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Gulf War Notebook (1991)

Gulf War Notebook (1991)

By Paul Marion

In early 1991, I was a freelance writer and editor, often working at home, which was the case during the early days of the Gulf War in the administration of President George H. W. Bush. I was drawn in to the media coverage. This was very much a television war with round-the-clock news reports and regular live appearances by military spokespeople. There has been so much battling in the Middle East since the 9/11 attacks that the Gulf War has receded from a lot of our memories. Given the current crisis involving Iran, I thought there may be some interest in this personal journal. There is a local connection through the Raytheon company. Some of the passages seem very current. Under its leader Saddam Hussein, Iraq had invaded Kuwait in late 1990, claiming its neighbor was stealing oil underground. The world community organized a 42-nation alliance to eject Iraq from Kuwait under the banner of Operation Desert Storm. By March 1991, Kuwait was liberated, but the trouble with Iraq continued in the form of no-fly zones and other friction, culminating in the U.S. and partners taking on Iraq again in 2003 for a protracted struggle. —PM

Gulf War Notebook (January-March 1991), An Excerpt

Feb. 15. Iraq’s Revolutionary Command Council says Iraq is prepared to withdraw from Kuwait in compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 660. The offer is linked to an overall Middle East conflict settlement, including the Palestinian issue. U.S. officials are skeptical about this announcement. Military operations continue. The Coalition leaders (U.S., France, Great Britain, and Saudi Arabia) reject the proposal.

On his way to his vacation home in Kennebunkport, Maine, President George H. W. Bush stops in Andover, Massachusetts, to visit the Raytheon Company plant that manufactures the Patriot missile, “the Scud-buster.” Each missile costs $1.1 million. I’m listening live on National Public Radio as the crowd chants, “USA! USA! USA!” With the President are Mrs. Bush and Massachusetts Governor William Weld. George Bush attended Phillips Academy in Andover; he was born in this state. The announcer says, “Welcome to Raytheon in Andover, Massachusetts. This is the home of the Patriot Missile.” And then the national anthem plays. The President at this moment is about 15 minutes away from me by car—about twelve miles up Route 133. A minister from Harvard University offers an invocation. “Let us pray. Keep us mindful of those who are facing danger for our sake.” Another speaker says it fills him with pride to see the missile perform magnificently in the service of our country. He calls it the best equipment that American technology can produce.

Tom Phillips, Chairman of Raytheon, says, “Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States,” and the President begins speaking: “I view it as an honor to be here, the home of the men and women who build the Scud-busters. Earlier today our hopes were lifted, and I expressed regret that the Iraqi statement was a cruel hoax. Iraq must withdraw without conditions, and there will be no linkage to other problems in the area. (applause) The legitimate government must be returned to Kuwait. The Coalition will continue its efforts to force compliance with the U.N. resolutions, every one of them. (applause) The Iraqi people can take matters into their own hands and force Saddam Hussein to stop, and then comply with the resolutions. We have no argument with the people of Iraq. Our differences are with that brutal dictator in Baghdad. I’m going to stay with it. We are going to prevail, and our soldiers are going to come home with their heads high.”

The President refers to the split-second accuracy of the Patriot missile-defense system. Since mid-August, Raytheon has been running three shifts a day, seven days a week, building Patriots in Andover. “The Patriot works because of patriots like you,” says the President, “and I came to say thanks to each and every one of you.” This is a triumph of American technology, he continues, that is pushing forward the bounds of progress critical to our competitiveness. He praises the men and women who operate the system in the field. Describing the Patriot, experts say it is like shooting a bullet with a bullet, a revolution in air defense. Critics said the system was plagued with problems, but they have been shown to be wrong. The Patriot is 41 for 42—of the 42 Scuds engaged, 41 have been intercepted. George Bush says the word “Scud” like he’s spitting out bad food. He says, “Missile defense threatens no one. We know this is a dangerous world. All it takes is one renegade regime to target innocent civilians.” He says he is less impressed by theories than he is by nations with the strength and will to defend themselves.

“Thank God for the Patriot missile. Operation Desert Storm is on course and on schedule. We will control the timing of this engagement, not Saddam Hussein. Make no mistake about it, Kuwait will be liberated. A tyrant’s attempt to rain terror from the sky has been blunted. President Woodrow Wilson said, ‘In war there are a thousand forms of duty.’ May God bless our troops and their families and the United States of America!” (cheers, applause, cheers, shouting).

Feb. 16. Day 31 of the Gulf War. “We continue to strike and re-strike strategic targets,” says the day’s briefer. There were 700 sorties in KTO (Kuwaiti Theater of Operations) today. “We continue to interdict lines of communication and supply.” As of today, 29 Coalition aircraft have been lost in combat (20 U.S. and nine allied). On the Iraqi side, 42 aircraft have been lost in combat, 36 fixed wing and six helicopters. So far, 65 Scuds have been launched.

