Bridgeton pioneer., 1889-06-06
MEMORIAL DAY.
THE GRAVES OF THE HEROES
DECORATED.
A. l.. RObeson Post No. ~ Busy
With Its Labor 0f.LOve
Thursday.

| Thursday.
The sun shone brightly upon the
veterans Thursday, as they tenderly
bent over the graves of their departed
comrades, and laid upon tine lowlv
mound beautiful bouquet of natures
fairest flowers.
The members of A. L. Robson and
Barnett Burdsall Posts were about
very early in the morning Thursday.
making the preparations for the beau
tiful, yet solemn and impressive me
mortal services. 1t was but shortly
after seven o'clock when delegations
of veterans left in carriages for Deer
field and Greenwich, where they were
to perform the sacred duties At half
past eight o'clock Elwell's band wagon
in charge of that excellent driver, Geo.
W. Hall, and two carriages loaded
with veterans started out Broad street,
on their way to Roadstown. The
Drum Corps accompanying the veter-
ans, playing martial music. Arriving
at the Baptist cemetery, the veterans
| formed in line and were met by a dele
| cation OF lad lies, who pinned upon each
blue-coated breast a small boquet.
There in the cemetery the beautiful
services of the q. A. R. was performed,
and the several graves decorated. Up
on invitation of Jno. Ayars and his
good wife, the vets drove to their
pleasant home and INDUCED in lemon
ade and cake. Afterward three cheers
were given with will for the host and
hostess.
At this point the delegation which
had visited Greenwich joined the boys
and they all drove to Shiloh. Here
they were joined by members of the
Barnett Birdsall Post. The Shiloh
Drum Corps joined the line and ren
dered martial airs. At the cemetery
a long line of little tots, wreathed with
garlanGs of iowers, formed in line and
carried the flowers for the decoration.
The service was spoken, and the graves
covered with flowers. Then the peo
pie and the veterans were seated un-
der the shady trees, and refreshments
served. On behalf of the Post, Chas
s. Padgett, thanked the citizens for
their greeting. His remarks were fol-
lowed by most patriotic speech by
Rev. J. B. Whitton, and Prof. Warren
Sheppard spoke on behalf of the citi-
zens. A Decoration day poem was
read, and Commander Smith of the
Birdsall Post spoke. Three rousing
cheers were given by the vets and
soon they were home again.
During the absence of the veterans
the members of the organization,
which stands only second to the Grand
Army of the Republic-the Ladies' of
the 6. A. R. had been busy and sub
stantial dinner was provided.
At two o'clock in the afternoon the
line of march was taken up in Bridge
ton. Marshal Frank M. Riley was un-
able to officiate, and Charles S. Pad
gett, acted in his place. John Nc
Pherson, Charles B. Moore, and Ed
| Hodgson were his aids. The Inde-
pendent Cornet Band followed, each
wearing a neat button hole bouquet,
| which were presented by Miss Minnie
| Edwards. A. l.. Robson Post fol-
| lowed, with Comrade Bennett carrying
the handsome silk banner. The Post
Drum Corps accompanied the Post.
The Rose Bud Drum Corps headed the
Barnett BirdsaN Post, and after them
came the wagon loaded with flowers,
and then ElweM's band wagon filled
with twenty-four sweet looking little
girls, dressed in white, and upon their
heads were wreaths of flowers. Car
risges with crippled soldiers, the clergy
and Mayor J. Dubois brought up in
the rear. AT each cemetery the SER
vice was performed. In the Pearl
street cemetery, prayer was offered by
Rev. W. r. Mcneil In the Commerce
street by Rev. G. G. Stanger, and in
the Broad street by Rev. J. B. Whit.
J ton. AT the Broad street cemetery
Rev. w. ID. Stults made short but
excellent address.
' Supper was served by the ladies al
the Post room, and at eight O'CLOCK
the Post and ladies marched to the
Opera House. The stage was hand
somely decorated with stacked arms
plants and ferns. Mrs. Lydia Gaur
had presented d beautiful arch of solid
flowers under which was a cross
dedicated to the unknown dead. The
usual opening exercises followed ano
a rusof young ladies and gentlemen
greatly enhanced the interest of the
occasion. Prayer was offered by Rev
j. B, Whitton, and Miss Lydia Hubbs
delightfully."- sang ''The Flag"
Mr.. Whitton was then introduced
and made a splendid address. He sale
! there is no organization to which he