The Republican journal., 1916-05-18
Board of Trade Banquet.
An Enthusiastic Gathering from which
Good Results Nav be Expected

An Enthusiastic Gathering from which
Good Results May be Expected.
The annual banquet Of the Belfast Board Of
Trade took place in Memorial Hall Thursday
evening. May 11th. and was a largely attend
ed and most enthusiastic gathering. The la.
dies of the Universalist church catered. and
the banquet was served from daintily appoint
ed tables with centerpieces of jonuuils and
these flowers in bud vases Covers were laid
for over two hundred, and the ladies who serv.
ed were all gowned in white. During the
banquet Mckeen's orchestra of five pieces
furnished music. and at the close, just before
the cigars were lighted, Mrs. Clement w Yves.
colt and Mr.. Arthur N. johnson sang the con-
tralto and tenor duet "The Passage Birds
Farewell by Eugene Hildach, and in response e
to an encore rendered "Sing me to Rest" with
Mrs Elon B. Gilchrest accompanist. At each
plate were printed cards bearing the logan
"Get Together" and new boosting song,
which was sung at the close of the banquet
with orchestral accompaniment, all standing
and singing with vim. The chorus:
Belfast, B-e--fast,
First and always, dear boy,
She's your home. Now
Let's get busy. we'll do our best right now
Have our slogan get together"
For the word is passing round,
That old Belfast on the map is
And coming with bound
Rev. Arthur E. Wilson, pastor of the Uni
tartan church, was the toastmaster, and after
expressing his appreciation of the honor con-
ferred upon him of being called upon to pre-
side over such a splendid assembage of
gentlemen, and making some witty remarks
he introduced as the first speaker, Hon. Chas
R. Coomns, ex-mayor and president of the
Belfast Board of Trade
MIR. Coombs said that the organization was
cognizant of the "knocks' it receives on all
sides every day, but that if some of the knock
ers who know SO well how the board should do
things. and what it should do, would just at
tend the meetings and tell the officers and com
mittees how to do things, it would be much
better for all concerned. These men, however
he said, stand about the streets and say
"Down with the Board of Trade; what is it do
ing anyway" He then went on to enumer-
ate what it has done with limited mem ber-
ship. in the past five years.
In 1910, built the addition to the Leonard &
Barrows shoe factory. thereby saving that in
dustry from leaving town.
In 1910 induced Pike Bros. of Lubec to To-
cate a sardine factory in Belfast, for which
the board pays annually $50 to the Maine Cen
tral r. R. The sardine factory is one Of the
chief industries of the city.
In 1912 the harbor was cleared from ice,
preventing an embargo, at a cost of $3.50.
In 1918 the first Food Fair was held and
$3.50 was netted, in addition to the social get
together it brought about
In 1913 the Pierce Billings clothing firm
was induced to come here, the board agreeing
to pay a subsidy of 500 annually for three
years.
The steamer fremont was subsidized at a
cost Of $50 per month. This steamer running
down the Reach brought good deal of busi-
ness into the city.
In 1914 the first municipal Christmas tree
was held, providing cheer and more substan-
tial aid to the needy of the city, as well as
spreading a greater Yuletide happiness over
the entire city. After all bills were paid
balance of $53 was turned over to the COM
mittee, out of which grew the Associated
Charities of Belfast. organization which, in
the past two years, has done untold good in
relieving the suffering of the unfortunate in
the city, especially through The cold winter
months. In 1914 and 1915 the second and
third food fairs were held.
In 1915 Prof. Ralph Mitchell OF the Uniyer-
sity of Maine was invited here and out of his
visit grew the Boys Agricultural Clubs of
Waldo County, to which the board gave 5000
for prizes. The convention held here last fall
was only beginning. and much larger one
is planned for October, when 5000 will be
given in prizes by the city banks.
The board has caused to be erected on the
water front the steamship landing
mammoth sign, 81 his is Belfast, the Biggest
Little City in Maine 1t has secured larger
acreage of corn III order to keep the Saco
Valley corn canning factory here; and it
pays the wharfage for the steamer Annabelle
There many minor things not enumerat-
ed, and in closing Mr.. Coombs said:
Gentlemen | wish that | had the ability to
make you all see that the Belfast Board OF
Trade needed you and your influence. If
few OF US can accomplish what little We have
accomplished, then what could we all accom-
plish ii we all got together and pulled together,
with only object in view, and that the
betterment of Belfast and cur merchants
Just think of it and ponder it well; then make
up your minds to do something yourself, JON,
Us; come with US; help us; give Us your hearty
support"
Mr. 0. E. Frost, an ex-presldent Of the
Board of Trade, called upon, and made d
lew encouraging remarks, expressing his con-
tidence in tne ability OF Belfast to succeed in
whatever she undertakes, and urging all pres
ent to join in promoting the best interests of
the community.
Alderman G. W. Wescott, cashier of The
City National Bank of Belfast presented
business proposition. His idea was to have
ready for service a man who, when it was
learned that there was business proposition
in sight, could go after it. For instance, should
it become known that certain concern Was