Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-08-27

parlor or "square ROOM" which had the ira
ditional fireplace, waipscoting and antique
finish. From its windows a fine view could
be obtained TO the north and east. Ghosts
of departed scenes came fitting before oul
mind as we went back through the years
and recalled the various digntaries who had
been there entertained, for it is known that
Mr. Allen had wide acquaintance through
the country and was on intimate terms with
many of the prominent men of the nation
His son, Hon. Ira II. Allen, was member OF
Congress and noted friend of education
himself being college graduate. Here were
several other rooms of like character, includ.
ing the dining-room and sitting-room. One
of these opened to a piazza whose pillars were
awry and crumbling, whose roof was in
momentary danger Of falling upon the head
of the venturesome tourist. This piazza,
upon the west side of the house, faced the
former road from Irasburgh to Barton Land
ing. The road is now abandoned for one more
commodious, but the grade can still be seen.
From this piazza fine panoramic view can
be obtained away over the hills to the haze
Of the mountains in the distance. Just over
in this direction, upon the brow of lofty
hill, Mr.. Allen built an observatory and
temporary summer residence, whittier he and
friends betook themselves and beguiled
many weary hour. 1t was here that he
spent seasons in communion with nature, of
which he was passionately fond. On the
other side of the house is another piazza
upon one end Of which is what was used as
the library and office. We were somewhat
disappointed in this, as it was only small,
low-posted room, with no shelves for books,
and nothing to render the place attractive or
even comfortable. But perhaps Mr.. Allen
considered it merely place for solid work,
and that every such thing would tend only
to detract from the results to be attained.
Certain it is that much real labor was per-
formed here, that letters fraught with great
interest to state and nation were here writ
ten, that plans were here made which have
had vital influence in moulding the subse-
quent history of Vermont. Both Ira and
Ira II. Allen had an extensive correspond.
ence, as the numerous letters remaining
testify. Subsequent mention will be made
of these We next went down cellar. Here,
as everywhere else, thoroughness was dis
played. Partitions of brick and granite
separated it into various departments, each
complete in itself and for a specific purpose.
These apartments being locked, thieves
would find it hard matter to gain access
to the body of the house through the cellar.
We then explored the kitchen and servants
quarters. These had nothing remarkable,
save that they were perfect representative
of century-ago style. The large fireplace
with the old-fashioned crane, brick oven,
iron kettle, etc., were uninjured by age. A
smaller fireplace in the same room is still
sometimes used for laundry purposes. 1t
was here that the Christmas turkey was
basted and the yule log cracked, and the
merry laugh went round.
The second story consisted mostly of
chambers, two of which are now occupied
as sleeping rooms in the warm nights of
summer. These were fantasticaIly trimmed
with forest leaves. But one of these cham
bers was more interesting than the others,
because of the great quantity of old letters
that have been removed here from the office.
Here we found them bearing all dates. We
have now in our possession writ bearing
the date of March, 1900, letter to Heman
Allen bearing the date of 1906 one from
Ira II. Allen to Chauncey Goodrich written
in 1926. This last is in clear, legible hand
and bears in every feature the marks of
the oldest, by any means, as several who
were so fortunate as |, have been there be-
fore and had carried away the more valuable
ones. A copy of the Burlington Express
printed in 1882 was found, letters to DIR.
Young of Philadelphia, to DIR. Jonas Fay,
letters to state dignitaries, letters to foreign
authorities, letters relating to the publish.
ing of the history of Vermont, social let
ters. We have one from Zinnie Allen dated
at Woodstock this abounds in political
fancies and moral reflections, coupled with
household statistics. We also found frag-
ment Of sophomore composition by Ira III.
Allen, but there was not sufficient remain
ing for us to determine the subject. A let.
ter was also found written by Haden, son
of Ira II. Allen, while in college. 1t was
written just before the annual holidays and
the author expressed an earnest wish that
he might join with the family in the accus-
toned festivities around the old hearth-stone,
admit. The writer soon after died in col
lege. Why should not some steps be taken
to secure some of these letters and interest
ing facts for the State Historical Society
The grounds around the house are ample,
but the formerly well-kept yard is now a
perfect wilderness Of trees and shrubs. We
counted no less than ten different kinds of
trees In the front yard. Formerly this was
one of the best-kept yards in the country,
but now the graveled walks are overgrown,
the winding drives are thing Of the past,
and the harmony is gone. The rear of the
yard was formerly used as flower garden
and was one Of the most beautiful of its
kind. When Mr.. and Mrs. Allen lived al
Colchester, Hemenway says, Mrs. Allen
had the largest and finest flower garden
in the state, but that was when Mr.. Allen
was worth million and before his financia
troubles. But few outbuildings are now
left. In a pasture few rods distant W,
saw horse formerly belonging to Ira II
Allen. MIR. Hitchcock had used him to helI
plow twelve acres the present year. Th'
Allen place is one of the few really interest
ing historic mansions which remain TO re
mind us of the gallant deeds and heroic
struggles Of our brave Green Mountain boys
Let US bear them in remembrance and cher
ish their memory as worthy our most endur
ing mementos.
STATISTICS show that the number OF private lei
ters annually sent through the post is at the ay
erage, In England OF thirty-four for each inhabii
ant; in Italy, twenty-one; in Germany, seventeen
In Holland, sixteen; in Belgium, fourteen; 1