[Illustration: RECREATION PIER]
There are to be five of these piers in all--two on the west side, and
three on the east.
The pier was opened by the Mayor, amid much merry music and general good
feeling.
At the head of the pier a wooden band-stand had been erected. This was
gaily decked with flags, and filled with chairs for the city fathers,
who were to come and make speeches and give the pier to the people.
Seats had been set aside for the children, and the little ones flocked
to them in hundreds, seeming to feel that this pier was for their
especial benefit. They crowded every entrance, eagerly waiting for the
moment when the city should give the new building to the people.
Presently the Mayor, Colonel O'Brien, and several others walked down the
pier. Colonel O'Brien is the chief of the dock commissioners who have
worked so faithfully to give the people this pleasure.
As the Mayor came down the aisle the little ones cheered and cheered,
and the big people joined them, and waved their handkerchiefs, and it
was quite an exciting moment.
Then the party mounted the decorated stand, and in a few pleasant words
the Mayor presented the gift of the city to the people.
He was followed by several other speakers, among them Mr. John Proctor
Clarke, who said some very nice things to the children.
He began by leaving the benches where the guests were seated, and
walking across the stand until he was as near to the children as
possible, for he said that what he had to say was intended for them, and
not for the grown-ups, and so he wanted them to hear him clearly.
Pages:
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35