Oxford Democrat., 1914-09-08
Maxim Family Reunion.

The sons and daughters Of tho late
Benjamin and Susan Harlow Maxim met
ut the old homestead in West Buck field,
on Wednesday, Sept. Q, for family re-
union. OF the ten children, nine are
still living; and It was the first time In
forty Ave years that they had all met
under the same roof. Five Of the family
live in Paris, two in Cambridge, Mass,
one In Pennington, Me-, and one on the
old farm in Buckfeld. Three Of the
brothers and one brother.in-lsw serv ed
In the civil war.
The nine living members Of the family
are Mrs. Maria L., wife OF Benjamin
Turner, Henry q. Maxim, Olban A.
Maxim, William Wallace Maxim, and
Franklin Maxim, all residents OF Paris;
Mrs. Amanda, wife of Bernard e. Vining
OF Pennington; D. Webster Maxim, who
lives on the old homestead in Buckfield;
and Misses Mary and Martha Maxim Of
Cambridge, Mass. The other child was
Miss Rose Maxim, who died some years
since.
Tables were spread under the trees,
transplanted by the boys more than half
a century ago, and a bountiful repast
was served, with the stars and stripes
floating from the branches overhead.
After dinner speeches and humorous
anecdotes added to the enjoyment of the
occasion, and old time songs were sung
accompanied by violin and guitar, in
which the whole family joined.
Original poems and songs were read
and sung, as this family is noted for Its
musicians and poets, and one is also an
artist of note.
Among the guests was Silas P. Max
i'm, the Oldest man 10 Paris, who built
the house on the old farm fifty-five years
ago.
Four generations were present, the
party numbering twenty-seven.
The following poem, an Interpretation
Of the language of the trees, was written
for the occasion by Mary Maxim:
A MESSAGE FROM THE TREES.
All, well do we remember. boys
Though years have flown apace,-
When you bore US from our forest glen,
Your boyhood's home to grace;
To guard and shelter this abode
Where dwelt your parents fond.
Together with brothers and sisters,
United In Loves sweet bond.
Tall, slen Ter striplines were you, boys,
In those far-of, golden days,
Weak, tender saplfngs were we. boys,
Dreading the suns nerce rays.
But we've veathered the gales and tem'
pests
Tnat sweep o,er NIL ana pialn,
And royal weieome eatena you
Our arms reach out TO embrace you'
sons and dauVhters dear,
For we've missed the songs ana 'ne
augnter ,
Twas once our deLgnt 70 near.
so. through our loIty oranches
once more let your voices iing.
In the old'tlme songs anu an'heus
Though VIC miss those who are sleeping
In valley green and fair,
Their spirits hover near US,
Brpatnlng tnls ASSURANCE rare'
That grsnu reunion ~si.s hsus US u.s
SomeumS9I no eneaH~ I.I' mS1'
"nen We al s1at. ~" oe sLins
.,
Anu, e,a.etu, .ot p Wis E,stne i1'''
We thsnk .ne rowet IT. Dm1e wv. ,ooro
Inat nine remain, 9t .ns nah q sooie
Ikst WoIsniPPeu a. ouT , 81,
Inc cherished oaugnter, 1ehius gave
poets CROWN W Near. u
Long absent irom heI native soh'
Is here. our JOY to share.
The eldest born. VINO neer was KNOWN
Duty or task 70 shirk,
housewife Iamea lor neatness
whose greatesI 10y Is Work.
The good Mount Mica poet
Ever reauy, giau 20 ien9
helplng nanu IN time OF neeu
To stranger, nelghoor' nlenu.
These three brave SOLDIER boys, VINO
stood
Ready their lives to yield.
Old Glory bore. triumphant,
From the CORY battlefield.
And while the nations over seas,
To bloody conflict brought.
May God protect the glorious nag
For which these brave boys fought.