The Portland daily press., 1888-06-07
ANNUAL REuuIoN
OF the Portland Light infantry Vet
eran Association.

The sixth of June is always looked for
ward to by every man who has ever trained
in the ranks Of this the Oldest military or
ganization in this State For eighty-fve
years the sixth has been celebrated In some
suitable manner. Yesterday was a delight
full day and soon after eight o'clack the vet
Grams began to assemble at the Preble House
The advance guard started of with the
ammunition; then Mr.. J. F. Libby with his
large Preble House coach, and the May
flower loaded with the old guard. and large
number of private carriages. The ride to
the Ocean House was enjoyed by all. On
arrival there the company was met by Mr..
Dresser, who announced that lunch was
ready to which ample justice was done by
all. Then came the renewing Of old ac-
quaintances. Mr.. G. w. Merrill, Of Bangor,
an old Infantry man who joined them In
1880. and who had not been In Portland
since 1882, had come to see If he could find
any one who had trained with him. 1t was
great source of pleasure to him to find Mr..
Samuel Rolfe Of this city, who was a mem
Der Of the company at that time. The two
old gentlemen enjoyed themselves talking
over the good times they had soldering to-
gather. Mr. Merrill had with him silver
medal won by him. The medal is of
solid silver and bears this Inscription; "Pre-
sented 10y the Portland Light Infantry Con-
pany to their best marksmen. George w.
Merrill, june 6, 1885," The company cele-
brated their anniversary that day at Broad's
Tavern.
Mr.. w. H. Roberts of this city joined the
company In 1888 and yesterday was his 50th
anniVRrgQrV
Goats were glad to see once more was
Mr.. Frank Paine of Taunton. Mass. He had
come to see II any Of the pony section was
alive and found six of them at this reunion.
Everybody was glad to see him and all wish
he may come again.
The guest of the association on this occa-
sion was Mr.. ID. Fl. Chandler. Mr.. Chand-
ler has now retired from the active life of
band leader. The old Portland Light Infan-
try will never forget how. many times they
have marched to the music of his band.
At IL o'clock came target shooting, which
resulted as follows: Best score, Henry
Dunn; best single shot. II. b. Brown. 3.e
(. AT o'clock the order came to fan in for
dinner. Mr.. Dresser had prepared an ele-
CANT menu, to which justice was done All
the delicacies of the season were served, and
everyone presnt said that Mr. Dresser was
the right man In the right place as landlord
Of one of our most popular seaside resorts.
After dinner President Gen. S. j.. Ander-
ooh AdppCQ w oAhSAs anu ~ . low we'll Clpo-
en- remarks presented to Mr.. g. w. Merrill.
In behalf of the company, a brick taken from
the old City Hall, as souvenir Of the old
building where he used to drill. The brick
was gilded and will be highly priced by the
recipient. Mr. Merrill was also one of the
original members Of the first brass band
ever organized in this city. Gen. Anderson
presented to Capt. George Z. Brown, in be-
half OF the veterans, a cane.
The election Of officers resulted as follows:
President-Gen. Samuel j. Anderson.
Vice Presidents-H. b. Brown, c. b. Varney j.
NJ. PlaiSted, q. w. Goddard.
Secretary-C. II. Plummer.
Treasurer-George w. Furlong.
Finance Committee-Geo. Z. Brown, ]. B. Pike,
j. H. Stickney. NJ II
Visiting Committee Elisha Wheeler. j. t. EN-.
cry, Henry Dunn.
Two members have died the past year.
Many regrets were expressed that Vice Pres
ident Plaisted was unable to be present on
account Of the severe illness of his wife, and
resolutions OF sympathy were passed. More
than forty old members were present. 1t
was regretted by all that Mr.. Thomas Dear
ing was not able to be with them.
After the meeting adjourned, carriages
were taken for home, after good. .byes were
said and last hand-shake. 49,
II Is to be hoped that all these old veterans
will live to enjoy many more outings like
that Of yesterday.