The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1910-04-15
A Country Fellow in the city.

lBy Hugh Agnew, Is Brattleboro.)
Let us interest. ourselves in the life
of Young Nermonter, who came into
this world on a bright summers day on
the fourteenth OF June. Richard Fred
erickson was born in quaint old town
in one of the most rural districts in Yer
mont. His father and mother were poor
but honest farmers, striving hard for a
position among the prosperous farmers,
and. OF course, welcomed Richard with
great rejoicing.
As a baby Richard was a very pleasing
Young fellow, always smiling and chuck
ling TO himself Finally the time came
when he must 20 to school and there for
nine years he was the leader among the
boys, as he took great interest in base
ball, swimming, football and all healthy
sports. Farmer lads as well as city
fellows have nicknames, but at first
Richard did not like the idea of being
called Dick, and SO one day, being hot
tempered, said that he would knock down
the first fellow that dared call him
Dick. but before he could say anything
more half dozen fellows had him under
their control and changed his mind very
quickly bv sending up three rousing
cheers for Dick Frederickson.
One day Dick received a letter from
his cousin. Bill, in the city telling him
that he should like to make him visit
for short while if il would be con-
yenient for his folks and himself. Dick
answered the letter at once, telling Bill
that he would be very glad to have his
company Everything was made ready
to give Bill Jolly good time
The first day was spent in exploring
the farm; later rides along the beautiful
country roads, shaded by the fresh green
foliage from the trees, also trips up and
down the beautiful river in the boat made
by Dick and highly priced by him.
While Bill was being shown the country
he also told Dick all about the grand
sights to be seen in the city; of the lovely
.arge houses, broad streets, beautiful store
windows and various other objects of
interest, which aroused Dicks interest to
see the city and so he gladly accepted
Bilrs invitation to return his visit,
Dick was so well pleased with what he
saw of the city he wished that he might
live there all the while. He thought it
must be great fun to work in the large
shops or stores and see so many different
faces during the day, while at home he
scarcely saw any one except his own
parents.
On his arrival home he told his parents
of his desire to go back to the city and
live with his cousin He told them of the
many places of interests the parks,
theaters. libraries and the Young Mems
Christian Association, and explained their
uses and privileges. But his father and
mother talked and coaxed him to stay at
home, telling him of the many temptations
which confront young men in everyday
life in city, but it was of no avail; he
was determined to go. Days were spent
in making preparations for leaving home
and at last the time had come. Mr.. and
Mrs. Frederickson were among the sad
dest of parents to be found within great
many miles. They begged and wept to
have Dick stay on the farm with them,
but no, he must go to the city.
The first thing he did on his arrival was
to look for a position, which he secured
in one of the large commercial houses,
his work being that of keeping the rooms
and different articles clean and running
errands. Dick was well liked and rose
rapidly in position.
His parents were very eager to hear
from him and to know how he was getting
along and eager to give him bit of
advice, so they wrote him long parental
letters full of motherly and fatherly
advice, wishing him the best of success,
cautioning him, above all, to steer clear
of all evil companions, also telling him
how lonesome their home seemed without
him and reminding him that it was his
home as long as it was theirs.
Dick was we'll liked both by his en-
ployers and his fellow workmen, and was
soon invited out to card parties by his
chums, parties which his father and
mother would have hung their heads in
shame for him if they had known. He
began to smoke, gamble and drink in
toxicating liquors, he lost all bis money