The Newtown bee., 1889-12-06
REDDING.
THE GIFT TO SUPERINTENDENT BARTRAM

THE GIFT TO SUPERINTENDENT BARTRAM.
 Pending the closing labOrs at Putnam park for the season of 'S9, the workmen, desiring to give Supt Bartram some token of respect, set themselves promptly at work and procured valuable and beau tiful watch of the latest and most i'm proved pattern, which was duly present. ed him on the evening preceding the day of closing. The selection of the gift was suggested by an incident which was the principal feature of the presentation speech. During one of the prominent days of the Danbury fair, Supt Bartram, on his way through that famous city Git was said), become so much interested in the welfare and comfort of q lady he was trying to shelter from danger and harm that he neglected his own and while, with dexterous fingers he cared for oth- CTS goods, those with fingers still more delft manipulated so well that, when our good super came down to observe him. self, he found his beautiful watch, a for mer gift, had gone to fill long felt need in the bosom of superannuated Italian rag picker.
 The super, in his easy and graceful speech of acceptance, with that smooth ness of voice characteristic of the sena- tor, so nicely explained the circumstan- ces in connection with his former loss, that every one regretted that such an event should have marred the friendship of more than 75 years acquainta nee. Expressing his sincere thanks for the gift, he solemnly promised to be more faithful to the trust confided to his care and keeping. The presentation was made on one of those dark and stormy nights which help to make temporary home seem all the more cheerful and pleasant. On entering the temporary home of Su- perintendent Bartram, we found the house all aglow, with huge fire burn- ing fiercely from three large fireplaees, which filled the large old homestead with their warmth and cheer. I may here add that this old homestead was the house of his birth and his home until such years as he found that he must seek some other cline, where he could infuse more iron into his system, the much needed requisite for a good State sena- tor, which he found amid his modern home among the iron hills of northern Connecticut. This old homestead, Su- perintendent Bartram has occupied dur ing the season as boarding house and of flee. The house has been filled to it's fullest capacity with workmen, the whole season and naught has been seen or heard to mar the quietude of the staid old town. The subjoined letter, written over the signature of the superintendent, covers we'll this point:
 To the fellow workmen and friends of the Putnam Memorial Park, Bedding: The conf dence you have shown in me your superin. tendent is fully and gratefully appreciated This token of your respect will be kept as one of my choicest treasures and as from time to time, it is to be consulted for time the remembrance of you, the givers, your honest and faithful labors in assisting me in carry. ing forward the work will be viyidly brought | to mind and, allow me to say, that in all the l past no more faithful and earnest workmen have been with me. All seemed to enter into | the spirit of '76 and push with persistent eff. fort the work of restoring this old and honor ed encampment to its original state or, at l least, to preserve it intact. May your token | never be forgotten. No accident has occurr- | ed, thus far, during the work and it has gone | forward as if directed and guided by that Power that guides and directs the affairs of men. Thanking you again for this token Of your respect, am Yours Respectfully, Isaac l N. Bartram, Superintendent, Bedding, Conn , l November P, 1888.
 After the superintendent's speech of acceptance, he opened the box contain l ing the gift and, as his eye fell upon the beautiful watch, chain and keystone Ma sonic charm, visible flashes of resplend- ent light would stream across his face, reminding one of the grand aurora bore aiis of some Winter night. The gift con tained the following inscription:
 ! Presented to Superintendent Isaac N. Bar tram by the workmen of Putnam Park, Nov. ember B, 1889.
 3 Some 30 contributed toward the gift. mostly the men in his employ, assisted by few of his familiar friends, all feel ing glad that they might pay some trib- ute of their respect and appreciation for one so worthy to receive it.
 Among the most notable and pleasant family gatherings on Thanksgiving day was that at the home of the venerable Mrs James Sanford. All her children, husbands and wives, with their children, sat down at 9 royal feast and mirth and joIlity ruled the hour The old lady bears lightly the burden of her S6 years and entered heartily into the spirit of the occasion.
 q. ", Banks of the firm Of Bailey,