Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-12-22
Capitol Guard Fair.

The fair OF Capitol Guard opened auspciously
Thursday in Capital Hail, certain augury of
its perfect success in every respect. From the
opening hour to the closing one, Capital Hall was
filed to Overlooking, and It is estimated that one
thousand persons visited II during the day and eve
ming In the first place, the hall was decorated
in 80 attractive a manner that IL Of itself was
worthy Of n visit On this az on many other oc-
casons, Mr.. George F. Sargent displayed the
skill and fine taste which he possesses in great
a degree. He was ably assisted by William T.
Dewey, Osman D. Clark and others. The booths
were attended by the fair daughters Of the capital
who aided materially in the sale OF the goods.
Waterman's orchestra lent the charms OF music
to an occasion which was itself charming. In
the play, "Whos who7" Misses Minnie Robin
son and Hattie Fisher, and Messrs. A. w. Ferrin,
Fred L. Eaton and George b. Clifford acquitted
themselves credltably before the footghts. The
bayonet squad drill by Barnes, Portal, Eaton, G.
P. Dewey and Fred Scrbner was an exceptional
attraction to the civilian part Of the audience.
Willie Girard and Arthur Allen showed that skill
full clog dancing is not monopolized by profess
sonals and the juveniles soldier drill well illus
trated the aptitude Of Young America for the
profession OF arms
The festival continued throughout the day
and evening of Friday with increasing success
both financially and socially. Sales of articles
were unexpectedly large. The competing squads
from the several companies OF the regiment
did not put in an appearance. delegation
from the Ransom Guards st. Adams, con-
sisting of Messrs. II. NJ. Vincent, NJ. S. Bost-
wick, J. Branch Jr. and 7. NJ. McGif, under Col.
W. Tracy Smith, styled the " cardinal Brigade"
arrived on the late train that evening, and
expressed themselves as highly pleased with
their reception A drill in the manual OF arms,
together with bayonet drill by squad of Capitol
Guard, was an interesting feature in the evenings
proceedings.
The interest eliminated Saturday evening,
with an overlooking and enthusiastic crowd
| In attendance. Throughout the fair the hall
was thronged, but on this occasion the crowd
was too large for its capacity, so at an early
hour the sale of admission tickets was discontin-
| ued. It exceeded in interest and success both
| the preceding days. The drawing of prizes
conducted by Messrs Fred +. Smith, L. Bart
Cross and Speaker Martin, and was thoroughly
impartial and satisfactory The successful num-
bers drawn were 800, piano, NJ L. Smile 26,
gold watch, W. d. Wright, the member from Or
well 2a2, chamber set, W. II. Kelton; 40, book
case, George Randall; 81, coon-skin coat, A. p.
Childs 2S, sewing machine, Charles C. Ramsde;
SO, 1888, gold eagles, A. ?. Childs, George B.
Shepard 277, 225, AGA, half eagles, Tracy Smith,
Mrs. Hatch $50. easy chair, not yet called for.
The prize cup for the best-drilled soldier was
awarded to John Portal. The prize for boxing
was awarded to Lewis Wood, under the rule-the
contestant putting in the greatest number of
| blows. Mr.. Wood scored IL to 10 for Mr. Smith,
the latter, however, showing superior science
and skill. Timothy K. Merrill, Jr won hearty
encore by his rendition Of the song, Gone with
Minstrel Man." and responded with Dutch
song, Bologna Sausages" The drill of the
| young soldiers under Captain Roleau, was very
creditable, Miss Celia Cheney's song was so
| flatteringly received that she was forced to re-
spond, giving in acknowledgment of the encore,
| Kathleen Mavourneen." The transit" of
the curtain eclipsed the stellar lights" as the
programme called them, but which the manager
modestly called side show The few who wit
messed it, however, acknowledged it to be Fun
in Fog" and one of the best features OF the
entertainment. An auction sale OF articles left
on hand took place at intervals. The gross re-
ceipts OF the three days not less than 81 100
The citizens, and especially the ladies' of the vii
lage have contributed generously and cheerfully
in various ways to the substantial outcome OF the
fair Socially and financially the enterprise has
been great success.