The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-04-06
AN OLD Foers CHALLENGE
Presented to the Residents of Ben
nineton In 1912.

Presented to the Residents of Ben
nlneton In 1912.
To the editor OF the Banner:
Having been unable to escape from
the approach of the time when some
fatty call me old, while others more
considerably term me elderly. am
naturally constrained to be more of
an observer than an active partici
pant in the rushing, surging life OF
today. We are told that it is one OF
the unfailing characteristics of age TO
talk and think admiringly of the
good old times" and disparagingly OF
tho present.
~ eagerly read the Banner, to
keep in touch, so far as is possible for
an absentee, with the old home town,
my mind is sometimes assailed by
certain questions, which ! should like
to have answered by some ardent de-
fender of the present
Is the Bennington of today vastly
superior in morality, social grace and
charm, and intellectually to the Ben
nington of fifty years ago?
The Banner frequently mentions
numerous local clubs and associa-
tions. Are these promoting the sterl-
irg virtues of temperance, honor
thrift, industry and self respect? Are
they torch-bearers, going before the
men and women of tomorrow as an
inspiration to the highest type OF
manhood and womanhood, or are they
brazen, trumpets, virtually proclaim
in the market place; Eat, drink,
and be merry, for tomorrow We dieY'
Are the social gatherings of today
cultivating the graces OF courtesy
and of sparkling, intelligent, and
stimulating conversation? Is the
game of 800, with its jealousies,
its temptations TO cheating and to loss
of temper, and its attractive prizes,
a warning against the dangers OF
gambling or an alluring avenue to a
broader highway, where the sign
post read. Get gain. somewayl
anyway no matter what way Get
gainl" How quaint and queer the
quiet tea-parties of fifty years ago
seem TO the modern society women
those gatherings which began and
ended early, where friends really
wished to visit with each other, where
hands were busy with needlework,
knitting, or crocheting, while pleas
ant chat, music, or reading aloud OF
some entertaining article were sufii-
cent diversion for the unsophisti-
Gated maids and matrons of that day
Are the society devotees Of today
so superior in polish Of manner, con
versational ability, real charm and
worth, to many OF Bennington's good
women OF half century ago. How
many OF the young people Of today
would consider a spelling match such
as the one 50 entertainingly described
in a recent Banner. sufficiently eX-
citing to divert them from a sensa-
tional moving picture vaudeville or a
problem play presenting vivid pic
lures OF the lower level of life?
well remember lectures in Library
hall by stars like Wendell Phillips
John b Cough, and others of like cal
iber, which were we'll attended and
greatly enjoyed by the citizens Of the
town. How many fine lecturers does
the Bennington OF today welcome
How many eager, appreciative hear
ers greet those who come?
All honor to the Grange, which
ministers to the need OF more &C
curate and scientific knowledge, OF
sane and helpful recreation amonl
the men and women who wrest the
food of the world from the soill
All honor to the Civic League
which extends its helping hands tC
the young, which tries TO build ;
character structure able to stand an,
10 Withstand.
All honor 70 the Y. NJ. G. A.. which
gives the boys and young men a SAT-
and helpful outlet for their social an,
physical activitiesl All honor to thu
churches, the library, the schools, L
whatever Is feeding the sources o
/ growth into symmetry, beauty, AM
worth DO all the societies. clubs
and social gatherings measure up t
this high standard
An Old Fogy