Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1909-09-29

gladly present you with another Cali
fornia letter which you will read with
much interest, for it gives US some new
information in regard to the customs of
that state:
ADMISSION DAY.
No state in the union celebrates its birthday
except the great state OF California. Sept is
noted from the Oregon line to Mexico as
Admission Day, and towns and cities vie
with each other to do their best to make the
day one TO be remembered.
This. also, is the only state In which socie-
ties OF natives sons and native daughters are
formed. santa Barbara's native sons royalty
entertained thousands Of visitors and served
them with delicious smoking hot barbecued
meat, Spanish sauce, beans, French bread,
olives, onions good coffee and watermeions BY
the carload. The parade through the princi-
pal street was led by La Monica's band, one
Of the best in the state.
The local native daughters were first in line,
all in white and yellow, carrying large yellow
parasols, decorated with the California POPPY,
all connected with chains Of these bright and
beautiful blossoms. Following were auto
mobiles with aged members Of the pioneers,
officials and speakers Of the day. Many out
of-town delegations augmented the line of
march, with their banners aud gorgeous color
ing Of costumes, so unlike any other organi-
ration.
Near the noon hour all took cars, automo-
biles and all sorss Of conveyances for Oak
Park, where dinner was served by 100 native
sons dressed in white and yellow. Covers
we're laid for l,eo), tables then cleared and
others filed in. No one could purchase din
ner, all being admitted by ticket of invita-
ton.
The barbecue, which WAS within the ron
enclosure, surrounding the tables, was per-
haps the most interesting feature Of the pro-
gram. This is an old Spanish custom of
cooking meat. Trenches are dug in the
ground, fre of bark and wood Of the oak,
which makes very hot Goals with little
smoke; over these trenches are iron gratiues,
on which the beef Is laid. sometimes in
steaks, sometimes in quarters, Nine beeves
were broiled to satisfy the multitude at this
gathering With the meat were served
friJotss Spanish for kidney beans)' and a
variety of sauces-all accompanied by most
excellent music.
Later the orators took their places on the
platform. Immense live oaks, centuries old.
hanging with trailing gray moss, gave well
come shade to the listening crowd, estimated.
to exceed 10000 people. Speeches were
short. witty and instructive. Each joked the
other, complimented the upturned faces and
gave glowing descriptions Of their states, and
the wonderful advantages Of being a native
son or daughter, till one, born in Maine.
felt more like ''down-easter" than ever
before.
Then came the beautiful Spanish dances
sast gentle movement, quiet and dignifed
The costumes were charming and picturesque.
Some of the ladies wore the dresses of their
great-grandmothers.
At the close, many gathered near the edge OF
the city, where bell, Of the old Mission style,
gift Of the native sons, was placed, to mark
the Ell amino Real. or kings-high- way-the
old road which extends through California,
connecting chain Of missions. which laid
the foundation Of western civilization the
present generations are now enjoying.
EAST.