Mr. Lovecraft lived to see the 300th anniversary celebration of Providence on 4 May 1936. Above are canceled covers celebrating the day. Below are nearly identical reports written (probably back to back from notes or a diary) on 14 may to his two close pals - Wandrei and Barlow.
[To Wandrei on 14 May 1936 - Mysteries of Time and Spirit] "On May 4th the R.I. Tercentenary observances began with a costumed parade which started at the college gate - just a stone's throw from here. Later there was a mock-session of the rebel legislature of May 4, 1776 ... both acting & costumes were so convincing that one might easily fancy the bygone period returned - with the intervening 160 years merely a bad dream. I was one of the few spectators lucky enough to get into the colony house & witness the proceedings."
[To Barlow on 14 May 1936 - O Fortunate Floridian] "On May 4 the Prov. Tercentenary celebration began with a costumeed procession starting at the college gate - just a stone's throw from th door of 66 {his address}. Later there was a mock-session of the rebel legislature of May 4, 1776, held in costume in the self-same room of the ancient colony house (1761) where the original session was held. In this, each old-time deputy was impersonated by a lineal descendant. The actions & costumes were so convincing that one might easily fancy the bygone period returned - with the intervening 160 years merely a bad dream. I was one of the few spectators lucky enough to get into the colony-house & witness the proceedings."
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