The Washington herald., 1909-05-15

- 70 aTsliagl-r g1-.-
.. C...
u=5 Cd
Ee--r a---s-ss ----
a. "a
seventh birthday.
"reminiscences Of the days when Wash
ington was thinly populated we're given
By members OF the Oldest Inhabitants
Association. and words Of commentator
for the venerable host in his efforts 10
aid Gov. Shepherd IN making TIE nations
Capital City city beautiful were cited
by men prominent IN the Industrial life
OF the District
The last OF that old guard whose names
hSxs been linked with the city's growth
mingled with the younger generations in
making the luncheon one OF the most
auspieious informal gatherings ever held
here Representing every phase Of Wash
sngton's social commercial, and execu-
I've Hfs. the guests came to honor the
ost and remained 70 hear their achieve
ients praised by the speakers.
Poems TO willard.
Poems dedicated TO Henry Augustus
Tnlard were read and the applause that
rested their rendition divided honors
-sth the extemperaneous addresses Of
-heodore Y. Noyes. president Of the
7sst Inhabitants Association; B. H
ner. and Dr. \ G. Wilkinson.
John A Joyce earned the plaudits
ne audience when he read q poem
ritten especially for the occasion.
Talk of Old Days.
The reception was scheduled 10 BEGIN Al
I O'Clock. but for an hour before that
tine the visitors began to assemble. and
for Two hours they revived Old acquaint-
ances aad rekindled that spirit of friend
snip which has made the Oldest Innabi-
tants q permanent fixture in the National
Capital
assisted by the foL9ying committee.
Henry K Willard. son Sof TIE host. re-
eeived The guests and introduced them
10 the man who has made MS birthday
q celebration Of recognized Importance
Harry 0. Hall, MAJ T. W Childs. Ben
janin " ReIss, H ". Reed. Dr.. ". D.
Writ J L. Writ and Master Henry
Augustus Willard. second
Following the reception, the guests were
escorted 10 luncheon. and after a sumpru-
Gus repsst had been pa-taken Of. the last
hour OF the celebration was devoted 70
speechmak-ng
= number Of floral offerings were ar
ranged N careless profusioa about the
main lobby, adding color 70 the festive
occasion The tribute sent by the Oldest
Inhabitants was q bouquet Of eighty
seven American Beauty roseS
In his address formally opening the
speechmaking, Theodore ". Noyes con-
veYed the congratulations Of the asso-
ciation Of which he Is president 70 Mr.
Willard and his family He not only
dwelt upon the joyousress Of the affair,
but told OF the significance behind the
gathering he concluded his remarks BY
expressing his felicitatiou TO AIr. Willard
on attaining his present advanced age
and wished him many happy returns OF
the day.
Charles Kennedy, who IS ninety years
Old. followed and reciJed q poem appro-
pirate 70 The occasion. Hernd0n Nor
sell then sang a solo. and "reminiscences
ef the Old Willard HoteI' were given by
DT. Wilkinson
a feature Of the celebration was the
original toast prepared by Mr. Hall
Old Faces Absent.
Brainsrd r Warner, IN his speech
commented briefly upon the absence CT
those persons who have IN the past made
similar Observances notable
Henry X. Willard, the next speaker,
briefly recounJed the difficulties with
which his father was confronted when
he came 70 this city, sixty-One years ago
Born II Westminster, VI, on NAY Il.
1s22, Henry A Willard had the benefit
CT strong Christian influence. that turned
lis education not only 70 practical busi-
ness methods, but also instiIled a religious
spirit that has characterized his life.
SeIf-made Men.
his career vas that Of a self-nade man.
As a boy. he worked on the farm n
summer, and earned sufficient money
with which 10 pay for his schooling IN
winter When lad he began his busi-
ness career IN e store at Bellows Falls,
Vt, and later was a clerk IN Chase's
Hotel, BrattleboCo. From Bratrloboro. as
e young man OF twenty-ons. ne went 10
Troy, n. 7, and was steward on the
New York and Troy steamboat line. ply
ing on the Hudson between New York
and Troy Il was while thus employed
that he met Mrs Phoebe Warren. a sis
ter Of Dir. BENJAMIN OgIe Tayloe. through