Norwich bulletin., 1920-09-04
A VISIT TO HISTORIC PLYMOUTH.


 s.: IoLA A VISIT TO HISTORIC PLYMOUTH.
 Dear Sisters of the Social Corner I regret to see so few letters on the Cor ner page of late, as there seems to be~s, large membership of enrolled writer's Perhaps many of them are away on an nual vacation trips, and haven't found it convenient to contribute their letters. As for me, I have recently returned from a trip, which was 8 great pleasure, and of much interest to me. From the earliest remembrance of my school days, in the study of the Pilgrims and the history of our New England colonies. 1t al ways appealed to me how l should like to see Plymouth, Mass- and the famous rock. on which our forefathers first step ped, as they landed on the Atlantic. coast. After these many long years of waiting my desire has been, fully grat- fled Accompanied by friend. we went to Plymouth Aug. il, arriving about o'clock p. Tn. Our first move, after; leay- ing the train was to secure good dill-. ner; which we found at Pilgrim restau- rant. Next we secured a room, at a private house, for our nights lodging. and there disposing of our lugage,r we started our on, our sightseeing tour.
 
 was conspicuously found, and We not only saw 1t, but sat upon it. as the iron gates of the enclosure were open. to al low visitors to come within close touch of the famous stone. As saw the large figures 1920, cut deeply into the rock. and then, looking around, at the old and modern buildings. the terraces, church spires, and in general the built-up town of itself, I noted the vast changes the several generations have made in 800 years. We saw the site of where the first house stood in early Plymouth and of the first church. Visiting Pilgrim Hall, we found many things to interest our desire of seeing historical % relics. They were too numerous to mention ali but briefly we saw many articles that came in the Mayfiower, such as two straight-back chairs, Myles Standlsh kettle, platter and sword, Governor Bradford's Bible, printed in 1s1s, John Alden's Bible, tho cradle of Peregrine ] White, also the little shirt, white mus lin caps, and mittens. worn by this first white babe, born in the cabin of the Mayfiower Nov. 20, 1920 at anchor on { the New England coast. Many beauti- 1 ful pictures of historic scenes such as Embarkation Landing. Signing of the | Compact, The Mayfower, and many portraits. are hung upon the walls Of ! OOlQlnE. ward Winslcw is the only one. in exist ! ence so far as known. of any person who i came in the Mayhower. The afternoon passed very quickly.
 1 The next morning being fair and bright l We continued to look around historic. 1 Plymouth. which not only consists of an l cient land marks, but many fine mod 1 ern homes and public buildings. From the ] harbor. the land Is one continuous -slop- ing elevation and at the north end of the town or in a most conspicuous. spot. stands the National Monument to the {! Forefathers, Built entirely of grey gran ite and Of fine workmanship it has been erected by 2 grateful people in re- membranes of those who Iabored,i sacri- ] feed and suffered for the cause of civil l and religious liberty. The total height of this monument is 81 feet. On the main pedestal stands the figure of Faith. One ! foot rests upon the Forefathers Rock in her left hand she holds a Bible.. with the right hand uplifted. she points above The scenery of the surrounding country from here is one grand sight. Across the
 harbor can be seen the. monument or 1 Captains Hill, erected to the honor: of tht
 Pilgrim warrior. Captain Myles Stand ish, which is near to his old home.
 Our next object of interest was to wis
 it Burial Hill, the oldest cemetery in New
 England. On the highest point of lane
 in Plymouth there is to be found the old , est tonbstones. bearing the carries dates to record the deaths of our ancss tors. The quaint epitaphs and pAcuiia' designs on these he2dstones, furnish ia terest to all who observe them. The tT. oldest iriginal markers in the cenneter. } and which I saw. were dater 1881 ant 1 1897. On the very top of this hill i ) where the Pilgrims built their. fort .ant watch tower. also where they began thei services of worship. ! There are several large trees on Buri ] al Hill at present, and settees for tn many visitors that come there. It ap pealed to me as a very sacred portion 0 5 Old Plymouth as well as interesting | 2 walk around the winding paths, to stol 7 here and there 10 read the names o [ those once active in life and who dit much to organize these early settle ments. Some visitors, express surpris not to find tombstones for the Pilgrims but as notes of history inform us, tha had other needs for their small saving . i In those days. than to buy stones, | z mark the resting places of their deat ' We found Plymouth has a continue . stream Of visitors every day, either \ auto, trolley, train or boat. We went 1T - to a beautiful church, which society
 the descendant of the First ParisI 1 Every window is a memorial scene 1 Pilgrim days. The finely carved pulpi 7 built from wood which came h the Ma.
 flower, was very attractive to all vi
 itors. We left Plymouth in the ear T evening, by steam train, having bet :. glad of this opportunity to witness :. much which the pages of history Il; Il long referred to. JENNIE