Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1922-06-01
REV. DUFFEY GAVE SPLENDID
MEMORIAL DAY ADDRESS
AT STRAND THEATRE.
Memorial Monument
Dedicated BY City


Alma were of an unusual nature this
year in that the City of Alma also
united in honoring in honoring her
great benefactor, the late Ammi w.
Wright, as we'll as doing honor to the
soldier dead. memorial monument
to the city's benefactor being un-
veiled and dedicated at that time.
The exercises in connection with
the unveiling and the dedication of
the memorial monument TO the late
Ammi w. Wright were held at the
monument at Wright Park at 900 a.
m. Mayor Charles r. Murphy made
the presentation of the massive gran
ite field-stone monument to the city.
In his presentation address he called
attention to the life of Mr.. Wright,
especially since he came to Alma, and
from that time on the various things
that he had done for the betterment
of the community, educationally, in
dustrally, etc. He spoke of his acts
which made possible Alma College in
this city, the Wright House, the sani-
tarium, now the Michigan Masonic
Home; the opera house block, and the
industries which he fostered. He
spoke of the park, which bears his
name, and which was presented by
him to the city. He likened the rug
ged, massive monument to the char
acter of the late Mr.. Wright. He
called attention to the fact that Mr..
Wright's aged widow was unable to
be present at the exercises by reason
of her advanced age and that his only
daughter, Mrs. Sarah II. Lancashire,
was in the east, and also unable to
be present.
William A. Bahlke, for the city, ac-
cepted the memorial to Alma's bene-
factor. He spoke highly of the ster-
ling qualities Of the man who had
meant so much to the community in
which he lived. He called attention
to the things that Mr.. Wright had in
mind in 1907 when he gave to the city
the beautifully wooded tract for a
park, which is to be ever used for
this purpose.
Mr.. l.. A. Sharp, one of the close
business associates Of Mr.. Wright for
many years, accepted the memorial
for the family, in q few well chosen
words, in which he expressed the
thanks Of the family and its appre-
citation of Alma's mark of respect
and tribute to him.
The memorial monument is a mas
sive structure about IL feet in
height, and feet square at the base,
constructed Of cut granite field-stone
of various coors. Decorative lights
grace each of the four sides Of the
monument, and on two sides are To-
Gated drinking fountains. On a third
side is located a large bronze tablet
carrying the inscription:
AMMI W. WRIGHT
Philanthropist
ls22-l922
whose vision, enterprise
and public spirit were de-
voted 20 the industrial and
educational Advancement
Erected by the City
A. ID. 1922.
Immediately upon the conclusion OF
the exercises at the park, the regular
Memorial day program was given al
the Strand theatre, large number OF
Alma residents being present to hon
or the memory of the heroic soldier
and sailor dead of the country.
The program opened with the sing
ing Of america" by the audience
and was followed by the invocation
by Chaplain John A. Mulvey, wh'
gave the prayer of the American
Legion.
The children Of the fifth and sixtl
grades of Washington school the
rendered very appropriate program
consisting of patriotic songs, "Lin
coins Gettysburg Address," recita
tions, and the flag salute.
Commander Chester X. Robinson, o
the George w. Myers Post No. 49,
American Ltgion, in his introductio
of the speaker Of the day, Rev. M. W
Duffey, stated that more such day
were needed during the year to i'm
press the need of patriotism upon tn
American people, many Of whom d