Feb. 18. Iraq is considering a new plan offered by the U.S.S.R. The Coalition continues to prosecute the war. The first mine damage to Coalition ships has been reported: two U.S. ships damaged. In England, two bombs exploded, killing one person and injuring 40 others. The IRA is suspected as being responsible. In Amherst, Massachusetts, a young man burned himself to death in a war protest. He doused himself with paint thinner and set himself on fire. He left a peace sign next to his body. This reminds me of the self-immolations during the Vietnam War. The man who set himself on fire was the son of two Boston Globe reporters.

Feb. 20. Peace negotiations intensify. The U.S.S.R. is pressing its plan. An Iraqi official flew to China. Iran says Iraq is ready to withdraw from Kuwait unconditionally. The Allies keep attacking. President Bush says he is grateful for the U.S.S.R.’s attempts, but feels the plan is still not acceptable. There have been ground engagements along the Saudi-Kuwait border. Iraqi forces were heavily damaged. The U.S. casualties: 1 KIA (Killed in Action), seven wounded. In one attack on a bunker complex by U.S. helicopter and security forces, 400 EPWs (Enemy Prisoners of War) were taken.

Feb. 22. President Bush gives Iraq until tomorrow noon EST to withdraw from Kuwait or a ground offensive will begin. Bush says Iraq has started a scorched earth policy in Kuwait with some 160 of 900 oil wells set on fire. He says the U.S.S.R. proposal is not acceptable to the Allied Coalition.

Feb. 23. 11.45 a.m. Peter Arnett of CNN reports live from Baghdad. A night-lens green sky over Baghdad is lit with anti-aircraft fire. One minute to 12 o’clock noon—CNN broadcasts commercials on teacher recruitment, car sales, a tool supply company, and an investment firm.

Noon. Live from the United Nations in New York City, there is a report that the Iraqi foreign minister has responded positively to the Coalition “statement.” Live from Tel Aviv, Israel, CNN broadcasts a scene with air raid signals sounding an alarm for a Scud missile attack. The U.N. Security Council is in session. The United States Ambassador to the U.N., Thomas Pickering, wants Iraq to clarify its response to the ultimatum. Live tv from Baghdad shows bombs exploding. Live from the White House, the word is that there is nothing to report as the deadline passed. “We are monitoring the situation.” The President and Secretary of State are at Camp David. At noon, there is a huge explosion near the Baghdad hotel where the CNN crew is based—probably a cruise missile. Kuwaiti resistance fighters report that Iraqi soldiers are killing Kuwaiti civilians. They report “atrocities.”

Peter Jennings of ABC-TV says “We don’t know if the ‘mother of all battles’ is about to begin, but Saddam Hussein now finds himself in the mother of all corners.” The U.S.S.R.’s Foreign Minister says the Iraqi minister agreed to some of the conditions in President Bush’s ultimatum. Everyone is waiting for an authoritative statement about this from the U.N. The Pentagon reports that Coalition forces are jamming Iraqi military radio frequencies—usually a prelude to an invasion.

10 p.m. EST. President Bush announces that he has authorized General Norman Schwarzkopf to use all force necessary to eject Iraqi forces from Kuwait. CBS News reports that Coalition forces are six to eight miles inside Kuwait. In Israel, violinist Isaac Stern played to an audience wearing gas masks after an air raid siren sounded. The orchestra left the stage, but Stern played on alone. All history is biography, someone wrote. “This will not stand,” Bush warned last August.

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From Union River: Poems and Sketches by Paul Marion © 2017 (Bootstrap Press, Lowell)

