Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-01-19

visitors since the New Year came in. The
visitors book shows a large number of
names. and quite proportion from Maine.
To step from the busy, bustling, hurrving
life Of the street into the quiet and dimness
of the Old South is like going back a hun
dred years. The portraits of dead heroes in
knee breeches, ruffies and wigs, look down
on us with grave dignity. A fireplace and
beaufet of i770 occupy places at the end of
the room facing the entrance. In the for
mer hangs a crane on which is suspended q
tea-kettle, while copper-pot, tin kitchen, and
other articles in use more than q century
ago are ranged along the brick hearth. Har-
riet Martineau's grand features greet US in
marble at the right as we enter. The sculptor
has imprisoned half smile on the lips which
show the dimples that soften the rugged Sc
verety of the face. In glass cases along the
sides and end of of the church are
preserved the Revolutionary relics which are
of the greatest interest to those who boast
any patriotic feelings. The sword Of Joshua
Simonds who stood with the muzzle of his
gun in powder keg in the meeting house to
blow it up if interfered with by the British,
on the 10Th of April, l775, is one of the first
relics to be seen. In the same case is a small
picture engraved by Paul Revere, entitled
"Spanish Treatment at Carthagenia." Re-
ceipt from the same for silver porringers.
A copper kettle which belonged to Col. Levi
Bigelow, of the 18th Mass. Regt. of the Rev
olution, and used by him in camp through
out battle. gold mounted sword, one Of
four presented by Lafayette to the staff of
General Washington. In another case is the
programme or order of procession on occa-
sion of the death Of General Washington. 1t
is about eight by fifteen inches, framed in
light wood, and is brown with age. Near by
is a cane made from timber taken from the
house built and lived in by Geo. Winthrop.
A silver spoon and ladle which belonged to
Washington, engraved G. w. 17T. A
three cornered hat ornamented with silver
lace and plumes was worn by Gen. Stark.
cradle belonging to Samuel Grant, father of
Moses Grant who assisted in throwing the tea
into the harbor, is covered with leather and
studded with brass nails. A piece Of the
dress worn by Dorothy Quincy on her wedding
day shows fine repped silk surface with en-
broidery of tiny rosebuds A pair of high
heeleu slippers once worn BY Mrs.
Gusts are embroidered white satin with
large silver buckles. Also chemisette
and sleeves of fine lawn worn by same.
cup and saucer 155 years old, and once
owned by Major Samuel Shaw, is in nearly
the same pattern as some of the Japanese
ware of day. A vest worn by same in
white silk with embroidered rose buds and
leaves. There are cannon balls dug up from
that memorable battle; swords owned and
used by the heroes who spilled their blood for
liberty; keepsakes and needle work from
their wives and sisters; sword belts, ruffied
shirts, a bit of the flag that hung from Liber-
ty Hall, and MANY other relics appeal to the
dearest and most sacred emotions of the
heart An afternoon spent in the Old South,
shut in with that part of the history Of our
country which we so highly honor teaches
lesson of earnestness to even the most super
fetal nature.
The theatres have been fairly crowded the
past week, and the receipts must have been
very large. The hotels have more transient
guests than for several years. The great
mark down sales continue, and the liberal
advertising brings many strangers to town to
take advantage of low prices. At Jordan 4
Marsh's last week, plushes which for
| merly retailed for S8 and $40 per yard
were sold for sf.50, and many other goods ut
same difference. The book trade was never
better. The books are so prettily and even
elegantly bound, and the paper is so fine and
thick on many Of the publications that it ID ,
| temptation to purchase, almost without ref
erence to the thoughts held inside the covers.
Many of the beautiful foreign goods from
| the Exposition, have been bought by dealers
here, and are on sale at lower prices than
asked by the original owners. The whole
stock of Norway turs have been bought and
transferred to down town stores.
1t is rumored that X. II. White & Co., wiil
| expend $1,000 on their show windows at Lent,
and that something novel will be shown.