Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-06-11
The Caldwell House.

On Main street, near State, may be seen an old,
venerable looking house. This building attracted
our attention the first time we passed through
that part OF the street We have penchant for
old buildings We paused on the opposite side
Of the street and gazed long and earnestly upon
its grim outlines. Its dilapidated exterior had II
fascination about it that held us spell-bound for
long time We thought, that house has n his
tory; its desolate condition, its evident age its
faded and rampled surroundings, the evidences
of former thrift and grandeur were there, dnped
with the tattered habiliments Of age and decay
The fierce November wind entered the many crew
ices, moaned through the rooms, and with start
ling wall rushed forth and mingled with the fierce
blasts whirling through the dusty streets The
rafting windows, the creaking doors, and the
whole house swaying to and fro in the fierce
clashng OF the elements all riveted us to the spot
We inquired and found that more than eighty
years since those walls were raised; that though
now below the level OF the street, then the house
had several steps up to the entrance.
Very few are now living in this town who can
remember anything OF the bright and CHEEKY
mansion whose comely proportions and beautiful
surroundings greeted those then engaged in the
turmoil and cares Of life. Look at the house as
you may, the teeming "reminiscences OF the long
past years come crowding around you. II those
doors grating upon their rusty hinges could speak
they might throw Hood OF light upon the history
Of the past The windows, could they have a
voice, might surely unfold many a spicy history
| of the scenes that are now buried with those
who, then and there, acted well their part in the
work and pleasure of busy and active life. The
walls could they unroll the scroll upon which the
sayings and doings OF eighty years are written
| would disclose many curious facts. Every room
has its story, every closet has its modicum OF
gossip, fun and drollery that it could untold.
| but walls do not speak, doors and windows have
| no voice. closets divulge no secrets
| Yes that old house, grim, dilapidated and
weather-beaten as II Is to-day is n representative
OF the early history of our pleasant village When
built few residences could or did pretend 10 rival
| it in elegance stately proportions or In cheerful
| surroundings.
II is reasonable tn suppose that those building
| and occupying II held a commanding position in
the social circle of an early period Of our history
II is true, In comparison with the modern palatlal
| residences II seems small and uuattrctye. But
| those who live until the next centennial OF our
| country history may see even greater contrast
| In the dwellings then, In the homes OF the citizens
| OF this place. This Is "a progressive age and an
| advancing country. In the process of time the
old house will disappear, aud those who have
lived in il or seen II will also pass away. How
sad the thought Not only have gay and pleas
ant scenes filed II with gadness, but the walls o
sorrow have filled the hearts of many with unit
terable woe Hut now silence reigns there, and
the voices that rang ont so cheerlly there ar,
hushed forever. Thus the world moves onwart
HOUSES cities aud towns are built flourish Tor
season and are known no more among men lie
us learn lessons of wisdom from the past, improve
by the teachings of the present and prepare 10
the future, for We, too, are growing old and other
will soon al our places. Sc. Eiho.