Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-10-11


bright autumnal morning, l went to the town
of Upton to attend their yearly fair, Or Cattle
show" as it is commonly called, | am wholly
wanting in a clear understanding of shows of
this character. The sound judgment of the
other sex can more easily comprehend the
relative merits of race-horses, blowing matches,
and the intricacies of agriculture For my part
l do not pretend to know how many cabbages
ought to be raised to the acre, or which is the
superior potato, the Jackson White or the Do
yer. On the morning above mentioned, as |
was riding leisurely along, determined to make
the most of the day, 10 have hearty good time
in hearty way.
To quote the words of a brilliant author, now
gone: Episodes are sweeter than plots; the
wayside joys are better than the final successes;
the flowers along the vista brighter than the
victor wreaths at its close" In regard to the
honest pleasures of life, do not think them
sufficiently cultivated. There is too much
make believe at enjoyment, and very small
amount of real healthy joy. 1t is miserable
fact that the majority Of people are afraid TO
act naturally and honestly. They would really
enjoy many pleasures, but do not dare TO au-
pear to do so for fear it is not quite the genteel
thing. They would prefer to do differently.
but have not the moral courage. have often
sighed for the od-fashioned days, despite the
hardships and Inconvenience, when every lady
had a good time. Those were the days when
balls commenced in the afternoon and ceased at
midnight, when cuttings and huskines were
fashionable, when evening parties were ap-
pointed at six instead Of nine, when the brilliant
and intellectual game of euchre had not been
devised to kill time. | have depressed from
the account Of my ride. October presents no
half way colorng. The clearly defined green,
yellow, magenta and scarlet, are painted in richer
hues than Rcmbrandt's.
And scarlet oak and goden-rod
With bushes and with smiles,
Lit up the forest aises."
Many staunch old farm-houses, portals TO
magnificent farms, were scattered along the
route. AS we entered the town the American fac
was seen waving aloit. Astute looking marsbaIs
were carering outside of the lines. The side
walks were thronged by spruce-looking jndi-
viduals fastening to the show. Several booths
with seductive signs thereon were here and there
SHIN mering in the sun. Wooden horses were
whirling delighted children at the rate of a mile
in three minutes. Peddlars of various wares
were blowing their horns for deluded customers.
An entertaining feature was the exhibition at
Waverly hall. 1t consisted of vegetables, frnit
specimens Of culinary art, sewing machines
millinery and fancy work of every variety. |
never saw more beautiful wax work than was
here displayed. A wax wreath of autumn leaves
was very beautiful. The show of worsted work
was unique and extensive OF antiquated things,
noticed book two hundred years old entitled
CONCENTRATIONS" quite interesting but "poor
spehn" should infer. Also a pair of
spectacles said to have been worn by Helm
drich Hudson, in fine state Of preservation.
Patterns Of fancy straws, aud straw braid hats.
were on exhibition from Mr.. Knowlton's large
mandatory. This gentleman is the LEADING
spirit OF these fairs. The walls Of the hall were
ornamented with very fine and remarkable por-
traits. Two or three of them almost WED with
those famous portraits of the reign of Charles
the Second; wonderfully beautiful faces and
magnificent dresses. Others were interesting
on account of antiquity alone. The short
wasted, square-nccked dress of the last century
is the prettest style of dress ever in vogue.
One of the ancient portraits was that of an old
lady, painted with the most marked and life
like expression ever saw produced on canvas
The painter could not ascertain, but the origi-
nal of the picture was the grandmother of Judge
Henry Chaplin.
! after the dinner the procession was formed
Tor the church. Allow me TO say, of all irregu-
lar marching, that of agricultural people is the
index Correct musical time hath no sort
Of charms TO them; Chinese band
would answer every purpose. The speeches
were Of the usual order, commendatory of
agriculture; the farmer was the healthiest, hap
piest and wisest man on the earth. One sneak.
or asserted that he believed farmers were better
Christians than any other class. Secretary
/ Warner was present and made fine sneech
The remarks of Rev. Carlton A. Staples of Chi.
cage were very sensible and appropriate. His
] experience Of the farmers life while boy was