Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-08-05
VIEWPOINTS BIG EVENT.
Celebration To-Day at Which Gov.
 Roberts Made a Speech.

Newtown, Conn.,, Aug. 5-Hundreds of persons are to-day celebrating the 2OOth anniversary of the first purchase of land from the Indians by the citi- ezns of this town, the celebration be- ing the most picturesque ever held in this place. The town is gaily deco rated with flags and scores of former residents of the place are here to take a hand in the festivities. Just 200 years ago the piece of land that has developed into the pretty and prosper ous town of Newtown was given over to three of the towns citizens, Will liam Jonus, Justus Bush and Samuel Hawley for the considerable of -four guns. four broadcloth coats. four blankets. four ruffelly coats, four col lars. ten shirts, ten pairs of stockings. fourty pounds of lead. ten pounds of powder and fOurty knives The orig inal deed is on exhibition and look at it proved an interesting feature of the days program.
 The Colonial ball held in the town hall last night really opened the cee- bration, a great many of the dancers being attired in the fascinating colon ial garb. Governor Roberts led the grand march with Mrs Sarah Grace Glover. Governor Roberts also is the guest of the town at to-day's celebra- ton which began with a parade at 9 o'clock. This parade was about q mile in length and was made up of the executive committee. the invited guests and nearly 300 school children who rode in decorated carriages. Starting at the fair grounds the pa rade went to Sandy Hook and return and some of those in carriages were Rev Samuel Hart of Middletown. Ad- miral Prinde L. s. N.. of Washing ton, Hon Daniel N. Morgan of Bridge port. former United States treasurer and several town and county officials. At promptly II o'clock the exercises opened at the fair grounds. Rev James Hardin George presiding. Prayer was offered by Rev Patrick Fox, after which a chorus of 90 voices rendered the selection Home Again. The ad- dress of welcome was made by Rev Otis w. Barker, pastor of the Congre- gational church and member of the bi-centennial executive committee. The speech was a witty one all the way through and the speaker urged every body to celebrate. This is a big celebration" he said. "and we are all celebrated people. New York is noted for it's commerce. Boston for its literature. Philadelphia since the days of Franklin for its science. Washing ton for it's politicians. Baltimore for it's pretty girls, and Newrown for lis good roads. small debt. fine high school and good citizens. Good strangers who come to-day within our quiet wales we extend to you the cOurtesies of a wide open town"
 Following Mr Barker's speech. the chorus sang Around the Hearth" and this was followed by paper on ''The Colony by Rev Dr Samuel Hart The principal address of the morning was by Ezra l.. Johnson. for 40 years a member of Newtown school board. Mir Johnson gave most interesting account of ths growth of NevtoEn sus! of the many important historical events that have happened sine tie first purchase of land He referred to tIle lives of the famous old citizens of tho place and spoke of their loy- aIty to the village and of how this loyalty has been retained by their de seeUdants. The speech was greeted with long applause.
 Al 1 o'clock a recess WAS taken for dinner. Governor Roberts. the exec utive committee and 40 guests dining In the rooms under the grand stand. whfIe the others were served In the Horticultural building. The attendance a- rbe morning exercises was about 4OSsl
 Al the afternoon exercises there was a selection hv the Woodhury brass Land followed by the reading og the tA-centenaisI poem by the well known local writer. Otis O Wright Afre- s song Let the Hills and Wales Re-ound- by the chorus. Governor Roberts was introduced and received a big ovation
 In connection with the celebration va. a fine exhibition If historical rsitr-. sn the industrial building on the fair grounds. The exhEbit vas in ssfy.rrp .f Daniel c. Becrk a weil known citizen of the pizce. The er- e-rusfve committee having fhe b.-cen-
 feur.ai h chsrze wac courn~ed o1
 E L. Iohnson. ebsir-7ans N. ]. Hsuii han. Rev J. H. Georr>. Rev 0. W. Harher, R H- BeeTs- P- H MrCsrfhy