Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1870-09-14
Gbe freeman.
MONTPELIER, VI:
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. IA, 1870.
Farmers Fairs.


September and October are emphatically
the months for Fairs and Farmers Festivals.
Throughout the length and breadth Of the
land VIC hear only of these gatherings, or OF
preparations for them. 1t is well that we
have holidays and seasons of recreation, OF
relaxation from labor and the carking cares
that meet us on every hand. Man was not
created for all work and constant strife for
gain, or to secure bare livelihood. he
has within him higher nature than that
which physical labor calls into life and ac-
tivity. He possesses a mind susceptible of
culture, and growth, and improvement, as
well as body formed for endurance and
toll. Custom and law have set apart and
designated certain days to be observed and
enjoyed as holidays. We have the Sabbath
divinely appointed as day of rest, and con-
secrated to the worship of the Author of our
being. We have Christmas and New Years
days. Days of thanksgiving and praise, and
days of fasting and prayer are appointed
unto US. Decoration day and Independence
day are duly recognized and observed in
the United States. We have also our EIec-
ton days which are in one sense holidays
days devoted to rest or to works different
from the ordinary routine of daily labor. 1t
is well, and we ought to be devoutIy thank
full that these days and occasions of relaxa-
ton and assembling together are vouchsafed
to us. They tell vastly more upon the hap
piness, well-being and prosperity of the ma
10 ba 10 pf no
days.
Mans very nature calls for and demands
holidays and the world is made richer and
better by compliance with this demand.
How pitiless, how void of happiness and the
proper fruitage of labor is that life which is
compelled to toll on increasingly in the same
dull routine and round of life. wherein the
soul can never say to the Flooding body,
rest thee from this labor while 90 forth to
explore new realms, to satisfy myself and
yourself with the things that are mt seen
and felt in life's treadmill, and gain new
inspiration and fresh vigor for the work yet
remaining to be accomplished.
AS people we have far too few holidays
we give ourselves too little relaxation and
recreation There is much more danger of
our becoming a nation prematurely old and
worn out with labor, rather than nation of
idlers or seekers of pleasure. We are too
practical and prosaic people. This genera
ton believes firmly in the almighty dollar,
and, worse than he Of old, thinks there is
nothing beyond nor beside that worth the
seeking. We do not bear in mind that wealth
is the means rather than the end of life
Hence we sometimes think day not devoted
to the acquisition of the dollar is so much
time lost. We often grudge the time nee
essarily spent in our holidays and in perform
ing our duties to society and those surround
ing us. This is all wrong. Oar physical
natures need rest and enjoyment. We are
social beings, capable of helping and being
helped by others. We should welcome every
occasion in which we are brought into closer
relation and nearer communion one with the
other. Such occasions give zest to life, and
Impart new ideas and new impulses to all of
us Fence it is that VIC AWAY delight in
agricultural fairs. This season is prOpitious
for them. The labors of the summer are
nearly ended We can aifad to rest for
day, and show what we have accomplished
and see what others have wrought out or
produced. The season has been a favorable
one. : Crops of all kinds have been abund-
ant. The earth has given US her accustomed
yield. Our herds and our stock have flour
ished and given gOOdiy increase. As a
people we have been signally prospered the
past year, and can with pardonable pride
meet together and compare notes, and count
over the good things given US, and congratu-
late our neighbors that they also have shared
with US in the rich fruitage and blessings of
the season.
These autumnal fairs we regard as the
browning blessing of our New England civili-
zation. We wish to impress upon all our
readers their value, and the qualification to
be derived from participating in the prepare
tions for them, and in an attendance upon
them. Every farmer and mechanic should
take an interest in them. They are especially
designed for the tillers of the soil and the
workers in the shops. These classes being
largely benefited by them, should and will see
that they are well organized, and made
complete success wherever attempted We
trust the time may come when an annual fair
shall be holden in each state, county and
township throughout the length and breadth
of this Union.