Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1898-06-07
BRYANT POND.

Memorial Day, like many Of II prode-
cessors, was ulhered IN With rain, but
before noon & began 70 break and Old
Sol 70 chow himself once In . while.
The afternoon proved b Be oil that
could be desired, with the exception OF
muddy streets. However, the usual ex-
ercises OF the day were carried out.
First In order there was procession
formed In front Of Town Hall, consist
Ing Of school children, ladies OF the
relief corps, Grand Army men, Knights
of Pythias and choir, headed by Bryant
Pond cornet band, assisted by some OF
the Locke's Mills band, who proceeded
to march through the principal streets,
and then repaired to Lakeside Cemetery,
where large concourse OF people were
gathered. The usual services were then
held by A. N. Whitman Post, G. A. r.,
interpreted with music by the band
and choir.
After the services were completed at
the cemetery, the procession marched to
the Baptist church and filled u TO over
flowing. The two schools, conducted by
Miss Ada Briggs and Miss Iottie Pew
erly, then gave some appropriate recita-
tions and songs. After the close Of the
school exercises Commander Byron Bry-
ant introduced Rev. F. 4. Barton, who
delivered q patriotic and stirring ad-
dress.
Mr.. Barton not only spoke Of the
war of the rebellion, but Of the pres
ent war, Of the lives lost by the wreck
Ing Of the Maine, showing that Memorial
Day has double significance to every
loyal heart 10 the nation, at this time.
Mr.. Barton also spoke feelingly Of the
women Of the rebellion, OF the hard part
that was theirs to bear, their patience
and silent resignation through that
heart-bresking time.
After the address the choir and con-
gregstion joined In singing America,
which closed the exercises Of the day.
On the Sabbath preceding Memorial
Day, although rainy, disagreeable day,
large audience gathered at the Baptist
church, and listened to very interest
ing and appropriate sermon delivered by
Rev. Seth Benson. The church WAS dec
Grated with flags and flowers. Mr.. Gil
man Whitman, one OF the members OF
the G. A. X. who has sung tenor for
good many years, had charge OF the
music. The choir was composed Of Mr..
whitman, Mrs. Ida En- Earle and Mrs.
Annie Davis, assisted by Prof. w. s.
Wight Of Bethel.
We are pleased to see a growing feel
ing of interest Ia the hearts of the Amer
lean people for Memorial Day. Ten
years ago-even five years ago, there
seemed to be but little interest In this
vicinity In Memorial Day, except by a
few whose homes had been desolated
By the war. Memorial Day means some
thing to them. Ii means something to
the mother who gave her son, perhaps
her tirst-born, the pride Of her heart,
that our nation might be free to-day,
and the union be preserved. 1t means
something to the sister, who parted from
the dear brother, who had been her play
mate In childhood, sharing her joys and
sorrows, climbing with her the path oi
learning hand In hand. II means some
thing 10 the wife who gave her husband,
the father OF her children. and took ny
the battle Of life alone for those little
ones, the days In hard labor and the
nights in prayers and tears for him who
Was destined to sleep 10 an unknown
grave in a southern land. And what
more fitting time than Memorial Day FOL
those who have lost dear ones, though
not by war, to pay a loving tribute "a
their memory by placing flowers on their
graves, showing that they live In the
hesrts OF those who loved them:
Mr.. Leon Cushman and family are
cs IN ping this week at Camp Comfort.
The members OF Franklin Grange had
box supper at Grange Hall May 18th
There was large company present, and
good time enjoyed by all. There was
an accident which came near being
serious affair. Some Of the young folks
tipped over kerosene lamp on the stage
The oil ran out and took fire, and had
got very near the curtains, when discov'
cred by Mrs. Myrs Cole and Mrs. Etta
Robbins. They seized = couple OF shswls
and threw on TO the fire, and succeeded
In smothering Il. Ii Ii had not been fol
their presence of mind both halls would
have been burned.
Mrs. Hiram Bacon and daughter and
visited Mrs. Horace Noyes one day this
week.
Mr.. Orsamus Mute and daughter were
In town Memorial Day.
Mr.. Earle Felt Is at home for the pres
ent.
Mr.. kenney Of South Paris Is stopping
at Glen Mountain House this week.
The Baptist Missionary Society me,
with Mrs. o. A. Hanford June lst.
Miss Lulu Hatch Of Auburn 10 visiting
in town this week.