Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1876-12-13
DEDICATION
OF
J0SSELYN HALL.
THE SITUATION.


OF the Bridgewater Grange, No. 1GS, was
dedicated by the usual ceremonies of the
Order, on Saturday, the 9th inst. Before
abiding more particularly to the dedica-
ton, some account Of the building may be
interesting. 1t is located at the place
called Bridge water Corners, on the South
en bank Of the Ottaquechee, near the cov-
cred bridge which crosses the river at
that place and some ten rods from the
beautiful residence of the proprietor.
A more charming or suitable site
could scarcely be found in the town, or
the State. So full Of picturesque and de-
lightful scenery. 1t stands at suitable
distance from the road. In the front rise
noble elms with admirable proportions,
one of which is probably the growth of a
| century or more. On the north side flows
the river, and on the south extend the
richly cultivated lands and farm buildings
OF the owner, while all around at no great
distance rise the lesser elevations of the
| Green Mountains.
THE BUILDING.
The building is in size, G0X32 Get; two
| stories high with basement; is thor
oughly finished from "cellar to garrett"
neatly painted on the outside in appro-
pirate colors and makes Il commanding
and handsome appearance. You enter by
the front door into Hall about 16xl9 feet
in size. On the right is the stairway
leading to the Main Hall. also stairs lead
ing to the basement. On the left is an
ante-roOm l4Xl6 feet, fitted for storage or
cooking, and is furnished with large
cook stove, and has door to the lower
Hall. In the front is the entrance to the
lower, or dining Hall, which is about Six
A feet in size and will seat over two
hundred persons ut the tables. In the
center are three pillars neatly finished for
the support Of the upper hall and in the
rear there is back entrance.
story. From the landing you enter the
Gate Room which is Ike feet in size.
This contains closets for regalias, &C.
From the Gate Room is an entrance to the
Preparation Room, which is about lG feet
square. The entrance to the Main Hall
is from the Gate Room, also, from the
Preparation Room.
THE MAIN HALL.
The first impression on entering the
principal hall is very pleasing, and more
minute examination confirms you in the
opinion, that i'll its proportions and ar
engagements, in the planning, and cxecu-
ton, and the general effects, little more
could be desired In size it is 3lX44 feet
walls II feet with G foot arch, from cen
ter to floor, IS feet. Lighted by eight
windows, four on each side, 1Sx36-four
lights to the window-and weighted, so
as to rise or fall, for ventilation. The
walls and ceiling are calcimined-as are all
the rooms in the building-and beautiful
ly tinted, the arch in light blue and the
walls in grey. The center pieces and COR
nices also in appropriate colors. On the
front wall, as you enter the hall, above
the platform for music, or speaking, is the
motto, neatly lettered in colors:-
"OUR GOD,
OUR COUNTRY AND OURSELVES"
with handsomely colored center piece
on which arc the letters p. Of H., with the
figures lG8, the number of the Grange.
Nearing to the rear wall, fronting the
stand and over the entrance door, we OBJ
serve q handsome colorcd center piece,
representing the plow in nice proportions,
with the words on either side -
Gle who by the plow would thrive,
Must either hold himself or drive"
Over which are the words -
"UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE
FALL"
The Hall is heated by two neat looking |
stoves with Russia pipe so arranged us not
to mar the harmony of the whole.
THE ATTIC AND BASEMENT.
The ascent to the Attic is by easy
and well finished stairs Here we find
nice finished room, I5x31 feet in size,
and fitted up for Il clothes room, or for
useful and private purposes.
We will descend to the BASEMENT
Here we find that the proprietor has
proftcd from the old maxim, that house
should not be built on the sands. The
superstructure is placed upon strong
foundation walls, and the Stay of the
land" on which it stands was such as to
enable him to utilize the cellar, or base
ment in such way as to make it warm
and comfortable place for the housing Of
that noble animal, the horse; and this,
too, without compromising the appearance
of the building. The space over which
it stands is tloored, stalls for the accom-
of horses made, and the whole
lighted by windows in the underpining.
There is wide entrance in the rear, with
little descent, and carriage way around
the building.
The material used in the construction
Of the building has been all of the best
hard and soft lumber. The floors,
are Of the best kind, and the
of the first class. All the rooms
are well lighted by windows of the kind
heretofore described. The main hall
story is hung with curtains, and each