Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-01-29
W. S. Heath Post Fair.

The Stars and Stripes are everywhere
| present in City hall. Festoons OF red,
white and blue adorn the great room from
stage to entrance and almost from ceiling
to floor. Booths for the display Of articles
| for sale line the sides IF the hall under the
galleries. Handsome matrons and merry
| maidens We're every where present with the
irrepresslble voting book
Last evening was the first night OF ".
S Heath Post fair, and 1t was q marked
success in point OF attendance and finish
of programme although there was great
disappointment because His Exceliency,
Governor Cleayes and Department Com
mander Greene were not present. There
was music by Dinsmore's orchestra a few
cordial words from Col !. :. Bangs. the
master Of Ceremonies, who introduced
|Judge W. c. philbrook. who delivered the
address OF welcome. The judge WIS In
his happiest mood and the following alb
stracts from his address will be appreci-
ated;
Il find myself detailed for duty, but h;
nearly As can Judge, am only expected
to skirmish little in advance OF the regu-
lar forces. l therefore claim the right
granted to all sk,rmishers, to use small
arms, for random shots and ran a. soon
as there is any prospect that the battle has
really commenced am requested. in be
half Of W. :. Heath Post, to say a word of
welcome to all who have gathered here.
this evening. The thoughts which crowd
the mind and the words which spring to
the lip at the hour Of welcome are full Of
glsdness and expectancy, of reunited
friendships, Of new loves born and old
loves made stronger. 1t is in the morn.
ing that We make our salutatinns I be
evening is sacred 10 farewells. II is when
life Is young and full Of houndiug hope
that we give greeting. 1t is when lfe's
sun is far down behind the western bills
that we say good bye.
We had hoped to have with us on this
occasion the Chief Magistrate of the State
Of Maine and we sincerely regret his alb
sence. The fact that he was n soldier in
the days when our country called upon
civilians To carry arms, would have made
him the more welcome to our festivities
and while our loyalty to the Common
wealth commands our respect for all who
hold its official stations, yet shorn of his
mantle OF power, and aside from high
office we admire and gledly do homage to
Henry b. Cleavcs the soldier the states
man and the man, (Applause)
Not whit below our beloved Gov
crnor in the admiration Of the sturdy
rank and file of the Grand Army OF Maine
Is their department commander. LOYAL
to the interests committed to his charge
able In the performance of official duty.
attentive to the needs of ALL impartial u
the exercise of power, William n Greene
hollis n warm place In the hearts of the
members of this post
TO all who have contributed to the
prospective success of this fair, by your
presence and your substantial aid, the
members of the post say, God bless you.
During the declining years of our lives,
while we are striving to make less I'm
happy the lot of some comrade, or his
loved ones, we thank you for your interest
in our labors. We remind you that it is
only few brief years before the soldier of
the Civil War will have made his final de
mand upon your Kindness and your gen
erosity, and the last soldiers widow will
have exchanged her mourning weeds for
brighter robes
. 1t was on Dec. 20, 1874, that IS men
eligible for membership in a Grand Army
post met at Odd Fellows hall in this ci;y
"A" 'SAS Nuiy oi6tulLttt, CicCllUS CDl.
Francis r. Heath as their first post COM
mander. The post was named for oac of
Waterville's bravest sons, he whose fidelity
and courage were proved when the cap
which he wore In his last battle was sent
home bearing the bullet hole in the front
as silent witness that the wcarer of that
cap faced the enemy to the last.
1t Is Just 90 years ago that W. s. Heath
Post held its first fair. At that time |
fancy the subject of the Grand Army ia. r
had not taken SO firm hold upon the peo
pies minds as now, for the amount turned
over to the relief committee as a result of
the fair, was only S35l5 Undaunted by
this small beginning, the post kept faith
fully about the work of charity, and the
task OF raising funds for the same, until
they can now show you where during
these 20 years they have expended in that