St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1901-08-21

the old yellow house. This was the frs
framed house in town and was bull
about 1898 by stirring men by the nam
OF Beardsley from Massachusetts. Tbi
house was kept as a tavern and during
the war of 1912 was favorite place o
resort Of smugglers. All that now re
mains of the old house, except a few
bricks scattered around, is the from
door in the possession of E. B. Stone.
Going north from this point comes Mr.
Shepard's house and blacksmith shop
the Shepard hill next and site of DR.
Scott's house. He was the first doctor
in town, coming here in 1894. and prac'
ticing his profession for more than SO
years. He has now one son living,
George W. Scott Of Montpelier, who was
present at the celebration. Another
point of interest was the home of Han
son Rogers. ESQ.,, who was a stirring
citizen and influential man. Next was
the hone of Nathan Webster who came
in 1884 His wife lived to 80 years old
he died Younger. He has one grandson
in town, George W. Webster. The next
on the line is the site of Benjamin Web
ster's house. He was the first settler of
the town and came from Salisbury, N.
H.. in the summer of 1882, and began
chopping making small clearing, where
he built cabin. He returned late in the
fall for his family and came back in
March, 1888, drawing all his worldly
goods on handsled, and his daughter,
two years old, in wash tub. His hired
man drove the cows and his wife came on
snow shoes. The last place designated
| is the site of the first distillery.
The day was one of the most perfect
ones of the season; the air was clear and
the gentle breeze made all comfortable,
and old glory never spread herself more
beautifully than from these heights. The
scenery was grand-the White Noun
aims at the east and the Green Mount
aims and Mount Mansfield at the west,
all of which presented a most beautiful
and enchanting view to the eve.
At an early hour teams began to arrive
at the objective spot, it being the resi-
dence and grove of Mr.. and Mrs. Eli B.
Stone. They came in all manner of con-
veyances, from splendid carriages, two
in hand, to lumber wagons, on foot,
wheels and horseback. Before the sun
reached high noon, the gathering num-
bered fully 1000 people. In short time
| all took their lunch baskets to the grove
where happy hour was passed. Then
came short literary exercise, consisting
of singing and very brief speeches. The
president announced that the further
entertainment of the afternoon would be
in the open field, by the ball teams of
Danville and Cabot. The game resulted
in victory for the Cabots.
On Wednesday the sun arose in all it's
| beauty and splendor, enlivening every
hillside, every leaf and every blade of
grass. The president had requested that
during the week the townsmen and citi-
zens should decorate the residences and
places of business with bunting and flags,
and this request was fully complied
with. In front of Morse Bros store
was erected the most beautiful arch of
bunting and flags ever seen in this town.
This spanned the entire street aud pre-
sented a most beautiful appearance,
bearing on either side the motto in large
letters, welcome Home" To the com
mittee of arrangements is due the credit
Of these artistic decorations. The pro-
gram arranged by the committee was
fully carried out. The parade formed
under the direction of the marshals, L.
c. Lance and G. c. Gould, at 1890
o'clock. 1t was led by the Marsh6eld
cornet band; then came the officers and
invited guests; large wagon drawn by
four bay horses, beautifully trimmed
with evergreen and national colors, car
rying 80 young ladies, all bearing ever
greens and wreaths, and singing the ma
tional hymns. They were received with
cheer upon cheer during the entire
march; they were followed by citizens in
carriages, merchants, and floats repre-
senting trades and industries. This lat
ter was very amusing feature of the
parade.
After the parade, dinner was announc-
ed at the village hall, and over 800 free
dinners were served. 1t was we'll said
that no dinner committee ever served
more elaborate dinner, it being coutribut-
ed entirely by the townspeople, and
much credit is dine this committee, also,
for their efforts. At two O'Clock all
assembled in large tent on the common
and the exercises were opened with music
by the band. Prayer was offered by
Rev. Mr.. Aiken and the large audience
joined in singing "Auld Lang Syne"; an
address of welcome was made by the
president Hon. ]. M. Fisher, followed BY
a response by E. W. Paige of New York
city after music the president introduced
the orator of the day, Judge {. F. Stone
of Tacoma. The judge spoke of his early
days in Cabot and his vivid recollections
of the business men of the town and his
first teaching school here, and said he
was proud of the town of his birth, anC
the pleasant memories of his childhood
He spoke tor an hour, holding the atten
ton OF the large crowd to the last word
The audience then sang Home Sweet
Home Prof. Hunt of Gorham Me.
was the next speaker and he also spok'
of his early days in Cabot, the advant
ages of an education, giving laughabl'
account of his first experience in attend
ing the district school in the log school
house. He kept the audience in laughter
during the entire relation of this event
J. P. Lamson had fine representation
oil the school children OF the town. Sing
ing of America closed the exercises of tn,
afternoon. In the evening as large al
audience as through the day greeted tn
entertainment which consisted of bant
concert, fire works, bonfire and promen
ade.
1t was estimated that during the da
more than 1000 people were in the plac
and perfect order was observed in tn
place throughout the week. Between
and so former residents were present t
enjoy the festivities, but as no registe
L 4 A.