Barbers and Barbershops

Barbers and Barbershops

By Leo Racicot

One of my favorite trips with Papa was when he’d drive the old Plymouth up to Cupples Square to Dick the Barber’s, to have my hair cut. Dick would give dad a quick clean-up then Papa would lift me up into the same barber’s chair for my usual crewcut (the style in those days). I liked Dick and I liked his shop which always smelled so clean and nice. I liked hearing him and Papa joke and laugh with each other and sometimes with the other customers. When I was through, Dick always handed me a lollipop “for being such a good soldier”.    After Papa died, the trips to Dick’s stopped; Ma wouldn’t let me walk all the way from home to Cupples Square by myself. She found a place for me on Merrimack Street across from Pollard Library. It had two barbers, George and Jimmy. At first, she’d walk me over there but as I grew older, I’d walk there by myself, feeling very grown-up and self-directed. No offense to Jimmy but George was my favorite of the two. Whenever I reached the shop, I’d peek in the window and if George was busy with a customer and Jimmy was available, I’d take a walk around the block and come back when I saw that George was free. He was a handsome Greek man, good-natured in a way Alan Young’s Wilbur Post was good-natured on the television program, Mr. Ed, which I watched regularly at home. I liked George’s crisp, unwrinkled barber’s frock and the crisp sounds of his scissors as he clipped my too-thick hair (in those days, my hair was so bushy and full, peers used to think I was wearing a hat. “Nice hat, Leo!”  “That’s my hair!”).  Now, when I look in the mirror, I ask myself, “Hair??  What’s hair?!!”)   I patronized George’s for a few years before he went out-of-business and, as is the case with barbers and hair stylists, there seems always to be the periodic need to find a replacement shop.      I was walking one day on Broadway Street near Olympos Bakery when I spied a barbershop pole and was surprised to find Jimmy inside. He’d opened his own place after George’s closed. Happy to find a familiar face, I made him my barber from then on. But there was something “off” about Jimmy and his shop as time went on; the phone was always ringing off the hook, shady characters walking in, handing a quick envelope or notebook to Jimmy, then walking out — without having their hair cut. It became obvious to me, and to others, that Jimmy was a bookie and had turned his barbershop into his base of operations. I got a kick out of this; it seemed like something in a movie and when I thought about it, Jimmy did have the look and demeanor of a thug. It was fun having my hair cut by my own “Jimmy the Greek” whom I’d read about in the newspapers. Jimmy the Greek had made a name for himself in sports handicapping and analysis. The rumor mill had it Jimmy was up on charges of bookmaking. I used to go home and tell my mother, “I’’m having my hair cut by a gangster!”, exaggerating. Jimmy eventually closed up shop, or moved to Vegas, or wound up in the hoosegow, or something like that. Then, it was time to — “What else??” — find another barber. For a while, I made do with whatever place was advertised. I tried Supercuts (too cookie cutter), Boston’s Lord’s and Lady’s (too expensive), Blaine’s Salon in downtown Lowell (where you played guinea pig for haircutting trainees — too risky — one time I left there looking like someone who’d stuck his finger in an electric socket). Luck finally led me to Ket’s Salon on Worthen Street; Ket’s prices were reasonable and she was an absolute hoot. “You come in like “The Walking Dead”, now — I make you Brad Pitt!”  followed by a laugh unlike any I’d heard — a combination of a giggling mini-fountain and Goldie Hawn. Ket always sent me out the door feeling good about life and about myself.  I showed up one day for “the usual” and found Ket gone, her shop replaced by a Nail and Spa business. She’d never said she was moving on. I am so upset with that girl because — she sent me out again on my endless odyssey to find a barbershop (Ulysses himself never searched this many times). I walked the city, searched the Internet for a new shop, had my hair cut at all three of the shops on lower Bridge Street — nope!  Went to a place where all I got out of that experience was a head full of lice, had to ask my doctor for Kwell Lotion! — and more than a couple of places which, when I found them, found they, too, had gone belly up. In fact, for a time, it seemed like Lowell had become a ghost town of old, defunct barbershops. I did like coming across Magic Barbershop on Broadway Street near UML’s South Campus. The shop had the old-fashioned look and feel of the barbershops I knew as a kid, or of Floyd the Barber on The Andy Griffith Show. But all the barbers spoke only Spanish. Not knowing much of what they were saying, nor they, what I was muttering about, the unavoidable language barrier became an issue. Nice fellows though…  Two years ago or so, I was riding the city’s #7 Pawtucketville bus to the hospital when it passed a shop on University Avenue with a sign reading Professional Barbers. I found them online, booked an appointment and have been a customer of Tyler ever since. Tyler, an amiable, young man has followed in the footsteps of his barber dad, Jim, who opened his operation in the early 1980s. So, it’s a well-established business. Jim, who’s semi-retired, passed his shop on to Tyler who’s young and vital enough that hopefully, he’ll be keeping his doors open for years to come, more years than I’ll be needing haircuts.

