Green and white was the color scheme of the decorations displayed by
Miss Grace Pendleton and Miss Ellen Reynolds. Daisies were used to
advantage, and the effect was very pleasing.
To the interest of the parade from the manufacturers’ standpoint, W. H.
J. Moulton & Son contributed largely. Their exhibit was a dray load of
spool bars, shingles, laths and clapboards.
Herbert Mitchell was the driver of a float bearing an old-fashioned
flax pounder and wheel and a rag-carpet loom.
A squad of reapers with sickles was next in order. They were Rufus C.
Danforth, J. H. West, William Hamlin and James Dickey. Following came a
McCormick reaper, driven by George Mosher.
The Unity band appeared in black face, but rendered some lively
selections, notwithstanding. The driver of their float was Herbert
West, and the members of the band who participated were Harry West,
Frank Tozier, Frank Ross, Luville Whitten, Dr. Soule, Shepard Shute and
Seth Pendleton.
A unique feature of the parade was an “automobile.” It was a home-made
affair. From the rear projected a pair of shafts, and in these a horse
was fastened. George Parsons steered the outfit, while Ernest Hogg gave
attention to the source of motive power.
The following, dressed as clowns, occupied the float representing the
old-fashioned trades from Unity Plantation: Perley Getchell, Arthur
Marr, Mott Reynolds, James Bacon, James Brown, George Bickford, Irving
Ryant, F. W. Danforth, H. C. Stover, Herbert Cook and Robert Styles.
Next in order came a well-mounted troupe of “rough riders,” as
follows: Warren Spinney, Fitz Hamilton, Lynne Stevens, Edwin Webb,
Everett Jones, Arthur Goodrich, C. A. Means, A. W. Spaulding, Nelson
Rackliffe, Delmont Gerry, C. W. Willey, H. L. Waning, C. A. Harding,
N. W. Pushor.
“The Barge of State” was a prettily decorated float occupied by
twenty-eight girls. J. A. Winters was the driver.
Six boys constituted the Unity juvenile fire department, and they were
thoroughly equipped with a hand-tub, hose and a ladder.
The last, but not by any means the least, amusing feature of the parade
was A. L. Bennett in diabolical costume, bearing the legend, “And the
devil came also.”
Such was the great parade, which was witnessed by fully 2000 persons.
It was not a mere agglomeration of haphazard contrivances, but it
showed throughout a plan that had been carefully executed. All praise
is due the indefatigable members of the various committees and the
participants.
The literary exercises came at 1.30 P. M. The crowd, now greatly
increased, gathered on the Central House grounds, where the speakers
were to make their addresses. Hon. J. R. Taber presided, and called on
the local pastor, Mr. C. H. Ross, for prayer. President Taber then gave
the historical address, which was followed by President Chase’s address
and the reading of the Centennial Poem.