Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-06-03
Dedicate Tablet
At Fort Halifax
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:,
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fax yard, which was delightfully."-
green and cool looking.
At about 1850, amid the applause,
Governor Percival Baxter, accom-
panied by his private secretary, Gill
bert r. Chadbourne, entered the
Fort Yard. After cordially greeting
his audience and clasping the hands
of those nearest him who were also
to address, the gathering. the Gov
ernor was seated, and quiet came
over the audience, and then the chill
dren of Winslow schools sang
America"
Governor Percival Baxter was
then presented by Mrs. George Pat
terson, the regent of the Fort Hall
fax Chapter, and the governor spoke
as follows:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
"The work that the patriotic
societies of this State and Nation
are doing is of great value. These
organizations keep alive the ira
ditions of the past and preserve
historical records. In these days
when almost everybody is hurrying
along at top speed it is we'll for us
occasionally to pause and look
backward. Only in this way can we
obtain a proper perspective and
form correct estimate as to what,
If any, real progress we are making.
1.-The generations who preceded us
were obliged to make many sacrifices
from which we today are reaping the
benefit. We little appreciate the
hardships that were endured and
the obstacles that were overcome by
our ancestors. The thought of their
unselfish services ought to stimulate
us to do our best to continue their
work for each generation should
contribute something toward the
spiritual, moral and material well
fare of this Nation. Progress is
slow and although at times we
may become impatient we find that
after all, except for our material
surroundings. We do not differ
much from those who preceded us.
The radio, the telephone and the
automobile have not really changed
The lessons of the past should serve
to guide us in the future.
1.-THE Daughters of the American
Revolution lis one of the leading
patriotic societies of the country,
and the good influence of it's men,
bers is most wholesome. 1 recog-
niZe the fact that the D. A. r. in
Maine is an active, public spirited,
patriotic organization, that is do
ing its part to maintain the lofty
ideals of the Founders of New Eng
land.
This Kennebec Valley is the
most historic section of the State.
In olden days it was one of the
icrh Mt 70 hn
ST. Lawrence. Through it have
traversed the early Indians and
trappers, the pioneers. the French
priests, the members of the Arnold
expedition, and later the colonists
who came from the South and West
of us. If one could have a motion
picture Of the different generations
that have used this natural high
way it would show a pageant of
absorbing interest.
1.-THE acquisition Of this Fort by
the d. A. r. is most happy, and l
congratulate you all upon your
splendid public spirit. The Maine
Central Railroad also is to be con-
graduated for it's willingness to
help the local chapter in it's efforts
to preserve this historic landmark.
you all will be interested to
know that during the past year the
State has acquired several places of
great historic interest. The Federal
Government recently adopted the
policy Of selling its unused forts and
military reservations. Immediately
on learning of this 1 took steps to
acquire. in behalf of the State,
some OF the most picturesque and
historic locations along our coast.
We now own Fort Knox, wonders
located
River; Fort Edgecomb, containing
one Of the best preserved block
houses in the State: Forts Popham
and Baldwin at the mouth of the
Kennebec River; Fort Machias, Fort
st. Georges, and Fort McClary at
kittery. on which there also is
complete blockhouse. I did not
want these locations to fall into
the hands Of private parties. and all
that have been for sale have been
acquired by the State.
II would be most appropriate for
the local chapters of the d. A. r. to
take charge Of some of these places
NO doubt the State would be glad to
pay the cost of keeping them in re-
pair II the local people would see
that no depredations were made
upon them.
Il assure you Of my deep interest
In the work of the d. A. r. and AL
though l am obliged to hurry away
TO keep an engagement in Belfast.
Where am due in about an hour. l
dlo not want to miss this occasion.
1t has afforded me a great deal of
pleasure to be with YOU"
The school children then united
IN singing The Star Spangled Ban
ner, and David Garland, 14-year-I
old son of Mrs. Winnie Garland of
this town, drew aside the flag which
covered the tablet.
"A splendid address by Hon. George
K. Bassett of this town was given
on the subject, Captain William
Lthgow. Mr.. Bassett spoke as
follows:
Hon. George X. Bassett
Let us in our imagination look |
back one hundred and seventy years.
for it was one hundred and seventy
years ago the third day of next Sep
TENDER that Captain VIM. Lithgow |
with garrison Of one hunred men |
took possession Of what then con-
stnuted Fort Halifax. And let US pic |
ture to ourselves the setting in I
which this old building found itself. |
The various tribes on the |
kenneoec followed the same water
highways. Fort Halifax was built to /
intercept these voyages Of the In
oians to and from Quebec, and to /
make the land hereabouts safe for
settlers, for the Plymouth Company
composed largely Of Boston men
had obtained grant of q large tract /
OF land known as the 'Kennebec pur-
chase" and were opening up the land
for settlement.
TWO plans for the construction of l.
Fort Halifax were submitted to the
in Boston ono NV Can