The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-07-22
cnpHAs KENT INN MARKER
Further Details of the Dedication Ex.
ercises on July 10

Further Details of the Dedication Elk.
ercises on July 10
Wednesday, July 10, 1912 will
mark another day of interest to Dor
set, our town already noted for other
conventions of olden times. This
July afternoon looked forth admiring
ly on part, at least, of the same land
scape that confronted Ethan Allen
and the members of the Councils OF
Safety, but this day was hot and dus
ty, and perhaps, less favorable to
marching than at the time of the
first convention July 26. 1875, or per
haps the notice of this meeting had
not been extensively circulated; al
any rate only comparative small
number were out to greet the delega
ton of Colonial Danes upon their
arrival here to dedicate the Cephas
Kent Inn marker. The services
opened with the singing America
by the audience gathered on the
green near the site of the once ia
nous hostelry. Prayer was offered
by Rev. E. F. Hunt of the Dorset
church. Miss Jennie A. Valentine OF
Bennington, president of Vermont
Society of Colonial Danes, was then
introduced and in most admirable
address gave in briefest outline the
noble and unmatched history of ear
" Vermont life, during the period OF
controversies between the Grants and
the powerful colony of New York
outlining the most important work
of the Dorset conventions; speaking
of the hardihood and indomitable
courage of the pioneers of this val
ley; alIuding TO notable people OF
Dorset of literary and artistic tai
ents--of Cyrus Hamlin, of Mrs. Prem
tiss. Mr.. Child and others; Miss
Valentine spoke of the importance OF
patriotic effort; of the pride in ouI
state that inspires patriotism; of
the tireless work of the Danes In
preparation for this event and theil
joyful sharing in the expense. The
address was gracefully closed by q
formal transfer OF the marker TO the
care and keeping of citizens of Dor
set.
Rev. George II. Gilbert responded
to a request to read an original pc
EN-. and the attention of those pres
ent was most earnest under the spell
of his inimitable delivery
Clifton p Kent, great-great- grand
son of Cephas Kent, spoke in behalf
of the people of Dorset. In opening
Mr.. Kent referred 10 the saying that
"a people which has no pride in the
achievements of remote ancestry will
never achieve anything worthy to be
remembered by remote descendants.
He spoke of the affection with which
descendants of Colonial times still
cling TO noble traditions He eX-
pressed the hope that lessons might
be derived from the monument here
dedicated that would enrich sentim
ents of gratitude and OF appreciation
for the virtues that leads every true
daughter or son of the nation to per
petuate the memory of worthy ances'
tors
Mr.. Kent mentioned regrets that
had been expressed that there were
no exceptionally notable speakers
present on this occasion to add their
addresses, but said in view of those
who preceded him ii did not seem
essential-in great events in history
it had been bands of farmers who
won the day, the victories Of Ticon-
deroga. Bennington. the Civil wal
were due to farmers or their des'
cendants whose success is not meas.
ured by gold or silver or by wordy
eloQuence, but that rather through
constant effort and eager toll were
wrought their sterling qualities on
which the prosperity of our country
rests.
In behalf of the community and OF
the present generations of the Kent
family (extending to the sixth in his
sons.) Mr.. Kent thanked the mem
bers of the VT Soc. of Colonial
Danes through those here present
for the memorial tablet thus placed
in our midst. assuring them it would
be constant reminder of a glori
Gus past, a consciousness of a glor
Gus present and an inspiring hope OF
a still more glorious future" The
program closed with the singing OF
Vermont" a poem written by Miss
Winslow, sung to tune America"
Towns of early Vermont were set
tied by people emigrating from other
states. chiefly Connecticut. So il
happened that among the first set
tiers of Dorset was Deacon Cephas
Kent who arrived from Sufiield
Conn, in 1775 and kept a tavern in
troublous times" Tradition is well
known regarding the general conven.
ton held at his house on Sept 25
1776 when 81 members were present
from 30 towns.
An old historical magazine QS61
states IL was there resolved that
they declare this district a free and
separate district This action may
be regarded the germ whence sprung
the existence of Vermont as a free