Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1879-02-07
A Pleasant Affair,

Capt. U. A. Woodbury., in anticipation
of his departure on business trip to
Europe. Wednesday, gave a reception,
followed by a supper. TOT his friends at be
Van Ness House. Saturday evening. Nearly
every invitation met with personal re-
Spouse, and shortly after 8 O'Clock pleas
ant party of some ninety gentlemen assem-
bled in the Van Ness parlors, where. alter
due respects paid the host, an exceedingly
enjoyable hour was spent in the inter
change of greetings and in social intel
course. The party embraced many Of the
prominent citizens of Burlington, including
representatives of every profession and
business (the lumber trade particularly be-
ing largely represented) and was as pleas
ant gathering as one could imagine. To
add to the enjoyment of the evening several
choice vocal selections were rendered by
quartet consisting of Messrs. G. W. Hindes,
Thomson. At about half-past 9 O'Clock
supper was served, in the spacious dining
room. Two tables running the entire length
of the hall. and presenting very handsome
appearance, gave ample room for every
one and under the supervision of the
veteran Prof. Short the attendance was
everything that could be desired. The
supper was a notably good one. The bill
of fare was liberal, everything was admir-
ably cooked. the hot dishes were hot, and
from oysters TO ice-cream the most tastidous
could find no iault. All of which IL ad
ditional proof-though none is needed-of |
know how to set splendid table and keep |
a first -clsss hotel.
After substantial justice had been done |
to the supper (grace having first been asked
by the Rev. L. q. Brastow), Capt. Wood
bury raped tho tables to order, and, alter
a pleasant introduction and funny story |
about his naval experience With Admiral
Boggs. which brought down the house,
spoke of the situation Of Burlington sad its
business interests. Its advantages, he said,
have not yet been fully improved. For the
lumber business We have every facility here.
and | think We may well look across
the water for market. There is certainly
q market for our lumber in England in the
shape of deals. and think that at some
seasons even dressed lumber might be sent
there. Our transportation facilities are
good. and one firm cannot mcnopolize all
the trade. If We can overcome the English
We can establish a market
there. ! certainly hope the time may come
when We can ship to England the wooden
ware We are making here.
Captain Woodbury. was frequently inter
rupted with applause. and as he concluded
was warmly cheered.
No arrangements had been made before
hand for any set speeches, and the remarks
If the different gentlemen who followed
were entirely informal and "free and easy"
Hon. q. G. Benedict, in behalf of tho COM
'any. wished Captain Woodbury. pleasant
7oysge, a successful business trip abroad,
md safe return to friends at homo; and
poke warmly of his honesty ard independ-
nee and good qualities as a friend and
tizen. Remarks followed by Captain
Iohn 7. Drew, John A, Arthur, Esq, Ii. S.
Peck, Esq. and Hon. Torrey E. Wales;
nd the closing speech was made by Cap
ain F. G. Coggin, who perpetrated one of
he most startling series of puns on record.
nd whose remarks. like those of the preced-
ng speakers, were received with loud ap-
'lauss. The speaking was interspersed
nth songs by the quartet, varied by
Grenade by the band of an organization the
uests of the house at the time.
Thus was brought to a close most enjoy
bic evening, and one long to be remember
d by all who participated. The good
fishes for the host of the evening expressed
J the speakers found q ready and hearty
sspon sc in the hearts of every one present;
nd if all the kind hopes are realized, Cap
ain Woodbury's journey will indeed be
lccessful and prosperous one.