Typed as spelled and written
Lena Stone Criswell

THE MARLIN DEMOCRAT
Thirteenth Year - Number 25
Marlin, Texas, Thursday, August  21, 1902
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OPENING THE PARK.
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A Large Crowd Present And A
Pleasant Time.
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A Splendid Musical Program.
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       It was a happy throng that was present Tuesday evening at the formal opening of Bartlett Park by the Ladies Social Club.
       The public turned out in great numbers and seemed en rapport with the occasion.  The ladies, whose energy and tact have accomplished so much for Marlin were there to welcome the people.
       Mayor Wm. Shelton, at the request of the ladies, delivered the welcome address.  The Mayor's remarks were full of welcome to the people and to the visitors whom he said should not be considered strangers but as friends and as such he extended to them a hearty welcome.  He paid the ladies a deserved compliment for their enterprise, good judgment and enthusiasm.
       On behalf of Prof. A. L. Solis, the leader of the Mexican band he presented the ladies with the march, "The Bartlett Park" composed by and dedicated to the ladies club by Prof. Solis.  His remarks elicited a hearty applause.
       An excellent musical program had been arranged for the evening and was executed by the League band assisted, through the courtesy of Mr. Harrison, by the Arlington band.
       The singing of Mr. Clarence Weyman, accompaniment by Miss Finks, was quite an entertaining feature of the program.
       All in all it was a very pleasant event.
       The park--well one had best visit it to form an idea of what has been accomplished in so short a time.  It is an ideal spot well favored by nature and admirably improved through the instrumentality of feminine hands and mind.
       The park is well shaded and is provided with swings, seats, tennis grounds and other incidents to amusement.  The pavillion is a model in design, having no lost space, yet large enough and well constructed.
       The park would be a credit to a town larger than Marlin and is a splendid testimonial to enterprise and progressiveness of the Ladies' Social Club--long live the Club.

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Copyright permission granted to Theresa Carhart and her volunteers for printing
by The Democrat, Marlin, Falls Co., Texas