July 4th, 1878 Bainbridge, NY

Glorification Day

How It Was Observed in Bainbridge Chenango Co., NY

Bainbridge Republican, July 11, 1878

We hardly know in what manner to give a full account of the proceedings of our late celebration.  Sometimes it is not best to speak the truth, when silence will do just as well.  If the Republican were to say that the programme was carried out in full and a glorious time had, it would say contrary to the verdict of nine-tenths of those who think otherwise. But right here we will state that whatever we have said through the columns of this paper or otherwise we were sincere in, as were also our citizens in making out the programme, and, feel as bad about the "fizzle" of one of our main attractions as can well be imagined. We know not why the balloonist did not make his ascension.  he had received his pay in advance and all expected that his part of the programme would surely be performed, and only to keep the crowd in town was the ascension postponed till a later hour than advertised on the large bills.

 

With the exception of the above, however, the programme of the day was most satisfactorily carried out in a becoming manner.

 

The day was ushered in by a National salute of 13 guns, and the effect of this proceeding was to call up nearly all the small boys of the village, and on every street they manifested their patriotism by the firing off of fire crackers, toy pistols, etc.

 

The bustle and activity of the business streets were apparent at an early hour, and at eight 'clock the people of neighboring towns began to pour in and on the arrival of the morning accommodation train from the east an immense crowd lined the main streets.

 

At 10 o'clock the procession formed in front of the Park Hotel, headed by the Unadilla Cornet Band, and moved to the Village Green where a platform and seats had been erected. After music by the band, the President of the day, Prof A.G. Kilmer, called the assemblage to order and introduced Rev. A.F. Brown, who invoked the divine blessing, after which the declaration of independence was read by Dr. R.D. L. Evans in a very clear and distinct manner.  Next in order came the oration by Hon. N.C. Marvin, of Walton.  It was an eloquent, patriotic, timely and sensitive effort, and gave entire satisfaction, and the frequent applause showed that it met the views of all who had the pleasure of hearing him.  After singing by the Bainbridge Glee Club the assembly was dismissed for dinner.

 

At one o'clock, a match game of base ball for a purse of $25.00 was called, and a nine from Masonville played against the "Ninorfuns" of Bainbridge. The game was very evenly contested.  On the first innings the Masonville club made four scores while our boys received 0.  The Masonville club played well and were two scores ahead when the "Orfuns" were at the bat with two men out on their last inning, but by sharp playing they scored three and were declared victorious with the score standing 17 and 16.  It was a fine game and well umpired by "Jake" Taber.  Time of game three hours and a half.

 

The next attraction was to have been the balloon ascension, but as we have said before, why it went back on us we cannot tell.

 

The large number who stayed to witness the fireworks in the evening were more than paid for their pains, as it is said a finer display was never exhibited in Bainbridge.

 

The Marshals of the day and the police arrangements for keeping order and the prevention of fires were equal to the occasion, and we congratulate all that this much enjoyed and much dreaded occasion has passed so harmlessly and pleasantly.

 

The hotels were very prominently called and in the evening a dance was held at each and both were well patronized.

 

Booths were erected on the Village Green, and ice cream, lemonade, pie, cake, etc. were served.

 

Prof. Moak, with his company of trained grasshoppers, which consisted of about fifteen young boys with false faces on who danced in a fashion of a grasshopper, was a very pleasing and novel attraction.

 

The Unadilla Cornet Band, which furnished music on the occasion, cannot be spoken of too highly.  Considering that the boys only organized a few months ago, it is surprising with what skill they "made the bugle blasts."  Mr. C.M. Thompson a leader of the band, and our citizens will testify as to its capability of not taking no low position with any similar organization in the Susquehanna Valley.  They did their part faithfully and well.

 

There are always people who are perfectly willing and anxious to be entertained, but who will never turn in and help entertain.  If the people of Bainbridge or any other village want a "big time" they must turn in and help make it and not put it on the shoulders of five or six.  It on account of our not having a balloon ascension (for which many no doubt came especially to witness) our celebration be called a failure, be charitable enough not to lay it at the door of those who had it in charge and tried to make it a success, but where we surmise it properly belongs--to the man who furnished a rotten balloon and then left it in charge of an inexperienced boy to make an as--as--well, ass of himself.