A typical barbershop in the 1950s

The real Jimmy the Greek

Old Fashioned Barbershop with Barber Pole

Me (Leo) with my hat hair

Ket’s Beauty Salon

Ket of Ket’s Beauty Salon

Jim and Tyler Rutledge

George Kaologeropoulos

Blaine Hair School in downtown Lowell

Benicio at Magic Barber Shop

Seen & Heard: Vol. 9 

Book Review: Running Deep: Bravery, Survival, and the True Story of the Deadliest Submarine in World War II by Tom Clavin. This book is about the USS Tang, a US World War II submarine operating in the Pacific. Tang sank more ships than any other US submarine during the war. However, on October 24, 1944, at the end of its most successful cruise, its 24th and final torpedo malfunctioned. Immediately after leaving the sub, the torpedo went into a tight turn that within seconds caused it to hit the surfaced submarine which fatally damaged the vessel and caused it to rapidly sink. A handful of crew members who had been topside, including its captain, Richard O’Kane (from New Hampshire), were thrown into the water and survived. Due to water tight doors, nearly three dozen crew were alive within the sunken sub which came to rest 180 feet from the ocean’s surface. About a dozen of those men used the escape hatch and emergency breathing gear to leave the submerged sub. Only five of them survived. Topside, a Japanese ship picked up the survivors who were incarcerated in a brutal prison camp for the remainder of the war. All survived, but just barely. After liberation and recuperation, the men tried to get on with their lives. Commander O’Kane was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The author explains that of all the methods of military service during World War II, being onboard a submarine was the deadliest with 1 out of 5 sailors who served in subs perishing during the war. This was a fascinating book that shows how these submarines operated and how the crews showed enormous courage in performing their duties despite the peril. And of course there’s a Lowell connection: The author explained that another US submarine, the USS Tullibee, also was sunk by its own torpedo. One sailor who was topside was thrown in the water, was rescued, imprisoned and liberated at the end of the war. He explained what had happened. One member of the crew who perished was Torpedoman Paul Vigeant of Lowell, Massachusetts. 

Movie Review: Train Dreams – I watched Train Dreams on Netflix this week, mostly because it is nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars. I thought it was a tremendous movie although I’d rate One Battle After Another and Sinners above it in the Best Picture race. Set in Idaho in the early 20th century, the film follows an itinerant logger who starts a family but follows the seasonal work. Tragedy strikes midway through the movie and he is left to carry on. Much of the movie dips into philosophy, how humans fit within the natural world, and the impact of modernization. When the movie finished, I wondered what else it was about. A promotional ad which said, “Train Dreams is about the big picture of existence itself and finding our place in it – the small moments of life that accumulate into the immensity of all we are.” The same ad praised the movie’s cinematography (it’s nominated for an Oscar for that, too). Retracing the movie in my mind, there were plenty of scenes of scenery that likely packed more punch on a big cinema screen than on my family room TV. (Still, the convenience of watching the film at home outweighed the loss of a big screen for me.) Here’s how Alissa Wilkerson finished her NYT review: “The grand sweep of our lives, “Train Dreams” suggests, is the sort of thing we can only begin to understand when we’re reaching life’s end, and even then we may only grasp it dimly. Like the boots nailed to the tree, human life is fleeting in the face of the earth’s long life span, the forests that were there before we existed and will still be there long after we’re gone, if we don’t tear them apart first.”

Globe Arts One Special Thing – MIT’s Deepfake about a Moon Disaster – In Sunday’s Globe Arts section, Mark Feeney wrote about an AI created “deepfake” film from the MIT Museum. When US astronauts first went to the moon, no one was sure if they would survive. In case they didn’t, speech writer William Safire composed remarks for President Richard Nixon to give in the aftermath of the tragedy. The astronauts survived and the speech was never given, but its text survives. MIT has taken that text and, using artificial intelligence, has created a “deepfake” short film of President Nixon “giving” the speech on TV. The film is on YouTube. The early parts are actual documentary footage but the end has Nixon reading the Safire-written speech. It looks disturbingly realistic and provides a glimpse of the challenges we confront from the ability of AI to distort reality at a time when Americans have proven quite capable of disturbing reality without any boost from AI. 

Digital Newsletter: Platformer – I subscribe to Platformer, a digital newsletter founded by Casey Newton, a prominent technology journalist. The newsletter covers the intersection of big tech and democracy. Last week’s newsletter, “The authoritarian AI crisis has arrived,” covers the Pentagon’s fight with the AI company Anthropic. That company is one of several that have publicly available AI models. Antropic’s model is called Claude; others include OpenAI’s ChatGPT” and Google’s Gemini. Thus far, only Claude has been permitted to operate on classified networks operated by the Pentagon. Anthropic is also seen as the most restrained and socially responsible company in the AI field which is at the root of its dispute with Secretary of War Hegseth. Anthropic insists that it must limit Claude’s ability to perform “autonomous killings” (as in the AI directs a weapons system to kill someone without any human agency involved) and also Claude’s ability to conduct mass surveillance of residents of the United States. Hegseth is outraged by these limitations and insists that Anthropic must allow Claude to perform “any lawful” use. Of course since there are no laws limiting the use of AI, that just means that Hegseth can use the AI model to do anything he wants including killing people on its own and do mass surveillance of the regime’s “enemies.” In retaliation, Hegseth has declared Anthropic to be a “supply chain” risk which means the Pentagon can no longer do business with Anthropic, but also that any other companies that do business with Anthropic will also be banned from doing business with the Pentagon.

