Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-16
1T IS INCORPORATION DAY
Meridsn Celebrated In a Drsnching Rain Exercises Were Nearly All
 Held Indoors
HISTORICAL MEETINGS HELD

ing rain did not prevent splendid wind-up of the weeks program at the Meriden centennial, for the State Saengerbund held it's parade just as planned, and although the streets down town resembled tide of bob ping umbrellas the crowds were ill a cheering mood, and the bands played as gaily as upon any of the preced- ing days of the week. Fortunately the days exercises were mostly indoors. The events were grouped under the title of Incorporation day and consist ed of the main feature set off from Wallingford. Historically the gather- ing was one of marked merit. It was held in the auditorium, and the char acters in it were according to old rec ords. The electors of Meriden, of 1906, in meeting are called to order by Moderator George w. Stanley of Wal lingford Hugh F. Hagerty), and calls upon Amos White. town clerk (Rev A. w. Shawl to read the records of the general assembly's resolution incor porating the town of Meriden. Hero dotus Peck (Arthur W. Taylor) who at that time seemed to have local reputation as an objector. addresses the meeting with some strong express sions of personal opinion. The side is- sue of whether the electors should keep their hats on in meeting provak es discussion. It is ended by Dr En- sign Hough's Or G. A. HilD offer of the tavern as place of meeting. Moses Barns, (NIaldemar c. Hirsch- feld) does like the idea and tells the meeting so in caustic fashion. Barns before the meeting had aired his views and expressed his opinion of Dr Hough and the 'whole Hough tribe" Dr Hough replied to Barns ob- jection during which he appeals to patriotism and fervently calls for har- mony. Business proceeds and several of the electors make speeches. The town officers are then elected and Barns is disciplined. A fine mill tax is laid to furnish the funds for run ming the new town. There is objection to the tax but it does not prevail. Ar ter more speeches the meeting is ad- dressed by Rev Erastus Ripley (Sher- man F. Johnson). and the meeting ends.
 In the reproduction about 20 men took part. and the audience was we'll entertained.
 The Saengerbund parade was par. ticipatetl in by the Connecticut volks- fest verin. Wallingford: Bimtracht, the Waterbury Lyra, New Britain Teu- tonia Maennerchor. Meriden Saenger- bund. and delegations from societies from New Haven. Bridgeport. and Ansonia. The gathering was practical ly preliminary to the meeting of the Saengerbund at Waterbury Monday and Tuesday. A convention for busi- ness will be held this evening. The number of Germans who came here was quite large.
 The day opened with a salute. This afternoon and evening historical meet. ing and gatherings had been arranged for at the First Congregational church The celebration will end tonight, but owing to the storm it Is not likely the open air concerts can be given as planned Looking back over the week the centennial general committee feels satisfied with the success .shlcll at tended every event. The crowds of people on the.street each day attested the hearty interest of the city people and of former residents. The parades. concerts and indoor attractions have been carried out to the letter. Trade has been good among the merchants and financially the week is considered 10 have been a good one. much of the outlay hv the city being repaid through the money spent by visitors It is believed that the celebration was on larger scale than anything ever attempted in Connecticut and while it was not thought that interest each day would he sustained there was no marked falling of Of attendance at the events. although Grand army and Military days brought the most people on to the streets. Public order has been well maintained and accidents have been few. Most of the visitors left the city today influenced mostly by the prospects of rainy Sunday.
 That the centennial celebration was a success financially was assured this noon. when a statement was given out by one of the committee that they were ahead in the assets and that the s5.0o appropriated by the town wouli not have to he drawn. It Is estimated that S1ea.0oo people visited the city during the week.