The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-05
(BY THE EAST ENDER)


 Saint Patrick's day by the Irish American Social club reminds us of the great Saint Patrick's days of the past, as celebrated by the loyal and good Irishmen who were here as far back as the Seventies. We were among them; we saw the parades, and we knew many of the men who took part; we attended the morning mass at the old Church of the Immacu- late Conception and we listened to the voice of warning as given us by the talented pastors, such men as the late Dr. Hendricken, Father Lynch and Father Walsh. Other pastors were here after those mentioned, but we refer mostly to the early days of the Irish In Waterbury.
 Parade In 1872
 For instance, let us so back for the time being to 1872, when Dr. Hendrickcn was here. Saint Pat- rick's day was on Sunday, as we recall, but was celebrated on Monday. Everyone of us stayed out from work; the day was clear, but the streets were in terriblie condition from the rains of few days before. We paraded In mud almost ankle deep. But we were out to parade, and nothing could stop us. After mass, we formed in front of the church on East Main street. The late Wm. Maher, for years employed by the Water- bury Gas Company In excavation management, was the grand mar shal. Keron Flaherty's famed brass band, made up entirely of Irlshmen, supplied us with fine up-to- date marching music. The Sedgwick Guards made their first appearance on this day, or old Company G., as the organization was known In the Conn. National Guard. Captain Charles R. Ban- non was in charge, with Lieut.. Den. Magraw as his official aid. Forty three sons of Irishmen made up the company.
 Back of the grand marshal, who was mounted, were the Mayor, priests of the city, and invited guests In horse-drawn carriages. Then the Waterbury Roman Catholic Temperance socieity ap- peared with the late Michael Keeley as marshal, and heading 150 men. The Catholic Literary Asso. followed with Dennis o. C0nn0r as marshal. We also had . Father Matthew temperance orr ganizati0n of young men, and they were in line, with Henry Dunphy as marshal. Frank Deg nan was marshal of the well-uni- formed Hibernians.
 Line of March
 Stop for Q moment, and think of the line of march we had routed out for us that day. First we marched to the junction of East Main and Cole streets, countermarching to the center, down West Main street to the railroad crossing, back again in review before the city officials at city hall; then down Bank street to Meadow street, to South Main street, to Liberty street, to Mill street, to Baldwin street, up Bridge street once more to Dub berton street to Pleasant street, to Baldwin street again, and then up Bridge street once more tot Dub lin street. From here we went to to East Main street, and then pro- ceeded westerly to Cherry street, and then northerly to North Main street, and back again to the Center where we disbanded. What . march. and yet not a man in line offered the least objection. We were out to celebrate the day in proper oId-time Irish fashion, and that we certainly did do.
 The American flag was promin- entiy displayed along with the Irish c0lors. James Martin. rich In property and cash. Of Union street., was among She paradeFs, being Tn0untetd on one of his fine racing horses. So was the gentle manly y0hn Farrell Of Wall street. Mir. Kilmartin of the West End. and Sim sutton of Che East End. In the evening. the Hen. stephen ,. Afeaney, . noted IFlshman, leetuFed ln old city halt
 Even # She mud did not keep us out ef llne in 1872. the snew nesFIy accomplished it in 1871. There was six inches on lhe ground when we started out after church on the morning Of March f5. Bml We were yeung, healthy and strong. nsld we feught euF usy throueh drifting snow. aBA eeld and billing winds. fiwt Fiab. aRfNfM nfFnnW Mf0a2na& hand MaeNas