Putnam patriot., 1924-03-21


 ter. who was Miss Dorothy Richardson of Woodstock. a daughter of Mrs. k. B. Richardson, during the past week contributed a most interesting article 10 the Worcester Telegram which The Patriot prints below. Much of Mrs. Linooln's childhood was spent in Attn ems where her father, the late Rufus B. Richardson, was head of the Amer iean Academy. In view of the coming Olympic games her article has an es- pscially timely interest. Mrs. Iinccln writes as follows;
 During our childhood spent in Greece. my brother and l developed an intense patriotism. With us it was Absence makes the heart grow fond CT" rather than Out of sight, out of mind. We hungered for things American. We even eorresponded with "st. Nicholas boys and girls whom we had never seen, in order to keep in touch with our young compatriots.
 Usually We were the only American children in the whole of Athens. but sometimes We had the special delight of one or two American playmates.
 Red letter days were those on 
 American flag on the staff or our bal conyl Of course we declared that 1t was the most beautiful flag in the world We watched it intermittently throughout the day. patiently unwind ing 1t each time that a puff of wind wrapped 1t too closely about the staff. The beauty of the Stars and Stripes must not for moment be hiddenl
 But greater thrills were ours when ever by chance an American war ship came to the Peiraeus or to Phaleron Bayl Sometimes we knew before hand that one or more ships were due, and we would then mount guard on the balcony with our eyes glued to some field glasses. When at last We could make out the dim outline of an iron clad" our excitement knew no bounds. There was no rest for our father and mother until we had been lon board. 7
 The Great Adventure
 In the year 1896, however, We were to have our greatest adventure. No longer did We think of being home sick for America-we even pitied our St. Nicholas friends for being too far away to share in the coming event.
 We were to see the first Olympic games of modern timesl
 For hundreds and hundreds of years, we were told. there had been no Olympic games, and now they were to be revived.
 My brother and I lived in state of tremendous excitement for several months before the games commenced. We went to inspect the stadium which was being reconstructed for the occa- sion. How snuggly 1t seemed to fit into the foothills of Hymettus Some of the ancient blocks of stone from the original stadium had been made use of. but most of the seats consisted of newly cut white Pentellic marble. As there had not been time to rebuild the entire stadium, there were also many temporary seats of wood.
 Then. little by little. Athens was invaded by travellers from all parts of the world. The athletes thrilled us chiefly. My brother somehow became acquainted with the representatives of our far-of country, and went about with them acting as q youthful guide and interpretetr He was rewarded with sundry American odds and ends which he proudly carried about m ms pockets and displayed on all occasions. i particularly recall some wicked look ing brass knuckiesl
 Opening of the Games
 As for myself. wore small American flag in my straw sailor hat, and l believe that l held myself n trife more erect than usual in those days. i was an American-i must be of i1nportancel
 At last on beautiful day We found ourselves in the crowded stadium, waiting for the arrival of the royal family. Soon we heard the stirring strains of the Greek national anthem:
 By thy fearful sword l know thee"
 King George and Queen Olga and all the princes and princesses came marching down the center of the field, followed by a military band. We all rose to our feet and stood until the royal party had taken their seats.
 Then began the athletic contests which were watched by thousands of eager eyes, and applauded by tnou- sands of energetic hands.
 After each event flag of the win hing NAefNtAtsAAAs was ateNA 'AA @ e ANHN staff near tho entrance of the stadium to proclaim the victor Our American heroes distinguished themselves, and frequently caused the stars and stripes to float high. On these occasions we were indeed triumphant.
 Cheered by "Cobs"
 remember that a large company of American sailors from a battleship at the Peiraeus sat together in a body and cheered Justify over each Ameri- can victory. They made themselves delightfully."- conspicuous by their boy ish enthusiasm, their blue sailor suits, and their special yells. The Greeks were much entertained by them.
 On one occasion, when the tiag-rope was unmanageable, delaying the rais~ ing of the American flag, a sailor sprang forward, seized his countrys colors, and climbed the staff with them. He then unfurled the flag and waved it amidst tumultuous applause and con- siderable laughter.
 Wrestler Buries Beer
 There was also laughter at the end of a wrestling match, when the round German victor suddenly began to dig hole in the ground We could not im- agine what his object was, until he un- r4had a hoffle of beer which he