St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1900-03-07
A Mysterious Box.

1t occurred TO some persons awhile ago
that many would be glad of an oppor-
tunity to express their gratitude to a
much loved and much honored lady OF
our village, who has done many kind
nesses to many people in many ways
through many years. The idea met
with quick response and presently took
shape in loving cup of gold, designed
and made to order by Messrs. Tiffany
and Company of New York. A birthday
was at hand but the lady herself was at
the home of her daughter in Boston. So
two persons were deputed to convey and
present the cup in its little box, which
was happily done at $40 Commonwealth
Avenue last Friday forenoon. A bit of
story was fabricated about a good fairy
godmother of bountiful heart who lived
on sunny slope in an up country village
and Of how one time there came to her
mysterious little box. Whereupon the
Tiffany box was produced and presented
amidst much merriment occasioned by
the humorous query of the recipient
what if it should prove to be snuff box?
On being opened, the cup of gold ap-
peared, winning admiring comment for
its simplicity and tasteful design. Be-
tween the handles which spring from the
base is the lettering, on one side,
MRS. HORACE FAIRBANKS
OF HEARTB RIGHT BoUNTYFULLE.
and on the other side,
ST. JoHNsBURY FRIENDS
MARCH 2, 1900.
The following quatrain, written for
the occasion and suitably engrossed, ac.
companied the cup:
better loving cup, dear friend, we bring,
Than any lips may touch or eyes may see;
OF purer gold and fairer fashioning
And overlooking with good will to thee.
fthe truthfulness of these lines those
who had the matter in hand had many
pleasant reminders. 1t was originally
desired that no large sums should be
given by anybody, the more dimes and
quarters the better; but though the time
was very short, not only was the origi-
nal figure named by the designers quickly
reached, but after the delivery OF the cup
something like hundred dollars addi-
tional came flowing in, which will now
be used for such accompaniment Of
plaque or standard as the Tiffany's NAV
design. About 700 names are represent.
ed in the list, including many former
residents of this place who have desired
to be numbered among "St. Johnsbury
friends"
One of the first and most characteristic
remarks of the recipient was, II think all
who are interested should have an op-
portunity to see this beautiful cup" She
added 81 don't see why they should have
done it. | am superbly surprised. Ny
cup of happiness runneth over"
1t may not be generally known that
the wife of the founder of St. Johnsbury
Athen9um had very hearty share in
planning that institution, and that to
her continuous and copious replenish-
ment OF its treasury we are indebted for
its maintenance through recent years,
without expense to any of the hundreds
of people who enjoy its advantages. But
the real inspiration OF the little birthday
affair Of last week was something quite
apart from this, namely. a sense
of personal worth and of in
Vulnerable kindnesses all the while going
out in all directions from her quiet home.
Yea, said one, keeping awake nights try
ing to think of somebody to do some
thing for. May the gracious presence of
the fairy godmother continue to crown
the sunny slopes of Pinehust inspiring
generous thoughts in all hearts.