Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-06-24

and his own splendid orchestra playing
like one great pipe organ under the
guidance of his wand: Waterville's
school children, little boys and girls, a
whole stage full, filing trinity into step
with a lively march and pouring forth
their songs with the full power of their
little lungs under the direction of Miss
Berry; this alone was enough to make
the occasion memorable, were it not for
its deeper significance.
If Waterville were capable Of blush
ing she must certainly have blushed
most prettily at the many compliments
she received and at the enthusiastic
culogies showered upon her by her
speakers. In opening the program. Mr..
RedingtOn made q little gem of a
speech. The choice of him as presiding
officer at this exercises was particular
ly happy as his greatgrandfather was
one of the first settlers of the town and
the pioneer of it's manufacturers, hav-
ing built the first dam across the Ken
nebcc at this point.
In opening. Mr.. Redington heartily
thanked the committee for the honor
conferred upon him. Then he sketched
briefly some of the most important fea-
lures of the citys history and growth
which have all been witnessed by his
family. From this he passed to the his
tory Of the new City hall, touching but
briefly on some OF the more important
steps in the long struggle which was
crowned with success on this occasion.
In closing he spoke Of the meaning and
Importance of the occasion. This speech
was a fine opening for the exercises and
was just right.
The program had just been fairly
started when His Excellency Governor
Hill and staff appeared on the platform.
AS the Governor passed across the
stage. followed by his staff, the big au-
dience burst into a storm of applause
while the orchestra broke out in a flood
of melody 1t was the most pleasing
feature, perhaps. of the whole program.
The singing of the Cecilia Club and OF
the chorus Of school children which fol-
lowed Mr.. Redington's address was es-
pecially fine The club was under the
direction of Dr. Latham True of Port
land. and the children under that of
Miss Lillian Berry The little folks
filed on to the platform from one of the
rooms down stairs. Mrs. r. w. Johnson.
the pianist, playing lively march.
They took their places like little sol
diers ana with as little CONFUSION. Their
singing won the hearty commentator
of the older musicians on the platform
and of the whole audience.
The second address was made by
Hon. S. s. Brown. who has been close
ly identified with the interests of the
fcity for many years, especially the
public schools, in which he has al
ways been deeply Interested. In OPEN
ing, he said that he was present to
congratulate himself and his fellow
citizens on the victory that had been
achieved in the completion of the new
! City hall. He spoke briefly of the
| old City hail. now standing in the
rear of the new, forgotten and neg
\ Iected. But it is one of the most
| historic buildings in the city and he
was sorry not to see it decorated with
| the other buildings. 1t was originally
used as church and Mr.. Brown said
that he had been told by one of the
older citizens that he could remember
when the preachers had decanteI
filed with liquor before them wheT
they preached and always took glass
in commencing the sermon and at its
i close. with frequent libations between
IF / should see DIR. Pepper or DIR
Dunn do this!" said Mr.. Brown, start.
!. ing roar of laughter. But what al
advance there has been since thos,
/ days." he added. After being used ~.
a meeting house, the old hall becam.
the Town house and then the Cit,
/ hall.
: Mr.. Brown also touched briefv n,