The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1889-08-22
HE FATHER MATTHEW FIELD DAY.

were largely attended and both proved
successful.
THE FATHER MATTHEW FIELD DAY.
The members of this organization were
out early completing theelaborate prep.
arations for this eleventh annual field
day and picnic. IL proved to be the best
one ever held, both socially and tinan
cially, and it was probably the largest
affair of the kind ever held 10 the State
The base ball match between picked
nine of the H. w. Putnam Hose Com
pany and the Bennington Center nine
was closely contested, resulting in a vic
tory for the former II to g. A large
number were present and witnessed the
game.
The wrestling match for a purse Of
800, between Mr.. Mehan of Vermont
and Mr.. feeling of Massachusetts proved
to be one of the most scientific exhibit
tions it has been our lot to see. The Yer.
monter was volunteer who, having
heard OF possible absence OF the adver.
tised match for the Massachusetts, Cham.
pion, came down from Rutland that
morning and filled the place of substitute
with so much acceptance that many
were disposed to stake their chances on
him. feeling however was awarded the
match.
The boxing exhibition between Mr.
Casey of North Adams. Mass, and Mr.
Kroning of this town, gave entire salts.
faction to the large number who witness.
ed it. Casey proved TO be superior in
skill, however, and the award in this
case went to Massachusetts also,
The Tug of War" between the F, NJ.
7. A. B. Society and the Bennington
Fire Department proved to be one of the
best features of the day The former
were the winners, "as usual" suggests a
friend at our elbow as we wIite.
The dance in the evening at Library
Hall was crowded affair and most en-
joyable. There was also wIestling
match for a purse of $25, made up by
the society and audience, between Thos.
Sullivan of Troy, N. Y, and Mr.. feeling
the champion of the day. The latter
won. 1t may be we'll to state in this
connection that Caslins friends are con-
6dent that he could have thrown Teel-
ing had the original plan been carried
out. The net receipts were $32S.59-a
handsome sum for the treasury of the
"boys," and the result of good manage
ment and hard work. On behalf of the
society we are requested to thank the
pc ople of Bennington and vicinity for
the patronage accorded them on this oc
cssion; and also thanks to the Young
ladies who generously assisted in serving
refreshments.
THE GRAND ARMY PICNIC.
While the events spoken of, above,
were going on in the upper grove of the
Soldiers Home grounds, another pro-
gramme WAS enacted in the grove in
front Of the home, under the auspices OF
Custer Post, assisted by the W. X. G.
The ladies served refreshments during
the afternoon and early evening, and by
the light Of electricity, dancing was in
dulged in until late hour. The exer-
cises opened by an address by the Rev,
j. w. Thompson, an old army chaplain,
OF Greenwich, N, Y. This is spoken OF
as a very fine effort, especially by the
veterans at the home. He could talk
OF army affairs," said one, "because he
served in the Union Army himself"
The attractions advertised followed
this admirable address. Probably the
klCdbOol0NCbb VI
Prof. Gleason's exhibition of trained
dogs, was the dress parade at six o'clock
by a provisional command composed OF
the Bennington Rifles, the Tiffany Hose
Company and Canton Bennington, with
the citizens Band of our village. All
these organizations showed to advan-
tage, and the dress parade was pro-
nouced "fine," by the hundreds assem-
bled about the Soldiers Home, Canton
Bennington carrying their regimental
colors was given the right OF the line,
the Rifles next and the Tiffanys third.
Col. E. ID. Bennett OF the Governors
staff, was the reviewing officer, and his
staff as composed for this occasion
comprised the resident staff officers of
the commands represented. Capt. Tiff
fanny. a1jutant Of the first Vermont Regi,
ment, p. NJ. acted as that officer in the
provisional organization. From the
General Orders, No. 49," read on this
ocoassion, we learn thit this encamp-
ment was held at Camp Cotfey, and
that the Rifles were to proceed this
week to Camp Dillingham;" at West
Randolph, for the State muster
now in progress. The other companies
are awaiting further ORDERS" In con.
clusion, Col. Bennett says 1.-The com.
handing officer desires TO congratulate
the members of the Regiment upon
their veryl fine, soldierly appearance at
thus parade and hopes that each one will
be 80 fortunate as TO reach the shelter of |
his home without being rsined upon.
We believed the last sentiment proved |
true for the first time since May. The |
Post realized over 800, Tho dancing
pr'ze was awarded to Miss Katie Fergus
SON and Mr. Franz. Usher, both of Hoos-
lex Falls NY.