Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-10-06
HARTFORD'S DAY
The Big Bridge Celebration Was Started h . Blsze of Glory
 ats O'clock Te-dsy
CHILDREN MILNE

Hartford. Conn, Oct 6.--By the din by one hundred gun salute, the pealing of thousand bells and the footing of myriads of whistles and horns, Hartford was aroused at 8 o'clock this morning to full appre- citation of the fact that the bridge dedication exercises were on. In her garments ni joy the city presented a beautiful spectacle. From the depot to the water front, and north and south on Main street for several miles, the buildings were bedecked in the gay colorings characteristic or public functions. Some of the spe- cial electrical designs were lavish, and to 1t all there was an artistic harmony that enhanced the general scenic picture.
 From early morning till well into the afternoon great crowds poured into the city from all parts of the state by special train, auto and troll ley. At noon 1t was estimated that approximately 10000 visitors were on hand to participate in the initial exercises. Ideal weather, of the clear, cool, exhilarating type pre- vailed, and if it continues during the three days of the celebration the pageants that will be witnessed will exceed in point of elaboration, spec tacular effect and wealth of detail anything of the kind ever attempted in Connecticut If indeed in New England.
 The highways leading from the commercial center to the bridge are policed and guarded by an augment ed force of patrolmen and mounted cavalry, and the river in the vicin- ity of the new aqueduct is patrolled by a revenue cutter sent here for the dedication by the government. Newspaper men from all over the state and magazine artists from the metropolis are on hand to portray the ceremonies by portrait and pen and for rheir accommodation press stand capable of seating 25O persons has been erected.
 The structure which is the subject of such elaborate ceremonial induc- tion spans the Connecticut river at the foot of Morgan street and has been in process of construction about three years. It cost $3,000,- 600 with its approaches and has been pronounced by experts one of the finest of its type in the world. It Is 1,l92 feet long and 80 feet wide and fs nine arch span of symmetrical lines. In honor of its formal chris ,tening business here has been prac- tically suspended for three days, the civic, military and industrial forces being united to add to the occasion. In point of fact it is a state cere- mony as thousands of marchers rep resenting almost every town and hamlet in Connecticut are partici- pants in the jubilee.
 After wearisome journey of 100 miles over mountains and through swamps and rivers from Dorchester and Watertown, Mass. with no guide but compass, Revs Thomas Hooker and Samuel Stone, with a number of settlers arrived this morning on the east bank of the Connecticut river. Here the weary colonists rested while a raft was constructed to convey them to the opposite shore.
 On the completion of the raft and the arrival of the party on the west shore they were greeted by Chief and his band of In- dians to whom they presented gifts of blankets and wampum. After the exchange of greetings the Indians with Hooker, Stone and Goodwin, seated themselves on the ground in circle and the "pipe of peace" brought forth and silently smoked by the chief who handed it to Hooker when 1t was in turn smoked by the others In the circle.
 At the conclusion of the ceremony the assembly to prayers was sounded by the drummer, and the pilgrims gathered around their pastor, unit Ing in prayer of thanksgiving for the safe conduct of their journey and the friendliness of the Indians. Af- ter the prayer and the singing of the Tooth psalm the party slowly wended It's way to their new homes in the fertile valley of the Connecticut.