Columbus Day – 1982
By Dick Perue
Last week’s Postcard featured the first half of an 1892 Columbus Day celebration in Saratoga. This week, the festivities continue throughout the day.
400-Year Celebration
The concert in the Evening a Very Successful Affair – The Hop That Followed In the Afternoon
The afternoon exercises consisted of addresses by Dr. Huntington, Judge Rowen and Rev. McDonald. The school house was artistically decorated with flags and bunting, and on the center of the blackboard, on the stage, was the national emblem, surmounted by an eagle, and on either side were ships modeled after the crafts of Columbus’ time.
Altogether, it was a most enjoyable day. The little people were in a heaven of enjoyment. Decked out in ribbons and gay attire, with happy hearts and eyes sparkling with excitement, they presented a delightful picture, and one that made the beholders wish each day of their lives might be as unclouded and full of pleasurable excitement as the one they were passing through.
Too much cannot be said in praise of the teachers of our public schools, professors and Mrs. Rollman. Parents have been aware for some time that preparations were on foot to celebrate the day, but no one realized the extent of the work in hand until assembled at the schoolhouse.
The wonder was how so much had been accomplished and so successfully carried out, and the reward of the teachers was the flawless manner in which the day’s program was conducted throughout. It was a truly commendable piece of work, and the people appreciated it. The children will remember the day with great pleasure, for it was not only a day of simple exercise, but a day of education.
In the evening
The concert given by the Ballard Library Association the evening of Columbus Day was a decided success. A great portion of the audience, who appeared at the 11th hour, found standing room only, and scarce at that.
Opening overtures, by Professors Wilcox and Greene were rendered to perfection and followed by a recitation by Ethel Parker, which was well delivered and received wrapt attention from all present.
Next in order was a piano solo by Essie Gibbons, which was beyond criticism, and the talented little lady received a hearty encore.
Little Frankie Brewer appeared for a second time that day to tell the people about “Christopher C” and was loudly applauded.
C. W. Beall had a vocal elephant on his hands, so to speak, but disposed of it in a very creditable manner.
The sweet strains of the guitar, in the hands of Miss Rose Hunt, brought the assembly to a hush that a murmur would have broken. The attention and hearty applause she was tendered undoubtedly paid the young lady for her contribution.
Dr. Johnson’s “Bre’r Rabbit” was a source of great amusement for the children, and even succeeded in drawing the countenance of the older ones out of plum.
Mrs. T. H. Hood rendered a solo with her usual success and a voice that is par excellence.
J. W. Beall did himself proud by the aid of his melodious voice.
J. J. Gibbons served some excellent violin music to the congregation, which was highly appreciated.
Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Beall distinguished themselves at the piano on several occasions during the evening, and their work was highly commendable.
After the concert, the lovers of the ballroom repaired to the Hood block and tripped the light fantastic to the strains of the well-trained instruments of Wilcox and Green.
Refreshments were served in the library by the ladies, and justice was done in this line by all who were not sick abed. Something over $60 was cleared, which will go towards securing a piano for the library.
