Marquette Statue Dedication, 1909
MARQUETTE STATUE DEDICATION, 1909
| On September 1, 1909 the Marquette monument was dedicated. The festivities were reminiscent of those in Marquette twelve years earlier, with the statue veiled in U. S. flags. A massive crowd gathered in the park, some coming from Cheboygan, Petoskey, St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette. A reviewing stand was erected between the statue and the rear of the park, from which dignitaries made various speeches. The Petoskey City Band and the Grand Hotel Orchestra provided the music. Park Superintendent B. F. Emery opened the festivities by introducing Bishop Foley of Detroit who offered introductory remarks. Father Somners of Ste. Anne’s parish then offered an opening prayer. |
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| After this, just as she had done in Marquette, Peter White’s granddaughter Frances Jopling, drew the cord that separated the flags (mounted to wires suspended from poles at either side of the statue). The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause. Bishop Eis of Marquette (called upon to take the place of the governor, who could not attend) then accepted the statue on behalf of the people of Michigan. The two principal addresses followed. The first, by U.S. Supreme Court Justice, and former Secretary of State, William R. Day, reviewed the life and heroic efforts of Marquette. |
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| Part of Justice Day’s address focused on the important role monuments play, as they “do indeed teach their lessons to the living.” He expounded upon what role the Marquette statue would play on Mackinac Island: “The thousands who come from ‘towered cities and the busy marts of trade’ to find health and recreation on this island, shall learn as they look upon this statue new lessons of duty, of self-reliance and that faith in high ideals which characterized every act of James Marquette from early manhood to the grave.” Next, Rev. John Cunningham of Marquette University was introduced as a member of the Jesuit order. Father Cunningham’s remarks echoed those of Justice Day, concluding with “may we ever link in our memories and hearts the glorious names of Father Marquette and Peter White. May visitors to this island catch the inspiration of the noble life commemorated by this statue and may they return to their homes imbued with his virtues.” |
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The day’s festivities concluded with the singing of “America” followed by a Benediction delivered by Bishop Charles D. Williams of Detroit. The sentiments of one unknown spectator were probably held by all: “it was a beautiful day and the services were grand.”
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