Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1906-02-16

reputation comes the rugged, ever inspir
the commemorative exercises, and any b
the President of the Addison County His
has something to say, is given the oppor
Some of the young men that gather
around the tables speak of personal
experiences that took place only 70 years
ago and would even tell you that il
all happened on the very day of the
landing of the Pilgrim Fathers if another
youthful feeling wag tells us that he
is direct descendant of his ancestors
etc. Well, that day is red letter day
| for the young men of three or foul
generations ago. 1t is, as we who have
| come in contact with the occasion know,
rather exclusive post, for the reason
that the seating capacity of the vestry
of the church where the red hot mince
pies a la Winthrop are consumed, is
limited to a round 100 seats, and good
many people, particularly those of the
present generation believe that they do
not get the number of pieces of pie la
Winthrop they are entitled to. But il
is a curious thing with us people of
Middlebury; we vie with one another
for the expression of patriotic sentiment.
1t is contagious; Middlebury air is
filled with 1t; and it takes lodging in
the heart of the casual visitor; and it
takes root in those who make Gf they
are permitted) prolonged sojourn with
in the classic walls of Middlebury Col
lege; that feeling or sentiment as you
may call it must find a way to express
itself else the very walls of "dear old
Midd" would give way some fin e day
and the whole town be left in medieval
darkness. A calamity indeed which God
forbid.
AS consequence the students OF
Middlebury College having at heart the
interest of the venerable little College
on the hill which, by the way. over.
looks the busting community at its
feet organized themselves into a pa
triotic brigade, resolved and matured
plan by which, once every year on
a day decreed by Providence, and main.
tained by our nation as national holi-
day-the birthday anniversary of George
Washington, first President of the U
S. of North America and father of his
country-they should give expression,
in word and in song, to their pent-uI
patriotic feelings. The occasion is now
looked upon as a permanent academic
function.
For five consecutive years these de
scendants of the Green Mountain Boys
and others from far and near, from
Germany-land and from Japanland who
conceived and resolved this annual feast
have not spared any efforts to make the
event a success in every way. Every
year the number of those attending the
academic function in honor of Wash
ington has increased; the spacious ban
quet hall of the Addison is no longer
adequate for the reception of the organ
iZation. This yea.-the 9th in its calen-
dart was thought necessary to engage
the Middlebury opera house to accom-
modate the gathering.
Through the vigorous work of the
Cushman '06 is chairman, and through
the generous offer of help that has been
made to the committee by patriotic citi-
zens of Mlddlebury, the opera house will
appear in gala dress on the night of
Feb. o. Mr.. II. l.. Sheldon has kindly
placed at the disposal of the committee
the treasures of his museum of ~an-
tIques and rare relics of Washington's
time will form part of the decorations
The only, the original 13 starred colonial
banner of Vermont, bullet-riGded but
finely preserved; Washington's camp
table and his camp-kettle; as we'll as
other relics, authentic and to be seen
in Middlebury only, will be on exhibit
ton
The stage will be a Washington room;
and the hall decorated in the national
colors. By courtesy, the members of the
College faculty, alumni and alumn@ and
former students are honorary members
of the organization. The entire affair
is in the hands of the students who
appoint from their members the presid-
ing officer, an orator, a declaimer and
a POSTMASTER. Toasts are responded to
by members of the four classes in the
college, usually also by "a member from
the faculty and by visiting guests. Mr..
j. IL. Sargent, proprietor of The Sar-
gent will provide the banquet which
will he unusually delectable. NoexpenSe
no efforts will be spared to make it il