Putnam patriot., 1929-04-18
Ferrets Gu, Ins,ramsnt.

uAtfNNIAkt the young nANlcidns lie decided he would himself create the opportunity.
 Ferrets Out Instruments
 It is said of him that when he be- came nineteen years old he discovered that Woodstock had not, during it's long history, been without bands. If there had been bands there must have been instruments, and continuing this course of reasoning he decided that the instruments must still be in Wood stock homes. They might be a bit rusty and tucked away in out of the way places. but still they must be there and could be used again, req sOned the enthusiast.
 Having come to this decision Yer non set about ferreting out instru- ments. One by one they were brought forth to Q light of day that many had net seen ia scores Of years. One in- strumcnt. it is said, dated back to the Civil War. But the collection mount cd and then began the drafting of musicians. Anyone who had a mu- sical ear. and was willing, was given opportunity Co learn the instrument further. Young. middle-age or old. 1t made no difference If one could play an instrument, even a little bit. that was all of the recommendation need cd.
 Instruments and musicians assem- bled. How tO organize and develop them into band was the perplexing question at this time. Then came that luck" if such it may be called, when a young man is putting his very soul into fixed purpose. or, perhaps, it was an answer to a prayer. How ever. at this crucial period man who had once been leader of band drifted into the village. He was ap- preached. took an interest in the young musicians. and soon. for the first time in score of years, Wood stock had band. The East Wood stock Cornet Band, it was called. Wetherell became it's leader. There was much music in the village these days and in the evenings.
 Dreams of Pipe Organ
 While the band had become real- fly. Vernon had not forgotten his dream of a pipe organ. He conceived the idea of pipe organ for the church. Members of the community thought it would be fine thing, but pipe organs cost lot of money. 4 young man with the ability Co organ ize q band under the trying conditions that the East Woodstock Cornet Band was organized was not to be discourag- cd because "it will cost lot of mon ey." He decided that the church should have an organ and went about getting it.
 Vernon reconstructed an old Ford. in this he canvassed the countryside, getting subscriptions to an organ fund Some gave fifty cents; some dollar; some five; and there were few larger donations. The fund was far from sufficient. Indeed the off cers Of the church did not share the young mans enthusiasm or his hope. He was told to keep the money in his own name. This he did. He kept track of every penny received, but the total did not increase by leaps and bounds" As matter of fact there came time when it looked as if 1t would be many a year before there would be Q pipe organ in the village church
 Having combed the countryside for subscriptions. Vernon began writing letters Co former sons who had left the community He knew that if they were born in Woodstock they still be- longed to Woodstock. This has ever been so. Thus to points far and near went the letters of appeal for the new organ.
 More Wetherell Luck"
 Then one day there arrived let ter. lt bore a California postmark. When opened a check fluttered Co the ground Familiar with the one and five dollar contributions, none the less welcome because small in amount, Vernon picked up the check. unfolded it and nearly dropped it. lt seemed incredible. It was hard Co believe, He recalled the good fortune of the arrival of the bandmaster just when he was SO sOrely needed There it was. in black and white More luck 4 cheek for S2 500. This assured the realization of his dream.
 Succeeds in His Purpose
 This donation came from Dr. Albert C. Paine of Pasadena, in memory of his son. Dr. John C. Paine. The now si2able fund was turned over to the church society. members of which had. up Co this time. doubted that young Wethcrcll would succeed in his pur pose. With their doubts dispelled, and with the money In hand. those who had felt discouraged and by their hopelessuess had given sparse encour- apoment Co the enthus ast s. effort, were now generous in their praise of the single handed accomplishment. Due credit. however, was given all contributors and the effort now turn- ed to procuring the new instrument. The matter was handled by a com mittee,
 The organ was purchased from the Frazee Organ Company of Cam bridge. Mass. lt has two manuals. is electric action, and matches the old oak finish of the church. it is of rich fine tone and Is built into the arch of the north end ef the church, the con- sole being on the main floor west of the pulpit platform The instrument makes a splendid addition to the old Colonial church. built in 1892
 There were special decorations in the church Sunday morning. Pink carnations. hegouias and geraniums were tastcfully arranged. the bright s.fors hatmtr aVap marc uftrarftVa am