Middletown transcript., 1896-02-29
(For the "MIDDLETowN TRANscRIPT'')
AFLAG PRESENTATION.


The historical cite of Dale's Corner il
this county, in full view of the noble Della
ware River, at point just south of Angus
tine Pier, was the scene on Saturday after
noon, % inst. of large and enthusiastic
gathering. 1t being the occasion of raising
the stars and stripes over the public schoo
building here situated.
The flag had been purchased by Ole
Glory Council Jr. O. U. A. NJ, patriotic
organization, of Delaware City and dem
onstration was arranged for the presenta
ton Of the flag to the local school board
Although the season of the year and un
certainty of the weather may have de-
tracted somewhat from the numerical rep
resentation, the inspiration naturally aris
ing upon our great national holiday and
the patriotic impulse of the 164th anniver.
sary of the birth of the Father of his
Country, caused all who had come to par.
ticipate in the celebration to add joyously
to its ringing success. In addition to the
patrons and friends of the school, there
were visitors from Philadelphia, Kembles
vile, Chester Co., and other distant points.
The musical part of the program was in
charge of Prof VIM. Anderson who with
his class from Delaware City ably rendered
many patriotic hymns.
The presentation speech was made by
Mr.. H: 1. Ubil, of Delaware City. The
speech of acceptance was made by Mr..
Leonard George Vandegrift, Jr. president
of the School Board. The Grafton of the
day was then delivered by Mr.. w. E. Coale,
of Delaware City, and the audience was
highly entertained and instructed. As a
platform orator Mr.. Coae is quite sue
cess; his original style and humorous illus
trations were commendable and highly ap-
preciated. Our public school system, the
safe guard of our national prosperity, was
his principal theme, and he went ably and
deeply into the matter. Financially claim
ing our great sisterhood of states to be
the most perfect union, and guarantee of
individual liberty and freedom ever known
to man, by which Delaware the second
smallest state in the union had since the
foundation of her government compa red
favorably with the greatest of the
group. AT the Worlds Fair at Chicago on
Aug, %. 1893, Delaware and West Virginia
clasped hands for special celebration and
while the representation from West Vir-
ginia boasted of their states lofty noun
tains, romantic scenery, rich mineral de-
posit and her many natural advantages
even down to fragrancy and beauty of her
wild flowers, Delaware's representatives,
among whom was the Hon. Geo. v. Massey
who as national Commissioner was
credited with being the leading spirit of
the Fairs executive board, had no trouble
in pointing out Delaware's distinguishing
feature. Before all eyes were the massive
iron spans sustaining the Main Buildings,
covering acres of ground. These spans
were furnished by Delaware manufac-
turing plant In competition with the world
and this plant is situated near Wilmington.
at Edgemore in New Castle. Co. and while
Delaware cannot boast of lofty mountains,
rich mineral deposits or the beauty OF her
wild flowers, one thing she can boast of
which surpasses all such beauties the Della
ware boys can look into the bright dancing
eyes of more handsome girls and women
than any other section on earth.
After the Grafton Mr.. HI. s.. Irons of
Delaware City, announced the hoisting of
the flag to be next in order. the flag was
run up by Capt. W. E. Reybold, Of Della
ware City, the flag being so folded that the
tightening Of the ropes spread it to the
breeze hurling the small flags to the earth,
amid the many cheers for the stars and
stripes.