Century and a Half (Part 2)

New Ipswich Birthday Anniversary

150th Anniversary (Continued)

Parade and Literary Exercises description 

NEW IPSWICH, N. H., Aug, 28, 1900. 

   The route of the parade was over Walten hill, down Main street, past Clark's Hotel, around Postoffice square, thence to the Congregational Church on the hill where the literary exercises were held. These included an oration by Prof. Charles H. Chandler of Ripon College, Ripon, Wis. Prof. Chandler said, in part:

   "The granite hills welcome us and we heartily return their greeting as the train bears us home, and we press our lips to the clear fountains born amid the crystal rocks. New England tourists are the despair of Alpine guides. 

   "A large portion of those here addressed know the history of the past 50 years. Turning to our early home we expect to renew experiences of youth. The scattered are still of New Ipswich; her past and her future are ours. Her men are among the first in many lines. Appleton Academy, the second oldest institution in the state, contributed to the town's prosperity. Only three of those associated with the exercises of the centennial year are alive: Charles M. Wheeler, Isaac G. Stearns and Roby Fletcher." 

The land grant was fully described. The increase in population was mentioned and the productions of the town enumerated. The speaker said that lives trained in New Ipswich are now giving excellent results in many fields of labor, and that this is a typical Yankee town. There was singing by the Temple quartet of Boston and a poem by Timothy Perry of Brooklyn, N.Y.  Letters and telegrams were read from S. Arthur Bent, the Rev. John S. Brown, Melvin O. Adams, Charles H. Clark, Isaac C. Stearns, Roby Fletcher, the Rev. Perley B. Davis and Edward H. Lawrence.

   After dinner Dr. J. L. Hildredth made a brief speech. 

   Gov. Frank W. Rollins made a very pleasing address upon the ideal home and surroundings and the future building of homes. 

   John Herbert related many anecdotes of the town and the academy. Prof. Chandler entertained the audience with many interesting stories. 

   Mr. R. H. Stearns of Boston related pleasing reminiscences of his schooldays here. Mrs. Hattie P. McKown read a poem by Miss Elizabeth Lincoln Gould. John Preston dwelt upon the home and old associations. 

   After the exercises the procession reformed and marched to the academy campus, where dinner was served. The Governor and staff held a reception in the town hall from 8 to 10 o'clock this evening, followed by a promenade concert and grand ball, which closed the festivities of the day. A large number of the sons and daughters of New Ipswich were in attendance, as well as distinguished guests from many states. 

   The decorations of public buildings and private residences were on an elaborate scale.

Congregational Church

Photo taken August 28, 1900. Gathering to hear the literary exercises.

James Roger diary entry

31st August 1913

Beautiful day; not too warm; wind north west. Mr. Lord preached from text: "Come unto me and be saved all ye ends of the earth” (Isaiah 45:22). Communion after; a good many present. Martha Proctor and Laura Knowlton admitted and baptized.

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