WILMINGTON — A desire seems simultaneously to have possessed the minds of many of the sons and daughters of Wilmington to revisit the home of their childhood and renew the friendships and associations of other days; this desire was naturally communicated to others, only to find a hearty response.
There is a living cord which binds men and animals to the spots where they first feel life. A wonderful instinct guides the fish of the sea through the dark floods of the ocean to the streams where their existence began; that directs the bird through the vast expanse of the air back to the hidden spot where it was born, and enables the beast of the forest to track its way through dense shades to its native lair.
So there is in the heart of man a secret, vague yearning, an instinctive desire to visit his native home, which time can never efface. The memories of early days go with us through life. They are golden threads woven into the warp and woof of our existence. They grow brighter and brighter as the rest of the fabric fades and decays.
On February 21, 1890, a meeting was held at the Town Hall to take initiatory steps in bringing about the Reunion and Celebration, which occurred on July 3-6. At a town meeting held March 4, it was voted unanimously that the town appropriate $300 toward the contingent expenses of the proposed reunion.
During the months of May and June numerous meetings were held to perfect arrangements, and the organization was rendered complete in the choice of officers and committees.
During the time intervening, a continued intercourse was kept up among those who were in earnest in reference to the matter, to the end that the residence of all entitled to an invitation should become known; and especially were the more eminent and active descendants of Wilmington informed of the enterprise so that they might be able to accommodate their business or pleasure to an attendance at the contemplated reunion.
In addition to a general request published in the local newspapers, that all former residents of Wilmington should appear here upon that day and take part in its festivities, the committee sent circular invitations, printed upon tinted note paper, to every part of the Union where a Wilmington man or woman could be traced.
The invitation was as follows :
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot.
And never brought to min'?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot.
And days o' lang syne?”
reunion
of
old citizens,
of
wilmington, July 3-6, 1890.
Upon the inside pages as follows:
“The citizens of Wilmington propose to hold a celebration and reunion of present and former residents, commencing on the evening of July 3rd, and continuing through the week.
“The evening of the 3rd will be devoted to the greeting of friends, a grand band concert by the First Regiment Band of Brattleboro and the Wilmington Cornet Band, and, perhaps, other exercises that may hereafter be arranged.
“The general features of the programme for the 4th will be invocation, the reading of a part of the Declaration of Independence, address of welcome, an original poem, historical address, and toasts with responses by former Wilmingtonians who will be our guests on that day, interspersed with refreshments, and music, vocal and instrumental. In the evening there will be a grand display of fireworks, under the direction of a Boston pyrotechnist.
“Saturday, July 5, will be given up to social enjoyment, the renewal of old acquaintances, with, perhaps, informal exercises, or excursions to places of most interest in the town.
“Sunday, there will be appropriate religious and reunion services in the several churches and the presence of former members is especially desired.
“It is hoped to make the occasion a pleasant and profitable one to all, and you and your family are hereby cordially invited to attend.
“That the necessary arrangements and provisions be made allow us to urge that you return an answer as soon as possible, stating whether you will come or not, and if so at what time, and by what route, and by whom you expect or prefer to be entertained.
“Respectfully, A. L. Childs, Eleazar Gorham, D. G. Hubbard, Committee.”
From many thus invited, letters were received full of good wishes for the success of the reunion, and the continued prosperity of the town.
From this time forward to the date appointed for the eventful occasion, the town of Wilmington was the theatre of constant plans and labors.
The various committees, and citizens generally, labored zealously to make the occasion memorable and endeavored to leave nothing undone that would contribute to the comfort, pleasure, and convenience of the invited guests, and all others who should be present. And now that the event is over, and a matter of local history, it is most gratifying to state that the reunion and celebration was an unqualified success, and forms a fitting tribute to the energy and patriotic impulses of all who labored so earnestly to the desired end.
All the arrangements that were deemed necessary having been completed in detail, every one awaited the approach of the appointed day with eager expectation.
* * *
Visitors began to arrive early in the week, and by Thursday night the town was literally filled with people, but so thoroughly and systematically had the work of the Entertainment Committee been performed that every one was at once assigned to comfortable places upon their arrival.
On Thursday evening occurred a grand band concert in the Village Square, by the Wilmington Cornet Band, B. L. Johnson, leader, and the First Regiment Band of Brattleboro, F. C. Leightsinger, leader.
The music was excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by all, despite the rain, which at times came in copious showers.
