The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1891-06-19
REDDING.

REDDING.
RAISING THE FLAG IN PUTNAM PARK,
JUNE II.
What promised to be gala day at Put
nam park proved to be one of much dis
comfort and disappointment, on account
of the pouring rain. Nevertheless, the
program was carried out, though with
dampened enthusiasm. At an early hour,
teams could be seen vending their way
to the historic park, from the little road
cart to the huge carryall drawn by four
horses and loaded with enthusiastic &C.
cupants. About 10 o'clock, the .ladies
spread the long tables under the trees on
the knoll where stands the log hut, re-
production of the Revolutionary commits
sary department. They fairly groaned
under the abundance of tempting viands
prepared by the ladies OF Bethel and Red
ding, but soon the gathering clouds and
muttering thunder gave warning of the
coming storm. Hoping that it would
forward, but soon there came dash of
rain which sent everyone scurrying to
places of shelter. Soon the log house
was filled by sweltering crowd. 9th
ers sought refuge in the block houses and
some even crawled under the arches of
the bridge, while many had to stand out
side and receive drenching. After
awhile, the rain let up little, but, alas,
the tables, which looked so inviting a
short time before, presented woe be-
gone appearance and every thing was
soaked with water. The rain also delay
ed the arrival of the Putnam Phalanx
and it was nearly 3 o'clock before they
made their appearance, tired and hun
CRY crowd. Happily, there was an abund-
ance of provisions remaining in the hut
and the ladies soon supplied their wants
and satisfied their hunger. Then, form
ing in ranks and preceded by drum
corps, they marched to the flag staff and,
forming a hollow square, the ceremonies
of the day took place. Maj Barnard,
commander and chairman of the park
commission, made an address and, at the
opportune moment in his speech, the
beautiful flag was flung to the breeze and
floated once more over the historic spot
where it was hauled down 112 years ago,
when Putnam broke camp in the Spring
of 1919. A very fine speech was then
made by ex-senator Bartram and the ex-
ercises were closed by prayer by Chap
lain Potter. The song "Shall Israel Put
nam be forgot" was sung by the Phalanx
to the tune of "Old Lang Syne. "The cere-
monies ended, the Phalanx returned to
their carriages and were taken to Bethel
and thence by cars to Danbury, where
they spent the night. The tired and
bedraggled crowd wendell their way
homeward. In making preparations for
the occasion, too much praise cannot be
awarded to j. w. Nickerson, chairman
of the Redding committee. He has been
indefatigable in his efforts to make the
occasion grand success and that there
was any failure was owing to the rain
and not to him. The ladies of Bethel and
Redding are also worthy OF praise for the
quality and quantity of provisions fur
nished. There was an abundance to feed
much larger crowd than was present.
Two barrels of iced lemonade stood on
the ground free to all. The crowd was
an orderly one and, though IL special po-
licemen were sworn in, there was no oc-
casion for their services.
A telegram was received, Saturday,
from New Haven. announcing the death
of Thomas, son of w. S. Bassett. Though
his health has been somewhat impaired
by rheumatic affection, yet his death
was quite sudden and unexpected. Some
two weeks ago, he went to New Haven
to visit his brother Charles and to seek
employment. He had obtained job in
the same shop with his brother, but was
taken with pain in his head, Tuesday,
which speedily developed into spinal
meningitis and, Saturday morning, he
passed away. The funeral took place in
Christ church, of which he was a MEM
Der, Monday. A large number of rela-
tives and young companions followed
him to his grave in the Ridge cemetery.
The pail bearers we're Ebert Sanford, j.
B. Hull Bartram and Ed Bradley. He
was young man of amiable qualities
and his untimely death is a sad blow to
his Borrowing parents.
Grip is still prevalent; among others
who are its victims is w. K. Duncomb,
who Is suffering from relapse.
The concert, Tuesday evening, was a
grand success. Whitehead's hall was
filled to repletion by an appreciative au-
dience, which gave frequent and hearty
applause. The large platform was filed
by the school, ranging from the little tots
of four and five years up to young ladies
and gentlemen. The back of the stage
was handsomely draped with bunting,
forming beautiful background to the
handsome picture presented by many
bright and pretty girls, all dressed in
white and adorned with June roses.
While the singing of the school was the
main feature, the talent from abroad adj
ded materially to the interest of the oc-
casion. The solos of Miss Maud Bowdy
OF Danbury were fine and were heartily
applauded. She received several encores,
to which she responded. The singing of
Misses Grace and Kitty Barnum, two lit
tie girls, also called forth hearty applause
and an encore. Mr. Joyce of Stepney and
Mrs Arthur Sherwood played some fine
duets on the piano, while Dan. Perry,
with his violin, was good accompani-
ment to the various pieces sung and
PLAYED. The ladies who have labOred so
arduously to make the school a success
nartainIv deserve great credit With