Bladensburg To Celebrate Many ‘Firsts’

Bladensburg, the town claiming many firsts—the first cocktail, post office, telegraph pole and Secretary of the Navy—will add another to its list Saturday.

The Lions' Club will sponsor the first annual “Pageant of Progress” in the town's 214-year history.

The first cocktail, Bladensburg claims, was served in the mid-1800's in Palo Alto Tavern, patronized by President Andrew Jackson and famous for cock fighting. Ben Franklin established one of America's first 13 post offices there before 1775, and Bostwick, built in 1746 and still standing, was the home of Benjamin Stoddert, first Secretary of the Navy.

Ezra Cornell invented the telegraph pole in Bladensburg, making his fortune and later founding Cornell University.

Saturday's fete will commemorate Bladensburg's historic past and give thanks for its present and future growth.

At 2 p. m. a two-mile-long parade, including a Lion-sponsored float of a Colonial sailing ship, is scheduled. At 3:45 p. m., in the bladensburg Arena, an historical pageant opens.

Dancing from 9 p. m. to 1 a. m. at the Charity Ball in the Skating Arena will end the celebration.