six o'clock in the morning
The brushwood in the grove was cleared from the ground , the large stones were rolled out of the way , and were used in constructing a pier for convenience in landing . When their labors were concluded it was nearly dark , and the boats pulled for home , each member of the clubs anticipating a glorious time on the approaching holiday , for such the committee had decided the First of May should be . May day came -- warm , bright , and beautiful . At six o'clock in the morning the Zephyr and the Butterfly were manned , and the boys went over to the island to trim the May-pole with evergreen and flowers . The Sylph was degraded for the time into a `` freighting vessel , '' and under command of Uncle Ben conveyed to the island chairs and settees for the use of the guests , tables for the feast , music stands for the band , and other articles required for the occasion . About nine o'clock the guests began to arrive , and were conveyed to the island by the two club boats -- the Sylph having gone down to Rippleton after the band . The Sedleys , the Westons , Mr. Hyde , the parents of all the members of the clubs who could attend , all the boys and girls of the school , and a few gentlemen and ladies from the village who had manifested a warm interest in the welfare of the two associations , composed the party ; and before ten they were all conveyed to the scene of the festival .