The Newtown bee., 1895-03-29
Fairfield County Chat.
FAIRFIELD.

OLD FAIRFIELD AT THE CLOSE OF THE
 WAR OF 1872.
 The war was ended in 1915. The treaty of peace between the two nations was signed at Ghent on December 24, 1874, but the news of the conclusion did not reach the United States until Febru- ary IA, 1915. What joy then prevailed As narrated by an old gentleman who was "one of the boys'' at that time, it was determined to have peace celebra- tion in this town. The plan was carried out and great preparations had been made at Southport. The large barge, which during the war had served as "guard boat" was provided with masts and com pletely fitted up az a full rigged ship,a then was mounted on runners, for there was snow on the ground. It was cover ed with flags and banners, on the front flag was the word "Peace." Upon a banner suspended between the masts were the words SECommerce reviViDg," while farther back was hung upon staff with gilt spar head beautiful silk flag which had been wrought by Miss Wake man, daughter of Jesup Wakeman, after wards Mrs Scott, and by her presented to the company of active "Defensive Vol unteers" of Mill River. Forty boys were chosen to constitute the ships crew, who drew the vessel by means of long ropes, while Pascal Sheffield, whom the boys had elected as captain, rode. or sailed ,OD deck. Among the 40 boys were Messrs Julius Pike, George Bulkley, the broth CTS, William, Zalmon and Maurice Wake man, Austin Perry and others. When everything was in readiness the boys manned the ropes, while all the ladies and gentlemen of Southport formed in procession line on each side of the ship, whereupon Capt Paschal gave the order to least off, " and thus they pro- ceeded on their march to Fairfield. At q point just this side of the former Crock CT place, opposite where the Roman Catholic church now stands, they were joined by the Fairfield procession. Here Captain Sheffield commenced leaving the lead and calling out the 'soundings" for the rest of the distance. Just before reaching the green they were met by the Black Rock procession, which also had a barge on runners with a crew command ed by Capt George Rowland, son of Sam uel Rowland. A vast number were now in line. They proceeded across the Green GO the residence of Rev MT Hum hrey. He joined them, when all repaired to the church, where prayers were held. In the meantime extensive preparations had been made in Fairfield. Dinner had been prepared in the old court house for the
 ladies, and for the gentlemen in the Academy, while Maj Beers, who kept the jail, (the present location of St Paul's church), provided dinner in that build ing for the Southport ships crew and upon the Green pit was dug, in which an immense OK, hung upon shears, was roasted whole for the general crowd. Ali ter prayers, all proceeded to the several places for dinner. After the white folks had eaten all they wanted of the OK, the darkeys were invited to lay to, which they did, and as by this time very rare cuts were come to, there was great sport. After dinner salute was fired, and then a general jollification was enjoyed. Up on the green were barrels of Jamaica rum, cider brandy, etc, resting on skids, and to each barrel was attached a cup so that everybody could help themselves freely and as often as they desired. Not withstanding this there was not single case of intoxication during the entire day, which was very remarkable. There were some 5000 present during the day at this celebration. In the evening there was a grand Illumination. A spar had been erected with crossyards, and from the ends of the yards were suspended by chains half barrels filled with tar, tur- pentine and other infiamable substance. At night Paschal Sheffield and Charles Robbins climbed out on the yards and at signal set fire to the barrels. The bright glare from there added to the light from a candle bt hind each pane of glass in the public buildings and dwell lung houses made brilliant and never to be forgotten spectacle. During the illu- imitation heavy snow storm came on Rhich only added to the beauty of the scene. When the crowd had nearly all dispersed Capt Sheffield mustered his crew and they set out for home. The snow came down thick ank fast and the ground was soon well covered. By the time the residence of Munson Sturges, just below the Cracker place, the boys were well "tuckered out" and further progress through the snow drifts became impossible, so the full rigged ship" was drawn up beside the road, and most of The boys turned in with their companion, Munson Sturges, his mother being absent from home. Monson was very liberal with his mothers mince pies and the boys had good time. The next morn. ing they brought their ship safe into port. Thus ended the celebration the ike of which old Fairfield has not since witnessed.