The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-09-01
BENNINGTON RELICS.

others. MISS Partridge goes out Tor the
first time and sails Aug. 28.'
BENNINGTON RELICS.
The town of Bennington is rich in old
historic relics, and slowed away in many
of the homes of the older residents, es
pecially those that reside in THE Cen
tre," is many an article connected in
some way with the events that occurred
over a century ago, the sight of which
would fairly make the heart of relic
hunter swell with envy. One of the
homes that is particularly filed with OBJ
jects of interest is that of Human S.
Brown at the Centre.
An old Bible printed in London, Eng
in 1913 by John Basketh, printer to the
kings most excellent majesty, is an OBJ
ject of interest. The price of this book
was one pound five shillings unbound.
The Bible was formerly owned and
brought to Bennington by Stephen Fay,
better known as Landlord Fay of the
famous hostelry called the Catamount
Tavern. In this Bible is family record
started by himself, the writing of which
is plain and distinct. Mrs. Brown is a
granddaughter of Landlord Fay, and
bis son Jonas, drafted the original dec
laration of independence of the State
of Vermont. Mrs. Brown is also the
owner of an old centennial desk brought
here by Landlord Fay. 1t used to stand
in one of the rooms of the old Cata-
mount Tavern, and on it Ethan Allen,
Seth Warner and others of the famous
Green Mountain boys have written. 1t
is of substantial and unique pattern,
bears as yet no sign of decay, and is in
tact with its brass handles and nails and
other original ornaments. On it is seen
an old-fashioned cup and spoon pre-
sented to Landlord Fay in London
in 1873.
Another relic of the old tavern is an
old-fashioned picture of Neptune and
Diana, once she property of Capt. Fay's
daughter Ruth. An object of much at
traction is an old-fashioned mahogany
table, over $50 years old. and which was
brought from Ireland by Thomas
Trenor, the founder of the iron works,
where is now situated the summer resi-
dence of Mrs. II. l.. Shields. 1t is mar
rated of MI. Trenor that before leaving
Ireland, an old and wealthy lady being
attracted to him, desired to leave him all
her property. As the law of that coun-
try would not allow it, she proposed to
marry him, and he consented. They
lived happily together several years, and
at her death the whole of her property
fell to him. He afterward married
again. Another relic of Ruth Fay is an
old pewter tankard with her initials en-
graved upon It, Along with it is a tin
der box, a cup, saucer and spoon, all in
teresting and valuable, because OF their
age and the associations connected with
them. Among the collection is a glass
toddy with silver stirrer, now 120 year S
old. 1t was formerly the property of
Mrs. Browns mother, and was by her
presented to Mrs. Brown when she was
95 years old.
One of the most attractive things is an
old-fashioned tall clock, considerably
over 100 years old, and once the property
of the late Capt Asa Hyde. In it is a
music box, and when it strikes the hours
of II, 4 and it plays different tunes.
| There are seven of these tunes for week
DAYS, and on Sunday it peals out the old
sacred hymn known as "Orpheus."
A round, notified top, three-legged
table, which is over a century old, is an
other relic of Capt. Hyde. The rooms
of the house are rich in old furniture,
most of it being mahogany. Among IL
| is a set of six caned chairs, with hair
cloth seats, and trimmed with brass
nails. They were once the property OF
Mary Curtis, one of the first settlers in
old Woodbury., Ct, and who married
Parker Brown, 81 eatRrandtather OF Mr..
Brown. Benjamin Franklin is remem-
bered when looking at a portable iron
fireplace, with brass andirons, the fire.
place being an invention of Franklin. A
high screen, over 125 years old, was for
merly in the Hinman family, the ma
ternal ancestors of the late Major S. II.
Brown. A straight-legged mahogany
chair, that was brought over from Ger
many over 200 years ago, is in a state of
complete preservation, as is a round re-
volving card table, brought from Ireland
by Mr.. TrenOr when he came to this
country. There are also a table and
chair, both of mahogany, once owned by
Landlord Fay and used in the Gaia
mount Tavern; and a (highboy) dresser,
in which are Is drawers with old-fash-
toned brass handles, once owned by
Jonas Fay.
A relic of the Bennington battlefield is
seen in two earthen mugs brought over
by English soldiers. On each is the in
scription George Rex" They were
picked up on the battlefield. There are
a large collection of glassware of differ
ent styles and shapes, many Of the
pieces being traced back to 100 years
ago. Prominent among them are two
teddy dishes There is also picture on
satin in needlework, done by a young
lady who boarded with John Jacob As.
tor a century ago. There are also din
ing table, tea table, workstand and
dressing table, all mahogany, once
owned by Capt. Hyde. The legs Of q
part Of them are done in imitation Of
rope work, and the balance in flowers OF
different kinds. These are small part
only of Mr.. Browns collection, and 9
visitor to Bennington Centre can spend
several hours in looking at these rare ole
relics with pleasure and profit. The
owner is willing at all times to show
them and explain their history.