Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-08-15

E&[<Easts Dlxmont, Me-, Aug. 14.-W1th
all the eclat becoming to such an oc-
Z casion the town of Dixmont today ceie-
brated its centennial anniversary. Not
only did the present inhabitants of the
town celebrate. but former residents
md natives from all over the State Of
Aine, and even outside the State, re-
kitod by the hundreds to join in and
IKE the days observance one of
mich all could be justly proud.
NJ The first. settlers here were Friend
4 Drake; Elihu Alden, John Bassford and
Il benjamin Brown. The same scenes
and hardship which characterized all
stthe carly settlements were theirs
III More than 100 years ago the entire
township was owned by Bowdoin Col
u lege and by that institution sold to Dr.
fsEtjah Dix of Boston for the sum of
$1,000 or more. From that time set
tiers came in thick and fast and grad
ually the settlement grew to the dig
Z nifty of town. These pioneers were
Ewidely scattered over its $4,000 acres
GM land and from these beginnings the
-Four villages of today have sprung
n }OuCt q HlciiDST VI tile NdluO
i and then known as No Range, it was
next called Collcgetown, which name
was borne until it's incorporation as a
town.
"a The celebration of this event has
Il been aSkated among the people for
Z several nfffs Among those who
have been most actfve and persistent
In carrying out and making the idea
success may be mentioned William
y Harris. L. =. Toothaker, +. A. Allen,
L. /. Busscy, L. d. Smith, N. w.
Smith, Z. d. Rowell. Z. B. Gould,
Stephen Mudgett and Elnathan White
One and all of these gentlemen have
labcred hard. William Harris was
g, chairman of the general committee
and with him as an executive force
were William Harris, l.. I. Busscy, L.
B. Gould, L. F. Toothaker, EInathan
White. Stephen Mudgett, J. +. Gray,
Nlonzo Tasker and d. w. Smith.
The town officials, l.. o. Tasker, NJ.
s ". Toothaker and A. C. Ferguson have
all given important aid in this matter.
In fact. the same may perhaps be said
OF nearly all the people as it has been a
matter of town pride to make this a
great success.
Bright and early Wednesday morning
the people We're astir. The celebration
was held in Dixmont proper and the
weather was all that. could he desired.
3asyIhe parade came first and this Was
E1ertedsat 9 o'clock in the morning. This
made up of all the features usual
|. 4K such occasions. The school chill
dressed in white and carrying
"A gsnade ass Sandstone a picture as
~ would care to see, and but en-
Sked the lines from the Golfers Sat-
DAY Night: "Frcm scenes like these
country's grandeur flows" The
Newport and Unity Bands were both
"A the line and the little folks marched
| ne the time of the music with all the
precision of soldiers.
In the line of march every order in
'exn was represented. North Star
Grange had a fine float that attracted
universal admiration. The knights of
Pythas. Golden Eagles, Grand Army,
whmens Relief Corps and Temple were
all there. The fantastic feature was not
forgotten and this created much merri-
ment. One of the most attractive and
handsome floats was occupied by IL
young ladies dressed in white and rep
resenting the 10 original states.
The marshal was F. A. Allen, who
mas been one of the prime workers from
ehe start. He was well mounted and
%'his long linz swung down the main
sreet it presented an imposing appear
ance
The literary exercises were held in
Ae Union church and were opened as
won as the big parade had disbanced
'y'H O'clock the church was crowded
saa Chairman Harris called the meet
's to order. Prayer was given by the
astor and then came music by the
wartet. The chairman introduced Mrs.
va Toothaker Davis, who delivered the
"'uress of welcome.
Then came the historical address de-
lsefed by l.. P. Toothal>er of the gen
va committee The early beginnings of
ue town We're traced and all the lead
u9 events in it's evolution pointed out.
at. Toothaker was closely followed in
- narrative and loudly applauded at
Tie close.
me school children who had figured
~ ue parade lined up and sung in
n, aorus THE Little Red School House."
was charming feature of the exer-
A.. ,ne centennial poem was written and
usered by Arthur B. Morse. He is a
Nuet Of the town and his poem was
- aoie and grateful effort to do it hon.
hs,' N dinner had been prepared by the
ana 1t was an elaborate affair.