle danes and
pretty damsels of the village. The vets
tripped the light fantastic as nimbly as
youths but we observed that nearly all of
them are at last ''surrendering to the gray"
Later on there were literary exercises,
Maj. E. B. Houghton presiding. A fine orig
nal poem of welcome, written by DR.. c. l..
Pike of Norway, whose father served in the
18th, was read, and there were appropriate
toasts and responses.
There was target practice in field near
by for silver medal, off.hand shooting at
500 yards. and Comrade Stacy made the ex-
cellent score OF IL out OF possible 10, which
gives him possession of the prize for one
year, but it must be won two successive
years to retain it.
A few of the company left by the o'clock
express and took flying trip home, the run
of fifty miles being made in but a triie over
an hour. The balance waited for an especial
accommodation at $50. All were highly
pleased with their reception and the continu-
al round of kindness and hospitality. The
citizens eff Norway did themselves much
honor in thus honoring these gentlemen
whose gallant conduct in perilous times gave
Maine soldier distinction everywhere, and
general officers would almost quarrel for
Maine regiment. No regiment from this
State ever lost its battle flags.
The Norway committees were:
For the Citizens-E. III. Brown, G. FL.
Whittier, c. S. Tucker.
For Harry Rust Post, G. A. R.--D. A. Ed
wards, L. Y. Bartlett, C.. S. Penley.