A Presidential Visit

In 1776, one hundred years earlier, we had declared our country's independence and started a new Nation called the United States. On Saturday, November 11, 1876, a large number of local Brooklyn Centre and Ohio City citizens gathered within the newly developed grounds of Riverside Cemetery for the purpose of consecrating it as the sacred resting place for present and future generations of Greater Clevelanders. In recognition of this milestone year, "Centennial" was thus deemed an appropriate title for the dedicatory ceremonies.

Guests arrived during late morning by public carriers and private carriages. Dignitaries receiving special invitations met at City Hall where the Association had provided carriages to bring them to the Cemetery. The site for the festivities was a small circular area at the east end of Centennial Ave., a noteworthy 1,000 ft. stretch of straight roadway which extends east from the Chapel. Writings at the time reported Centennial Avenue to be one of the longest straight roadways in a cemetery in the United States. President Josiah Barber called the assemblage to order a few minutes after the noon hour.

The invocation was given by Rev. S. H. Lee, pastor of the Detroit Street Congregational Church, followed by a hymn. The principal dedicatory address was given by one F. T. Wallace, Esq., followed by brief remarks by the Hon. R. C. Parsons. The planting of commemorative trees along Centennial Ave., as well as throughout the other developed grounds, then followed. These trees were planted in honor of persons from civic, political, and professional backgrounds. Most of these trees were elms, and the beautiful elm-lined tree lawns of the four sections bordering the 1,000-foot straight road between the Chapel (west end) and the memorial circle (east end) formed a natural arcade over the street. During the summer a person could walk from one end to the other under the shady canopy of leaves; and if raining, had very little risk of getting wet.

During these activities, the gathering was honored by the arrival of Gov. Rutherford B. Hayes, who had just been elected U.S. President the previous week. After touring the grounds with his escort, State Senator Schenck, he was welcomed by one Hon. Amos Townsend. He responded with a few brief remarks which included a reference to the beauty of the grounds and the "ornament" they added to the city. He then proceeded to plant his assigned tree.

The ceremony concluded and everyone went to the small wood frame office where an informal reception was held. The Governor shook hands and received the congratulations of the eager crowd which gathered around him. His departure thereafter concluded this eventful and historic day in our earliest history.