Speeches, songs, poems, prayers and much more

Speeches, songs, poems, prayers, concerts, dances, lights, pushes, shoves and much more! – (PIP #99)

– Louise Peloquin

      Celebrations have changed but the message is still Happy Birthday Lowell!

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 L’Etoile – Front page March 2, 1926

LOWELL CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL IN SPLENDID STYLE

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WITH WIDESPREAD AND INDESCRIBABLE ENTHUSIASM A FEW THOUSAND PEOPLE CELEBRATED YESTERDAY THE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDATION OF LOWELL – MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM WAS CRAMMED AT THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON CEREMONIES AND THE GRAND EVENING BALL

 —————

FETE FOR THE SCHOOLCHILDREN

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Former Lowellian Frederick Roy Martin and Miss Amy Baker spoke to 6000 schoolchildren at the High School Auditorium and hall.

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Songs and Music

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     Approximately 6000 boys and girls from Lowell High School and public and parochial schools participated yesterday morning in the ceremonies marking the opening of Lowell’s centennial celebration. There were two large gatherings – one at Memorial Auditorium and the other at the High School Cyrus W. Irish Auditorium.

      At two locations, the same program included Frederick Roy Martin’s speech and Miss Amy Baker’s recitations. The High School band, directed by John J. Giblia, performed at the Auditorium while the High School orchestra, directed by Frederick O. Blunt, played at the High School.

     Principal Henry H. Harris served as master of ceremonies at the Auditorium and Moody Street School principal William H. Green was master of ceremonies at the High School. Among the guests of honor, we noted Mayor John J. Donovan, Superintendent of schools Hugh Molloy, Mr. George M. Harrigan, John A. Hunnewell, Charles L. Marren and Joseph A. Gagnon, Centennial Committee directors. They all attended the Auditorium ceremony then went to the High School. Other honored guests were Brother Francis S.M., director of St. Joseph High School, Brother Clarence, O.F.X. of St. Patrick school and members of the morning organization committee.

     Lowell High School graduate and Carney Medal recipient Frederick Roy Martin, was principal speaker. He was also major of the High School military battalion. Since that time, he has served as president of Associated Press and is now general manager of Appleton and Co.

     In his speech, Mr. Martin praised New England’s education system and the teachers who devote themselves daily for the good of the youth.

     Miss Amy Baker is a graduate of the Barnum School and of Lowell High School. She enjoys nationwide recognition for the quality of her recitations.

     At the end of the program, the children sang the national anthem.

     Besides these two events, special programs took place in all public and parochial schools. After the ceremonies, the students were dismissed for the day.

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AFTERNOON CEREMONY

     __________

Governor Fuller, Mayor Donovan, president Stearns and Mr. Molloy retrace the past, the present and look to the future.

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     A Most Beautiful Program

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     Yesterday, Lowell and friends celebrated one century of development and progress. With its distinguished guests and participants from neighboring cities and villages, the afternoon program at Memorial Auditorium was most attractive. The building was packed and a crowd of people were not able to enter. It was not a celebration for self-congratulations. Far from it. Although congratulations were addressed, the speakers insisted on the importance of preparing the second centennial. During the celebration, Lowell looked back on its sons and daughters who created this flourishing manufacturing city and also remembered those who reached honorable positions and contributed to Lowell’s fame in the United States and in the world.

THE GOVERNOR GIVES A WARNING

     Governor Alvan T. Fuller reminded Lowell of its responsibilities by stating that nowadays “certain famished Praetorian Guards” insist on having special concessions just as Cesar did before the fall of the Rome.

     “From all sides and in violation of sacred principles, civil servants from villages, cities and States are begged and directed to grant favors and special concessions to individuals and groups.

     Conventional individuals will say that the people have good intentions. That is true. I believe that most people have good intentions. However, you will remember that a certain place is paved with good intentions. As Roosevelt said, ‘A good number of people have good intentions but their good intentions are weak.’ “

SPEAKER OF THE DAY HUGH J. MOLLOY

     Special guest speaker Hugh J. Molloy spoke at length about Lowell’s development. He explained how many ethnic groups contributed to bringing the city to its present state of prosperity and continuing success. He treated the subject in an academic manner and spoke elegantly. His mastery of the topic reflected extensive research into archives and quotations from famous historical figures. He paid hommage to individuals and groups who actively played a part in developing this country and this city.

     Master of ceremonies Frank P. Stearns, president of the Centennial Committee, enthusiastically pleaded in favor of adopting a civic vision. Mr. Stearns was especially at ease as master of ceremonies and he pleased the afternoon audience by presenting the Lowell-born participants.

