Ellsworth American., 1907-04-17
OLD HOME WEEK.
Boston is now Preparing Cor Such q
Celebration.

written for THE AnssIcAN by E. F. Redmnu-
formerly CT Eiiswerth.l
To AMERICAN readers perhaps the mere
mention Of old home week is sufiicient to
awaken either pleasant memories OF the
past or eager anticipations Of days to
come. We are wont to associate with this
event the return OF those living in the
cities, or centres Of industry, to the quiet
Of the farm or village home, so the an
nouncement that Boston is to have an
old home week celebration seems almost
reversal OF the usual order.
The extent OF the preparations already
taking shape may come 40 somewhat OF
surprise. 1t is apparent, in view OF what
has already been done, that it il the in
tention to make this an occasion OF inter-
est not only to those who can lay claim to
nativity or a former home IN Boston, but
to many more who have never lived here
and perhaps have never been within sight
Of Bunker Hill monument or the state
house dome.
A committee OF 1000 has been chosen TO
have general charge Of the celebration, OF
which Mayor Fitzgerald is chairman and
Henry L. Higginson. treasurer. The list
Of vice-chairmen includes the names Of
Governor Guild, exgovernors OF the state,
United States senators, congressman,
judges and other prominent professional
and commercial men. There will be spec
ial auxiliary committees and . strong
fnance subcommittee. 1t is expected
that an amount will be appropriated by
the city which will be increased by indi-
vidusl donations to sum ample to meet
all expenses.
The minor features have not yet been
fully decided upon, but many things have
been suggested, among them big out
door horse show. 1t is planned to make
Wednesday New England day; have ell
the New England governors present and
have a civic and trades procession on that
day, followed by iiiuminations and fire.
works in the evening.
An effort will be made to have President
Roosevelt present on Friday. and as be is
to be in Provincetown on Thursday Of
that week to take part in the dedication
OF the Pilgrim monument, there is good
reason to hope he will be able to come.
Boston possesses many monuments and
early period Of our national life. These
alone attract thousands Of visitors to the
city every year, and "seeing Boston" is
coming to be regarded as more than a
pleasure; sit is school Of history whose
pupils are drawn from the whole world. ,
During old home week, July q Aug. 8,
special advantages will be afforded to
visit all historic places in this vicinity.
This fact should appeal especially to stu
dents and teachers in public schools, as
vacation trip promising more of both
pleasure and profit than this suggests can
hardly be conceived.
l am glad to know Ellsworth is arousing
from her state OF commercial coma. /
now see her in suppliant attitude standing
with outstretched hands beckoning to
capital from without to come to her aid
and help bring back the thrift Of by-gone
days. hear her board Of trade saying,
"let us know when you are coming, and
we will meet you.'
The assurance of cordial welcome is
always gratifying, but it can hardly be
relied upon to bring in new industries.
Would it not be well for the board Of trade
to send delegates to Boston on old home
week? 1t seems to me that no time or
place could afford them better opportu-
mites to come in contact with capitalist
and manufacturer, and to present the ad-
vantages which Ellsworth has or will have
to offer in the near future.