Celebration of the Two Hundred and Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Founding of the Town of Southampton, N. Y.
INTRODUCTION
The Pageant, as it was worked out,
surpassed even the fondest dreams of its originators. The beautiful day made
the setting at the head of Lake Agawam perfect. Every seat on the grand stand
was filled, the parking spaces were crowded, and the rest of the people filled
Pond Lane and lined the shores of the lake for a long distance. If the Pageant
Committee had needed inspiration, the enthusiastic audience would certainly
have furnished it. As one scene succeeded another in perfect rhythm, we could
not believe that these people were the men, women, and children who had given
their time from their daily work or play to make this a success. The community
spirit developed was wonderful! Each part was taken with conviction, one might
almost say reverence, and joy. Nothing that the people of Southampton ever did
yielded such large returns. From the beautiful Dance of the Woods and Waters in
the Prologue to the inspiring vision of Southampton's future citizens — one
hundred tiny children — marching to greet the Spirit of old Southampton and
vowing allegiance to the tradition of her noble past, every part was performed
with zeal and grace. One of the most striking features was the old-time Whale
Rally — a thing that can never be duplicated because it was given by men, every
one of whom had followed the sea in years gone by. The historical scenes were
carefully reproduced, the Interludes were happily planned to give a lightness
and freedom to the pro- gram that left nothing to be desired. As all joined in
singing "America" at the close, there was not one in all the six
thousand witnesses but felt his spirit lifted and dedicated to a larger civic
service and a deeper consciousness of our "goodly heritage." --Abigail
Fithian Halsey
Historic
newspaper and scrapbook images courtesy Lizbeth Halsey White Files,
Southampton Historical Museum Archives and Research Center.
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