Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-08-17
PLEASANT MEMORIES.

I presume / echo the voice OF many
native sons of Paris still surviving, In say
ing for the absent that since the delightful
reunion 1t the centennial their thoughts re-
cur oftener than ever TO the scenes and
companionship Of former days,
The death Of DR.. Brown, so fresh and
vigorous year ago as apparently to defy
the SHAFT Of the destroyer, Is another pain
full reminder how few of the friends Of my
early manhood on Paris Hill still survive.
MY recollections Of him are peculiarly
pleasant. We were both fond Of music,
and often.plsyed the violin and sang to-
yether, both In church and elsewhere, the
father OF the writer playing the bass-viol.
Also, when we had debating club we
used to measure swords in discussion, and
in writing, aud both OF US owe good deal
to the old brick schoolhouse for whatever
OF success either has attained in arts both
have largely practiced since.
Nor Is that the only school house that Is
to be credited In this particular. One OF
the most vivid impressions OF our early
companionship is connected with my hrst
and only campaign in our native town
At the time referred to it was generally
understood that the list Of town officers
and their policy as regarded temperance
was settled In the old red store on the Hill
Hon. X. X. Goodenow, DIR. Brown and the
writer entered into league TO break 1t W
and put the town on the temperance track
As the law then stood II was optional with
the town officers whether or not licences
should be granted for the sale OF intoxi'
eating drinks. The plan OF operation
entered upon was to take time by the fore
lock and 20 into various school districts
and hold evening meetings and discuss the
subject In all It's bearings. Mr.. Goodenow
| was n good speaker, and entered into The
subject on hand with great enthusiasm
DR. Brown was well qualified TO present
the physiological aspect of the temperance
4 III,
speech carried weight wherever his voice
was heard. IL only remaiaed for TIT
writer, then young sprig or the law, u
| nj up the chinks with presentation OF th'
legal aspect OF the business in hand. TIT
result was that when town meeting came
OFF in the Spring, We carried bya large ma
| iority instru,tio 10 the officers agains
licensing, and the old order OF things wa
reversed. But - in the case of man.
Jealous rcformers IL would be perhaps JUS
10 say that the campaigncrs, two at least
were thinking quite As much of thcmseive'
a. OF the cause they advocated. The op
portunity of becoming better acquainted
with the citizens, and especially of cult
waiting the gin OF speech, were importan
factors which entered into this campaign
The death ofDr Brown, following close
~ that OF DR.. Tewksbury, Al early frien'
lorboth. makes 4 wide chasm in the rank
OF their profession. Both OF them wer
enthusiastic lovers OF medical science, an,
A
each has LEFT an honorable and brillian
record.
Its well, perhaps, occasionally TO rever
TO early scenes, fragrant with pleasan
memories and II perchance any OF tn
readers OF the DEMOCRAT should run owe
these hastily written lines suggested by tn
death OF an early friend. let them bear /
mind that ifthere were no higher motiv
needful to stimulate them TO pursue th'
path OF virtue and honorable eudeavoI
LAYING the foundation for pleasant retro
spcct in after life IS worthy OF their earl
and best attention. T.
Boston. Mass, Aug. 10. 1850.