SINGING OF “AMERICA”
The
parade which succeeded the pageant was, without exception, the most brilliant
spectacle Southampton has ever witnessed. Immediately after the singing of "America," in
which the several thousand present had so heartily joined, the marshal and his
aides on horseback led the way from the park to Monument Square, where the
parade was formed. These, closely
followed by the band, led the line of march, with the veterans and the boys in
blue of the Civil War episode coming after. Then came the pageant characters, each
in their respective groups, marching two and two, led by the Herald and the Spirit
of Southampton, two most impressive figures, each representing so perfectly the
parts represented. Following the pageant characters came the fire department,
with decorated automobiles bringing up the rear.
It was estimated that at least 10,000 people visited
Southampton that day. Almost as many were turned away from the grounds as could
be admitted, and these were lined up along the street to view the parade. The
line of march continued from Monument Square through Job's lane and Main
street, down Bridgehampton road and Elm street to the railroad station, from
thence back by Main street to disband at Monument Square. Crowds were assembled
all along the line, especially on Job's lane and Main street, and cheered most
enthusiastically as each group appeared. From the wood nymphs in the lead to
the hundred children representing the future of America in the final episode,
it was difficult to decide which group received most attention. The Puritans
and Indians were ever popular figures, while the sailor boys and the wedding
party seemed to be especial favorites. The veterans and the boys in blue won
loud applause, while the boys of Southampton's efficient fire department, never
in better form than on this occasion, received their full share of
approval.
It was, indeed, a
beautiful spectacle. The rich colors of the pageant costumes in the fading
light of a perfect June day, made an impression which can never be forgotten by
the many who witnessed it — a day in which a splendid community spirit,
assisted by all which nature can offer at this season of the year, had combined
to make a complete success far beyond the hopes of its promoters. Just a word
as to the author of the pageant, Miss Abigail Fithian Halsey.
A student of history and a native of
old Southampton, for her its local history had always peculiar charm. The idea
of the pageant as the most appropriate way of celebrating the 275th anniversary
had been in her mind for a long time. When her plan was proposed to the
committee in charge of the event, it seemed so much more of an under-taking
than could be carried to ultimate success, that it was thought quite
impracticable; but Miss Halsey’s conviction and enthusiasm won such confidence
that exactly one month before the time for the celebration it was decided to
follow the plan proposed, which was done almost to the letter. The committee was most fortunate in
securing the co-operation of Mr. Robert K. Atkinson, of the Sage Foundation in
Sag Harbor, who, as pageant master, carried out so sympathetically and to such
successful conclusion the event which gave color to a day of celebration which
will be long remembered by all who had participated in it. L. H. W.
Lizbeth Halsey White | June 12, 1915 | Celebration of the Two Hundred and
Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Founding of the Town of Southampton, N. Y.
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