The Pageant of Schenectady, presented in 1912 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the town, was really quite something. In it, founder Arent Van Curler is schooled in the ways of progress by Mr. Modern:
Arent Van Curler. Who are these? [The Spirits of Light, radiant, mystical figures appear.]
Mr. Modern. The Spirits of Light. The heralds of a power that has put a chain about the globe – a power that runs our motors and illumines our houses; and sends our messages across a thousand miles of space. The power that makes it possible for one ship to signal another ship across the blackness of the sea at midnight. [The Spirits of Light weave a dance suggestive of power and brightness.]
Mr. Modern. Well, Arent Van Curler, you have seen the citizens of Schenectady — the city’s most valuable asset. In all the forces that are gathered here today lies the hope of the City of Tomorrow; do you not feel a thrill at its splendid signs of promise; or do you still cling to the past?
Van Curler. [Now thoroughly convinced.] No, no, I see the past held nothing greater than the present. With new eyes I behold the city that I purchased. I am content with modern Schenectady.
If you can’t get enough of this sort of thing, you may want to learn more about Constance D’Arcy Mackay, the author of this and many, many other pageants.