The Portland daily press., 1894-09-17
Eisls 1894.
nIr.George A, Thomas Celebrated His 10Th
Birthday.

Yesterday, Mr. George A. Thomas cele-
brated his 18th birthday at his residence
corner of State and Danforth streets. His
family had decorated the house beautifully
with golden rod ands evergreen. His sister,
Miss Charlotte Thomas, presented him
magnificent bouquet of seventy-five choice
roses His brother, Hon. VIM. W. Thomas,
now in his ninety-first year, sent him
costly gold watch and chain with note
wishing him many happy returns of the
day. His brother Edward, now in his S1st
year, who resides with him, gave him a
pleasing memento of the occasion, and
there were many other gifts, floral and of a
more costly character, from old friends.
His port1 ait in the parlor was twined with
smilax and bore in one corner, in forget-me-
nots, the date 1919 and in the opposite
corner that of 1894.
Throughout the afternoon and evening
there was constant ebb and flow of our
well known citizens who congratulated Mr..
Thomas most heartily. Mrs. Caroline Dana
Howe, the poetess, sent him most appro-
pirate poem, composed for the occasion.
The veteran composer of kathleen
Mavourneen," Prof. Crouch, was present
and presented. him another. His brother
Edward composed third. and Mrs. Edward
G. Jordan fourth. To enumerate all who
were present duringsthe day would necessi-
tate publishing a list of most of Portland's
best known citizens in every walk Of life.
From out of town Prof. Henry l.. Chapman
of Bowdoin college paid his respects, from
which institution Mr.. Thomas graduated in
the class of 1841 and his brother Edward in
that of 1881.
Mr.. Thomas has always been devoted to
music as, in fact, have all the members of
the Thomas family. Possessed of fine
bass voice, he has new er hesitated to offer
its services whenever he could be of assist
ance to any good and wort by work. 1t was
therefore natural that music should, have
had a prominent place in the celebration
yesterday. The Haydn association, the
Singers club. the Rossini club. the First
Parish choir and Chambers band. with the
sterling and venerable Deacon Chandler
himself, were all represented in those who
grasped Mr.. Thomas by the hand, and
vocally, or fundamentally, added to the
success of the day. Their host appeared
almost as young as the youngest in erect
stature and brightness of repartee, and
sang several selections at the urgent re-
quest of his guests. Delicious refreshments
One of the delightful fea lures of the eve
ming was the singing of the following poem.
composed by Hon. George F. Emery. and
"deaconed off, by him in the old style.
while the choir sang it to the tune Of Aud
Lang Syne:
Though clouds and fog. this natal morn.
Shut out the cheerful sun.
We greet with gladness one well bern
A royal race to run,
For years now numbered seventy-five,
He's sung his joyful lays,
And helped us all away to drive
The griefs of grewsome days.
Then let us sing our humble lay,
AS meet We him again.
''Godbless him on his onward way"
Respond we all Amen"
Long, long may George, our friend. still live,
His life be naught but joy.
He knows how well glad joy to give,
May his have no alloy.
To all. beneath this dear old roof
We bring our song today,
Grim shadows. keep We all aloof
With your Responding ray"
Here often have we fondly met
At call of those we love,
And when. with us, the sun hath set,
Well sing with them above.
1t was an evening of poetry. in fact. Be-
sides those of Prof. Crouch and Mr.. Edward
Bradbury Jordan, accompanying a box of
candy:
Good luck go with the bon-bons
And happiness galorel
What Can friend, a neighbor
Wish better or wish more!
May many years before you
Stretch prOsperously along
No bronchitis to bore you,
Or interrupt your song!
For one who's given others
So many kindly treat,
Deserves the love, of kindred
And something very sweet
Among the guests:from abroad were Prof
Crouch of Baltimore. Judge Springer of
Iowa, Mrs. Mcfarland of Boston, Mrs.
Carmichael of Boston. and Mr.. John Bailey
of Washington.