Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-09-02
From the Concord IN. H. States nan, Aug. %.

Hi9li AHe SOhcoTu lN HI states nan, Aug. e.
Centennial Celebration at Fryeburs., Me.
On Thursday, the both inst, Che people of
Fryeburg celebrated the centennial anniver-
sary OF the settlement Of the town by the per-
formance of exercises somewhat as follows =
a procession was formed at the Congregation
al church early in tie forenoon in the follow
ing order :-Band, escort of returned soldiers
officers OF the day, invited guests, ald citi-
zens. At ten A. NJ. the line of march was ia
ken to Pine Hill, beautifully wooded, gently
rising emnence, in the western part of the vii
lage, where stand, tastefully decorated, had
been erected, with seats for many hundred
people. Upon arriving there brief speech
of welcome was made by the president of the
day, Mr.. Asa Charles, and prayer was offered
by Rev. Mr.. Sewall, Rev. Samuel Souther
of Worcester, Mass, "a Fryeburg boy" as
he was designated by the president, was in
troduced, and delivered an exceedingly inter
esting historical address. Commencing at
the date of the original grant to Col. Frye,
for mertorious services in the French
and Indian war, he detailed the progress
of civilization in the SacO Valley, re-
ferring at some length to the men who came
hither from Concord, N. H., in 1862 bringing
their familieS-not however until 1763-d4t-
ing from their arrival the settlement of the
town; speaking Of the suffering, of the peo-
pie by reason of scarcity of food in l776, a
limited supply being brought from Concord
on snuwShoes; of the constant fear from hos
tile Indians, in whichthey lived; of the gralu-
al influx of families from various parts, inter-
spersing these historical details with anecdotes
of celebrities among the ploneers which oar
space will not permit us to give, but which
served to make the address one of the most
entertaining and instructive of the kind we
l,,,, H. ~.
with a fervent, patriotic appeal to the people
to emulate the unfinching courage and hero
ism OF their ancestry, especially in the present
juncture of affairs.
AT the close of the address an excellent col
lation was summary disposed of, and, upon
the restoration of order, letters were read
from eX-GOv. Levi Lincoln, Of Massachusetts,
and others.* The letter of Gov. Lincoln ex-
pressed regret at inability, because of the in
firmities of age, to be present, and the ear
nest hope that, in the midst of their rejoicing
and congratulations upon the thrift and happi-
ness Of the inhabitants of Fryeburg, here met
together, an earnest and loyal spirit should
pervade all, and determination to preserve
the government and the rights of the people,
against treason and rebellion. The letter of
the old patriot called forth deserved tribute
of enthusiasm.
to invitation, arrived the evening before, and
at this point was loudly called for, and COM
menced by expressing his satisfaction at meet
ing the people among whom his mother lived,
and among whom she received her early edu-
cation. Whatever ability he possessed, what
ever desire for liberty and hatred of oppres.
sion he felt he considered it due to the train
ing of his mother among these thrifty, hospi-
table and God-tearing people. Here the rain,
which had been threatening nearly all day,
compelled an djournment to the church, at
which place Gov. Andrew continued his
Speech speaking most elOquently upon the
all-absorbing topic. One or two CopperheadS
one of whom was seated upon the sofa in
the pulpit-left in disgust, much to the
amusement of the audience. To review this
speech would be unnecessary. Every one
knows of Gov. Andrew, his eloquence and his
sterling loyalty, his untiring efforts in behalf
of good government, of law and Of liberty.
His visit here will have an effect, and not be
soon forgotten.
Eroch w. Evans, Esq. native of this vii
lage, and distinguished lawyer in Chicago,
followed, and with his speech closed the ex-
ercises here The celebration closed with a
levee in the academy, under the auspices of
the Webster Association. The interior WAS
trimmed with evergrcens, and appropriate
notices adorned the walls, with n bust of
Webster (who taught here in 1902. A large
company was present, and the affair was n
success, as was the entire celebration.
*Goy Lincoln's brother, Enoch Lincoln. com-
menced his professional life in FryeLurg more than
half century ago, and died in 1929, while govern
of Maine. On this account Gov. Lincoln was in
vited to be present at the celebration