Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-01-13

supply of refreshments had been disposed
of, and the rich golden gifts of Edward r.
and j. Il. Stecn of San FRANCISCO, Call. and
of Annie Steon, tho surviving children of
Mr.. and Mrs. Stoen, and of Joel Haven of
Rutland, had been viewed and admired for
the beauty of their workmanship, Rev. Jo-
seph Chandler of West Brattleboro solicited
the attention of the friends assembled, say
ing, "Of silver and gold have l nono but
such as l have will give" lie then sang
an ballad, accompanying the voice with the
music OF an instrument. The ballad was so
fitted to the occasion, so well composed, and
80 admirably performed as to charm all
who had the pleasure of listening to it.
Next came the presentation of beautiful
ebony gold-headed cane, the gift of n few
of the friends of Mr.. Stecn, and procured
through the agency Of Messrs Thompson &
Ranger We have never seen anything of
the kind more neat and elegant The pre-
sontation of this valuable gift was made by
Capt. II. w. Clarke, accompanied by one of
those speeches of classic elegance of diction
and of metaphor of which he is so CONSUME
mate master. Next in order was the pre-
sontation of valuable easy chair, the gift
OF DIR. Rockwell and others, and manuiac-
tured by John Retting of this village, in
his best style of workmanship. Ferdinand
Tyler was requested to take the honorable
part of presenting to Mr.. and Mrs Steen
this gift, so appropriate and fitting at that
time of life when reposo and rest are so
much needed and so highly enjoyed. Mr..
Inexperienced his part in this transaction
with becoming dignity and propriety. Mr..
Stoen acknowledged these valuable gifts.
which took him wholly by surprise. with
much feeling and warm expressions of
gratitude ard thanks. He then in brief
and felicitous speech referred to the occa-
sion of his marriage, the persons who were
then present, the changes that have since
taken place, the joys and sorrows they had
experienced, the kindness of neighbors in
times of sickness, the friends they had lost,
the pleasant neighborhood where they had
so long resided, and the great pleasure and
qualification that he and his wife felt in
meeting so many kind friends on this oc-
cAsion, so full OF sad and pleasant memo
rics and associations. Rev. Mr.. Mighill,
pastor of tine church of which Mr.. and Mrs.
Steen are members, then made an excellent
address, filled with thoughts and sugQes-
tons suitable to the occasion and the audi
ence, overlooking with those kindly feel
ings which devoted and faithful minister
cherishes towards the loved and honored
ones of his flock. After closing this very
appropriate address, Mr.. Mighll read a
beautiful and touching letter from Rev. A .
| III. Clapp, former minister of the Centre
church, addressed 10 Mr.. and Mrs. Steon,
in which he spoke of the cherished friends
he found in this place, ard the pleasant,
happy days he had passed among his peo-
pie here, with illusions to places and events
that called to mind most wildly years now
numbered with the past. The singing bv
the company of few stanzas, entitled,
Fifty Years Ago." to the tune of Aud
Lang Syne, closed the special exercises of
the evening, when the friends of Mr.. and
Mrs. Steen once more expressed their con-
gratulations and good wishes and babe one
another good night" Thus passed an
evening which will long be remembered
by those who were present with none but
pleasant "reminiscences.
We give below the ballad sung by Rev.
Mr.. Chandler, referred TO above:
The Fine Oh I'ankee GentIemam.
III sing you simple ballad that was made at a rapid
pace,
or Hne old Yankee Genteman-you all have seen his
face
Whose long and useful life has passed here in his ma.
tive place,
Who the honors OF his years with dignity and
He is a fine old Yankee Gentleman, one OF the odcn
time
Long years ago, custom was about that time of life
When young take to wooing, he took 10 him wife
The fairest maid, will believe, in all the country
And sure he well might think for him no better could
he found:
This printer boy and country girl, both Of the older
time.
Twas fifty years ago to-day they on them the vow
That made them one and kept them one, from that day
until now,
Thro' all these years Of Joy and grief Of sunshine and
Of storm;
The love that gowed brightly then, still in then
hearts is warm:
This hne old Yankee and Wife both Of the Older
time.
And We friends old and new this their golden wed
ding day
Our tribute to their honest WORTH here at their feet
lay;
May peaceful be their coming days, and smooth then
down-hill way,
Till late they shall return to heaven, will humbl,
pray.
For this dear old and dear old WIFE both Of tn,
olden time.