St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1898-10-26
Mechanics Fair at Boston.
(From our regular correspondentl

NICSMdIlCo ] dlT dL DOStUUs
(From our regular correspondent
The present attraction of this city is
the Mechanics Fair which opened on
Saturday, Oct. 8. Your correspondent
had the pleasure Of attending the recep-
ton of the Women's Patriotic and Do.
nestle Science Clubs, which was held in
Paul Revere Hall on the afternoon of the
opening day. This hall, on the second
floor Of the Mechanics Building has been
newly decorated in white and gold, and
is an ideal place for such function.
In the receiving line were Mrs. Lee,
State Regent of the Daughters of the Rev.
olution, Mrs. Gov. Wolcott, Mrs. Mary
A. Livermore, and other prominent wo-
men. The large company who attended
the reception, in which were many noted
people, were presented by young ladies
dressed in pretty gowns. After the pre-.
sensations, when all were. seated, there
were addresses from several people
whose names are very familiar Col.
Thomas, Boston's popular postmaster,
spoke in his usual pleasant vein. Rev.
E. A. Horton, prominent minister in
the city, made au address in honor of F.
W. Lincoln, man who has done much
for the Women's department from it's
foundation. Mr.. Horton, who has de-
cided appreciation of the humorous side
of life, could not resist the pleasure of a
little fun at the expense Of his good
friend, COL Thomas. He said there was
one quotation which he always made
when Col. Thomas put on airs, 1T is the
letter which killeth, the spirit maketh
alive" Remembering that Col. Thomas
is postmaster while Mr.. Horton is an
honored divine, you will easily believe
that the joke was received with loud APP
plause.
The introduction of Mrs. Livermore
brought smiles OF welcome and pleasant
anticipation to all faces, for all know
that treat is in store when she is to
speak.
Mrs. Livermore spoke of attending
some of the earliest Mechanics Fairs.
1t was considered a great innovation
when department was opened for the
exhibition of the handiwork of women.
She spoke particularly of a picture which
was once exhibited, Of Washington
mounted on a charger. 1t was embroid-
cred on canvas with an infinite number
of stitches. 1t was we'll done but it was
not beautiful, and she wondered even
then if it paid. She also spoke of the
quilts which were displayed in the old
days, in which women wed with each
other in new and intricate designs. I'm
der each one was card stating the name
Of the manufacturer of the quilt, the
number of pieces which entered into its
composition, and even the number OF
stitches that were put into it. There
was also spatter work and other oldtime
fancy work which one seldom or never
sees nowadays.
Then she spoke of the great advance
that has been made in domestic science.
"But we have not yet reached perfec-
tion," she said, NOR shall we until we
succeed in producing a maximum of heat
from a minimum of fuel" She believes
that the gas stove and Aladdin oven do
much towards reform in the kitchen.
The cooking classes in the public schools
are making great difference with the
culinary department, and will do much
to civilize and Americanize the foreign
population that is continually pouring
in upon us.
Miss Ella Chamberlain, who has be-
come famous for her beautiful whistlng,
gave three solos during the afternoon,
and understood fully the feeling which
prompted the famous request of Oliver
Twist for more, after heard her. Miss
Chamberlain has made whistling an art.
There are no harsh nor unpleasant tones,
but every note is distinct, true and res
onant.
Other addresses were given, and at the
close of the exercises light refreshments
were served. The model kitchen was
not ready for inspection, but is to be
open to the public this week.
The clubs under whose auspices the re-
ception was given, have an entertain
ment of some sort each day during the
Fair, and when the kitchen is in order
will dispense samples Of model cookery
to the visitors.
Altogether the Women's Department
is one OF the most interesting features of