Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-09-19
From ;,lan Nearina Century.

Can then Oldest resident relate in
eiaents within his memory to bring
to their minds changes to compare
with those the following letter, ac-
! cornpanyirg the contribution of a man
/ 81 years ana six months of age, brings
! 10 ours:
In my memory of early days they
fellcd trees to burn for hard wood ashes
to make soap the postman came on
horseback with Our newspapers in saddle
bag and threw them out by the roadside
and we would run for them Our pens
were piucked from the wings of a goose
and our little hoods were often trimmed
with The soft, duWnY feathers that grew
upon their breasts. We braided our
straw hats for men and boys. My
mother carded, spun and w0ve cloth for
mems Wear and trained taIoresS
would cut and fit them out for sunday
service, well as for week days. Jur
school dresses were made in the same
way. eolored and pressed and maze
ready for school; with new calico
/ apron and Vandike We were ready FOR
our most pleasant pastlme. Our shoe
makers came with their stock on their
backs and stopped until all We're shod.
/ The little shoes were made from the
tops of fathers boots. My first and only
Our Inner came to the house while he
cut and carved our profles. In winter
some of the boys went to the barn with
bare feet, taking with them piece of
hot plank to stand on while doing their
work Potatoes loo. to lie. a bushel:
eggs two for cent; veal to give away
if the home market was supplied.
Defends Accomplishments of His Age.
One of the leading business men of
the town would appear to be justified
in his enthusiasm over the discoveries
since. early in 1900. He writes for the
box Of records as follows:
ITO the citizens of Bowdoinham in 2012:
'Yon who read these lines, exclaim
not at our ignorance. Many wonderful
discoveries and improvements have been
made the past 100 Years, and our present
utilities in common use are far beyonu
the comprehension of those who lived
100 years ago. Doubtless our more regent
inventions Will, TO you, seem crude and
out of date. The past 100 years have
given us pretty much everything in lie
mechanical line, the most wonderful of
which is the wireless telegraph, a very
recent invention. Is there limit to
progress? AS the telescope is used t.
discover unseen planets beyond, so, in
my opinion, will each new discovery be
used to bring others into service and
in reviewing what wonderful progress
has been made the past 1B0 years the
mechanical utilities at the. service of you
who read these lines in 20l2 are beyond
my contemplation. The same beautiful
Cathance, the same hills, the same sun.
moon and stars will be here then-all
else may be ehanged-~but the kindliest
thoughts of those who have gone on be-
lore are now 1feSHGueQ anu DefcD3nce
you will have discovered a means of
communication with us in which event
you will find us enthusiastic as your
self over the ceremonies of this day.
A Lay of the Oldest Families.
Will the people of the 21st century
recognize the names cleverly injected
into the following rhymes which ae-
companied substantial addition to
the fund.-
THE RIVER ROAD.
IT'S in the year of 1912
We gather our thoughts this rhyme to
tell,
That when long years have rolled away,
Future generations may read this lay.
In Bowdoinham's most distant limits,
On the edge of Richmond, Maine,
Beside the river there runs a road,
Where live some folk of various name
Tho Little" in numbers
They're Pert" you may Grant"
And in working their farms
TO beat them one can't.
Now If Chickens" are wanted
There are eggs large to Hatch"
And of broad fields and '"Woodlands
Many glimpse you may catch.