THE SEVENTEENTH OF JUNE. His Excellency ALEXANDER H. RICE, the Governor of the Commonwealth, who is a native of Newton, was invited to deliver the opening address of the Centennial Celebration of the Seventeenth of June. Ex-Mayor Hon. JAMES F. C. HYDE, a descendant of a patriotic actor in the scenes to be commemorated, was requested to tell the story of that day in connection with a brief glance at the history of the town, - its trials, struggles, and triumphs, for the past two hundred years. Rev. I. N. TARBOX, D.D., a respected citizen of our town and city, was selected as the poet of the occasion. Each most acceptably fulfilled the part assigned to him in the celebration, which was especially observed in commemoration of the action. of the town government of one hundred years ago. Saturday the Seventeenth of June, 1876, will be pleasantly remembered as a day of especial interest in the history of Newton. Suitable preparations were made for an appropriate observance by the people of the city, of the anniversary of the day when the freemen of Newton, in town meeting assembled, declared in favor of the independence of the Colonies from the rule of Great Britain by the following resolution: "JUNE 17, 1776. At a town meeting the inhabitants of Newton, duly warned and regularly assembled at our meeting-house, on Monday, the seventeenth day of June, A.D. 1776, to act on sundry articles mentioned in the warrant, reference thereto being had may more fully appear. Capt. John Woodward was chosen Moderator of said meeting. "After some debate on the second article in the warrant, the question was put, that, in case the Honorable Continental Congress should, for the safety of the American Colonies, declare them independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, whether the inhabitants of this town will solemnly engage with their lives and fortunes to support them in the measure; and the vote passed unanimously in the affirmative. "ABRAHAM FULLER, Town Clerk." The day was one of the finest of a beautiful season, and was greatly Other decorations about the hall served to add to its attractiveness, and recall patriotic associations. At half past seven, P.M., the procession reached the hall, which was filled to overflowing; and to the music from the band, of "Hail to the Chief," his Excellency the Governor, his Honor the Mayor, with the Governor's staff and members of the City Government, were escorted to the platform, the whole audience rising and receiving the distinguished guests in a most hearty manner. The scene at this moment was one of great brilliancy and enthusiasm, and long to be remembered. It gave evident tokens of the deep interest our citizens felt in the celebration of this now historic day, and was the assurance that they will not willingly let die the memories of the men of Newton of 1776. "With us their names shall live Through long succeeding years; Embalmed with all our hearts can give, Our praises and our tears." THE FOURTH OF JULY. In accordance with the arrangements made by the City Council, through its joint committee, the centennial anniversary of American independence was duly celebrated in Newton, on Tuesday, and in a manner reflecting credit on all our citizens. Probably not for half a century has Newton had a celebration of the day under the auspices of the town or city authorities. Every exertion was made that the occasion should be honored in a becoming manner, manifesting the hearty sympathy of our people to-day with the patriots of one hundred years ago. On the previous Sunday, July 2, the occurrence of the Centennial sabbath was noticed in many of the churches, by the selection of appropriate hymns, and by reference to the fact in the sermons, that the one hundredth anniversary of the nation was at hand. The approach of Centennial Independence Day was made clearly manifest the night previous by the faithful performance, under vigorous workers, of every noisy appliance within our borders. At midnight the "music of the bells was added to the jubilation. Bonfires were also built on the hilltops, that on Mount Ida being especially brilliant. Baxter's Artillery also woke the slumbering echoes from West Newton Hill, ushering in the day. The "antique" parades (which of late years have come to be considered a necessary adjunct to a Fourth of July celebration) were gotten up independent of the general committee, and at the designated hour began their march. After parading through the principal streets of the several wards of the city, they proceeded to Lincoln Park, West Newton, where they breakfasted. The general programme for the day announced that the celebration would commence by a parade of the Fire Department, and its review by the members of the City Government, which took place at 9.45, A.M., and was in all respects creditable to the firemen, and satisfactory to the authorities. It was formed in the following order: : Newton Mounted Police. Charlestown City Band. Chief Engineer Orrin Whipple, and Assistant Engineers. Nonantum Hose and Supply Wagon. Boardman Drum Corps. Steamer 2, B. D. Griggs, Foreman. Steamer 3, William Bemis, Foreman. Hook and Ladder 1, Fred. Sibley, Foreman. Hose 5, George Cook, Foreman. Hand Engine 4, J. Kerivan, Foreman. draped with American flags; while at regular intervals along the front of the gallery were the names of the first settlers, RICHARDSON, STONE, KENRICK, CHENEY, FULLER, WARD, ROGER SHERMAN, WOODWARD, HAMMOND, HYDE, WISWALL, JACKSON. Conspicuously displayed upon a large banner on the south side, was the now-memorable vote of the town, passed June 17, 1776: "Voted, unanimously, that in case the Honorable Continental Congress should, for the safety of the American Colonies, declare their independence of the Kingdom of Great Britain, the inhabitants of this town will solemnly engage with their lives and fortunes to support them in the measure. "ABRAHAM FULLER, Town Clerk.” While upon a similar banner on the north side was an extract from a letter from Gen. Washington to Col. Joseph Ward. "HEADQUARTERS, March 20, 1780. "TO COL. JOSEPH WARD: — The favorable sentiments of a good man, and one who has executed diligently and faithfully performed the duties of his station, cannot fail of being agreeable. GEORGE WASHINGTON." To whom also Gen. Washington wrote, "You have my thanks for your constant attention to the business of your department, the manner of its execution, and your ready and faithful compliance with all my orders; and I cannot help adding, on this occasion, for the zeal you have discovered at all times, and under all circumstances, to promote the good of the service in general, and the great objects of our cause. "I am, dear sir, with great regard, your obedient and humble servant, "GEORGE WASHINGTON." As indicating the close national connection with the events of the 17th of June, 1775, and of the 17th of June, 1776, there was placed in the rear of the platform a large picture of Bunker Hill Monument. Above it was the motto, "NEW TOWN (CAMBRIDGE), 1631. NONANTUM-CAMBRIDGE VILLAGE, 1654." "NEW TOWN -SET OFF FROM CAMBRIDGE — 1679.”1 "FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL ABOUT 1700." "NEWTON, 1766." In front of the reading-desk, and festooned with American colors. arranged around it, was a beautiful crayon life-size portrait of Col. Joseph Ward of Newton. There was also a fine portrait of Mr. Peter Hammond, who was born in Newton, April 9, 1776, and who is still alive and in the enjoyment of good health. Upon one side of the desk was displayed the old sword of Col. Michael Jackson, one of Newton's leading men in the days of the Revolution. It is said, that, while participating in the public debate held at Watertown on the situation of affairs at Concord and Lexington, rising from his seat, he exclaimed, "You may stay here and talk, but I go to fight,” and immediately started to take his place in the Newton Company. By the side of this sword, as fitting accompaniments, were the cartridge-box and white belt which Mr. Samuel Richardson brought as trophies from the battle-field of Lexington, having taken them himself from a British soldier who had fallen there. Mr. Richardson was one of the selectmen of Newton in 1776, who gave emphasis to the words of the Resolution by his deeds, having been the lieutenant of the Newton Company, which participated in the engagement at Lexington. Fitly surmounting these venerated and valuable mementos of the times of the fathers, was a beautiful bouquet of flowers. On the opposite side of the desk was placed the beautiful statuette of "The Minute-Man," one of those "Whose faith and truth On war's red touchstone rang true metal; Who ventured life and love and youth For the great prize of death in battle." 1 This date is in doubt, as will be seen by the address of Mr. Hyde, pp. 45-49. |