Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-05-02
Nor1cay Reform CLUB AnniVer-
Snru.

announcement. the good people OF Nor
way with invited guests, celebrated the
first anniversary of their Reform Club.
The day was beautifully clear. and the
air just cool enough TO be iuyigorating.
Large delegations were present from
nearly every club in the county. and q
goodly number from various other or
CARNATIONS in other parts Of the State.
Paris Hill was represented by over sixty
persons. and other towns did eqnally
we'll considering their localities. and the
travelling.
At IL o'clock the company assembled
for dinner at the Elm House, where Cap.
Whitmarsh had made ample accommo-
dations for the numbers which were ex-
pec,ed to be present; but so large was
the company that two tables were neces
sarily spread. 1t is reported that over
900 persons took dinner at the hotel.
The provisions were provided by the La
dies Aid Society.
After dinner the company formed in
line and marched through the village,
pausing before the residence of "Uncle
David Knapp" that the old gentleman
might see portion OF tho celebration in
which he so much desired to participate.
At o'clock Concert Hall was literally
packed. to listen TO addresses and parti-
cipate in the exercises. After singing
and devotional exercises. President De-
vim delivered an address OF welcome.
and Mrs. Freeland Howe extended q
welcome to the Aid Societies she said:
Mr.. President Ladies -
/, becomes my duty, and a pleasant
one eel it 10 be, TO welcome, in behalf
OF the Ladies Aid Society OF Norway,
these friends who have come in as repre-.
sentatiyes from other Aid societies 10
| Join us in these festivities.
Our husbands and our fathers, our
brothers and our sons had begun the
noble work OF Reform, a work sadly
needed but long delayed The ladies OF
Norway knew these brothers would need
sympathy knew they would need
encouragement aud support; and in &c.
cOrdance with our own wishes, banded
ourselves together for the purpose OF aid
| ing them in this conflict, which we telt
with some OF them would DE fearful
one. and one in which they had engaged
with a determination 10 tight manlully
with any weapon which came in their
hand. Only few days interviewed be-
tween the organization OF these two as
/ socialious, tha. of the Reform Club and
/ Ladies Aid Society; hence, we felt that
we might with propriety celebrate the
anniversary of the two upon the same
/ day.
believe il is those OF my own sex who
know rs well as any perhaps, how 10 re-
ioice upon occasions like this. Have not
the hearts OF wives aud mothers. OF sis
tiers and daughters been made many
times to bleed and ely out from their very
depth in despair, "Oh. my God. my God
why hast thou iorsaken me?" when they
have seen their loved ones disappearing
in the whirlpool OF ruin which strong
drink had thrown around them; and
when the tidal wave oi reform began
sweeping over our communities. lifting
upon its white crest these loved ones ito
! the level OF new hope" think you we
too cannot rejoice and be glad? Oh. la
| dies, feel that we have reason 10 thank
\ God that this movement was brought
about in our day and at this time, that
We may have the privilege Of laboring
in the glorious cause; that the Centennial
Anniversary OF the lite OF our Nation
should witness the spread OF this reform
throughout 50 many OF the States OF our
Union. a reform whose foundation is
christian love and good will towards ali
men. and whose result shall be for the
healing OF the nations.
May God grant that the spirit OF this
reform movement. like the rays Of the
blessed sunlight. may penetrate every
heart in our land like the breath OF Spring
favored OF God and loved OF men. ii may
awaken every soul TO higher aspirations
and better life. Lsdes. again extend
( TO you cordial welcome: our hearts
and homes are open TO receive you, and
our hope is that the occasion may prove
ono OF great pleasure TO you and that
the exercises may be conducted in such
d manner Us TO result in great good to
the cause We have so much at heart
The presidents OF various clubs were
then called upon Tor speeches, and the
following gentlemen responded; Messrs.
Fogg of Bridgton. Stevens of Denmark,
Bessey of Bryan,'s Pond. BRIGHAM Ci
Buckfeld, Gibson of Bethel. A. P. An
drews Of West Paris, Aosher Of Water
ford, Wilmington OF Buckfeld, and Maxim
OF Sumner. These addresses were all oil
very high order, and elected general
applause The meeting adjourned to the
Elm House, where tea was served.
Everybody speaks OF the splendid table
laid on this occasion.
A little after the appointed time Pres.
Devin called the evening assembly to
order in Concert Hall The hall was full
10 OVERLOOKING. many stood outside by
the windows. while others turned away
unable to get within hearing distance.
Pres. Devin introduced Alton OBrion as
Toast. master, who proceeded to present
the following ,oasts which had been post.
poned from after dinner, because there
was not room for all the guests 10 the
Elm House Hall.
Our InvIted GueStS-Msy You all be
welded 10 US, as The Old World is united
to the Newly cold water.
Resnonse by Mr.. Clark OF Mechanic