Ashtabula County, Ohio - Chapter 13: Ashtabula Township - Continued, 1924 (part 2 of 2)

The ceremonies attending the unveiling of the completed monument were held in conjunction with the Grand Army of the Republic and constituted the most elaborate Decoration day demonstration ever made be- fore or since in this city. The exercises of the day began with a procession consisting of relatives, friends and invited guests, mayor and city council, | lodges, visitors, fire companies and other organizations, and included the personal appearance of the famous old war horse, "Ned," which animal's presence had been secured for the day. The procession was formed at North Park at 1 p. m. and, headed by Maj. Frank Viets, as marshal for the occasion, and the Citizens' Band, of Painesville, the line of march was through the business section to Chestnut Grove Cemetery, where it rested in a circle surrounding the monument.

The Hon. Henry Fassett, as president of the day, assumed charge of the ceremonies at the cemetery, attending the unveiling of the shaft. The program was opened with a prayer, following which 'Lucien Seymour, of the committee, gave a short address and, at the close of his remarks, pulled the string that unfurled the flag from around the monument.

At this instant there occurred a phenomenon which seemed to imply that Dame Nature wished it known that she appreciated the import of the occasion. It was a terrifically hot day, with scarcely a breath of wind to break the monotony of the.oppressive heat. As Mr. Seymour pulled the rope, the flag hung limp about the shaft for a few seconds, then, as if to assist in the effectiveness of the occasion, a strong gust of wind came from out of the clear sky, which spread the flag so that it stood straight out from the monument and formed a veritable canopy above the throng of bystanders. The occurrence seemed to impress every witness.

The Hon. Harry A. Garfield and the Hon. J. H. Hoyt, of Cleveland, were speakers for the occasion, and the Emerson Male Quartet and the band furnished the music.

During the ceremonies at the cemetery, the locomotive "Columbia", which was the one ahead of the ill-fated train, that poised on the brink of the chasm, occupied a position on a sidetrack near the cemetery, appropriately draped.