Connecticut western news., 1890-09-17
DEDLCATON DAY.
1 The Soldiers Memorial Tower at Win. Sted Dedicated Sept IL.

The Soldiers Memorial Tower at Win-
 sted Dedicated Sept II.
 General Washington was first in war, first in peace, and first in tl,e hearts of his countrymen." Likewi.e e the mention of the word /" Winchester" awakens memories of the past and couples them with scenes of the present. Although there are two Winchesters, each having it's history Winchester in war and Winchester in peace-ye the contrast was so noticeable Sept 11th that we might almost say that very contrast renders it impossible to men, tion either without thinking of the other. The battle of Winchester, Va, in Sept, 1864, and "Sheridan's famous ride to Winchester is the picture of Winchester in war, while the dedication of the Soldiers Memorial Tower at Winchester (Winsted), Conn in Sept, 1890, is the picture of Winchester in peace, but what Winchester, Conn, di,l in war is further commemorated by what Winchester did in peace, eiz /: tho erection and dedication of Memorial Tower, which is second only in beauty to the Memorial A rch in Hartford. As Gen Washington was first in the hearts of his countrymen, so on Thursday last Winchester was first in the hearts of her countrymen, and thousands hurried thither to do honor to her soldier dead and speak kind words to her living patriots. People came by cars, by teams and on foot, and they were as eager to reach Winchester (Winsted) Conn as Sheridan was to reach Win chester, Va, in 1864. The number that witnessed and participated in the grand parade is variously estimated at from 15, GOO to 10000.
 The principal buildings and many private residences along the line of march were elegantly decorated with the stars and stripes, shields, bunting, emblems and streamers. The flags of all nations could also be seen support ing and blending with Uncle Sam's colors. The majority of the decorations used were furnished by several decorat- ing firms from different cities, and some idea of the quantity used may be form ed from the fact that the rental alone cost nearly or quite $5OOO, although less than one-fourth of city prices were charged in the majority of cases The G. A. R. posts and other visiting organi- zations were fed at the Rink. Everyone was welcome, and Winsted's hospitality was clearly shown by the abundance of eatables provided, and the courteous and generous manner in which they were dispensed.
 After the collation. iu the Rink the line was formed at 2 o'clock for the march to Memorial Park. The route was down Main street, around the East ! Village Park, then direct to Memorial Park, via, Main street, Munroe Place and Grown street In the proce ssion were Platoon of Police. Chief Marshall and Aids, Governor Bulkeley and Staff, Judges of Supreme and Superior courts, Invited Guests in carriages, Board of Warden and Burgess. Company I, Fourth Regiment c. N. c. 2 Conn, Vol Artillery Veteran Association, Company G. Hibernian Rifles, three cornet bands, four drum corps, eight G. A. R. poets, two camps Sons of Veterans, Winsted Fire Department, and Citizens in Carriages. The dedication ex- ercises at the Memorial Tower, were very impressive. Col Augustus H. Fenn presided. On the platform were Governor Bnlkeley and Staff, Lieutenant Governor Merwin. Chief Justice An. drews of Litchfeld, Justices Carpenter and Loomis of the supreme court Judges Hall. Rnraback and Bradstreet a number of the state officers, anl many other prominent men from far and near. 'rha program of exert ises consisted O prayer by the Rev Df Hiram Eldy Winsted's venerable War Pastor; songs by the Hartford glee club; and severa addresses. The rain which had gracious " held eff all day commenced to fal thick and fast after o'clock and par, of the program was necessarily omitted The orator of the day was the Ho1 Samuel Fessenden of Stamford T"Com rade Fessenden," as Col Fenn declared was all the title the orator desired on this occasion. The oration was grand and appropriate one, fully explained tn, cause of the war; gave u comprehensive sketch of that memorable conflict ani mentioned. the names and deeds of Win chester patriots. both dead and living told step by step the history of the com mencement, progress and completion o the Memorial Tower.
 Not an accident occurred to mar tho occasion and everything, except tn. shower that cut short the program, pas sed off as we'll as could be desired. Btu one of the crowning triumphs of tn, occasion was the enterprise manifested by the press of Winsted, who, notwith standing the rain prevented the carrying out of the entire program, have publish ed in detail the original program, inclu ding the addresses delivered and the manuscript of those those that were nee essarily omitted. Thus the complete record of this memorable occasion is preserved to history and those not present may read it. The Winstet Evening Citizen showed remarkable en