HE DIRECTED HIS COMPOSITIONS

     Renown composer George W. Chadwick conducted two of his own compositions: “The Anniversary Overture”, performed by a group of 45 Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians  and “The Pilgrims”, a ballad sung by the choir accompanied by the orchestra. Mr. Chadwick received warm, well-deserved applause.

     Centennial poet Mr. Ralph H. Shaw, son of Benjamin F. Shaw, inventor of the Shaw machine to make socks, read his poetry with a great deal of emotion and passion.

     His Eminence Cardinal O’Connell, one of Lowell’s most distinguished sons, could not be present for the festivities but sent a moving message expressing his devotion for his hometown. In his message, he also denounced those who have ungratefully exploited Lowell.

     PART OF HIS EMINENCE’S MESSAGE

     Here are several paragraphs of Cardinal O’Connell’s message:

     “The memory of my hometown has always been dear to me. Nonetheless, I regret having seen Lowell badly recompensed by those who have extracted the most substantial advantages from its industries and prospects.

     If those who owe something to Lowell want to take advantage of the centennial celebration in order to give back, materially, a portion of the profits obtained from its hard-working industrialists, the city would only receive what it justly deserves.”

     The message was read by President Stearns who said that the Cardinal had given the centennial directors an interview of more than an hour expressing his deepest regrets for not attending the celebration.

     YESTERDAY THE MAYOR SPOKE OUT

     Mayor John J. Donovan was the first speaker. In his words, he contemplated the city’s rapid growth and expressed gratitude for its sons and daughters who have made Lowell the queen city it is today. He also cast a glimpse on the future and called attention to the cooperation required for success.

     Shortly after 2:00, the program began. City servants, members of the Legislature and guests of honor took their seats on the platform built for the occasion at the foot of the stage. The orchestra and the choir were placed at the top of the platform.

     THE PRAYER

     After an orchestra piece, Rev. Appleton Grannis, Saint Ann Church pastor, pronounced the prayer. Here it is in part:

     “God, our Father, we render you great hommage and heartfelt thanks for having inspired the hearts of your servants the founders of this city for establishing here the great industries which have so greatly helped alleviate our burdens and multiply our goods. We thank you for the faith, the courage and the boldness of the pioneers of a difficult enterprise…

     We thank you because our dependence upon your goodness and your favors has been so fully recognized in places of worship dedicated to your honor and your glory…

     We thank you for these devoted individuals who were promoters of our public school system knowing very well that democracy must be built on the knowledge that religion without education degenerates into superstition and also that education without religion is useless…

     We also remember those who serve their city and their State today by generously giving of their time and their talents.

     We also remember those who, responding to the call of their country, sacrificed their lives to right ancient wrongs…

     We ask for your blessing upon those to whom you have given the power to govern this city and State in order that their work may be done with honesty, integrity and with total regard for the well-being of all. In the years to come, we pray to discover individuals of character and ability among us who will accomplish their duty without fear and without bias, for your honor and your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

THE ORCHESTRA PROGRAM

     The Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by A. Jacchia, played the prelude to the 3rd act of Wagner’s “Lohengrin”, the finale of Tchaikovsky’s 4th symphony and the finale of Herbert’s “American Fantasy”. The orchestra also accompanied the choir directed by Eusebius G. Hood, another Lowell son.

     The choral sang Handel’s “Hallelujah chorus”, Faust’s “Soldiers’ chorus” and George W. Chadwick’s “The Pilgrims.” The Masonic Choir sang Kreutzer’s “Shepherd’s Sunday Song” and Geibel’s “Home Sweet Home.”

     At the end of the last orchestra piece, the choir and the audience sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” Rev. John J. McGarry, D.L.C. gave the blessing.

SALUTATIONS FROM LAWRENCE

     One of the afternoon’s pleasant episodes was Lawrence Mayor Walter T. Rochefort reading a message expressing congratulations and wishes for a prosperous future from the people of Lawrence, further to a Lawrence City Council vote.

     We noticed the following on the platform during the ceremonies:

     Ralph H. Shaw, centennial poet; Hugh J. Molloy, speaker of the day; representative Edith Nourse Rogers; Mayor John J. Donovan; Rev. Appleton Grannis; Rev. John J. McGarry, D.L.C.; Honorable James B. Casey; Honorable Dennis J. Murphy; Honorable Perry D. Thompson; president Frank K. Stearns; George W. Chadwick; and governor Alvan T. Fuller and his suite.

A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE IN THE CITY

     The whole city took on a festive atmosphere for the day. American Legion flags decorated the principal streets. Schools and many businesses closed their doors for the afternoon.

