St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1897-03-26

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The youngest children can become mem
bers Of a society One OF the avowed
objects is to awaken an interest in u.
S. history in our public schools in order
to learn something of our own govern
ment and its workings, something OF the
great lessons Of our early history, and to
inculcate patriotism Many adults will
now recall the months and years that
that they have devoted to the study OF
Grecian and Roman history and to the
study of Latin, while they might have to
be introduced to some of our own Revo-
lutionary heroes. While Grecian gods
and godesses and the many legends are
familiar as household names, we are
having a renaissance in American history
with the formation of so many patriotic
societies, all for the avowed purpose of
making better, more patriotic and intel
ligent citizens.
The first local society was formed May
II, at Concord, Mass, at Mrs. Lothrops
summer home, "The Wayside," and the
first public meeting was held July 4 in
the old South church, Boston, when it
was addressed by many noted men. 1t
was Incorporated at Washignton April
II, 1895, as a national society.
Mrs. Lothrop spends her winters in
Washington and her summers in her
New England home. She has given large
receptions, which might be termed field
days" on the historic grounds in Con-
cord One when the Christian Endeav
orers visited Boston, and Mrs. Hamin,
the chaplain of the society, and wife of
Rev. l.. S. Hamlin of the Church OF the
Covenant, visited her there. Mrs. Lo-
throp believes in teaching history and
geography together by making excur-
sons to historic spots. awakening inter-
est and deepening impressions upon chill
drcn's minds At the convention this
winter, excursions were made to Mt
Vernon and an interesting meeting was
held There were most delightful exer-
cises in Columbia theater upon Washing
tons birthday, when the children in the
schools took part under her direction.
Senator Frye made one of his ielcitous
and patriotic speeches, which brought
forth much applause especially when he
alluded most touchingly to the Cuban
cause and to Hawaii. He found the
women and children as responsive as the
United States senate. Mrs. Frye and
Mrs. White, his married daughter, who
sat in the gallery, smiled as they looked
down upon him with halfbowed head
and detected air and remarked that he
felt as if he could shake himself for ac-
cepting Mrs Lothrop's invitation, but
when he concluded amidst the clapping
and cheers of hundreds of children and
congratulations of friends, he looked five
years younger than when he entered the
theater, for he declared beforehand that
the ground had been so well beaten up
by orators that he could say nothing
new.
The children in their societies are writ.
ing papers and tracing out the stories Of
the children of the Revolutionary fami.
lies and will learn to decorate their
graves the same as the sons and daugh.
tiers OF the American Revolution.
For years past Memorial day has been
observed throughout our land and all oil
the graves of the soldiers who took part
in the Civil War have been most re.
ligiously and patriotcally decorated
while the graves of the pioneers and
Revolutionary heroes who helped
found this nation have been passed by
without word of recognition. The in
justice of this is seen and felt and soc
cites are now searching their cemeteries
and towns to find the graves of Revolu
tionary heroes to decorate and mark his
toric spots. The newer towns are re
GREETING that they find so few of them.
Mrs Lothrop with her able corps o
ladies gave fine reception one afternoon
at the Cochran hotel to the children anc
their friends, when the boys will
patriotic badges acted as ushers and al
seemed to enjoy the occasion. We appenC
the pledge and song used by them below
PLEDGE.
81 pledge allegiance to my flag an,
to the republic for which it stands: On
nation indivisibe, with liberty an,
Justice for ALL"
r SONG.
Written for the National Society of tn
Children of the American Revolution b
the founder and president, Mrs. DAME
Lothrop.
OUR FLAG OF LIBERTY.
Our countrys tlag-to thee we give
Our hearts devotion while we live;
symbol of all that makes us free
To thee we render loyalty.
;, In every crimson waving stripe
We see devotion's prototype;
e With all our hearts blood we'll defend
Our dear old flag unto the end
/. And white as yonder nuttering bar
:, Wen keep our souls in peace or war;
That we may ever worthy be,
! oh flag to live or die for thee