The Press., 1908-09-02
UNION. The Union Old Home Day.

cessrul old homo day that Union has yet had took place on Tuesday, Aug. 25th. at Mt. Ochepetuck. There were about 25O persons in attendance, many coming from 0 long distance and a considerable number visiting the mountains for the first time. A bOuntiful lunch was served on the three broad verandas of the bungalow, to which ample justice was done. After being photographed the company was called to order by Rev H. M. Lawson, who extended hearty wei. come to all, and spoke of the value of cultivating a cordial and friendly interest in one another and renewing old ties. He read letters of regret from George Lemard of Providence, Hasley Allen, Rev. Charles Fogg of West Tisbury and Mrs. Harriet Ses- sions Hammond of East Woodstock
 The hymn prepared for the occasion,
 My Own Dear Native Town,' was read and beautifully sung by Miss Ethel Cooper of New Haven. It awakened much enthusiasm among those who were born in Union, and seemed to express the common senti- ment. Tax Commissioner Wm. H. Oorbin of Hartford, being called on, responded felicitously aud spoke of the desirability of developing the natural resources of Union, particu- larly the forest lands, and adjusting the taxation so as to encourage such development. The state forester, A. F Hawes, was present, and gave some interesting and practical information about the state forest work and the plantation in Union. He told the Union people that the state was ready to help them in every possible way in planting and developing forests. The towards the expense of the monument marking the site of the first meeting house. George Town explained the present situation with reference to the erection of a new library building, viz, that the trustees had voted to accept the offer of 8 site given by Mer- rick Marcy, on the east side of the town street. The sum of $500 is in sight for the building, and the ques- tion now is whether to proceed to erect the best building that can be done with that amount, or wait and make efforts to raise more for better building. John Oorbin presented the matter of the desirability of a fund for keeping the cemeteries in better condition. and requested that it should be ascertained whether the taS 1s would provide or administer such 8 fund. M. P. J. Walker said that the people who come up to the gatherings on Mt Ochepetuck should contribute money for the making of good road from the highway to the summit. His suggestion was heartily approved. Dr. George N. Lawson spoke of the good work which natives of Union are doing in the world and gave facts for the young people of his genera
 tion, showing that among them were a minister, 8 doctor. 8 missionary, four lawyers, several successful teach CTS, manufacturer. a druggist, several merchants, four ministers wives, etc. There were four ministers present who were introduced and made encouraging and helpful remarks. They were Rev. Dr. Brown, Rev. Francis Child of Holland, Rev. H. B. Goodsell of North Ashford and Rev. Isaac P. Booth of Stafford. Dr. Brown urged that the church should receive such an endorsement as would prevent the calamity of it's doors ever being closed. Col. Charles l.. Dean of Maiden, Mass, a native of Ash ford, was called on and spoke of his interest in Union, where he attended school in 1859. He expressed his high regard for Union people. Miss M. Anna Tarbell of Brimfeld spoke with pleasure of the number of Union boys and girls who had attended the Hitchcock free academy. It was heartily voted to hold another old home gathering at the same place next year. At the close of the speak ing there was some hearty singing of familiar songs, and then the people began to say goodbye and express the great joy and pleasure which the day had brought them. An incomplete list of those in attendance from out of town is as follows: From Brimfield. Mass, MT. and Mrs. Sanford Booth, MT. aud Mrs. Milo Booth, MT. and Mrs. Melvin Booth, Miner Oorbin, Miss M. Anna Tarbell; from Wood stock, Dea. and Mrs. Frank l.. Cor bin, MT. and Mrs. Jarvis Hall, Miss Josephine Poindexter, Waldo G. Oar penter, Miss Edith Carpenter, Mrs. Forest Marcy, Miss Mary Potter, Miss Olive Paine, Miss Florence l. Greene. Mrs. A. N. Hammond. Miss Alice Alderman; from Monson, Mass, MT. and Mrs. Robert Webster, MT. and Mrs. W. H. Horton; from Hartford. Wm. H. Corbin, E. O. Shepherd, Merrick Marcy, Miss Marcy, Mrs. G. W. Baker, Miss Baker, Miss Florence Burnham from Stafford, Mr. and Mrs M. P. J. Walker. Miss Alice and Miss Ruth Walker, MT. and Mrs Wm. A. Thompson, MT. and Mrs. Marshal Bolieau, Harry G. Goodell. Mrs. l.. s. Goodell, Mrs. Eva M. Bug hee MT. and Mrs Wm R. Chandler
 Mrs. Marc B. Hatch, Miss Lottie ". Hatch, Jarvis B. Hatch. MT. and Mrs. John A. Nichols, Albert F. Lyon. Mr. and Mrs. F. l.. Upham, MT. and Mrs Luther Crawford, Rev. Isaac P. Booth; from sturbridge, Mrs. Oelinda Weld, MT. and Mrs. B. 0. Weld i; from North Ashford and Eastford, Rev. H. B. Goodsell, Danforth How