The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-05-31

could be the matter2 This must be the
place, for the old trees and the size of
the building itself amply proved that.
But where was the fine old doorway, the
large chimneys, the small-paned win
dows, and the other unusual features
which we had confidently decided must
be incorporated in the residence of so
distinguished a personageY Arriving at
the foot of the short road leading up to
it, we were too genuinely distressed in
spirit to go up and inquire; but, seeing
an old looking building further on, we
continued our journey-but without re-
suit. 1t, also, was too youthful in ap-
pearance.
Finally determining to get to the bot
tom of the mystery, we retraced our
steps and went up to this 20-odd room
house, where we learned that, about 30
years ago, the then owners had complete
ly remodelled the structure, both outside
and in, leaving no trace of the old time
grandeur. So there was nothing To do
but begin our homeward journey-stop
ping long enough on the way to tell one
of our informants that, so far as it could
be considered colonially, the Judge Paine
house was no more. We arrived home
safely after the 20-mile hike and being
somewhat out of training for so long
journey and so much of it being uphill
! had doubtless caught cold, for that
night fever developed which would not
work off next forenoon, so down went
on Sept. 80 with severe attack of in
fiuenza. And, curious as it may SEEM
that trip and the old house often haunt
ed my fevered imagination during the
two trying weeks.
Every cloud has silver lining and so
also did this, for, when strong enough
to drive the car and while the weather
and roads were still good, we went up to
inspect the scene of my Waterloo. Al
though there is now no attraction to the
house itself, one can never forget the
glorious setting of it and the stately APP
pearance from the distance. Instead of
coming back the way we went inquiry
developed the fact that the road coming
from the direction of Berlin extended d.
reetly past the house and through ito
Brookfeld and, although little used now,
it had evidently been the main road in
those old days and we found it in fairly
good condition. Our idea was TO strike
down to the gulf road in the Brookield
valley. We had not proceeded very far
before coming upon farm of decidedly
colonial appearance; in fact, sign on it
read, Peck Place-l790."
When giving it as good a survey as
possible without leaving the machine,
and making inquiries from young
woman, she kindly invited us to examine
the inside-whch invitation was accept.
ed with alacrity. Although nothing elab.
crate. there were several distinctively
colonial features-doors with hand.
forged locks, and fastenings of hand
some design, staircase, chair rail mould
ings etc.-all of which were both in
teresting and attractive. Here learned
for the first time that many Of the old
open fireplaces had been done away with
on account of the insurance rates being
so much higher than when stoves are
used. Such a pity
Continuing along, we reached Brook
field with its picturesque floating bridge,
which had to be crossed and recrossed in
the car upon the insistence of the chill
dren. When leaving this snug little vii.
lage another surprise was in store for,
on the lefthand side before descending
the long road leading to the valley, and
after passing the sawmill, we found a
very choice specimen OF colonial archtec-
ture in the form of wooden cottage
which, although small, embodied the
same good taste and careful workman
ship in its'fine Grecian profiles and mold
ings as if it had been an imposing man
sion
Our return journey brought lrs through
Williamstown, which, like most of the
towns settled from 100 to $50 years ago,
contains several interesting examples of
the handiwork of these fine old master
builders, the most pleasing undoubtedly
being the Ainsworth residence brick
structure of admirable proportions near
the center of the village on the lefthand
side coming home. William Barclay.