TUESDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 23, 1851
Railroad Celebration.
The opening of the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad, better designated perhaps as the “Great Miami Railway,” which took place yesterday, attracted thousands of people to Dayton from the surrounding country. Business was in a great measure suspended, and crowds of spectators on the line of the road were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the trains from Cincinnati long before the hour fixed for their coming. But we are anticipating.
In accordance with the arrangements, a train of cars with 500 passengers left Dayton for Hamilton at quarter past 7, on Thursday morning. The morning was exceedingly pleasant, the party in excellent spirit, a fine road to pass over, and a most important event to commemorate. A ride of two hours and a half through a beautiful country, brought the train to Hamilton. As it passed into town, thousands were assembled to greet its appearance, banners were stretched across the streets, having appropriate inscriptions, and all wore the appearance of festivity and rejoicing. Inspiring music, the thunder of artillery and the shouts of the assembled multitude, made the scene one of thrilling interest and excitement.
Our Hamilton friends had made ample preparations to refresh and entertain their guests from Dayton as well as from Cincinnati.
While awaiting the arrival of the trains from the city, invitations were freely tendered to our citizens by Hon. L. D. Campbell, Col. A. P. Miller and others, to partake of their hospitalities. Many accepted the invitations, and were entertained in the most munificent style.
The trains from Cincinnati having arrived, “the procession” was formed and amidst the booming of the cannon and the shouts of the multitude, the four locomotives, with nearly fifty cars in their trains, were soon under way for Dayton. Proceeding at a moderate speed, all arrived safely in Dayton at half past 2.
In accordance with the Programme, a procession was formed under the direction of Col. Greer, Grand Marshal, which proceeded to the front of the Court House, where the Mayor of the city, John Howard, Esq., in a brief and appropriate speech extended a cordial welcome to our guests. S. S. L’Hommedieu, Esq., the President of the Great Miami Railway, responded in happy terms to the welcome of the Mayor.
The assembly separated for dinner, and all we believe were entertained at public tables, or at the houses of our citizens.