Memorial Day in Bainbridge - 1900

Memorial Day in Bainbridge

Bainbridge Republican, June 6, 1900

Last Wednesday, Memorial Day, was fittingly observed in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] by the H.H. Beecher Post of this village.  The day was partially cloudy, but at other times the sun shone brightly. The order of the exercises of the day began in the morning at 10 o'clock.  The veterans meeting at the Post room, headed by the drum corps, marched to the various cemeteries to decorate the graves of their dead comrades.  The veterans were in full Grand Army uniform and presented an imposing appearance.

At 12 o'clock the veterans again assembled at their Post rooms, and at this time accompanied by the Bainbridge band went in a body to the 12:13 train and escorted the speaker, Hon. Chas. Fuller of Sherburne, to the Central Hotel, after which the old soldiers broke ranks till 1:30 when they again were in marching order and escorted the speaker to Prince Hall, where the chief exercises of the day were held.

At the hall, music was furnished by the band and also by the Grand Army glee club lead by Daniel Banner. The singing was especially fine.  Hon. Chas. A. Fuller then addressed the veterans and the large audience of people who had assembled.

Mr. Fuller's speech was highly commented upon by all who listened to it.  He referred to past events in a touching and sympathizing manner.  He also dwelt upon all the national issues of the day pointing out the course that every honest citizen ought to pursue.  Mr. Fuller certainly pleased the Bainbridge people and there was a general desire that he might speak in Bainbridge again.  Mr. Fuller is a veteran and bears constantly a reminder of his active service in the civil war.  He was a member of the 61st N.Y. Regiment and lost a limb at the battle of Gettysburg.

The camp fire in the evening was also largely attended.  Short speeches were made by Rev.s Reed and Sachett, Hon. Chas. A. Fuller, comrades Perry Rood, A.J. Wilcox and John Fletcher.  All were spicy and well received by the audience.  Music was furnished by the G.A.R. glee club.