Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-08-10
Letter from Middletown Springs
MIDDLETowN, Aug. 4, 1871.

| MIDDLETowN, Aug. 4, 1871.
Editor Rutland Herald AS / am now
temporary sojourning in my native town,
thought letter from me to the journal
that loved to read Gin long years gone
by" might be acceptable e"
And changes here; more apparent to
me perhaps from the fact that thirty five
years ago, 1 knew every man, woman and
child living in the town, the geography
OF every mans farm, the altitude of kis
house, and could give a near estimate OF
the number Of chickens and turkeys each
one raised. Now large portion of the
farms have different owners, the houses
and occupants all seem changed. Some
few of the old inhabitants linger, among
whom is A. w. Gray. Hin I remember
as mill-wright with half dozen men at
his heels experimenting the building Of
mill here, and the repairing Of another
there. Now am told that be is at the
head of heavy and prosperous manu-
featuring establishment, and as vigorous
as in the days of his youth. recognized
w. s. Basset, the postmaster here (or
thought did as an old inhabitant.
was Immediately associated with young
man of that name in my younger days,
in attendance at apple pairings, cuttings
and sleigh rides, but the postmaster in
forms me that my coadjutor in those frol
| les was his father. AS the old ladies
would say, "he looks mjg7ty like his
| father ..3.......... ...-
1 found Harvey Lefingwell here He
has grown old, yet is we'll preserved for
one of lis age I remember him az a con
slant attendent at the old Congregational
that hsuse. No, never Those square
pews, "bed rooms as quaint old gentle
maH had it, were curiosity that should
have boon preserved by some historical
society il possible. The high box-like |
pulpit with canopy over bosd, was the
marvel of us youngsters in those days of
old. Many times when the scenes of my |
youth have come up before NE, has that |
pulpit appeared with parson Bigelow in |
it, ga steam engine in boots" as has been
said OF one of no greater mental power |
than this distinguished clergyman and !
orator. That gallery too, which run
around three sides Of the houss with its
singers, treble, counter, tenor and baas.
all arranged in their proper places, had
it's attractions for me, especially that
part in which ths lady singers were
seated. Deacon Gideon Miner was the
M.gnu. Apollo IF TIE choir 10 this old
house for nearly forty year,. He wore
his honors beqomingly. was very useful
man few have PEI formed more labor in
building up a church and society than he
did
The old house has given place to a new
one of modern style, III which the Congro-
gstional church and society worship
The BAptists and Methodists also each
have house of worship, and their socie-
ties, as l am informed, are well sustained.
But the most notable change which I
have observed in the old town, in it's ply
steal aspect, is the new hotel. In some
city it would but receive passing notice,
but here look upon it with wonder and
amusement. Really It is here, and
would be anywhere, magnificent build
ing, and the new hotel completes the
picture of one of the finest landscapes in
the country. The hotel is to be opened
to receive visitors on the 9Th of August.
All is now bustle and confusion in put
ting in fnrRiture and fixtures. More
anon. Az OLD RESIDENT,