The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1888-02-23
CORRESPONDENCE.
Our Western Letter-'tA Bennington
BOy"-The Old First Church, etc.

Boy'-The Old First Church, etc.
To the Editor of The Banner:-DEAF
SIR. The forces OF nature are silently
at work; though unseen by us, they are
preparing for the coming of spring in
many busy ways. The days are longer
than they were few weeks ago. Light
comes earlier in the morning and fingers
later at the close of day. At sunrise
there have been faint prophecies OF
brighter skies and softer airs; at sunset
hints Of deeper CLOVIS and of the gold
and purple of royal splendor. which are
surely coming by and by Enthusiastic
travellers in foreign lands admit that
there are no finer sunsets than those of
our own America. Among the many
lessons which nature teaches is the prac
tica one of preparation, In how many
ways we can prepare for the coming
season and be ready to meet it with a
glad welcome.
The weather has been very favorable
here on the Muskegon during the winter.
1t has been mild and pleasant while
there have been severe storms East. The
near city of Chicago has reported severe
weather, but there has been no cause
for complaining here. There is great
deal of snow and fine sleighing, but
there have been no high winds, so there
are no drifts. The restless waters of
Muskegon lake are bound in icy letters.
Sleighs heavily laden with pine slabs
are constantly crossing the bridge of ice.
There is no cessation to the merry jingle
of sleighbels as parties of pleasure are
constantly crossing the smooth surface.
The many mills along the shore of the
lake are silent. The workmen who fill
them during the warmer season are at
logging camps, The owners of several
have been seeking recreation at the
South and locking after business inter-
ests there. G. 7. Hills, a Bennington
boy, an occasional and interested visitor
to his native town, has added to his pine
lands, by a recent purchase ofover 100, 00O
acres in Mississippi. All business inter
ests are not postponed in this "lumber
city" during the winter. THE Car
Manufacturing Company are doing an
extensive business, besides several other
important industries. The city is con-
stantly increasing in population; over
5000 have been added during the past
two years. During this time, two rail-
roads have been built others in contem.
platiOn. The ceasless, restless activity
of these Western cities almost tires
one.
There are no hills in any direction;
the long.straight avenues tempt many
to fast driving, there is a great trial of
this and many trials of speed.
There is a feeling of commiseratiOn
| for chile ran " bp iryfn 100 THAR pIn1o
| We know that many times IGNORANCE
is bliss" but | often wonder what they
would say if they could spend one Sat
urday coasting upon the "old Academy
hiIl' at Bennington Centre.
The BANNER is a most welcome visitor
az it comes each week. Other papers
are received with it, but that is opened
first and read with interest. Several
weeks since an article entitled Ben
nington's boom" was read with especial
interest. The outlook for the future of
our historic town is certainly encourage
ing. Bennington is beautiful for stu
ton. Perhaps one should go away from
TIE mountains for time to gain deep
er appreciation of their rugged grand
eur. Among the many attractions, the
first are its people. Intelligent, cordial,
kind hearted, true men and women.
The lines have fallen to them in pleas
ant places; they have a goodly herr
tage.'
Thought is often of the "Old First
Church" and the great sorrow resting
upon it. The loved pastor rests from
his labors, but his works follow him.
Many of his people are gathered about
him in the upper Sanctuary. Light
from beyond will guide the faltering
steps of the few who yet linger till the
close of "lfe's little day" Comfort and
peace will descend like falling bene-
diction, for we remember that 1.-THE
memory of the just is blessed
X. j, H.
Muskegon, Mich, Feb. IS, 1883.