Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1919-12-16
The Maine Centennial Celebration

PORTLAND, Dec. 10.
Plans are now well under way for
Names big Centennial Celebration,
which is to be held in Portland June
2Sth to July 9Th, inclusive. Offices to
facilitate the large amount of work
which is contemplated by the committee
have been established in both Augusta
and Portland.
Harry Cochrsne, who is in charge OF
the work in connection with the staging
of the Dramatic Production of Names
Historical Events" has offices in
Augusta, and is hard at work on all the
special features of this production, which
will be on scale never before attempted
in this state and which will undoubtedly
be the finest thing ever staged by Maine
people. He proposes to present to the
people and particularly to the young
students q picture of historical events
pertaining to Maine and her people. 1t
will also be arranged so that every scene
will be source of pleasure as well as OF
historical information.
This dramatic production which will
be presented in Portland, will be on a
gigantic scale, staged out of doors, and
will be the largest Of its kind ever pre-
scented in this part of the country, staged
with scenic drops and sets on the same
huge scale. The stage will be about 100
feet deep, and all scenery, especially
painted for this production, will be his
torically correct, and as near the original
IS description and imagination can make
1t. The costumes will be true to the
periods depicted, and in addition, the
players will be chosen from those who
resemble the original characters, as well
as for their ability as actors. Then,
when this great Dramatic Presentation
is filmed, as ii undoubtedly will be, the
school children of to-day and tomorrow
will have shown to them a real idea OF
Maine history, such as they have never
been able to obtain before.
Practically all of the dialogue and
music of the Production will be pre-
pared by Mr.. Cochraue, but he will
select from each county the best writers
and musicians who will each prepare q
tribute to his or her county.
Regarding the organization plans for
the same, Mr.. Cochrane says: 1--WE wish
to secure loans of firearms OF the explo-
ration, colonists and Revolutionary
times, the old flintlocks and sidearms.
We also wish the muskets of the Civil
War times. Musical instruments of ye
olden days are wanted, such as the spin
ct, clarionets, key bugles, ophicleides,
bassoons and the old long barreled Revo-
lutionary drums. We want to ft out q
band complete with a set of Civil War
instruments and will appreciate the loan
of any OF them"
This dramatic production will have
numerous bands or sets OF musicians,
hence, if anyone has a strange musical
instrument, the name Of which is not
known to him, a note TO Mr.. Cochrane
will be appreciated, for he Is not only
familiar with all of the old-time instru-
ments, but can play each and instruct
others In their use.
At meeting OF the Executive Com
mittee of Maine Centennial on the OH
inst, plans were considered for erecting
sixteen arches across Congress Street,
each arch representing a county of the
state. 1t was suggested that the name
of the county be illuminated with cleo
trio lights across the top, with the names
OF the towns in that county along the
sides of the arch.
The committee also voted to take up
with the U. s. Government the matter
of coming a silver half. dollar souvenir of
the Centennial, and put the same into
circulation.
An appropriation of $500 was voted
for Sprsgue's Journal of History, al
special edition to be issued at the time
of the celebration.
The Executive Committee members
voted that there should be no soliciting
of advertising In connection with any
program or literature issued under the
direction of the committee.
1t was also voted to invite the New
England Veteran Firemen's Association |
to hold its annual meeting and muster
in Portland during the Centennial Csle-
bration.
The matter of invitations to foreign |
nations for representation by officials and |
wsrships will be taken up through the |
Department of State, and the Maine |
Sportsmen's Fish and Game Association |
and other state societies will also be in |
vited to participate in the Centennial
activities.
A grand street carnival, harbor sports |
and many other spectacular events will |
be featured and the week will end with |
q wonderful display of fireworks.
Prof. William r. Chapman Is to have
entire charge of the musical festival |
which will be one of the special features
of the Celebration.
Frederick Fl. Gabbi and George W.
Norton were appointed q committee to
prepare program for the weeks events
and ID. w. Hoegg, Jr., will have charge
Of all publicity material.
The business management of the Gen.
tennial 10 to be conducted at the Port
land Headquarters, City Hall, and all
matters Of business nature should be
taken up through Frederick 81. Gabbi,
Business Manager, at that Office.