Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-07-31
NOW FOR OLD HOME WEEK
The Scheme Was Given a Big Boost
 Last Evening.


 home week early in the fall was given the endorsement last evening of al- most every organization in the city at meeting held in the city court room. The meeting was called by Aldermen Beach, Foley and Walker, the commit tee appointed by the board of alder men to get the expression of the citi- zens on the subject. MT Beach was chairman and MT Walker secretary. It, was suggested by the chairman at the opening of the meeting that delegates should disclose their identity before speaking in order that the other dele- gates and the public would know what societies were represented. One-hah the delegates, however, apparently for got this instruction so that at times no one had the slightest clue to what or- ganization some delegate belonged. This was an injustice on the delegates own part that should be corrected at any future meetingg.
 Chairman Beach explained that the meeting was called in response to petition signed by over 500 citizens re- questing the board of aldermen to take steps toward having an old home week in celebration of the fiftieth anniver- sary of the city. The committee pres ent was appointed by the board of al- dermen to further the idea suggested in the petition and that committee had called this meeting. Chairman Beach hoped to have liberal expression of opinion. on the matter.
 % vVa rrnn r, HoIl Sa Fl %ho& I,~ xxya ~ ., ~+ aware of any objection on the part of the Business Mems association. He had not heard any sentiment expressed by the association, but he was certain that 1t would heartily endorse any fav- orable action that meeting might take. As citizen he heartily favored the idea.
 Then the following were heard and each was favorable to the project: Alfred D. Hitchcock of Speedwell lodge, K. of P; N. A. Barnard, Matta- tuck council, Royal Arcanum; Ter renee Coyle, Waterbury tent, Knights of the Macabees; John F. Calvin, di- vision No 2, A. o. H., Excelsior, coun- cial, o. U. A. M, Martin Hellmann court, F. of A.; Daniel Kelly and At torney James M. Lynch, Central La bor union; Toantick tribe, I. o. R. M; A. o. U. W; Comstoclx lodge, K. of F.; Daniel M. Davis, Nosahogan lodge, o. o. F.; Attorney John F.. Cassidy, Waterbury lodge of Elks, and John Loucks, Wadhams post, G. A. R. There were others who spoke, but they had forgotten the chairman's instructions about telling the meeting whom they represented.
 Mir Hall said he was pleased with the expression of the delegates and it boded very pleasant celebration for the city. Such project, however. meant work and very hard work ths talking part was the lightest of it. He felt confident that the committee will be entitled to report back to the board of aldermen in favor of having an old home week. All the delegates present favored the idea in some form. Some would have the celebration last week., some day, others two or three days, but all were heartily in favor of it. He, thereupon moved that the committee be selected to draw up in writing the, views of the meeting so that the com- mittee would be able to report next Monday evening to the board of lclSer. men.
 Mr Coyle thought the committee pre- siding was the one competent to report. Attorney Lynch said that the board of aldermen do not know what kind of a celebration the public desire if cele- bration is needed at all, and the pur- pose in appointing the presiding coIn- mittee was to ascertain if the public desired a celebration. Things like the proposed idea get the support of every body. If the committee reports favor ably to the aldermen great work will have to be done. It is early yet to sug gest program. It would undoubtedly consist of concert in public, singing by the school children. One day might be given up to the people to entertain their friends. There might be pub lie parade of the civic bodies, the police and fire department as well as the fraternal and benevolent organizations. Features such as these would undoubt- ediy form part of the program.
 Chairman Beach reminded the meet ing that the aldermen meet next Mon- day night and will not meet again until month later, unless they ad- journ. MT Hall explained his motion. He thought he was misunderstood He said that the presiding committee had no power to act further than to report back to the board of aldermen. The committee wanted a definite idea of what the public intended. Everybody supported MT Hall. MT Hampson of Hampson- Sellew, furniture dealers. said he hoped that something definite would be done so that the board of al- dermen would have something tangible to work upon at their meting Monday evening. MT Hampson was applauded
 Attorney Cassidy, representing the Elks, said that he has had the expert cree of an old home week. held in Nor w;ch some time ago, the first that was held in the state. He spoke at some length. He said that the celebration might last week or day. The first one held in Norwich cost S3,OO0 and every penny of that sum was contrib uted by the public as the city was not entitled by its charter to make any appropriation for such a purpose. The celebration could begin Sunday night as it did in Norwich, with services in