Norwich bulletin., 1919-01-08
WESTERLY

the Westerly town council, Monday. |
Mr.. Pendleton said that the governor |
had appointed committee to repre-
sent Westerly in planning for the re-
ception on the home coming of the
boys of the army and navy, com
posed of James NJ. Pendleton. Samuel
H. Davis. Mrs. George B. Utter and
Charles P. Cottrell. About ten days
ago there was a meeting in Provi-
dence of the general committee rep
resenting all sections Of the state,
when it was decided that there be two
general state demonstrations at diff
ferent periods and that, if possible,
every town in the state should cele-
brate the home coming on some nom
conflicting date. 1t was also sug-
gested that there be an arch of some
suitable design be erected as soon as
possible. In order that Westerly
would lead. rather than follow in this
welcome arch feature. the committee
had selected a committee on design
composed of Thomas Mckenzie Chas.
Z. Sherman and Frank G. Ahearn. The
general committee has the authority
to add to its membership, and at
| recent meeting Maurice W. Alynn,
! president of the town council, Coun-
Gilman Frederick E. Fowler, Clerk
Everett E. Whipple We're present and
were added to the general committee,
which will be further increased A
part of the work of this committee
will be to see to it that all returning
| soldiers and sailors register, as the
record is required for perpetuation
and will be an aid to the state in the
presentation of bronze medals.
| MIR. PendIetor stated that at this
/ lot TOW ,,-rr u
! get TO business in the preparation Of
public tribute to the returning boys,
| to make them feel that their service
| is appreciated at home. Captain
Webb of Providence, chairman of the
state executive committee. favors the
erection of arches of Welcome in the
vicinity of railway stations to well
come home $4,000 of Rhode Island
sons and to show the 1000 who hove
returned, that they are all entitled 10
recognition and honor from their
home towns, as well as the state and
nation.
The committee on design has made
q general sketch of an areh that looks
/ good and has suggested location in
| Canal street. near Railroad avenue
near the railway station where the
| boys could see it as soon as they ar
| rived in Westerly and where it would
i be in full view of passengers on pass
ing trains.
Thomas Mckenzie. chairman of the
committee on design, submitted 2
sketch of n massive and ornamental
arch, which he said was planned fo1
location in Canal street. the point
suggested by Mr.. Pendleton. which
would place one pier on the sidewalk
near the shoe store next the Martin
house and the other against the offset
wall on the opposite side of the
street. AT this point the street is
IS feet wide with sidewalk twelve feet
in width. which afforded ample room
Tor the design. as submitted q doubl,
arch and Dattlement facade on eact
SIDE. The arch is eleptied over the
street, with arch over each sidewalk
The main arch to be 25 feet hi.& il
r the centre, with panel As feet in lenctF
to permit of suitable lettering of vel
come. 1t IS pl;sned to have this arct
Of somewhat permanent nature
built sufficiently strong so as to re
main in place at least three years.
The festal day feature, the big da,
when the people of Westerly ant
Pawcatuck will unite in a, demonstra
ton that will cover the welcome HON,
, OF the boys of the twin villages, hat
not been discussed, said Mr.. s'endle
ton. Already committees of the Yves
terry Board of Trade and Westerl,
Historical Society are planning for
Home Week in May in observance o
the 25Oth anniversary Of the foundin,
of the town. 1t has been suggeste,
that this committee be increased an,
| mat some day in that week be Sc
apart for The welcome home demon
, strauon. 1t is the intention to hav
this conImittee composed of .he par
ents of the boys who We're or are il
the service. Before any definite NOV
Is made. Mr.. Pendleton believed tina
the sentimental support of the tow
council at least, was essential JUS
at this time, and that whatever is don
be with the advice and consent of tn
council. To give this testimonial t
: the soldiers Snd sailors, there must b
/ an expenditure, and it is expected tina
the town will bear the expense. as
!. town, and not by individuals.
Councilman Frederick {, FowIe
agreed that the design, the location
the suggestions of the committee, an
, all that had been suggested by tn
l committee was worthy of the appro
val of the members of the council an
the whole people. and undoubtedl
would receive united support.
, President Maurice w. Flynn did ne
thlnk there would lie any objection t
Q Il substantial appropriation in finan
: cal town meeting for this patriot
token of appreciation. He declare
n that If anything is to be done it ougI
\ | to be done right and he did not be
| lieve there would be q vote againg
a the proposition in town meeting.
This arch of welcome ought to /
nH n
dleton said as the boys are comm
= home almost daily. Westerly Shout
y not be the last town in the state
act in This matter
! Councilman Fowler added. no, an
u Westerly's ought not to be the cheaT
. est.
After general discussion h
Councilman Haswell, Craig. Robinso
q ana Fowler. the following was unan
: mously adopted: Voted, That the prt
ject of welcome home 10 the so
dlers and sailors in the world W.
g from Westerly and vicinity, NEE
with the approval Of the town cour
Gil; and that the committee appointe
by the governor for that purpose |
requested to present the plan of
welcome arch, as early as possible.
The bills for December were al
proved and ordered paid by the cour
Gil, which included that Of Franz
Ahern which amounted to only Sl45.3
and bore 592 names. His bill include
the material and construction, IL
painting and ornamental lion. Sever
councilmen commended the patrioo
ism of Mr.. Ahern in furnishing IL
memorial complete at less than &C
: ual cost. 1t was stated that the ma
= terial and carpenter work of the NV!
a tic Roll of Honor amounted to $751;
- so. The police bill for auto hire w;