Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1859-01-07
For the Dol aware Gazette.
SOCIAL LIFE III NEW ENGLAND-N0w AND
THEN.

Mr.. EDIToR:-We had, not long since,
in Delaware, a description of Social life in
New England before the Temperance Ref
ormation commenced, and as it now is. ]
remembered enough of what it was in for
mer times to know that it was In part true.
I remembered the old Esquire whose digni-
ty would often become SO softened down at
Bachus' shrine, that he might be reckoned
among the genial spirits; and as for his
wife, who was wont to visit the temple with
him, why, one needed two sets of ears to
catch all her volubIe tongue poured forth OF
neighborhood scandal. And | remember
the clergyman who thought it no sin to take
a social glass with his ~parishoner, and who
sometimes grew a little more Tree under its
inspiration. I remembered, too, the Bar
Room with its fip-iron andtoddy- stick, where
were accustomed to meet the men "mighty
ty to drink wine, and men of strength to
mingle strong drink and who became
mighty at story telling, until the little urchins,
who slipped off the "heel taps'' stood all
agasp at their marvels. And remembered
the Turkey Shoots'-quite an institution
in those days-where were united with the
cruel sport, drinking, gambling, cursing, and
fghting-jolly times, tho Sc Sc hootings," for
men and boys.
But | remember some things in this con-
nection of which Mr.. Timothy Titcomb did
not speak SO glowingly. l called to mind
the sorrowful hours, the poverty and disgrace,
the sin and wretchedness that should here
make a part of the picture. | thought OF
the end of the old Esquire and his wife, and
their only son. | thought of the graves of
that Bar-room circle, watered more by tears
of anguish than affection. But let that
pass.
AS to his description of social life in New
England at the present time, it seemed TO me
to have been written under the influence OF
an undigested dinner, or fit of govt. A few
weeks observation has confirmed nv convic-
ton. | have travelled extensively and min
gled largely in society ,-and never have |
seen, in the same length of time, more of
intelligent cheerful sociaiity. True, it ap-
pears in a somewhat different form than for
merly. Instead of the country Bar-room
gathering, the Farmers Club" for exam
pie, meet at a private dwelling for mutual
Improvement and pleasure. With nothing
more stimulating than a cup of Java, or 90.
long, they grow merry as the innocent joke
or the quick ~repartee breaks in upon the
graver discussions. When the good wives
and comely daughters join them, it is a scene
which it does the heart good to behold
Then there is the "Surprise party when
the poor or the especially deserving find
their dwelling suddenly filled with cheerful
guests, whose departure reveals a benedic-
ton left behind. Then there is the Lyceum
Lecture and the Debate, with the old neigh
borhood visits and the family gatherings
Nor least, the Union Meeting for prayer
Nowhere have | seen a more beautiful exhi-
bition of the social spirit than at the lecture
room of the Old South Church, Boston,
Such a cheerful, joyous, blending of-souls
was there here, as made me feel how favor>
able the religious sentiment TO the highest
development of the social life.
Another thing is worthy of notice. The
railroad cars here show much of real social
life. Every one. seems disposed to make
the most of the company into which he is
thrown, and to contribute his share towards
the general entertainment
Certainly there is much of pleasant social
life in New England, beyond the influence
of the wine cup, or ball chamber. True
there is here much of individual aud do
nestle life, as there should be everywhere,
as these must ever furnish the basis of all
true social life. Without these the latter
degenerates into ~frivolity and crime.
As TO 'the trees nodding in solemn silence,
from very sympathy / have every where
found them lifting their arms on high, and
6 not, at this season, clapping their hands
for joy. certainly whistIing their winter song
right merrily. CONCORD.