The Press., 1895-06-06
Decoration Day in Stafford.

The comrades of Winter Post carried out their usual order of the day, as pub- lished last week. The buses, with con- rades, s. of V. and the Citizens Band, started promptly at ' a. m. under con- mand of s. V. c. Frank A. Adams for West Stafford, where they were joined by Commander Geo. D. Shaw and comrades from the Hollow. A band of school chill dren joined the parade there and marched to the cemetery. The G. A. R. service was used and the graves decorated, 8 con- rade and two children at each grave plac- ing their flowers as the bugle sounded "taps," and returning at the "recall." Rev. J. A. Solandt made an excellent lit tie address and Mrs. H. Mckinney recited an appropriate selection in her well known way At the Hollow there were also chil- dren to assist and the same order was ob- served, Rev. MT. Solandt offering the prayer At Staffordville there were also children to assist in the decoration. Rev. H. D. Adams offered prayer, and Miss Potter read an appropriate poem. On the way out thoughtful friends had made 8 great supply of iced lemonade, which was very acceptable on so warm a day. At the Street Rev. F. L. Batchelder made the prayer and children also assisted, The s. of ", who acted as an escort to the veterans during the day, decorating Lieut.. Horton's grave. The column reach ed the hall at 12. 45 marching through the street as usual. There the W. R. c. had spread most bountiful collation., the best we have had. At 2.15 the process sion was formed, the Citizens Band lead ing, then the Stafford fire department, then the Cadet Band and the s. of w., es- corting the G. A. R., the borough officers, the floral wagon, the W. R. C., and cit izens following. The ritual service of the c. A. R. was used at the cemetery, Rev. MT. Wood making the prayer, and in addition the s. of w. assisted in rit- ual service prepared for such occasion. The floral committee then presented to the commander 50 children and the s. of V. as assistants in decorating the soldiers graves. Around each grave stood two children, a s. of ", and 8 comrade, who, kneeling, placed their flowers on the graves as the bugle sounded "taps." As scmbling at the stand, Commander Shaw then introduced his old captain, Col. s. c. Warriner, of Springfield, who deliv- cred fine and thoughtful address on the subject, "Why the old soldiers observe decoration day" No synopsis could do it justice. It was patriotic, recognized the high qualities of the citizen soldier of the civil war, was broad in spirit and lofty in tone. The pleasure of the day was marred by two or three persons, who had marched out, fainting from the heat. There were no serious results, however. The line of march was then taken for the Catholic cemetery, where the ritual ser vice was used, children again assisting. Afterwards couple of hymns were sung by the ladies and children of St. Edwards. Coming home Main-st. was filled fuller of music than ever before in all it's exist ence. From the Methodist church down to the hall, and while escorting the fire men to their hall, both bands played their mightiest. The G. A. R. looked like a regiment coming home from the war, so reduced were it's ranks, but those who were in that final march will not forget it. At the hall the ladies of the w. R. c. had lunch with iced coffee, which again just suited the veterans. In spite of the heat it was 8 successful day. As usual, the manufactories and places of business were closed, with few exceptions. There were 80 graves decorated, and 110 chil- dren assisted.