     Lowell High School regiment officers ushered those who came to the Auditorium and Boy Scouts distributed programs.

     Major Percy J. Wilson, master of ceremonies, was assisted by captains Donald R. McIntyre, James F. Conway, Joseph Reilly and George Walsh as well as commander Robert Ginivan from Legion Post 87.

     Here is the list of guests of honor:

GUESTS

     Governor Alvan T. Fuller and his staff.

     Mrs. John Jacob Rogers, representative.

     The State Legislation delegation: representatives Victor F. Jewett; Henri Achin, Jr.; Charles H. Slowey; Cornelius J. O’Neill; Daniel F. Moriarty; Patrick Nestor; senator Walter Perham; senator Wells; president and senator Cregg.

     Mayors of neighboring cities: Malcolm E. Nichols, Boston; Ralph H. Bauer, Lynn; Thomas M. Duffy, Woburn; Edwin R. Hathaway, New Bedford; Walter T. Rochefort, Lawrence; Winfield Temple, Marlboro.

     Selectmen of suburb villages: Ralph H. Adams, Chelmsford; R.W. Darris and Mrs. Darris, Chelmsford; B.R. Currier, Tyngsboro; John E. Ford, Dracut; Irving F. French, Tewksbury; William H. Kelley, Tewksbury; Frank L. Furbush, Westford; Burton D. Griffith, Westford; William R. Taylor, Westford; Thomas F. Sheridan, Billerica; George N. Rigby, Chelmsford.

     Organization heads: Francis J. Good, Massachusetts American Legion department; Charles A. Flanagan Massachusetts Spanish-American War department; H.N. Comey, Massachusetts G.A.R. department; Asa Stickney Lowell Sons of Veterans.

     Individuals: Col. J.F.J. Herbert, Worcester; William J. Blake, Veterans bureau regional director; Postmaster X.A. Delisle; Holder Abbott; Charles F. Ayer; Nellie G. Barry; Kirk Boott; Ralph Saw; George W. Chadwick; Rev. McGarry; Rev, Appleton Grannis; Fannie A. Thompson; Dr. Pillsbury; Miss Adelaide Baker; Amy Baker; Virginia Tanner; Alice Rowell; Mrs. Ralph Shaw; Dr. Huntress; Mrs. Edward Tierney; Mrs. Waterhouse; Adelbert Huntoon; Lucius Fairchild; Rev. Stephen G. Murray; Mrs. G.W. Chadwick; Mr. & Mrs. J.A.Nesmith.

     Former mayors: John F. Meehan, James E. O’Donnell, Perry D. Thomson, Frederick W. Farnham, Denis J. Murphy, James B. Casey, George H. Brown, and John J. Pickman.

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JOSTLING AT THE GALA BALL

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More than 12,000 people came and at least 5000 were disappointed. – Jostling rather than dancing. – Tickets perfectly useless.

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7 WOMEN FAINTED

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     Last night, in a furious scramble, unprecedented in the history of Lowell, 12,000 people were crushed against the doors and walls of the Auditorium while attempting to attend the grand ball commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the “town” of Lowell.

     Despite the efforts of the organizers, the Auditorium director, 32 police officers and 20 firefighters to maintain order, the thrust was so violent that seven women fainted and had to be reanimated by a doctor called in emergency. Many other people suffered bruises and nervous excitement.

     AN ENORMOUS CROWD GATHERS

     The crowd from every social category and ethnic group began to gather at the Auditorium doors as soon as 7 in the morning. When these opened, a frantic scramble ensued. Some people had tickets but most did not. The shove was so strong that police officers could not distinguish the ticket holders from the others.  Those who arrived at the door entered and the others remained outside whether they had tickets or not. Many people who had had tickets for more than a week did not even get to see inside.

     The organizers, seeing the immense crowd pressing against the main entrance, feared that serious accidents and even fatalities could occur as the doors opened. They gave the order to close the doors for the entire evening. The crowd entered at East Merrimack Street and several side doors. After the banquet at veterans hall for the guests invited by the executive committee, a door had been left open on the Immaculate Conception Church side of Brown Street in order to allow the caterers to clear off the tables. Some people found out, broke the lock of the door separating veterans hall and the Auditorium, penetrated inside and mingled with the crowd. When the police realized what had happened, they placed guards at the doors.

     CLOSING THE DOORS

     As soon as chief organizer Charles H. Holden judged that the hall was full to capacity, he ordered the doors closed. It was only 8:00 at that time. Believing their tickets would allow admission from 8:15 to 8:45, many were disappointed. After the doors were closed, a vast crowd remained for hours, shouting, gesticulating and begging the police officers to open them. As some exited, the police allowed others in, therefore keeping the hall full to capacity.

