The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-07-22
The Lancaster, N. 81. Centennial

SONctu lucH IcCIultucut, VI Ut SulltS VI any
offense against military law.
The Lancaster, N. n. Centennial
LANCASTER, N. H., Friday, July 10.
THE PREPARATIONS.
Great preparations have been in progress
for some time for the centennial celebration
which occurred in this town Yesterday, and
the approaching anniversary has been the
continual subject of thought and converse
ton. Sons and daughters were summoned
froal distant homes, and none were forgotten,
however far they might have wandered. A
bower was erected covering three-q aarters of
an acre. and with seats for two thousand peo-
pie. Thick evergreen trees formed the walls
and boughs of the beautiful white poplar a
verdant roof to ward off the rays of the sun.
This was great undertaking, but the result
was beautiful. A stage was erected outside
the church to accommodate the band and
glee club. while the speakers were to occupy
a window in yies Of the crowd without, as
we'll as within the church.
THE DAY AND THE EXERCISES.
the f.. sh breezes that ever play about .!le>e
New Hampshire hills swept lovingly over the
crowd, and prevented the exercises from BE-
coming a WEAKNESS to the flesh. At 10 o.
clock the procession, consisting of the fire
C, mpany, returned soldiers, venerable resi-
dents, distinguished strangers, the masonic
lodge, the sabbath school children, with their
bright banners, and citizens generally was
formed, and escorted by the corlet band of
the place, marched through the streets to tie
church Here seats OF honor were given to
the soldiers, and many an eye filled with
tears as taGse war-worn veterans marched or
hobbled by. Then CAMS the aged residents,
one so infirm as TO he brought in q char, a
son If one of the dauntless three who first
planted the garden in the wilderness. After
prayer the exercises were opened by the sad
announcement that the orator, SQuire Farrar,
of Oregon, a man much respected in his IA.
tive town, was detained in Washington by
! failure of communication between that place
and the north. The president of the av.
however, David Mason of Boston, was very
successful in making good the deficiency, as
sisted by Mr.. James Holton of Milwaukee,
Wis.
THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN.
Mr.. Mason commenced by reading copy
of the original charter granted by King
George III. one hundred years ago, noble
document in which were many interesting
points; among others a stipulation reserving
to Governor Wentworth of New Hampshire
FIVE hundred acres of land. the avais of
which were TO be used annually as follows
one fifth to propagate the Gospel in foreign
parts one fifth for the support of the Cos
pei in the town; one fifth for a school; one
fifth for the governor; and one fifth to be
expended for the province of New Hamp
shire under the direction of the crown
This grant provided for the election of town |
officers, for the two fairs to be holden in the /
town, and for weekly market, though what |
these early settlers could have had to eel.
remains mystery to their descendants
The speaker went on give sketch OF the /
formation Of the town, settled first by three
adventurous families from Petersham, Mass, ,
who, pushing up the Connecticut river,
through the wilderness, found here SEEM !
ing paradise. and rested satisfied. They
named the place Lancaster, and the opposite
town in Vermont Lunenburg, in memory OF
those towns in Massachusetts, which are
separated in the same way by river. Wv
idly were portrayed the hardships and hero
ism of these pioneers--how they lived on
the ancient dish of thunIp," without other
comforts and no other luxurles for the table,
waiting the ripening of the corn, when
frost in August cut off the crop; how the
prospect of dreary winter almost tempted
them to abandon the settlement till another
season-and hox, remaining, they were cou-
PEELED to draw their grist on a hand sled
eighty miles over the snow; how five roads
and highways were laid out through the
trackless wilderness; and how, no preacher
visiting them for long time, one OF the no,
bic women gathered the people into her own
house, or cabin, on the Sabbath. ard kept
before their minds those blessed truths which
we're to guide them through this life and fiji
them iol better The exercises we're va
ried by music from tine band and giee club,
ard the addresses were highly enjoyed oy
those familiar with the scenes and characters
referred to. 1t was very interesting to watch
the wrinkles smoothing away, and care-worn
faces growing bright and happy. as old so
riea aid Jokes were revived, and love for the
old hon gained, tor the time, ascendency in
every heart.
THE DINNER.
Again the procession moved, and by this
time all were ready to attack the good thing
in the bower, and good things they we're
After feeding at least $500 people, the tables
appeared as if fresh laid for great compa.
nv. All homer to the ladies of Lancaster
who provided the repast. Then began the
toasts and speeches, which we're given and
responded to with great pleasantly. The
president invited one and all to meet on the
same ground, the l4th of July, 1864, when
he hoped the orator would not fail 10 be
present! In the evening levee vas held
in the Town Hall, which was beautifully dec
GRATED for the occasion. This was the most
complete reunion of the day, many and joy
full were the greetings exchanged by those
who were rlavmates together, but have long
since lett thsi. childhooaa's home. l noticed
few Of our western Massachusetts, people
here, among them DR.. Seegur and bis wife