Perth Amboy evening news., 1918-07-05
CELEBRATIONS CENTERED AT
TOTTENvIlLE AND PRINCE BAY
Elaborate Programs Carried Out on
Staten Island-F1ag Raisings
and Parades

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TOTTENvILLE, July 5:-Celebra-
ton Of the one hundred and forty
second anniversary of the signing OF
the Declaratin of Independence was
generally observed throughout the
borough of Richmond yesterday with
Eerades and patriotic meetings in the
various sections of the island. Peo-
pie turned gu in vast numbers to
pledge their loyalty to the flag and
to do honor to the boys that are on
the other side of the Atlantic fighting
for the same independence as was
fought more than a hundred years
ago.
The celebration on this end of the
island was centered about Tottenvtlle
and Prince Bay, where there were
flag raisings, speechmaking and
music. In Tottenville the flag raising
that was held on the grounds of the
New York Public Library branch In
Amboy road was preceded by a short
parade that was taken part in by the
Police Reserves, Red Cross, Junior
Order American Mechanics. Company
X, 18th Regiment, Boys Cadet Corps
and more than 800 school children.
The parade was headed by h Police
Reserve Fife and Drum Corps. John
Stauff. of the high school staff, was
the marshal. The flag raising exer-
cises were held on the lawn IN front
of the library with the speakers on
the steps OF the building.
The opened with singing
of the 'Star Spapgled whiia
the flag was being slowly hauled to
the top OF the pole, followed by the
pledge of allegiance to the flag by the
entire gathering. Rev. G. s. Hunt.
pastor of Bethel Methodist church,
invoked divine blessing and Charles
A. Marshall. chairman of the meet
ing, In an eloquent opening address
introduced Stuart L. Ritz, president
OF the Home Welfare League. under
whose auspices the celebration was
held. Mr.. Ritz presented the flag to
the city of New York in behalf Of
United Council No. IT, Jr. o. U. A.
NJ, with appropriate remarks. DR..
H. v. Mccormick was then intro
duced, who, after reviewing the
three wars which have been guided
by the Declaration Of Independence,
read that document signed 142 years
ago yesterday.
This was followed By q recitation
on the Flag by Miss Alice Hamil-
ton and the acceptance Of the flag by
Albert H. Mcclellan, of Prince Bay.
q member of the New York Public
Library Association for the city of
New York. When Mr. McGeshan
had finished the school service flag
with one nor ana twenty plue
stars and one white star was raised
on the pole on the opposite side Of
the lawn. While this flag was being
raised the school children sang
Keep the Home Fires Burning"
When they had finishing singing
James Laing gave the signal for the
march of the little folks to the school
where they were served with ice
cream. Former Judge Joseph B.
Handy. who was the orator Of the
day, was then introduced by Chair
man Marshall. In view OF the fact
that everyone had been standing for
some time listening to the program,
all that could crowded into the IL
brary where Judge Handy delivered
his lecture.
At Prince Bay a flag raising took
place at the Prince Bay Yacht Club
with the sailors of the government
boat stationed in Prince Bay taking
part In the program. Gunner's Mate
Patrick was given the honor to raise
the flag. Addresses were made by l..
L. Callan, a lawyer of Tompkinsville.
and Private Taylor. OF the recruiting
office at st. George. There was a
large crowd at the beach during the
entire day. Dancing was held last
night In the clubhouse until a late
hour