On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, C. M. Russell introduced a feature of the program, which at once proved to be both pleasing and entertaining - the presentation of about 125 stereopticon portraits of former and present citizens of the town.
The views were projected upon a canvas placed upon the Town Hall, from C. H. Parmelee's veranda, and a large number of people witnessed and enjoyed the exhibition notwithstanding the rain.
* * *
Reunion Day - July 4th. Contrary to general expectation, morning dawned bright and beautiful. A heavy rain had fallen the night before, and much anxiety was felt lest the day would prove unfavorable to outdoor exercises.
But as the sun appeared, the clouds broke away, leaving one of those beautifully clear and transparent atmospheres that so grandly displays the gorgeous scenery of the surrounding hills and mountains - the pride and glory of old Wilmington.
The town was early astir. The ringing of bells and the pealing of cannon announced the dawn of the morning, and soon after, the streets and squares began to fill with people, prepared to enjoy the long expected holiday.
Nearly every building and residence in the village was beautifully decorated with flags, bunting, and streamers, and the town was never before so gaily decked in the national colors.
Four beautiful United States flags were suspended from buildings on the principal streets, each bearing appropriate mottoes and sentiments.
The flag from O. O. Ware's Store to the Town Hall - size 15x30 - bore the words upon one side, “Hurrah for Wilmington,” and on the opposite, “Should Old Acquaintance be Forgot?”
From Spencer & Leonard's Store, suspended across North Main Street during July 3, was a flag bearing the words, “Happy Greetings,” and “Welcome”; on July 4, a larger flag was displayed with the words, “Home of Our Childhood,” and “Welcome Everybody.”
On West Main Street gaily floated the fourth flag, strung from Russell's Building to a flag-staff opposite, and upon one side appeared the words, “Welcome Old-Timers,” and upon reverse, “Home Again.” From the Savings Bank Building to Ware's Store was an attractive display of the flags of all nations.
It was expected that the procession would move promptly at 9 a.m., but owing to the muddy roads and dampness in the Grove, it was thought best to wait one hour, at which time the procession was formed.
The procession moved to the beautiful grove owned by Mrs. Lizzie A. Bell, the use of which this lady most courteously and generously granted the Association in which to hold the exercises of the day. Seats had been provided to accommodate nearly 2,000 people. A rostrum had been erected upon which full 100 persons were seated.
The exercises were introduced by music by the Wilmington Cornet Band.
* * *
The Throne of Divine Grace was invoked by Rev. A. W. Goodnow of West Halifax, in a solemn and impressive manner.
“O God, our heavenly father, thou who art the source and fountain of all good; we, thy children, on this our national anniversary would first turn our thoughts to thee.
“Thou hast been our fathers' God, guiding and upholding them through all the perplexing uncertainties and trials of the early history of our nation; and thy hand has been seen and acknowledged in the subsequent events that have so tested the strength and wisdom of this great Republic.
“We thank thee for our country, for its free institutions, and for its history which has so unfolded thy character, and impressed us with a sense of thy being and providence.
“We thank thee for the varied and abundant blessings bestowed upon this town, and that so many of her sons and daughters are permitted to gather on this festive occasion.
“Mercifully protect in their return those who have come from distant homes, to greet old friends and review the scenes of their early life. Be thou with us through all these services and give strength and wisdom to each who may take part in these exercises.
“And may the plans and efforts of this people in all the future so fall in with the line of thine own truth and purposes, as to receive thy protection and blessing through all time.
“Grant that an entrance may finally be given to us into the Kingdom of Christ, and to thee, father, son, and spirit, shall be the glory forever. Amen.”
Following the Invocation, ”America” was sung, the audience joining in this grand old hymn.
The Declaration of Independence was read by Prof. L. A. Butterfield of Boston.
Music followed: “Hurrah for Old New England,” sung by the Henschel Quartette of Springfield, Mass. and the Childs family; and the audience joining in the chorus.
* * *
E. A. Fitch, president of the day, offered the address of welcome:
“Fellow citizens, citizens of other towns, and invited guests:
“This day is an auspicious day. One hundred and fourteen years ago, the independence of the American colonies was proclaimed. One hundred and fourteen years ago this morning, it was asked with fear and trembling, it was whispered with bated breath, “Will they do it?” “Dare they do it?”
“There were white lips and blanched faces. Then the cry was heard, “They have done it!”
