Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1877-07-11
Celebration at Bridgewater Corners

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Celebration at BridgeWater Corners
The basket picnic celebration ofthe
National Anniversary at BridgewateI
Corners, under the auspices Of the
Bridgewater Grange, came off on the
glorious Fourth, with decided success.
The clouds which had poured Gown
copious showers during the proceed
ing night, cleared away with the ris
ing sun, and the day throughout was
clear and beautiful. The spot select
ed for the exercises was under the
shade of the trees surrounding the
residence of Josiah Josselyn, Esq,
and between that aud ,Josselyn Hall.
Here seats were arranged for the ac-
commodation of about one thousand
people. Two flags of the largest size
were swung to the breeze, from rope
running from the chimney of the Hall,
to one of the trees. On the piazza OF
the house seats were arranged for the
accommodation of the speakers and
the choir, and in front for the band.
The day was ushered in by the
firing of cannon. A cavalcade numb
eriug twenty-five horses, organized
and led by Mr.. J. p. Lewis, proceed
ed, between 8 and 0 o'clock a. H., to
the lower end Of the village, over the
Woodstock line, and received and
escorted the w oodstock Brass Band,
DR.. Cotton, Leader, which furnished
music for the occasion, to the place Of
the celebration. The vocalism was
furnished by the choir of the Bridge
water Grange, assisted by the mem.
bcrs of choirs Of other oranges.
The company having assembled tc
the number of about a thousand, the
seats all being filled, and many stand
ing Exercises were commenced by
a tervent and appropriate prayer by
the Rev. Mr.. Armstrong Of Bridge
water. After music by the band, the
Declaration of Independence was reat
by Josiah Josselyn, Esq, in a clear
distinct and forcible manner Al
Grafton was then pronounced by tn,
Rev. Eli Ballou, of South Woodstock
We regret our inability TO do justice
to the orator by any report we coul'
make, and will only say it was patriot
ic in sentiment, contained practica
. and important suggestions, and wa
listened to with naked attention an
applause by the audience. After musi
, by the band, a recess was taken fo
dinner.
On re-assembling after dinner
| very interesting and beautiful featur
, of the occasion was the escort by tn
band, playing national air, from tn
/ hall, of thirty-eight young ladies
dressed in white, with red aud blu
+ trimmings representing the sever;
4 States in the Union, to an arch, trim
q med with evergreens, near the stant
where sat q gentleman representa-
4 "Uncle Sam" to whom each presente
a boquet. Each of the young ladi'
y wore on their heads a semi crown o
4 which were the characters of the state
y they represented, and the one repr
!. senting Vermont, delivered an al
q dress to "Upcle SAM" who was pc
q sonated by Mr.. Isaiah Fullerton, IL
q former, promised love and fidelity
|, the government and the union, an
K the latter his fathery protection.
= This ceremony being over, the toas
;. master--C. II. Josselyn, Esq, Mast
v of the Grange, and, also, Marshal
! the Day, proceeded to announce IL
u regular toasts as follows:
THE DAY WE CELEBRATE,
" A day proudly remembered in our n
s. tons history, and gratefully celebrat,
!. by its loyal and liberty loving citizens
:. may it ever be cherished by every tr
IT American.
Responded to by w. C. Abbott, ESQ.
"Yankee Doodle" by the Band.
!" OUR COUNTRY,
'e The ideal Republic of the world. Bro
v in acres, rich in metals, amply suppl
with mechanical industries, generous
P, endowed with institutions oflearning, a
ii patriotic to the core in the hearts of
people may it ever be in the future
G. it has been in the past, the safe refuge
q the oppressed of other nations, and co
tinue unsullied its present reputation.
as Responded to by S. S. Barrows, Esq.
At "Hail Columbia by the Band.
- THE STAR sPANGLED BANNER.
- The flag of our Union, proudly it waves,