Norwich bulletin., 1909-07-07
ANOTHER HALF-cENTURY
ENDEAVOR,

NNA~D-~~~NN~
250th anniversary of the founding of
the town. and the 125th Of the estab-
lishment Of the city, Norwich now
finds itself in trim for new half
century start and q new progressive
record.
This celebration has been a great
credit to all concerned; and Norwich
has sustained cher reputation of never
doing anything by halves. There is
nothing but praise for the well-de-
signed programme and the splendid
work Of the active committeeman.
The historical reproductions, under
the direction Of Messrs. Keppler and
Leavitt, were delight to an who saw
them, and went off with spirit and
grace surprising to the great audience,
which was not aware Of the possibili-
ties Of the yelled past of Norwich in
the way OF providing refined enter
tsinment; and a visitor of note from
Hartford expressed the opinion that
the parade was the finest the state
had seen In a quarter of a century
The decorations Of the business streets
and OF the private residences of our
citizens were a surprise to visitors
from the metropolis, who are accus-
toned to such manifestations of civic
pride, because eof their abundance,
good taste and brilliancy. City hall
was beautiful picture by day and
fairy palace at night, Illuminated by
strings Of incandescent electric lights
outlining It to the very peak of the
belfry tower.
What citizen did not feel proud over
the schools and industries of the town
as attractively> presented by over a
half hundred floats of beautiful design
which represented them. The automo-
bile parade and the pageant upon the
Thames were most pleasing; and the
fireworks from the top of Rogers hill
was witnessed for miles around This
was truly brilliant home affair.
Norwich, like any one who has per-
formed a pleasant duty. realizes today
that It had in hand a heavy task and
that but for the liberality of a few of
our citizens and the talent and con-
slant labor Of many others this proud
record could not have been made. Te
make such a festival for the people has
been to large number double work
and strenuous work without recon-
pense or praise. In fact, there has
been a flood Of complaints and free
criticism from various sources which
resulted from a misconception of the
situation and from apprehensions for
which there was no foundation.
Citizens, we are looking back now
upon one of the best celebrations ever
held in New England city Of equal
population and facilities, and we real
lie the labor, the personal sacrifice of
time and the lavish expenditure Of
money which the affair cost. From
President Winslow Tracy Williams to
the last man of the organized force
everything was done right-who could
have done better?
When Mr.. Williams took President
Taft to entertain as his guest he as
sumed an expense which showed what
he was willing to do for the pleasure
OF the people and the good name Of
mis- native place. He was in all his
acts In approveable relation to his
guest, the committee and the people.
and while there is no evidence that
he asks it, is entitled to the appreci-
alive commentator and the full en-
dorsement Of all the people.
The active members of the execu-
tive and auxiliary committees, and
the eminent and scholarly gentlemen
who by their presence and their ftful
words OF praise and hearty words of
cheer gave light and life to the occa-
sion, have not performed thankless
task for the glory Of the celebration
is their glory, and all the enthusiasm
and praise for the masterful perform
ances and the beauty and the grandeur
Of the occasion is praise of their able
and efficient work
The Bulletin doffs its hat to them
alb and believes that in the name OF
the city Of Norwich and Of the town
It expresses honest public sentiment
when 1t says: well done. good and
faithful servantsin