Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-07-10
WilnaingtOn.
CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH.

|
The Fourth reached Wilmington at IL
o'clock, midnight, as was ascertained by
the firing oi cannon. 1t was matter of re-
joicing that it should reach this place at so
early an hour, but the booming of cannon
at midnight does not tend to make a COM
munity rejoice.
| At sunrise the usual salute was fired, ac-
companied by ringing of bells. Before this
time our citizens had determined to honor
the day by means of Common School
Celebration. The following officers had
been appointed to have charge Of the occI-
sion President of the Day aud Toast
Master, q. +. Butterfield; Marshal, G. NJ.
| Russell Assistant Marshal, n. NJ. Has
| kcu.
At ten o'clock q procession was formed
| in front of the school house headed by the
wilmington Cornet Band" Next came
the speakers of The day, followed by the
several schools, each bearing banner with
| appropriate notices. Then came the cit-
zens generally, forming with the others a
long and well ordered procession. The
| line Of march was then taken towards Bar
nard's grove where everything was found
rived at the grove, Rev. A. c. Field offered
up an earnest prayer. The President of
tho day then offered few appropriate re-
marks in his ususl happy style. He the n
introduced Milton A. Goodnow, who gave
fine reading OF the Declaration OF Inde-
pendence. Then followed music by the
band, after which Rev. Mr.. Barber made a
very fine opening address. Rev. Leonard
Dodd next gave us a racy and spirited ora
ton. We had supposed that Mr.. D., being
an Englishman, would he tongue-tied on
the Fourth OF July, but be soon show ed
that his tongue was as free to wag on that
day rs on any other. The band Unemployed
the "Star Spangled Banner" as every one
thought in spirited manner. And let us
say, right here, that Wilmington may well
be proud of her "Cornet Band" The Sc
lectons of music for the occasion were well
chosen aud the execution almost faultless.
Long may the band continue to hold her
banner TO the breeze in Wilmington. Our
local pride would constrain us to say a
word concerning our ministers. OF the
four active clcrgymen Of our place who
participated In the exercises OF the day,
Mcssrs Barker, Dodd, Field and GOodnow,
we hardly know to whom to accord the
front. Their efforts on this occasion, as
ever in the pulpit. were able, interesting
aud instructive. We question If another
illage Of equal size in the State can pro-
dure 80 great an array OF clerical talent.
At twelve O'Clock the company partoOk
of free dinner which had been provided
by the ladies'. About three quarters of an
hour were thus consumed, after which mu-
sic and toasts were in order. Responses to
sentiments were then made by Ashley
Stone, ]. II. Russell, Rev. A. w. Good
now, f. T. Butterfield, Dexter Stone, s. It.
Davenport, c. +. Boyd, A. +. Wolcott and
Rev. A. C. Field. These responses were
listened to with close attention.
AT about two o'clock the company formed
in procession and marched back in the
same order in which they had proceeded to
the grove. Arrived at the school house,
thanks were extended to the band, after
which the exercises were declared closed,
and the people went their way apparently
well satisfied with the days observance.
At about five O'Clock the usual Fourth of
July rains com menced, and perhaps caused
discontinue to those who were not pru-
dent enough to remain under shelter.
Taken as whole, our celebration was de-
cided success. The dinner was excellent,
the ladies cheerful and happy, the day cool
and pleasant, the music without fault; the
speeches and responses Interesting, the ex-
ercises well conducted, and the audience
quiet and attentive. In short, everything
hespeaks for us quiet, temperate and well
ordered village.
Last Sabbath was an interesting day
with the churches In this place being
communion day at the Congregational and
Baptist churches at the former, one lady
united by profession and two gentlemen at
the latter, by baptism. Al the Universal
list church the day was observed ~ "chil-
dren's Sunday" In the morning the pas
tor, Rev. Mr.. Barber, gave an eloquent
sermon upon "Patriotism." In the AFTER
noon short discourse upon the pleasures
of Childhood" with an earnest appeal TO
parents and teachers. He was followed Nv
an excellent address from the superintend-
ant, Mr.. Edward Titus, a fine original es-
say from Mr.. Herbert Fox. The reading
of one of Alice Carey's thrilling poems up.
on 1.-THE Christ Child" by Miss Emma
Barber, and the sweet "lesson taught by
flowers" by Mrs. Edward Titus, at the
close of which thirteen children were sol
EMMY dedicated by baptism. The singing
by the choir and Sunday school was very
good. The church was profusey and beau
tifully decorated with flowers, aud the at
tendance was large.