Connecticut western news., 1877-05-25
Poughkeepsie Bridge.-The Pough-

Poughkeepsie Bridge.-The Pough- keepsie EagIe says: Work on the foun- dalton of the bridge piers, and the prepara- tions for further progress IS going on rap idly. At present four gangs of men, in- | cluding about l 50 in all, are at work. The largest and most important of these Is on the foundation of the first pier out into the stream. They are adding to the timber work on top of the caisson at the rate of nearly three feet per day. It now draws forty-seven feet of water, and has only ten or twelve feet more to go before it will rest on the river bottom. When it does settle into the mud the utmost care must be talk en to have it rest in exactly the right spot, and the delicate job of fixing it there will probably take place sometime this week.
 A second gang of men Is adding timber in similar manner to the second caisson, which lies off Collingwood's lower wharf !; hoisting engine and two derricks have been prepared to handle the sticks, and they are put on and spiked down lively. On the two caissons about 100, 900 feet of IAAAUCA AS put HI pLdC0 udllYs
 The third gang is engaged in rebuilding the Ways at Folks ship yard, and prepar ing the cradles and blocking for third ca isson. Considerable difficulty was experi- enced in launching both the previous ones, and the ways are now being entirely recon structed, so as to avoid the trouble in flu ture.
 A fourth body of men is fixing up the old whale dock property which has been leased for use as yard for the reception and sorting of the coarse stone for the piers. The wharf is being repaired and strengthened, hoisting anc traYeler engines are to be set up, and in short time every thing will be in readiness to receive the first cargoes of granite from the quarries in i Rhode Island. Sheffield. The Chromo man came, as your most reliable correspondent informed us he would, and offered for sale some very fine pictures at very low prices. I think your idea of a Society for the promotion of Beauty good one; wish we could have one here......On Thursday last there was family reunion at the home of O. Curtis, to celebrate Mir. C's. eightieth birth day. The affair was complete surprise to MT. Curtis, as he knew nothing of their ] coming until Thursday afternoon, when the 2 o'clock train brought children, ,grandchid- ren, and one great-grandchild, to corgratu- late him upon his ripe old age. In the evening the cousins, of whom there are many, came in to unite with them Tn their rejoicing. The house was trimmed with running pine and over the entrance was suspended the word, "Welcome," the let ters being formed of the same material. On one side of the dinlng-room were the two dates, "l797" and 'ls77," wrought, the latter in white, the former in colored flow CTS on mats of green. Between the two dates was the monogram, 70. o." also in flowers. The birthday cake was in the form of pyramid, around the sides of which were 80 tapers. making a brilliant sight when lighted. The yard was hung with Chinese lanterns, which served to make it very attractive spot. Those who were not able to attend in person sent letters, which were read and duly appreci- ated. One of the company who was at MT. Curtis's on Thursday evening, Mrs. Up son, of Egremont, was taken i'll that even ing, and di ed there on Saturday morning Her death was caused by heart disease......Las Wednesday there was g special meeting of the "Ladies' Sewing Society,"" of the Cong. Church, at Mrs H. Dutcher's. about forty-five were present and very pleasant and prof table aftel naon was spent. Next Thursday the soci ety meet at the house of Mrs. Harvey Roys ......We are glad to know that the health oi Rev. MT. Kellogg is improving. MT John Burtch is still very ill. FOL. That sewin' Circle
 They was holdin sewin circle,
 And thort I'd better go;
 Although I'd several heathen raound, At home, for which to sew.
 But then the lady president Had hinted once or twice, About my lack of charity,
 | Which didn't set so nice.
 l talked it OCT with 'Zekel,
 And he pooh-poohed about,
 And sed his socks were ragged And his trousers knees were out.
 But then I knew that Sister Brown
 Would think was to blame,
 And so heard his grumbling aOut,
 And started jest the same. l found most all the members there, For 1 was prittY late
 But 'Zekel was to blame for that,
 He was to obstinate.
 He wanted me to dinner git,
 Although arged long, To prove that takin' so much time
 Would do the heathen wrong.
 thort that he might take lunch
 Of apple sass and bread But lawful sakes It did no good,
 A single word sed.