The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-06-15
IN HONOR OF FOSTER
KENTUCKY COMPOSITES DAY IN
 LOUISVILLE.
Ceremonies the Most Impressive of the Home-Coming Week, Thus Far Being Simple and in Most
 Perfect Taste.

Louisville. Ky, June 14.--After long years the name and genius of stephen Collins Foster have received a portion of the recognition that Is their need. For years his music has been sung by millions of people who. never heard. nor gave thought to the composers name, but today he came, in some small measure into his own. and the people of a great State whose name his gift of song has inimortalized. rem dered as best they could fitting trib- ute to his msiaory. asld their, best would have highly honored any man. living or dead.
 As d part of the Kentucky Home Coming" today was set apart as Fos- ter day. Thousands of children, head ed by bands which continuously played Fosters music to the hall where the model of the statue which Is to be erected by their contributions was un- yelled. Within the hall 10000 people were crowded to honor the man whose melody has forever hallowed the tra- ditions of the Kentucky home. They cheered every mention of hls name, applauded to the echo the rendition of his music and showed the descendants of Foster who were present, both in word and deed, keen and full appre- citation of what one child of his genius had wrought for Kentucky.
 The Foster ceremonies were easily the most impressive of the Home Coming thus far. They were simple, in perfect taste. cleverly conceived and ably carried through.
 The immense chorus of school chill dren standing behind the model of the monument which is later to be made Into enduring bronze, sang the two songs, which of all of Fosters works are best loved, and most widely known, "OId Folks at Home," and My Old Kentucky Home" The beautiful so- prano of Mrs. Jessie Bowman Webb, of Louisville. was heard in old Black Joe" and led the children's chorus through "Old Folks at Home" the final song, given after the statue had been unveiled, the children sang alone.
 The sun which until today had re- fused to shine on any part of the Home Coming" changed his tactics during the afternoon and left nothing to be desired.
 The exercises were opened by an in vocation by Rev. E. L. Powell. wh%~~ was followed by the address of Prof. F.. H. Marks. the Superintendent of Public Schools. who acted as chairman throughout the afternoon. Mrs. Webb sanr "Old Black Joe" in a beautiful manner. and when the vast audience declined to let her go. she gave them "Dixie" in a way that set her hearers wild.
 The chorus of children. conducted by Professor Karl Schmidt. and led by Mrs webb, then sang old Folks At mond, Ky followed with a brief ora tion upon "Kentuckians at Home'' Prof Marks then introduced Mrs. Marion Foster Welch, of Allegheny. Penna-. a daughter of stephen c. Foster. who pulled the silken ribbon that held the drapery of the statue. Mrs, welch was given most cordial welcome, men and women standing in their chairs. cheering and waving hats and hand kerchiefs.
 The appearance of the statue which ia said to be an excellent likeness of Foster, was the signal for renewed cheering which continued for several minutes
 The children then sang My Old Kentucky Home.' the vast audience joining with fArvor in the chorus.
 An address by Hon. Jerry South. of Arl,ansas on "Kentuckisms Abroad''and Q solo by J. Victor Foster of Fulton. N V. distant relative of the com noser brought the ceremonies to a
 The armory was so tightly packed that it proved something of a squeeze ,,Len all tried to leave at the same tip,e The police work was admirable. boyever. and nobody was injured.
 Tomorrow the statue of Daniel Boone ,,iiI he unveiled in Cherokee Park and ,ha oration of t5e day will be deliver os bv ex-Vice President Adalle Steven
 Then will come a make believe ..aok on the old fort of Boouesbor~ anob ar, bv sham Indians and a thrilling oaicue If the fort by real kentuck, tsns who will defeat and chase Ina savages as far as the savages can he Induced to flee.
 At night there will be- concerts. A parade of illuminated floats and the tick4ts have already been Issued
 saturday the scene shifts to Frank fort where the corner stone of the new capitol building will be laid.