The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1897-06-05
MEMORIAL DAY
The Celebration a Most Graf
flying Success in Every
Particular.
Immense Crowds Present from Near
by Towns.

Immense crowds Present from NEAR
by Towns.
The origin of Decoration Day be-
gins with the origin Of the Grand
Army Of the Republic in 1856, the
year following the close Of the war.
The first post thereof was organized
at Decatur, ILL.,, April 9Th, 1866. In
May Of that year the ceremony Of
decorating the graves Of the soldier
dead was carried out to limited ex-
tent, but the movement was not given
full force until the meeting of the
first National Encampment at Indian
apolis, November 20, 1866. Here
Decoration Day may be said to have
been really given birth. Observed in
small way at first, it has gradually
grown in extent and honor until now
there is but one day in the calendar
which ranks equally with it in patri-
otto minds-July 4.
The celebration Saturday was in ev-
cry way in keeping with the solemni-
ty of the occasion. The exercises were
not elaborate but extremely impress
sive. Every one seemed to catch the
infection and the multitudes were
filed with reverence befitting such
an observance. In many places the
main attractions are such that the
original significance Of the day is lost
sight of, but here Saturday the full
meaning Of the celebration was felt
by all.
1t was to honor the sleeping heroes
that we had come together To tes-
tify by the mute tribute of our pres
ence that their heroism and their yir-
tues still were treasured in the loving
hearts of their fellow countrymen. 1t
is an impressive sight to see the thou
sands of busy people immersed in the
food of every day care lay aside their
affairs and devote one day to reviving
the memories of the dead and teach
ing the coming generations that there
are things grander and more glorious
than the scramble for dollars.
The day was somewhat chilly but
this was more comfortable than ex-
treme heat would have been. From
early morning the crowds began to as
semble and steady stream poured in
to the town from every direction un-
til noon. The trains were crowded
with delegations from all near by
towns, Fairmont sending the largest
delegation. A river excursion helped
to swell the crowd. Several brass
bands and drum corps added their in
SEPARATION to the occasion.
The parade formed on Main street
at 1915 and moved to Oak Grove.
where the exercises were simple and
impressive. Miss Maust of Union
town, delivered a recitation which
was listened to with deep attention.
At the conclusion of her recitation
and the decoration of the graves by
the flower girls, three volleys of mus
kerry were fired by the cadets and
"taps" were sounded by the bugle
corps.
The procession then repaired to the
old graveyard near the University,
when the remaining soldier graves
were decorated
The speaking took place in the
afternoon in the academy yard and
was listened to with attention by an
immense concourse of people. Capt.
B. B. Dovenor was the orator of the
day and his production was very fine.
His remarks were frequently cheered
and at times brought tears to the eyes
of his auditors. Senator Wiley made
short address, which was in every
way worthy of his splendid reputation
as an orator.
Hoffman Post, under whose auspi-
ces the celebration took place, desires
to thank all citizens for the help given
them in saaking the affair such a
grand success. No request was denied
and everything possible was done at
the slightest indication from the Post.
The contributions were liberal and
small balance remained in the treas
ury. Capt. Dovenor insisted on pay
ing his expenses. This evidence of
his generosity was somewhat confus-
ing to the committee, but elected
their heartfelt gratitude. Taking it
all in all the celebration was in every
way worthy of the soldier dead and
Wdo WlUiOuO q oiHSiC uCuldCbllS lcd-
ture.
The formation of the parade was as
follows:
Speakers in carriages, with Senator
Wiley and Judge Berkshire.
Mayor and town council.
Greensboro brass band.
w. V. U. cadet corps, under Cap
tain Hewitt.
Monongalia Lodge No. 10, l. o.
o. +.
Uniform Rank X. of P.
Athens Lodge X. of p.
Jr. o. U. A. M. of Stewartstown
and Point Marion.
Meade Post No. 6, G. A. r. of Fair
mont.
Shibler Post No. 119, G. A. r. of
Greensboro, with Hoffman Post No So,
G. A. r.
Flower wagon, with twelve girls.
Citizens in carriages.