The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-08-16
wooDFoRD's.
The Grove picnic and Speeches.

Upward of 800 people, young and old. from
Woodford's Corner and vicinity, gatnered
in the beautiful grove near the handsome
residence of Col. John M. Adams, Saturday
evening. A large table was laden Win an
abundance of sandwiches, cake, tea, coHee,
and other refreshments The Deerlng Gen.
tire brass band discoursed lively music. Inc
people were social and happy. A Se1-con-
stituted committee, composed Of NUMBER
of the business men and prominent citizens
had arranged for a gathering, and everything
was accomplished to make it pleasant oc-
easion.
When they had all been supplied with the
good things, Andrew j. Chase, Esq, chair
man of the committee, took the platform
and called the company to order. He an
nounced the object of the meeting to be to
organize Village Improvement Society,
and nominated Mr.. Charles F. Stafford,
moderator.
Mr.. Stafford named l.. B. bennett, ESQ.,,
for president and that gentleman accepted
the office. DR.. S. A. Packard and Captain
Alvin Hall were chosen secretaries
Mr.. Chase read letters from Mr.. E. H.
Elwell and Mr.. E. A. Jordan, both of whom
were unable to be present.
Mr.. John T. Hull read paper on histori-
cal matters connected with the early settle
ment of the town, particularly that part of it
in which the company were assembled at
that time. He also gave some very interest
ing "reminiscences in the early life and
labors of Parson Thomas Brown, one of the
{, ~ ,,,i, ,ic+a, it.f ,IoY ,fatin
Col. John M. Adams was called for, but he
had left the grounds to take an outside OBJ
servation of the magnificent display made
by hundreds of Chinese lanterns, colored
lights and burning tapers, which gave bril-
liancy to his possessions.
Rev. M. Ogden responded to the call OF
his name and said he was happy to cooper
ate in the movement inaugurated by his fell
low townsmen. He believed that much
could be done to improve the village, by re-
moving the burdocks and weeds and substi-
tuting therefor flowers and shrubbery.
Rev. Mr.. Wheelwright was next called
He begged to be excused from speaking in
the open air.
Mr.. HI. III. Neyens made a stirring speech
He was thoroughly interested in making
this practical affair. He said cake, coffee
and ice cream were all well enough in their
place, but he wanted to see the citizens OF
Woodford's lay aside party politics and re-
ligious differences of opinion and all act to-
gether in the work of improving the side
walks and sewers.
Mr.. S. M. Watson made some remarks per
tinent to the subject under consideration.
1t was the expressed wish of she ladies
that L. b. bennett, the president, should
address the meeting, and Mr.. bennett was
most happy to crafty their wishes He sug-
geSted a number of ways in which the vii
lage might be improved. His remarks were
spiced with anecdotes and much humor.
Mr.. c. A. Woodbury. was the last speaker.
He was ready to aid in the grand movement
The committee of the whole was instruct
ed to select seven from their number to be a
committee to prepare bylaws for the govern
ment of the 'sWoodford's Village Improve
ment Society,""
1t was voted to hold another meeting SINH
lar to the one held Saturday evening, one
week from that time, in the same place.
Music by the band closed the exercises OF
the evening, and the people repaired to theiI
homes by the light Of blazing fireworks and
the glorious light of the moon. K.