The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1913-07-31
THE CHAPMAN PICNIC.

The Belfast people who know William R.
Chapman, the director of the Maine Music
Festlvals-and included in the list are all
music lovers-will doubtless be interested to
know about the great Bethel picnic of the
State choruses, which was held Wednesday.
July 23d. When the roll of the choruses was
called, and the name of Belfast fell silent, your
correspondent was tempted to respond, but too
many years have intervened since she was a
bonafde member of the Belfast chorus and the
moment passed. However, from beginning to
end the day was most enjoyable and the hos
pitality of Mr.. and Mrs. Chapman never
failed.
The special train left the Grand Trunk station
IN Portland at SIS a. m. and arrived at the
Bethel station shortly after eleven. Though
goodly array of automobiles ard barges were
drawn up to transport the excursionsts the half
mile to the Chapman home, when merry crowd
of over two hundred poured off the train there
was not room for all in the first loads and
some had the pleasure of the walk along the
country road.
1t was not long before all had assen bed
in the delightful rooms, admiring the view
the spacious parlors, the old mahogany fur
nishlngs, and more than anything else the
two wonderful freplaces, built of stones
from the Chapman brook and enclosing, as
rare gems, many curious and precious speci-
mems from different parts of the world.
Here were stones from many of the Maine
choruses, and conspicuously placed was one
inscribed Presented by St. Croix Chorus
to William R Chapman Madame Nordica's
birthstone, beautiful piece of turquoise,
was proudly pointed out to admiring be-
holders
Meanwhile guests from other parts of
the State were rapidly arriving and after
group photograph had been TAKEN all ad-
journed to the beautiful pine grove by the
lake, only few steps from the house.
Here the groups settled down In true
picnic fashion to enjoy lunch, while fruit
punch hot coffee and ice water were served
to all.
At the table where the guests of honor
center of attraction. This was the gift of
Mrs. Thomas Kelley and was decorated with
seventeen candles, one for each year of
the Music Festival
After lunch came speech making. MIR.
Chapman gave royal speech of welcome and
Mrs. Chapman followed with gracious bit of
rhyme. Mr. Henry Finch OF New York con-
graduated the party in a few witty words and
several letters were read: from Madam Shu.
man Heick, from Mrs. Wilson, wife Of the
President, and from Samuel Faulkner, Mrs.
Chapman father, which last was delightful
tribute from the pen of an aged man.
All present then sang the "Hallelujah cho-
rus" following it with Praise GOD From
Whom all Blessings Flow
The afternoon spent in motor trips
about the pretty village of Bethel, ram oles
through the glorious pine woods, and by soma in
watching an improvised ball game between me
basses and renors, which was distinguished oy
many wonderful plays. Toward the close Of
the day. again the happy party gathered in the
grove and enjoyed lunch together. A plea SAINT
surprise was the serving of ice cream, the gift
of Mr.. Edward Noyes. past president of the
Festival, west ern section.
With parting words from host and hostess
the meeting in the grove was brought to q
close and again the automobiles were put into
commission, this time transporting the party
to the waiting train.
Amid waving handkerchiefs and parting
words from all, the engine steamed slowly away
from the mountains and the delightful outing
came to close. Among those who enjoyed the
outing were Mrs. William N. Todd of Portland
and Miss Bertha I. Bird of Auburn. Mass.