The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1903-08-14
New Fairfield's Big Day,
SONS OF NEW FAIR
FIELD PICNIC A
BIG SUCCESS.
Over 1000 People Present.

over 1000 People present..
Wednesday, August II, opened fair
and beautiful and was typical day
for the picnic held by the Sons of New
Fairfield in George Adams grove near
Balls Pond. The place is we'll adapt
ed for gathering of this kind, the
grounds being we'll cleared and sur
roundings delightful. There were
fully 1000 people gathered to enjoy
the days recreation. Danbury, Brook
field, Sherman, Newtown, besides New
Fairfield and other surrounding towns
were well represented.
The New Milford Fair Association
had loaned their tent: for a dining
room and in it long tables were spread
filled with sandwiches, cake, fruit,
pies, etc. The main feature was the
old-fas hioned Rhode Island clambake,
from which was served roast clans,
corn and sweet potatoes. The dinner
was in every way one long to be re-
membered. There were about 1900
people fed in all.
A small stand was erected for the
speakers and after dinner speeches
and toasts were enjoyed. The literary
program began with the singing of
america by all present. Prayer
was offered by Rev Mr. Gritman, pastor
of the Methodist church. Judge L.
LIE Grand Hopkins OF Danbury, presi-
dent of the Association and master of
ceremonies, gave hearty address Of
welcome to all present. Rev J. E.
Rees, pastor of the Congregational
church, then rendered solo. J. Will
liam Macy recited poem entitled
"Old Ace.' Judge Norman Hodge of
Danbury, the first president of the
association, then addressed the people.
In his address he spoke of the growth
of the association and their annual
picnics, and also gave number of
"reminiscences Of the town and it's in
habitants. Edward Grant Coffin Of
Pittsfield, Mass, then rendered very
pleasing solo.
Rev G. w. Davenport of Danbury
spoke of his pleasure in being present
at the home gathering of so many
prominent business men of Danbury.
The cities depend on our rural towns
for their prominent men and hope
that the young people of New Fairfield
will continue to 60 out into the world
and help along it's prosperity.
DR. VILE. of Danbury then addressed
the daughters and sons of New Fair
Danbury. Speaking of his pleasure in
being present on so enjoyable an occa-
sion-especially the Rhode Island
clambake, ozone and scenery, and to
receive the hearty hand clasp of so
many old friends. In closing he hoped
the gathering would be respected each
year and that he would be able to be
present. J. William Macy sang
"Friar of the olden time" For encore
he gave song representing newly
married couple on their wedding trip
across the water. For a second encore
he gave pathetic ballad.
Samuel Rogers of Bridgeport, who
gave very interesting address, spoke
as follows:
Men and women Of New Fairfield to
the Manor born, ladies and gentle
men: On returning to ones natal town
after long years Of absence the changes
he perceiveS are more striking in it's
former inha bitants than in the face of
Nature, which remains unchanged.
Here are still the rugged hills, the
beautiful lakes, but where are the
men and the women whom he knew,
whom he loved and honored? Their
names are chiseled, alas! on monu-
ments of granite and marble in I'M
frequented cemeteries. And yet the
town is doubly dear for it's old associa-
tions. The memory is stimulted by
the sight of familiar objects, which lay
dormant till those objects once more
recalled them.
New Fairfield was settled in 174O,
Just 1853 years ago. 1t was originally
IA miles long, embracing what is now
the town of Sherman. The Town
house was situated at the fork of the