The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-02-07
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BY THE OUT EASTER

When we read the other day or the death of John Griffin, for years the official commander of Go. E., Hibernian Rifles, we thought back to the days when the Hibernians were in full bloom in Waterbury, and when almost every Irish family in the city had one or two connections with this Well-knoWn organization.
 We liked the old time Irishman for the real worth he was to his family, and the city of his adopt ed residence. These men, every one of them, hardy and steady type, full of life and vigor, as strong as an OK, and as faithful to his employer as the old time clock piece, constituted a race ot men to whom all of us justly looked up to with pride and com fort. They were happy, and rollicking lot, good natured, friendly, and full of fun. The Irishman of old never denied his place of birth, or attempted to hide the Irish that was in him. He was god company, pleasant to talk with, and interesting to lis ten to on the topics of the day. The heads of many of our best Irish families associated them selves with the Hibernians. The meeting place was the old Grand Army hall on East Main street. It was there, sometime during the nineties, that the thought of having uniformed body attached to the unit was suggested.
 Hibernian Rifles
 And it was then that Go. E, Hi- bernian Rifles was organized. What a stalwart lot of men, nearly all six footers, with a step that signified military bearing and good training. Their uniform was of the regulation guard style, blue trousers, with white stripe, and fatigue cap. What a natty uni form, and what a natty looking lot of men. The members were always particular about their dress. The inspection was strict and every man had to look his best. And this he wanted to do, anyway. That's why we always gave hearty hand to the Hi- bernian Rifles when they passed by on parade.
 Years ago, we had a great state parade of Hibernians. They wore the regulation old time green re- galia. Several thousand of them came here from all parts of the state. They got here early enough to attend the g o'clock solemn high mass celebrated at the old Church of the Immaculate Con- ception under the late Msgr. Will liam J. Slocum. Just before the service closed Father Slocum ad- dressed the members, saying something like this,
 You men have travelled some distance to be here in time to at- tend mass. But that's nothing un- usual for the good Roman Cath olic, the Irishman. You men are to be congratulated; you look
 fine; you are not only credit to your race, but to the church to which you belong. Many details have been arranged for your com fort, and before the day is out, you will find that the Waterbury Irishman has provided well for your comfort"
 Great Parade
 The parade was one of the big gest Waterbury had enjoyed in years; it was something like the ones of old Saint Patrick's day of years before. Music was plenti- ful, in that nearly every division had a brass band at it's head. Tuneful Irish music was played along the long line of march. The reviewing stand was in front of the old city hall and there it was that the Mayor and prominent citizens of the city reviewed the procession. The Hibernian rifles led the parade, hundred or two of some of the finest looking young Ir!shmen of the day. How well they marched can well be il- lustrated by the favorable com ments of the experienced military men on the stand.
 And so 1t was with Captain Grif- fin. He was an exemplary com. mander; he was thorouhgly con- versant with military tactics by long service in the Conn. Nation ai guard, and his continued book learning. We liked Captain drif- lin for his ability 10 discuss qucs- tons Of the day, iIe was Q learn cd man. could talk Irish history from far back, and explain his point abolll aB well ns my per. Son VIC have had the pleasure Of meeting,
 Back in the days Of Mayor Wil- liam E, 1h0ms, Captain 0rlfiln vas . member Of ihe Board Of Public Safety, ile Hn6 iaAt aA httn iof proper discipline ln both the DO. lice and Fire D9Dt6, lhen AA he wab as The head Oi inn military