“The urchin shouted to the man in the belfry, ”Ring! Grandpa! Ring! O, ring for liberty!”
“And there floated out on the July air, to all the world the immortal declaration, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal; that they are endowed with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' Making memorable this day we celebrate in a nation's annals, and marking forever an era in the history of the race.
“Inspired by love of freedom under circumstances that would appall their children's children of today, the battle was waged, the victory won, and a government 'by the people, for the people, and of the people' established.
“On this proud natal day of liberty, this recurring anniversary of national existence, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the tide of patriotic emotion is swelling the hearts of men.
“Everywhere over this broad land today, in city's street or village hamlet, floats our national ensign, hope of the strong, shield of the weak, the proud banner of 60 millions of free men.
“Everywhere today, from the pines of Maine to the Everglades of Florida, from the Columbia of the North to the Rio Grande of the South, the name of Washington is being revered; the heroic deeds of the patriot fathers recalled and the cause of Liberty enshrined anew in the hearts of the people. The cause for which, and to the maintenance of which, our fathers pledged their fortunes, their lives, and their sacred honors.
“The patriot fathers! Long may their virtues be remembered and their praises sung! Long may their noble blood course in the veins of worthy descendants! May no subsequent events, however great, diminish the grandeur of their achievement or obscure the glory of their renown.
“Today, nature is propitious. Above us the infinite blue of bending skies; beneath our feet the dust has sprung wanton into grass and flowers! Over grove and town, the imperial sun scatters his golden splendors; verdure crowned are hills and valleys; for us the ever-recurring miracle of the seasons has been wrought, and lo, the earth is Eden new again!
“Throughout the Northland it is summer; wherever canopied by the stars and stripes, it is Fourth of July ; it is gala-day; in Wilmington it is jubilee, made sacred and historic by the return and presence of her sons and daughters.
“Wilmington, clothed with maples whose leaves whisper to the touch of the wind and whose sweet is nectar for men and gods; Wilmington, sentinel guarded by old Haystack and jewelled by fair Raponda Lake; Wilmington, river-ribboned and mountain-crowned; Wilmington, not like Rome, sitting upon her seven hills, but nestled among them; Wilmington, the typical, the ideal Yankee Land whose steady beating pulse begins to feel the throb of new life; Wilmington, peopled by independent, frugal, honest toilers; Wilmington, stately and fair among her sisters; Wilmington, town of schoolhouses and churches, where education is encouraged and virtue, honor, and intelligence revered; Wilmington, home of men and women on whose eastward-turned faces already falls the dawn of a coming century.
“Wilmington, your mother has called, and her children have heard the call - from East, from West, from North, from South, you have come at her bidding. She has heard of your prosperity in distant cities; of your success on the prairies of the West; of your homes in the sunny South your skill in fields of art; of your wisdom in halls of learning; your eloquence in the pulpit; your triumphs at the bar; your ability in legislative bodies; of your justice and impartiality upon the bench; of your achievements in every department of human industry. All this she has heard and read with pride and satisfaction, yet still she longed to see her children face to face; and former residents, be assured your mother is glad to see you here today. Her hand is stretched out to greet your coming ; her arms of forest-crowned hills circle you about; her horizon of mountains walls you in.
“But friends, since the day you left us the world has not stood still. What wonderful pages of history have been written! What stupendous changes in the affairs of nations! What rapid strides the sciences have made! How discovery and invention have almost revolutionized the economy of society! Man lives more in one decade than in two a half century ago and, measured by transpiring events and his facilities for knowledge and enjoyment, the allotted three score years and ten far exceeds the millennial age of Methuselah.
“Not entirely unmingled with pain is the pleasure of our meeting today. Roll back the tide of years; in the long list of those who went away are many who come not back again. Where are they? Go to the cemetery, and the white stones will tell you where they sleep.
In no sense is this cherished affection for native town disloyalty to your adopted homes. Neither is it detraction of, or disrespect to, our neighbors. It is not that we appreciate other places less, but that we love Wilmington more.
“Citizens of the town, behold your brothers, your sisters, your sons, your daughters, today your invited, your honored guests, in whose hearts the place of their birth, the scene of their childhood clustered about by pleasant memories and hallowed by sacred associations, still lingers as the fairyland they longed to see.
“Citizens of Wilmington, by your request I hail our returned friends; at your command I greet them; with you take their friendly hands in ours, and crown them with our welcome as with flowers.”