     The entire squad of  traffic agents, with their white belts crossed over their chests, stood guard. Conservator Colin H. MacKenzie estimated that during the evening, at least 7000 people passed through the Auditorium. 5000 were never able to enter and returned home out of desperation. Some patiently waited for several hours at the door, their feet humid in the muddy snow. Thousands lingered before leaving. Until after 10:00, the Square was full of disappointed people waiting for tramways to take them home.

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SEVEN WOMEN FAINT

     Dr. Harry B. Plunkett reanimated the seven women who fainted from suffocation in the crowd. Mr. McKenzie had them taken home by taxi. The authorities were so busy that they failed to take the women’s names and addresses. Only one gave her name: Mrs. Parker F. Murphy, wife of the Professional Trade Council secretary.

     At about 11:00, the crowd started to depart and, when the ball ended at 1 in the morning, the police allowed anyone to enter into the Auditorium because new arrivals were no longer dangerous.

     Because of the vast crowd, ball president Alvah H. Weaver had to cancel many special numbers included in the program. He pointed out that the committee had prepared a ball. However, since almost all of the distributed tickets had been useless, the event had turned into a popular dance.

EARLY DEMONSTRATIONS

     At the beginning of the ball Mr. Weaver ordered all of the dance demonstrations prepared for later in the evening to take place at beginning in order to allow for general dancing. The modern and traditional dance demonstrations scheduled at 10:30 and the light show and shower of confetti, planned for midnight, were held at 9:00.

     At the beginning of the evening, the Lowell centennial orchestra, composed of 35 musicians conducted by Charles P. Miner, gave an excellent concert and then splendidly performed the dance numbers. The 35 musicians had been chosen among the city’s best dance orchestras.

     The program continued with a demonstration of traditional dances performed by the Joyce Ballet of Boston. The dancers then presented quadrilles, waltzes and Virginia reels. The spectators applauded warmly. Charleston, tango and modern waltzes followed and then, the numbers 1826-1926 were projected on the walls. The effect was remarkable.

LIBERTY HALL

     After the special demonstrations, attendees sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and began to dance. In Liberty Hall, a special program of traditional dances took place with music by Joseph H. Hibbard’s orchestra.

     The Auditorium and Liberty Hall were so crowded during the entire evening that it was almost impossible for the public to dance. It was a scramble much more than a ball. It was even worse in Liberty Hall because this room can only accommodate 720 and the number of people who wanted to dance was double or triple that figure. At 1:00 the crowd, still dense, swarmed towards the Square where special tramways were waiting to transport passengers to the different city neighborhoods.

     The concert program for the beginning of the evening was:

• Sousa’s “Ancient and Honorable Artillery March.”
• Intermission
• Chaminade’s “Scarf Dance.”
• Selections from Tierney’s “Kid Boots.”
• Selections from Gounod’s “Faust.”
• Lampe’s Grand Fantasia”, “Scotland”, “Nussbaum”, “Tone Picture”, “Songs of the Sunny South.”
• Selections form Harms’s Musical comedy “Sunny.” a)”Who”, b) “Sunny”
• March Finale – “The National Game.”

THE BALL COMMITTEE

     The Centennial Ball Committee which prepared last night’s program was composed as follows:

President Alvah H. Weaver. vice-president James C. Reilly, Joseph A. Légaré, Hammond Barnes, Edward T. Bailey, Arthur Bernier, George Boucher, Roland J. Boudreau, Raymond P. Bourgeois, Butler D. Burrage, Donald F. Cameron, William Cantor, Joseph A.N. Chrétien, James F. Conway, Charles E. Delorme, Joseph A. Desrosiers, Royal K. Dexter Jr., Joseph M. Dinneen, Allan M. Dumas, Arthur L. Eno, John Rogers Flather, Charles G. Forrest, Dr. A.J. Gagnon, Dr. Raymond Gendreau, Frank Goldman, Francis J. Haggerty, Thomas B. Higgins, John J. Hogan, Frank J. Hubin, James F. Kane, Dr. Joseph P. Kearney, Charles  J. Keyes, Gardner M. McCartney, Dr. Francis R. Mahoney, J.C. Manseau, Warren Mansur, Frank P. McCartin, John J. McPadden, Hutchins H. Parker, Dr. Harry B. Plunkett, Arthur G. Pollard Jr., Richard F. Preston, William C. Purcell, George H. Runels, John F. Sawyer, Joseph A. Schiller, Stephen H. Scribner, Ames Stevens, Robert R. Thomas, John Kendrick Butler, Barrett Fiser and Carl B. Wengiman.

     Ball director: Julian B. Keyes, assistant director: Joseph P. Donahue. (1)

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1) Translations by Louise Peloquin.