Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-08-16
The Fryeburg Septuagenarians.

The celebration at New Church Hall,
Fryeburg, Tuesday evening, Aug. Q, OF
the 10th birthday anniversary of A F.
Lewis, Esq, and incidentally that OF
thirteen other individuals who were
born in 1884 in Fryeburg or vicinity, was
very pleasing occasion. The names of
the other septuagenarians, all of whom
were present, are William Gordon, Sam
uel &. Gordon, Gen. Z. G.. Harrington,
Bradley b. Woodward, John Weston,
Jason w. Towle, George Booth, Abel F.
Sanborn, Thomas j. Allard, Miss Abbie
n. Page, Miss Olive j. Swan, Mrs.
Julia Devine Page.
The attendance numbered nearly 400,
and quite filled the hall, which had been
tastefully decorated with garlands, flow
ers, and potted plants for the occasion.
The doors of the hall were thrown open
at 1870 and soon every seat was occupied
and extra chairs had to be brought in.
The first feature of the programme was
the serving of choice refreshments, in
Guiding three large bowls of punch,
whose palatable contents were dispensed
by corps of gaily attired, and winsome
ladies.
Letters of congratulation, and regret
at not being able to be present, were re-
ceived from Senators Frye and Hale,
and many others.
A. F. Lewis presided at the exercises,
and made the opening address. Brief
speeches were made by Thomas j. Allard
of Conway, n. H., Samuel S. Gordon,
Frank b. Sanborn of Concord, N. H.,
l.. w. Small of New York, +. S. Osgood
of Portland, DIR. 5. C.. Gordon, Miss
Charlotte Thomas of Portland and
others.
Alonzo Freeman Lewis was born June
Is, 1884, one mile from Fryeburg viii
lage, in East Conway, n. H., but has
lived in Fryeburg nearly so years. In
early life he passed four or five years in
Concord, n. II. He was educated at
Fryeburg Academy and at Dartmouth
College, entering with the class of 1862,
although owing to trouble with his eyes
he was not able to finish the regular
course. Mr.. Lewis has to a consider
able degree pursued literary career,
supplemented with extensive travel in
our own and foreign lands. He has been
correspondent of Portland, Boston and
New York newspapers, describing his
travels at home and abroad. He was
joint author with Luther II. Holden of
an illustrated volume of $50 pages, en-
titled "a Summer Jaunt Through the
Old World" published in Boston in
1879. He published Webster's Frye
burg Grafton and the Fryeburg Webster
Memorial in 1882, and in 1902, he pub |
lished the Fryeburg Webster Centennial, |
containing Mr.. Lewis historical ad- |
dreSa IN Wahstar tooatbar xy;th mach
other matter pertaining to Fryeburg and |
its interesting history.
Mr.. Lewis was upon the lecture plat |
form several years, describing his trav-
els, speaking on Rome, London, Cuba,
Salt Lake City and the Mormons, the
Pacific slope, and the Yosemite. His |
lectures were well received by the pub
he. He has passed several winters in
Florida, one in Cuba, and the last four
in Washington, ID. c., where he has do
livered addresses before the Society of the
Sons and Daughters of Maine, and the
Sons and Daughters of New Hampshire.
Mr.. Lewis has never sought political
honors through official position, although
always taking a deep interest in public
affairs. He was chosen q delegate to
the Republican National Convention
which nominated James G.. Blaine forl
President at Chicago in 1884. He is
fond of music, is good tenor singer,
and keen student of history and anti
luarian affairs. He Is q member of the
Aaine Historical Society, and an honor
y member Of the Webster Historical
1iety of Boston and of the Columbia
institute Of Tennessee. J.,