Middletown transcript., 1876-10-21
Written for the Middletown Transcript
Centennial Notes No. III.
SWEDEN AND NORWAY

SWEDEN AND NORWAY
When we 60 from Italy to Sweden
and Norway in this continent, we are
not obliged to cross Prussia with her
fearful Krupp guns, but merely to step
over a dark line, and enter in their
gates A great many persons here
hitherto had an idea that the inhabi-
tants of this far distant cline with its
snow-clad hills, were little more than
Barbarians, but we think this exhibi-
tion will enlighten them more than
volumes can, on the advancement and
| progress of these countries. Their lit
erature is as old as their hills. almost,
and the stories of their sea kings and
mountain gods date back to times i'm
memorial. In this department we see
their legends painted on glass and
china, and recall vividly to mind their
stories which we read with wondering
childish interest years ago, and half
wished and half dreaded to see one Of
their crowned kings of the sea riding on
the back of monster serpent rising
from our peaceful waters. We can i'm
agine the fairy queens Of the mountain
dells decked With the silver iligree
jewels, similar to those which are ex-
hibited here, looking so frail and almost
transparent, and fit only for their use.
They also make fine display of cut
glass. from tiny wine glasses to magni-
6cent fruit dishes, from the rose to hold
but single flower to the largest
boquets. Large pieces Of nickel ore are
shown too Some very fine fre-proof
safes are to be seen here. We noticed
fine display of silver ore under glass
as we travelled along In this depart
ment some Norwegian gigs or sulkies
are to be seen. The wheels are unusually
heavy, the seat very low, the foot Of
the sulky extending very far forward,
making it rather uncomfortable posi-
tion to ride in for any great distance.
Some magnificent robes of polar bear
skins, also some of the Elder Duck
were very much admired. Cotton goods
in great variety are here also and some
handsome oil cloths. Sweden makes
quite large display of cod liver oil,
but even in its brightness and trans
parency, it was sickly sight. A curl
GUS display of matches caught our eye,
a pyramid Of entirely consumed matches
is formed, the match being entire, not
dropping off as soon as burned. y Some
ink is exhibited, ,over which is an invita-
ton to "please try" which is quite
relief from the monotonous "hands off"
There are some very fine sweet toned
pianos in this exhibit, including square,
upright and grand, the cases Of which
were beautifully finished. Any quaint
ity of fishing seines of immense size are
here. Various colored marbles are ex-
hibited, as also extra heavy druggists
bottles They have some beautiful
chinaware in this exhibit, including tea
sets, dinner sets, vases and toilet sets.
A magnificent mantle-piece at least ten
or twelve feet high was very much ad-
mired. 1t was beautifully enamelled
in blue and white underneath was a
CRATE, and we were informed that when
there was a fire made of either wood,
coal or coke it would keep warm for
twenty-four hours. On each side of
this mantle were two candle-sticks of
the same material and color. Quite
number of straw chairs and flower
stands are also shown. A very pretty
fountain in Magolicaware is seen here.
representing Mermaid with lilies
Among the other curious wares was
display of jewelry made from grind
stones it is astonishing what variety
of colors is presented in this display
There is also large display Of brass
musical instruments, which would make
our Middletown band thrill with de-
light. The penetrating winds Of days
like this, make US wish for some of the
elegant fine cloaks that are seen here in
such profusion Sweden makes also a
fine display of cutlery, such as razors,
daggers, table-knives and forks, and
pocket-knivss. They have the finest
display of tinware in the building, both