THE AFTERMATH
The great event is over, and New Milford has excelled all records and exceeded all anticipations. This might sound egotistical, were it not a fact that it is only the plain truth, and corroborated by the speech of everyone who witnessed the Celebration. Our town stands higher to-day in public estimation than it ever stood before. As we look back, it is not possible to name an event which should have been omitted or a feature which should have been added. A four-days’ celebration has been held, covering every point which such a celebration should cover; dignified and formal, where dignity and formality were appropriate, informal, happy and homelike at all other times.
A celebration very carefully planned, ably financed, and splendidly conducted; with every contingency provided for and the most minute details planned in advance. Our townspeople have shown that they can accomplish great enterprises, for it is the universal verdict of our guests, especially of those who have traveled much and participated in such events, that this was a great enterprise, never equaled in some respects, and never excelled in the matter of perfect appointment. Our townspeople have found, too, that in oratory, music, and literature they have men and women of whom any community may well be proud.
Some special points should be noted regarding the celebration. Perfect order was maintained throughout; during the four days, some sixteen thousand different people have occupied our streets, but, during all that time, there has been no disturbance, no violence or theft, no accident of any kind, and a very noticeable absence of drunkenness. That such admirable order prevailed is a great credit to our town and its visitors, and this community owes a debt of gratitude to the Committee of Public Safety and the selectmen of the town.
Perfect system prevailed, so that every event occurred on time and exactly as planned, with no break or delay at any point. This fact appealed very strongly to our official guests, who had attended other similar events, and knew that delays and unforeseen contingencies almost always arise at such times.
The decorations, public and private, were beautiful and appropriate, and brought the warmest commendation from visitors.
The literary, religious, and historical exercises were of a very high class. Every address and sermon being most appropriate to the occasion and excellent of its kind.
The musical programme was splendidly conceived and carried out, and high praise is due the committee, the chorus, and, especially, Professor Edwin G. Clemence.
The pleasure and success of the Celebration were very largely added to by the presence of Gartland’s Tenth Regiment Band of Albany during the entire four days. Such splendid band and orchestral music was never heard here before.
The Loan Exhibit was a great success; admirably managed and very greatly admired.