The Press., 1897-06-03


 The Memorial day exercises passed off according to the program arranged. Mem bers of Elisha Johnson Post of Willing ton and D. P. Corbin Post of Union marched with the local post to the ceme- tery Saturday afternoon. The line of march formed at 2 o'clock, and, escorted by the Citizens Band, moved to the cem- etery, Reuben Burley acting as marshall. As the members of the post marched by the sad fact that their band is becoming less in number each year was only too appar ent. One by one the comrades are dropping out, and nearly every year ther are new graves to decorate. Quite a crowd gathered at the cemetery to wit ness the dedicatory exercises, the beauti- full weather making it possible for large attendance. The exercises opened with a short address by Anthony Adams, chair man of the erection committee, in which The ritual work, which is quite impress i've, followed. Prayers were offered, and the singing by the school children formed an interesting feature of the program. Following the dedication exercises, Rev. J. A. Solandt of Staffordville, gave an in- teresting memorial address. The new monument, a picture of which appears in this issue, stands in the center of the sol diers' plot, presented to the Grand Army by Orrin Converse, and is conspicuous from all parts of the cemetery and from the highway. It is made of New Hamp- shire granite and stands on cement foundation with a granite coping 13 by IA feet. The monument consists of base $ by feet and sub-base surmounted by a die block weighing four tons, which is re. cessed to support the trunnions of the large cannon. The cannon is one of six of this size owned by the government, and was procured by Winter Post at the Charles town navy-yard through the intervention of Congressman B. s. Henry. The mon- ument is the work of A. w. Kingsbury. The inscription on the side facing the drive reads:
 Erected by Winter Post, No. A, c. A. R., assisted by the Woman's Relief Corps and the Sons of Veterans in honor of their comrades. Dedicated May 30, 1897. On the front in heavy raised letters cut in a panel are the words, Veterans, 1861- 1865,' and in the rear, "G. A. R., 1897. !" On the other side is the following inscrip- tion:
 "A tribute to the patriotism of the men who went to the defense of the coun- try from Stafford in the war of the rebel lion. The present beQueath to the future the remembrance of the heroic past" The inscription on the coping is ''Winter Post plot No. 40, a gift of Orrin Con- verse, Esq" The committee having the erection of the monument in charge was Past Commanders Anthony Adams, J. c. Cleaveland and John Arnold.
 CARD.-W Winter Post was well pleased with all the exercises of Memorial day and the comrades are satisfied that it was as successful an observance as they have had in a number of years. They take this occasion to return their hearty thanks to all who helped them make the day g success; to the teachers and scholars who had appropriate exercises in the schools the day previous; to the citizens who were present in such large numbers and with such interest at the services ir the various cemeteries; to the Relie1 Corps, and to those who contributed tC the bOuntiful lunch, which was so thor. oughly enjoyed by the comrades after their long and hard mornings work; to the band, whose inspiring music made the marching so much easier; to the Rev. J. A. Solandt, for his able address to the Christian congregations, which omit ted their services on Memorial Sunday, and were present, with their pastors, at the union service; to the Rev. J. l. Bar tholomew, for his fine sermon: to the committee on the monument, for their neat and attractive design; to the school children, who were present in the ceme. teries, and helped the comrades so much and so beautifully in their sacred duty oi decorating the graves of their dead. The comrades desire to express their special gratitude to Orrin Converse, for the larg est single gift that has ever been made tC the post, and which made possible one ot the best soldiers monuments ever erected
 Jesse Moulton, of Monson, visited friends in town yesterday.
 The Misses Chamberlin are spending 2 week in Norwich and Danielson.
 Guys Minstrels have been booked a the Opera house for August 3Oth.
 Mrs. M. J. Leach, of Greenwich, Mass. is the guest of her daughter, Mrs. E. L Burr.
 Dick Ellis and Dick Fisk camped out at Crystal Lake over Saturday and Memo rial day.
 Charles Davis, who recently took DO sition at Cleveland, Ohio, has returned to his home.
 Dr. F. L. Smith has been appointed tc serve on the new pension examining boarC of Holland county.
 The Nipmucks are planning to go into camp at Leaeh's Island, at Mashapaug about August 10th.
 Councilman Bartlett, of Willimantie was in town yesterday looking after hil insurance interests.
 The marriage intentions are announced of James Reardon, of Cambridge, ant Miss Ellen Donovan.
 pr. and Mrs. Martin, of Brooklyn were guests the first of the week of thei son, Rev. T. D. Martin.
 Mrs. Jas. Risley and granddaughter Miss Smith, are visiting relatives in Wa terbury and West Hartford.
 At the M. B. church next Sunday even ing, at o'clock, prayer meeting will b held instead of the usual preaching ser vice.
 w. w. Lathrop has placed new Vic tor fire proof safe in his drug store. 4