This article, describing New Ipswich’s 150th anniversary in 1900, was reprinted as part of the New Ipswich Historical Society newsletter:
The concert given in front of the Appleton House, Saturday evening, by the Temple band, was a success, and great numbers attended. The expense of the band was defrayed by citizens’ subscriptions.
The advent of Governor Rollins and staff in this town, Tuesday, was a new departure, as the like has never occurred before.
The town is filled with visitors and everyone is most cordially welcomed to partake of the mental feast of pleasure pertaining to our 150th anniversary, which summons to its observance so many sons and daughters of talent, nobility of character and wealth. The day was ushered in with the booming of cannon, the fluttering of banners, the lavish display of bunting, the prominence of “old glory,” the open doors, the cordial welcome, all asserted that New Ipswich had put on her loveliest dress and would spend a gala day in honor of her past and present glories. The various organizations assembled in front of Clark Hotel at 9 AM.
The column was for the chief marshal, Lauriston M. P. Hardy, and aids — Albert F. Walker and Wilbur L. Phelps — in this order: Drum major Thomas E. Kielty, Battery B. Band of Worcester, with 21 men; Capt. Jonas Nutting Post No. 53, G.A.R; president of the day, De. John L. Hildreth; invited guests chaplains-Rev. Cecil F. P. Bancrofts, Rev. Wm. R. Thompson; anniversary committee in carriages, Peterboro cavalry, Lyndebor artillery, [Some Missing Text] … Tiger Engine., citizens with carriages and bicycles
The line of march was past the Homestead Inn and academy over Preston hill to Bank Village, where Gov. Rollins and staff, Gens. A. D. Ayling, W. E. Spalding and H. H. Dudley, Cols. E. S. Head, J. M. Sargent, Sam Lewis and Joseph H. Coit, coming on a private car to Greenville, the delegation being met by a committee of three — John Preston, Frederic W. Jones and Edward C. Marshall — joined the procession, taking position next to the G. A. R. Upon the arrival of Gov. Rollins in sight his salute of 17 guns was fired by the gunners’ squad of the Lyndeboro artillery on the hill near the residence of Mr. Muzzey.
The governor was presented with a bouquet by Mrs. Tabraham in front of her residence. The course of the procession was over Walton hill past the Old Corner Store, thence directly to the Cong. church, where the literary exercises of the day were held. Many houses were beautifully decorated along the route, and Old Glory was given its place of honor.
The father of Old Home week, Gov. Frank W. Rollins, greatly honored this old home historic town, coming crowned with the well-earned laurels of his felicitous oratory during Old Home week, throughout the Granite state.
President J. L. Hildreth called the assemblage to order, and prayer was offered by Rev. Cecil B. F. Bancroft, following which Dr. Hildreth gave his address: then the orator, Prof. Charles H. Chandler of Ripon college, Ripon, Wis.. followed with a brilliant oration containing many of the striking reminiscences of the early days of the town, describing his observations of the centennial of this town when his boyish fancy was entranced by the splendor of the occasion. Mention was made of the leading industries of the present compared with those of 50 years ago. Only three of the main actors in the celebration of 50 years ago now are alive- Charles M. Wheeler, Isaac C. Stearns and Roby Fletcher. The caterers of that day are still living, W. J. Greenman and D. G. Murphy.
The Temple quartet rendered a song, and the poet. Timothy Perry, sang of the days of yore and pictured in imagination the glories of this rock-ribbed town.
Rev. William R. Thompson pronounced the benediction, and the procession formed again in front of the church, marching down the street past the Baptist church, thence to the Academy campus, where a spacious tent received the hungry crowd.
After dinner, the president of the day, with felicitous words, set in flow the wit and wisdom, and letters and telegrams were announced from S. Arthur Bent, Rev. John S. Brown, Melvin O.. Adams, Isaac C. Stearns, Roby Fletcher, Rev. Perley B. Davis and Edward H. Lawrence, and several were read.
Gov. Rollins gave a fine address upon the formation and making of the ideal home and all its beautiful surroundings of gardens and flowers. The white birch he calls “the lady of the woods.” John Herbert of Boston related a fund of anecdotes and stories sandwiched with humor and witticisms. He eulogized the students of Appleton Academy, and said that the seed sown in the educational garden will bud and blossom and furnish a bountiful fruitage of intellect.
The orator of the day, Prof. Charles H. Chandler, convulsed the audience with his humorous stories and ready wit, which embalmed the tales of bygone days.
The Temple quartet then sang and were heartily encored. R. H. Stearns of Boston, the able and venerable merchant, related his early experiences in this town. Miss Elizabeth Lincoln Gould’s poem, prepared for the occasion, was read by Mrs. Hattie P. McKown with a most melodious voice. John Preston, a representative of a family name long connected with the town’s history, spoke very felicitously of home and old associations.
The governor’s reception in the town hall was a brilliant affair, and large numbers availed themselves of the opportunity to greet the chief magistrate and his staff, who, later on, joined in the mazy dance. Beautifully dressed ladies and splendidly arrayed men filled the crowded hall, and a corps of affable and ready ushers performed escort duties.
The day’s festivities closed in a blaze of glory, which enhanced the occasion and made the hearts of all visitors thrill with gladness. The governor and staff, as well as many of the visitors, left early Wednesday morning on the cars.