Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-06-26
NEW SWEDEN.
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would find anywhere. Their homes are
ment about everything. Nearly all of the
colonists are farmers and the sight of
one Of these New Sweden farms is one
worth going a long distance to see.
Weeks have been used in the prapera-
ton OF the great event which took place.
today and 1000 people We're here to parti-
We're in many ways like a great festival
in the old country. The town was deco
rated III every part for the occasion.
American ANA Swedish flags were every
kept open house and hospitality was "a
free ae water on every hand. Mr.. Thomas
has been in this section for the past two
weeks. and the arrangements for the
celebration We're made by the committee
in charge, in conjunction with him. The
exercises opened AT 10 o'clock in a big
maple grove on the top Of a high eleVa-
tion, known as Capitol hill.
The founder of the colony. Mr.. Thomas.
GOV Powers. Hon. William Engel of
Bangor Hon. T. H. Phair Of Pressure Isle
driven over from Caribou. were met on
the borders Of the town by the Swedish
Eand and escorted to the grove. Their
entrance to the grave was made through
grand triumphal arch of evergreen, AT
the center ~ which was hung Il big paint
ing Of Minister Thomas. which was exc
the colony. AS the guests alishted from
the carriages. they We're met hv the re-
criyiug committee which comprised The
selectmcn and pastors OF the town
churches Rev O. 2. FogrIin. pastor of
the Free Mission church WAS president
Of the day. he being the first seleotman
ana chairman Of the board
The guests We're escorted To the plat
form amid the cheers Of the uSsemblage
ANA the music Of the two Swedish bands.
one from New Sweden proper ana In,
liar
called to order ny Rev. Mir. Fugelin ana
selection bN the bana followed. The
iSsemblagr thdn sang Nearer My God
To- Thee and prayer was offered by Rev.
Mr.. Pierson The address Of welcome
WAS delivered Nv REV. a. j. Oktrbllm.
pastor Of the Lutheran church.
The Grafton was delivered by Minister
Thomas in English. with now and then a
witty Sprinkling Of the Swedish language
which provoked great laughter. Mr..
Thomas said that the day marked one
of the greatest events of his lie and that
ne was most happy to be present with
his children Of the Maine woods" Nj
Thomas spoke at length upon the history
of the colony and in addition To what
many people already know about New
Sweden he gave many interesting statis-
ties of the wonderful growth Of the town
in the last few years or since 1875 when
he last visited the colony.
On two easels. near the speakers stand
We're the covered portraits of King oscar
and President Mckinley. drdped in the
flags OF Sweden and America Mr.
Thomas following his remarks upon the
history and growth of the town read a
letter which King Oscar had sent to the
colony 1t was as follows:
''Stnckholm Palace. April ,. 1900
"As Mr. w. Thomas envoy of ue
United States Of America. at my court,
has announced his intention To visit the
colony Of New sweden, in the State Of
Maine. founded by him, which colony the
coming summer proposes to celebrate a
festival commemorative of 80 years pros
,,.ro,ie axistanra | wish hereby kindly III