Wilton History 1854-1947

The tribute given by Wilton, Tuesday to the general observance was one that far surpassed anything of the kind ever held in the city. Immense preparations were made by our citizens in the way of decorating the streets and business houses, and even private residences were gaily adorned with the national colors.

Although no particular outburst of enthusiasm greeted the day's dawning, the early presence upon our streets of our people indicated their intention to appropriately observe the day. The heavy rain of Monday night rendered the streets muddy and had a tendency to dampen the ardor of the most patriotic, and this attended by other resultant, but evidently unintentional opposition, would no doubt upon ordinary occasions have caused the most patriotic to abandon due observance, double the preparations having been made to the contrary.

Early the people began to flock into town in wagons, buggies, on horseback and on foot, until Cedar, Fourth and Railroad streets presented a spectacle never before witnessed, even standing room being at a premium---a mass of human beings surging to and fro. Add to this the magnificent display of flags, festoons and archways of evergreens and flowers, the snap of the never absent torpedo, the meeting of friends and the pleasant seemliness of every one, you have a scene that the isolated observer could not help but look upon with pride. Our farmer friends all celebrated this day and celebrated it by attending their own celebration. We have no data upon which to calculate the number present, but take the universal opinion expressed---the largest crowd ever in Wilton at one time.

At nine o'clock our excellent Independent Brass Band appeared upon the streets and by playing national airs brought the people together and at the same time awakened them to the business of the hour. The rain had made the grounds very wet and the question was asked, where shall we celebrate? A meeting of the committee of arrangements was called and it was decided that it would be impracticable to have the exercises at the grounds, and the announcement was immediately made that at one o'clock the exercises of the day would be commenced at the School House Hall. This did not meet with universal approval, for it was manifest that all were desirous of participating, and a place that only gave accommodations for 600 or 700 was not a fit place for twenty times that number to attempt to observe this grand day, and at 11 o'clock the President of the Day, put the question, " shall we celebrate at the grounds?" and the emphatic positive response called forth the order, "form a procession," and in a few minutes Marshal Stevenson, and his energetic assistant, Oscar Shaw, had a line formed on Fourth Street that for gorgeousness of appearance and size was a grand feature of the day. The procession began its line of march and in fifteen minutes the city had assumed its Sunday appearance, so far as the number of people were concerned.

A pleasant ride, made shorter by the music given by the Band, brought the people to the beautiful grounds. Here was found a most attractive place fitted up by nature with the assistance of the committee---the former doing her part by providing an excellent grove of trees covered with her favorite color, a welcome one and the latter completing the decoration with flags and banners. A large stand had been erected, a flag raised to the height of nearly a hundred feet, above the trees, and everything necessary for comfort and enjoyment. As soon as the grounds were reached, the hour having arrived, each person spread the banquet that had been prepared, and the order of the hour was a basket dinner.

After dinner a little incident happened that, at the time caused no little anxiety as to the result. The Band had gathered upon the platform, and of course the usual number of small boys and boys not so small were in attendance. The weight proved too much for the platform and down it came with its precious load. But as no one was hurt, the little excitement it caused soon abated. A platform was hastily made upon a couple of wagons and the business of the afternoon was commenced. The President called the audience together in a few well pointed remarks, extending a hearty welcome to all who had come to participate in the exercises of the day. Judging by the crowd there is much of the spirit of '76 yet in the country. The world is looking upon us with intense interest and we must make a record that will be a credit to a mighty nation.

The Band played "Red, White and Blue," after which Rev. A. G. Martyn offered up a fervent prayer to the Ruler of all nations that he protect and prosper us in the future as he has in the past.

J. Edwin McIntire then read the Declaration of Independence in a clear and intelligent manner. Persons who heard Elder McIntire read the same document twenty years ago at our first celebration, say, that reading Tuesdat was far superior to that of '56. No reflections, of course, upon Mr. Mc.'s ability.

Next "Hail Columbia" was nicely executed by the Band. The orator of the day, Prof. G. S. Bradley, was next introduced and delivered one of the most interesting and instructive orations ever listened to by our citizens.

The history of Wilton was then delivered by Frank Bacon, Esq., and notwithstanding the fact of the short notice this gentleman had, he gave a very full account of our town's history from the first.

Owing to the lateness of the hour but a few of the toasts were responded to. Mr. VanCamp, taostmaster, introduced Capt. Felix W. Doran, who responded to the toast, " The Day we celebrate," in a pleasant manner. He gloried in the fact that we had a day of so much event to celebrate.

Ex-Mayor Harker gave the toast, " The president of the United States," and responded to it in a manner that pleased all.

"The defenders of the Union---May their memories ever be cherished," as a toast, was well cared for by Mr. J. E. Stevenson, whose experience as a defender gave him the requisite knowledge how to speak freely of our brave soldiers.

Robert McGuire spoke of the "Army and Navy." This was a very enthusiastic and inspiring response, and every one listened with intense interest and manifested their feeling by frequent applause.

The Band played another good air and the audience dispersed, and the exercises of the day were over. Everybody came to town and our streets were again almost impassable, so great was the crowd. After the crown had assembled in town the company of Fantastics appeared upon our streets under the leadership of Com. Tonig Baluskino. The animals forming this procession will ever be remembered as the most hideous and ugly looking creatures ever brought together to please a public.

Festivals were now in their height of business and the centers of attraction seemed to be these two places.

The magnificent display of fireworks were gazed upon in wonder by a countless multitude of human beings, and the display was a success so far as perfectness of conducting is concerned, but the sameness of the display was remarked by all---not enough of a variety to keep up the interest long.

In the evening a gay company assembled ar Ross' Hall and under the direction of Prof.Ostrander, enjoyed the pleasure of tripping gayly to the sound of good music until a late hour.

Thus our Centennial Fourth was spent, and it gives no little pleasure to record it as being so much of a success. Not a single case of improper conduct was noted. No drunkenness, no ill feeling, nothing to mar the pleasure of any one. This fact is due to the determination of our officers to rigidly enforce the law. Everybody saw and enjoyed what they will never see or enjoy again---the Centennial observation of American Independence.

After the conclusion of the history of the growth and prosperity of Wilton we add a short history of the Press and each of the several church organizations which are of special importance in all communities, as they reflect the culture and morals of the people.