Connecticut western news., 1890-06-04
WEDNESDAY. JUNE 4, 1890.
MEMORIAL DAY 1890.

G ..
 Tears, Flags and Flowers for the Dead; Kind Words, Music and
 Refreshments for the Living.
 Last Friday was perfect day. The sun shone brightly. but the air was invigorating and just the right tempera- ture for comfort. The decoration of the soldiers graves in this town and at Ashley Falls and Clayton, Mass, also the memorial exercises at the town hall in this village were under the auspices of David s. Cowles Post, No. 60, G. A. R. The Post assembled at Armory hall about 730 8. m. Accompanied by 6 few citizens they then drove to Ashley Falls, where they were received by the citizens assembled in front of the church. A line was formed and entered the cemetery in the rear of the church. Commander Schamerhorn read the ritual service. Dr Eddy read the ritual prayer. A choir of ladies and children sang an appropriate selection. Then twenty children spread flowers on the soldiers graves. Eddie Slye then recited beautiful poem. Quarter master Adams made brief speech and paid tribute to the memory of Nathan Hale, whom he regarded as typical soldier. The Post sent 8 detail to decorate the graves in the new cemetery.
 At Clayton few citizens were assem- bled at the cemetery. Commander Schamerhorn read from the ritual. Then twelve school children, led by their teacher, Mrs H. R. Bunnell, decorated the soldiers graves. Miss Katie Hart recited beautiful poem while standing beside the grave of her grandfather, Hiram Hart, who was a member of Go. O., 37th Mass. Vols. Her father, s. A. Hart, was also & soldier, and while Katie was reciting the poem he stood among his comrades of D. S. Cowles Post. l. was beautiful and impressive scene, one never to be forgotten by those who witnessed it.. Dr Eddy then gave brief and patriotic address to the children. The Post and citizens then sang America"
 At Canaan Valley almost the entire population were waiting to receive the Post. They always turn out here and also furnish a wealth of flowers. The soldiers graves were decorated by the children. Then three little girls recited q poem entitled "The Battle Field. :" Comrade Roberts addressed the Post and recounted some army experiences. He also thanked the citizens for their never ceasing interest in Memorial day and for the never failing supply of floral offerings. He also spoke kindly to the children. All then sang America. ''
 At East Canaan the Post was met by many citizens and by Al school children in charge of their teachers, Miss Nellie Hathaway and Miss May Slater. Every child carried large boquet and de- posted 1t on the soldiers graves. At Wm Twiss' grave and at Miles Day $ grave A. P. Briggs and Dr Eddy each paid an affectionate tribute to those departed friends and comrades. Four children then recited the poem '' One Land is Ours" Lewis Holt recited "Sherman marches for the sea-" The Post sang America.
 A detail from the Post proceeded to The Grove and decorated the graves ot the father, mother and sister of the late Col Cowles.
 It was noon when the Post reaches the cemetery south of Canaan depot but they found 21 school children an6 about forty citizens awaiting thei arrival The lateness of the hour pre- vented any recitations or speeches there, but all the soldiers graves were profusely decorated by the children Then the Post returned to Armosy hall where a superb dinner awaited then and their guests.
 The dinner was provided by Int Woman's Relief corps, No. 39, wht deserve much credit for their untirins labors in behalf of D. s. Cowles Post Many unbidden guests had the cheel to rush in and take seats at the table even before the Post was seated. Th' Relief corps had provided bountifu supply of provisions, otherwise til, ladies themselves would have beer robbed of their dinner by the class o people who always come unbidden ant "hog on" to the repast before tn guests have dined. Over hundred people were fed, but the ladies of Tn Relief corps did not have chance t get g mouthful until after the intruder had gorged themselves.
 After dinner, the Canaan cornet band inc Post and the citisens formed in lin