The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-07-25
Tho Fremont Clam Bake.

The first division Of Fremont men and
ladies went down at Q A. NJ, in the Steamer
Halifax, and the boat continued to run Of
intervals Of two hours during the day, TAX
ing down and back in admirable safety over
eight hundred persons. In addition to those
who went by the boat, coaches and vehcicles
of all sorts were pressed into service, and by
such conveyance some hundreds OF Others
found their way to the grove.
The day was unusually fine, not oppress-
lively hot, but sufficiently warm and bright
to render visit by the sea side delightfully."-
pleasant, and the twelve hundred persons
or more, who had assembled to discuss POI
litical topics, and the merits OF Chowder ana
Baked Clans, without exception, seemed to
enjoy themselves finely. \ large number OF
ladies wee present and contributed by their
presence to heighten the social enjoyment OF
the day. Nothing whatever of accident, or
of unpleasant nature occurred to mar the en-
joyment Of the occasion. The Committee,
though no, prepared to receive, as well as
they could wish, so large company, did the
best they could distributing the chowder and
the clans with republican equality and in
the spirit of freedom that is Characteristic Of
the friends OF "Frcmont and jesse" Over
hundred and twenty-five gallons of chow
der prepared in such manner as to do jus
tice to the culinary skill of Mr.. George W.
Sutherland, Jr., under whose direction it
was made, were distributed, and sixteen
bushels of clans, served up to the company.
We had heard of clam bakes, but this was
the first time we ever witnessed the onRation
of a Clam bake, and for the information OF
our readers who may be unacquainted with
the process, we will attempt shor. descrip-
ton, as il came OF under the direction Of q.
II. Adams, Esq, one Of the committee to
whom this part of the programme was con-
fded, and the result shew, wisely so. Some
cook book, in giving directions how to cook
a hare, says. first catch the hare" In ar
ranging clam bake, we suppose the first
thing is to dig the CLANS, have them on the
ground, properly washed and ready for the
baking. A circular kiln is built pof rocks
sufficiently large to hold the number of BUSH
els to be baked. The rocks Of which the
kiln is built. and other rocks thrown in, arc
heated to redness by fire built within the
kiln, then when the rocks are sufficiently
heated, "A layer ofsel-wced is placed in the bot
tom, the clams pourcdin and covered up with
another layer of sea-weed, and in the space
of half an hour, the clans are cooked in
such manner as to preserve in their
utmost purity, their edible qualities. On
this occasion, the rapidity with which
they went of was striking evidence that the
bake was entirely successful.
Having done our readers service by des-
cribing the proc-ss of clam baking, we re-
sumo the account of the proceedings at the
grove. In the carly part of the day, tho
company were scattered in groups. and en-
joycd themselves by rambles on the beach,
by swinging and by luxurious ease beneath
the spreading branches Of the trees.
" the arrival Of the boat, second trip, at
IL. NJ, an impromptu meeting was organ
lied, Capt. Richard Bettis presiding, and
the time was passed in discussing political
topics, and in listening to some excellent
singing of Fremont songs by the choir UNI
der the direction of Mr.. o. ID. Adams
The committee are much indebted to Mr..
\. AMI the choir for their services on this
occasion.
The discussion of the chowder and the
clans commenced about half past | O'Clock,
Dippers were filed and cmptied with as
tonishing alaerity, and the merits of Mr..
Sutherland's chowdcr submitted to pacti-
cal test Of most satisfactory character
The clans were served mp as dessert, and
their rapid disappearance was indubitable
evidence that this kind Of dessert was duly
appreciated.
The repast over, the company were nd
dressed by c. G. Came, Esq, of Portland,
in brief, but extremely neat speech, after
which, Seth 7. Hurd, Esq, of Brownsville,
Penn, was introduced by the President, and
occupied the attention Of the audience for
over an hour and half. The limits we have
assigned for this notice, will not permit us
TO give detailed report. Allthat we can say
is that 1t was strong and telling speech,
repletc with unanswerablc Argument, and
telling humor. Ii was listened to with sat
ishction and received with frequent rounds
ofapplausc.
Vt the close of his remarks, there seemed
to be general desire among those who had
been listening to what the editor Of the
Democrat had said would be "repuJhoan
fodder" to hear Mr.. Hanscom, who was
present taking notes, This request, which
was made in spirit Of libcrality and with
genuine desire to listen, our neighbor
seemed at FIRST disposed to pass by, but we.
after referring to his desircfor "open dis cuss
ion, as expressed in his paper, read to him
the Democratic resolutions of lSi9, and as
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