Mendon May Day— 1880
Items From Mendon— Editor Leader: Thinking a few lines from our quiet little town would not come amiss, I pen the following and give you a little account of our proceeding on the first of June. The weather was cold and inclement on the first of May, we thought it wisdom to postpone our celebration until the first of June, so that at the same time we could commemorate the Birthday of our late esteemed and much honored President Brigham Young. The day’s amusement began by the Sabbath school children and parents assembling at the “June-pole” which had been erected for the purpose. The assembly was called to order by the Marshal, George W. Baker. A beautiful piece was then sung by the choir entitled “Queen of May,” this was followed by a short speak from the Arch Bishop, Walter Paul. After which he proceeded to crown the queen, Miss Mary T. Lemmon, which was done with great pomp and ceremony. A procession was then formed by the marshal and a nice pleasant walk was made around the public square during which beautiful singing proceeded from the queen and her “maids of honor.” We assembled in the meetinghouse at ten o’clock, a.m. where we enjoyed ourselves hugely in listening to the beautiful speeches, recitations, songs, etc., from our bishop and others. One very noticeable feature of the meeting was the repeating of the “Articles of Faith” in concert by the Sunday school children. We assembled again at the meetinghouse at one o’clock p.m. where the children enjoyed themselves in dancing until ? o’clock. A very plentiful supply of candy was given the children during the dance. At 7:30 p.m. the adults assembled and enjoyed themselves in tripping the light fantastic toe, until twelve o’clock all feeling satisfied with the day’s amusement. The children of the Petersboro precinct joined us in the celebration. By inserting the above in your valuable paper, you would greatly oblige your brother in the Gospel. Alfred Gardner, Mendon, June 2nd, 1880.