"Moving Pictures for Thanksgiving."

The Expositor | November 1918

"The history of a typical American village from the coming of the Puritans to the Civil War. (Illustrated by Pathe Moving Pictures of the historical pageant given at Southampton, L. I., last summer in commemoration of the 275th anniversary of the founding of the town. The ancestors of the minister of this church were among these immigrants.)

275th Anniversary of Southampton | 1915

 

"the place for their descendants to possess both freedom of body and mind--Long Island."

Brooklyn Daily Eagle | 14 March 1915

Celebration of the Two Hundred and Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Founding of the Town of Southampton, N. Y.

June 12, 1915

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.

"go forward toward that larger, freer, nobler, happier Southampton that is to be.”

“And so, upon this holiday, Southampton, to you and to the future I commit this charge. Be loyal to the ideals of your past as you go forward toward that larger, freer, nobler, happier Southampton that is to be.”

SINGING OF “AMERICA”

Note on THE PARADE from Lizbeth Halsey White

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.