Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-01-23

dren to the number OF twenty-five, gath
ersd once more In the old home around the
aged mother. -Four generations sat at the
long table and partook Of Christmas cheer.
and the bright fire roaring and crackliuq,
sparkling and shimmering 10 the wide,
ample depth OF the cavsrhous old ehimnes,
shone upon the lnatron'w could count
four score and ten for her years. and yet
whose face has few wrinkles aud whose
cheeks can boast girlish bloom. At her
side was her sister, Mrs. Peter Charles,
elghty-seven years, and around were gath.
cred gray-haired sons aud daughters,
young men and women IN the full strength
OF life, and lisping babes who remembered
no past and thought Of no future. But
this meeting stirred the hearts ofsome wit h
thronging memories. This house, seventy
years ago, Mr.. Charles planned and builded
and to 1t brought his bride. Here were
their children born, thirteen In all, OF
whom twelve grew to be men and women,
married and had homes OF their own; but
eight were left to sit by the mother now
Ia the cheerful fre-light. There were
thoughts Of the merry-mskings OF those
old dsys--bountiful Thanksgiving feasts,
and merry Christmas dances, where the
CLEAN from the same old fireplace, piled
high with logs, played ntfully over the
bright faces. Then there were sad days,
when the house was darkened and people
spoke In whispers, when sickness came
and death and the father was carried away
to return no more, and an empty chair sat
by the chimney nook, and the widow was
alone with the children. Then one AFTER
another went from her 10 other work and
other places; another bride was brought
home, other babes were born and the
house was again filled with sweet hopes
aud interests. So the years rolled away,
like tale that Is told, and only by an &C.
casional reunion are these scenes and
memories revived. Mrs Simeon Charles
Is the daughter OF WIN. Wiley, who was
the earliest pioneer OF the north part OF
the town and settled In l,G6 the Joseph
Colby place, well-known Landmark in
Fryeburg.
At the close OF the fall term OF school.
taught by Miss Chandler, delightful sur
prise was given 20 the scholars which de-
serves notice. Mr.. John Bachelor, load
ed with packages like 3 verltable Santa
Claus. appeared at the door and asked the
teacher II he might conduct few e1er-
clses 10 the study room. Consent being
given and school work laid aside, he first
talked TO the pupils, telling them that AL
though he had no children, still he had 4
a deep interest In education; the intelli-
gent Community was the right-loying and
the law-fearing community where life and
property were safe. They were there,
surrounded by all the convenlences and APP
pliauces for study, 10 work for themselves,
laying tie foundations for future useful
ness and happiness; for the useful man Is
the happy man the world over. Each day
was bringing to them the capital OF knowl-
edge, honesty and healthfulness upon which
the gain OF their whole lives must be based,
aud whose possession was far more valua-
ble than silver or gold. lie spoke or his
youth, OF the Ieagre opportunities for
common school education in those days
compared with the present-the old school
house, where ventilation took care OF IL
self, the few books, the poverty of explain
alton and instruction, and above all the
few weeks of the few years Of young
mans life which were allowed 10 be de-
voted to even this kind Of school, and
urged upon the boys and girls again the
Importance OF making the most OF their
opportunities and themselves. The re-
marks were OF that straightforward, com.
mon sensed nature that scholars like and
ought % hear, aud especially made by q
man who has carved out his own fortu ne,
earned his own money, aud gained h, $
reputation in social and business relations
By practicipg the very methods he recon-
mended, must have thier weight. Then
there were recollectlons OF sundry caps,
states, scarfs and handkerchiefs which had
found their way 70 them from the hand OF
Mr. Bachelor, for f" being good boys"
and not missing in spelling aud being
polite in the street" so the remarks were
sttentively heard, and no particular as
punishment exhibited when the packages
being opened revealed luscious raisins and
tempting candies, and all We're invited to
partake. Then there was fun and feastiug
for big and little, few words OF thanks
from the teacher, and the farewells were
spoken-whilep pleasant memories rem aimed
of the last day OF this last OF the many
terms Miss Chandler had taught In tn lis
district. TINY TIM.
PARIs.-The last Assembly connected
with the Dancing School was held last
Wednesday evening.
There will be ball at the Academy, Mon
dav evening, week, Jan. %, with music
by Towle's full Orchestra.
Mr.. Editor:
A very pleasant wedding took place at