Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1922-09-01
GRAFTON HAS OLD
HOME CELEBRATION
Historical Pageant and dwelling
of Soldiers Memorial
Hon. John Barrett President of Day -
Maj. Gen. Hale and Gov. Hardness
Among Distinguished Guests.
Especial to The Phoenix.)

Maj. Gen. Hale and Gov Hartness
Among Distinguished Guests.
s Especial to The Phoenix.)
GRAFTON, Aug. 81.
Although lowering skies and falling
rain ushcred in Grafton's Old Home
day. Aug. 20, the people rose to the oc-
casion and the elaborate program was
successfully carried out.
The historical pageant formed at the
lower part of the town, led by the mar
shals of the day. F. Eaton Mortified
and George Hobart, and aides, Lewis
Marshall, William Jones and Mr.. Swift
ger and started soon after schedule
time. proceeding up the main street to
the bandstand, where it was reviewed
by Gov. James Hardness.
The following floats were in line,
Grafton cornet band in the lead: In
dians, Columbus. 1902, jamestown cav
alters, 1907. Little Southern Lady. Sam
uel de Champlain 1909, Pilgrims and
tons 1920. Emigrants 1690-1700, Old
Oaken Bucket, Evangeline and her peo-
pie 1710, Stamp Act 1865, Paul Re
we're, Ethan Allen 1915. George Wash
ington and Martha Washington 1915.
the New Republic 1889, Andrew Jack
son on horseback, War of 1912. Mexican
War 1863, War Stories 1864, Spanish
War 1914 Flanders Field 1917. Peace
1922, decorated automobiles led by YER
mont
After marching around the square the
parade halted at the bandstand and
Miss Mildred Walker, daughter of DR.
w: M. Walker of Philadelphia. rccitcd
with much expression, In Flanders
Field.
When the parade disbanded sports
were in order. A buffet lunch was
served to the special guests by Hon.
John Barrett of Washington, ID. c., at
his home.
At . o'clock the exercises of the day
were held at the bandstand, Hon. John
Barrett as president of the day A tab
let in memory of Graftons fallen heroes
in the World war was formally pre-
scented to the town by f. o. Merrifeld.
president of the Grafton Memorial asso-
citation, in well-chosen words and was
accepted in behalf of the town by j. W.
Davis. selectman. The tablet was then
unveiled by Miss Louise Dompier, sister
of Francis Dompier, who fell in the
Il. B. Daniels. and Donald Wright, son
of Charles Wright of Grafton.
Following this impressive ceremony
came the speeches of the day by Maj.
Gen. Harry c. Hale, commander in
chief of the second area, United States
army, New York, who came as special
representative of General Pershing and
President Harding, upon Mr.. Barrett's
request, supported by Governor Hart
ness and Senator Dillingham;. Gov
ernor Hardness of Springfield (Vt). AL
bert Kelsey of Philadelphia. one of the
celebrated architects of the country,
architect of the Pan-American building
in Washington. said to be the most
beautiful building in the country. Col.
Z. w. Gibson of Brattleboro, Charles
Cambridge of Grafton and Mrs. II. c.
Walker, representing the Grafton
Grange: The singing by Mr.. and Mrs.
Earl Chandler of Bellows Falls and the
school children of the town added
greatly to the enjoyment of the Occa-
sion. Two medals were presented by
Mr.. Barrett to Dorothy Morrison of the
grammar school and Thelma Lockerby
of the primary for the greatest al-round
achievement and excellence. These
medals were presented by the govern
ment of Venezuela to the government of
sentation of statue of General Boil
var, the George Washington of South
America. to the city of New York.
At the close of the exercises the
president of the day proposed that in
view of the honor Maj Gen. Hale and
Governor Hardness had conferred ON
Grafton by their presence they be
cltCleu HOnOfdrN ClllZeHS OF NTdllOn. ~
reception was given by Mrs. Charles
Daniels at her home for invited guests.
The ball game between Saxtons River
and Grafton resulted in victory for the
visiting team. In the evening rural
drama, Home Ties, was presented in
the town hall under the auspices of
Grafton Grange. All parts were well
taken. Dancing followed.
The success of the day was due in
great part to Hon. John Barrett, who
was untiring in his efforts, also to Mr..
button, the genial proprietor of Graf
ton Tavern, who was chairman of the
committee of arrangements. The Graf
ton cornet band under the able leader
ship of Harry Farnsworth rendered cx-
ceptionally good music.
Maj. Gen. Hale was met at Bellows
Falls and escorted to Grafton by dele
gates of PierceLawton post No. 81,
american Legion, which also formed an
honor guard at the unwilling. An OPP
portunity was given all to shake hands
with the governor and other special
guests, each being happily introduced by
the president of the day.
Among the special guests were Maj.
Gen. and Mrs. Hale. Gov. and Mrs.
Hardness. Mr.. and Mrs. Albert Kelsey.
Mr.. and Mrs. Porter of Springfield, Mr..
and Mrs. Villas of Walpole, Lieutenant
Hammond. aide to II. G. Hale Col and
Mrs. f. w. Gibson, Maj and Mrs,
Shaw. the former being secretary of
military affairs. Many guests were in
town, meeting friends and renewing old
acquaintance Great credit is given TO
all who bad part in making Grafton $
Old Home day celebration red-letter
day in the history of the town.
On the evening of Sept II there will
he the annual meeting of the Grafton
Memorial association and Improvement
society in the town hall to hear the re-
ports and elect officers.