Memorial Day, Bainbridge NY, 1876

Memorial Day

Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY

The Home Sentinel, Afton, NY, June 3, 1876

 

 

The 30th of May is coming to be regarded as a holiday throughout the land, and the memory of the nation's blood a sacred trust to be kept and transmitted to coming generations.  It is the dress parade of memory--the roll call of the dead.  The citizens of Bainbridge and adjoining towns gave evidence that the day was not forgotten.

 

A procession of the soldiers and citizens formed in the village at nine o'clock under the lead of Capt. E.W. Rogers, accompanied by the Afton Cornet Band, and proceeded to West Bainbridge, where they were met by the Martial Band of that place. A large concourse of the citizens marched to the Cemetery on the hill.  Here the impressive ceremony of decoration was observed.

 

After which all returned to the village and at 2 o'clock formed in front of the Hotel and marched to the Cemetery, led by the Martial Band. An appropriate dirge by the Afton Band hushed all voices and brought all hearts into sympathy, while tears and flowers were mingled in the solemn offering. Appropriate remarks were made by the Martial.  Prayer was offered by Rev. N.S. Reynolds and a Memorial hymn by the Glee Club.

 

The impressive services closed, the soldiers and citizens again formed and marched to the green in front of the Episcopal church, when Rev. L.M.S. Havens, who had served in the army spoke feelingly and eloquently of the past, reminding the soldiers and citizens, the mothers and sisters, fathers and brothers, of their obligation to observe this memorial day.

 

Great credit is due the ladies of Bainbridge for the abundant floral offering presented.

 

The Afton Band called out repeated applause from the multitude gathered to enjoy the Balcony Concert at half past six.  This Band be it remembered is winning merited praise for gentlemanly deportment and superior music.

 

The evening closed in a gathering at Prince Hall, where a rich entertainment of appropriate music and deeply interesting remarks by Dr. Porter, Stephen Holden, Esq. of Sherburne, and others, held the people till a late hour, closing a most beautiful day spent in a manner long to be remembered.