Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-09-03
AN OLD FOURTH OF JULY.
Senator MorrilPs Brother Tells How
the Senator Organized q Cele-
bration

The following letter was written for thu
HERALD by DR.. Wilbur F. Morrill, OF New
/ Albany, Ind, a brother of the late Senato
| Justin S. Morrill,.
s.No event OF my boyhood is NOR
marked with jubilant experiences thar
my remembrance of July 4th, 1889. Sine
| then in these modern times Independence
day has passed out OF fashion-becomt
seemingly obsolete. In fact, judged bS
ordinary observers, this natal day hal
none Of the seriousness OF its memories OF
| freshness as at an earlier time. Then W.
lived nearer the Revolutionary war, wheI
| the surviving veterans were minglinl
among us, telling their oft-repeated stor-
les OF their hardships and sufferings which
they endured for the cause Of freedom anc
| independence of our country. How poor
ly the pomp and show OF the day we cele-
brate in these modern times compare
with the impressive lessons which were
made upon US at an earlier date when the
stupendous facts OF our war with Great
Britain had an intense interest Now,
picnics, trolley rides, baseball, house par
ties and athletic sports comprise the en-
joyments Of the lth, rather than public
gatherings where the great actions,a
events OF our history could be eommem-
GRATED in song and.oration.
ave used to usher IN the day long be-
long since discarded, to awake the deni-
zens OF the village. Every boy was drilled
to breathe hostile feeling toward the Brit
ish red coats; we had a lofty born enthu-
siasm against all enemies of our country,
including Indians. II was at this particu-
lar period Of Strafford's history that 1t
could boast OF handsome muster roll.
We had four military companies, which
included light infantry and horse-troop,
40 he foI -
drum, fife and bugle appealed to our ears
and our hearts How the parade OF sol
diers marching to and fro, with nodding
plumes, greeted our boyish eyes
sit was along in those day before the
late Senator became the s'Grand Old Man"
when he was twenty nine years old, he
conceived the idea that STAFFORD ought to
have proper celebration on July 4th, 1893.
With many historic facts with which he
had been examining himself, connected
with our nations birthday, he planned
the preparations to be OF appropriate
character. The meeting house, as you
call the town hall, was selected in which
TO hold the indoor exercises. Numerous
ones were enlisted to help decorate the
hall, which was quite elaborate. Among
the liberal ones to contribute was Judge
Cobb. The woods were tramped to gath
er leaves and running pines to be fashion,
ed into tasteful hangings from ceiling TO
hCor In large letters on one side OF the
gallery was the name of washington, "
on the other Lafayette" and on the
front, "i776." A broad platform was
erected in front OF the pulpit to accommo-
date speakers and invited guests.
1.-The program was a morning salute
from the military company and later
parade on the common. Prayer, music,
0ration and reading Of the Declaration OF
independence, comprised the platform
performance. Hon. James Barrett. late
Judge OF Vermont's supreme court, then a
young man without Office or clients, had
he honor to deliver the Grafton in blank
verse; felicitous in sentiment and happy in !
reference to our colonial times that was
received with demonstrations OF applause. |
The Declaration OF Independence was read |
With voice and dignity by Justin S. Nor |
i'll, who put into it the spirit OF patriot
SIN.
1.-THE banqueting table was spread on |
he common, surrounded in greenery. /
There were seated the invited guests, vet |
rams OF the Revolutionary war, among |
n HON were Nicholas Wells, Elias Carpen- /
er, Fred Smith, Sr., John Powell, james |
Hyde, Sam Bliss and others whose names /
,annot be recalled, together with Judge |
yobb, Judge j. H. Harris, Gen. Smith,
,ol. Morrill, and nany more, enough TO I'LL
wo long tables which had been bounti-
ully provided for an elegant repast. Mr..
ustin Morrill, was POSTMASTER. In neat,
'raceful manner, he performed this ser
ice to draw forth happy responses in SEN
iment suiting the patriotic occasion. All
rose from the banqueting feast feeling
merry and singing, "Hail, Columbia
iappy land ~ Fire balls and bontires
losed the evening Of Independence day,
uIy 1870 -