St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1916-07-12
vermont,s 125th Anniversary.

VermOnt's 125th Anniversary.
As previously announced this is the
125th anniversary of the admission of
Vermont to the Union and the Gov
ernor of the state has issued a proc
lamation calling for a general observ-
ance of the anniversary. Several
other states are planning an observ-
ance of the anniversary of their en-
trance to the Union either this year
or next. But none Of them have been
in the Union 1875 years. Vermont's
anniversary is the birthday of the old
est member of the family of states
outside of the original 10 states.
The manner Of observance is not
yet determined. The governor has
properly urged a cordial reception to
all natives returning to the state for
a visit. Doubtless the towns observ-
ing Old Home Week will give special
attention to the anniversary, but thus
far no general public observance of
the day has been planned. The day
the state was admitted TO the Union
was March 4, 1891. This day having
passed no observance of the ami
versary day can be had. There are
other ways in which the year may be
utilized that would bring profit to the
people of this generation.
We would suggest a more thorough
study of Vermont history during the
remainder of this year 1t would be
well if the present generation under
stood better the sacrifices and ire
mendous physical endurance of the
men and women who founded the
state, the wisdom of those who es-
tablished it's government, the eff1cien-
cy of the pioneer families and the
broad craftsmanship of early Ver-
mont Vermonters of today know too |
little about the men Vermont has
produced. Most any one can name
half dozen men of the state who have
won national regulations but the av-
erage citizen should be able to name
so such men and tell what they did to
make the name of Vermont known.
Some of the most charming stories of
rural life, natural scenery and of an
uncommon common people have been
written by Vermonters or about Yer
monters by others outside the state.
Nearly everyone has heard of The
Green Mountain Boys" Uncle
'Lisha's Stories" and Julia DORIS
poems, but very few are really IA
miliar with these works of ability and
compelling human interest. This is
only a small part Of the books of merit
that every Vermonter should be ia
miliar with and be able to name and
discuss as one of the great products
of Vermont.
The industrial development and i'm
portance of the state should be more
generally known in order that Yer
monters can properly describe the in
dustrial strength of the state. Each
local community has or has had some
character which has shown powerful
love. honesty, devotion. determina--
ton, uprightness, generosity, courage
or some other element Of true great
ness that is sinking into the obscurity
of "old times" The lives and accom-
plishments of such citizens should be
recorded in history, and the boys and
girls of today taught the place they
have attained among the real men and
women of the world.
Many more suggestions might be
made. But the suggestion we wish
to emphasize is that during the 125th
year of Vermont's history the people
of the state make themselves more
familiar with the history of their
state, determine more accurately its
real standing in the world problems.
past and present, marshal the facts
Of its resources and possibilities; and,
armed with this strength, strive more ]
and more effectively for
the development of the soil, the min
erals and the men and women of Yer
mont.
CarranZa'S RepIy.