,W6M3 ■^^ -^ \^, pip, - "^v^K^ 0^ O *• *^-^. **„-/ *• O J i"^-'* K^ Ho^ o -^•' V ■ ^ ' • - >^ o"^ . ° "" * '^o A<5> . ^ " . "^vv o^ -^ 'i> . \ ^afs! iii^'^f''^,^/' s-^ru%^yk:Ay,K ^^\-e.v£BRAr/o >^«^ — — OF THE- Oqe jlundi'Bd and FiftietJ i[qniVeP^aristiates and citizens. May we make good the blessed plan of our statesmen and heroes for a Christian commonwealth. We reconsecrate ourselves and our town to thy service, \vhi('h is perfect liberty and perfect liiippiness Preserve the health and lives of our people. "We renew our vows of peni- tence and obidence. Forgive our sins. Have compassion on our in- firmities. May this day's remembrance of Thy mercies of the past quicken us to new thankfulness and fidelity. We commit ourselves into Thy arms of everlasting love. May grace, mercy and peace be multiplied unto all from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Address By C. H. Burns. Fellow Citizkns: — Fifty years ago Wilton completed a century of its life. It was deemed by its good citizens an event of such conse- quence as to entitle it to formal notice : and a day was set apart for that purpose, and devoted to speeches, music, songs, and general rejoicing. I hold in my hand a published account of that per- formance, and in it I find the graphic description of the day and its experiences : '•The morning of the celebration dawned auspiciously, and was ushered in with the ringing of the bells and a salute of one hundred guns. The sun rose upon a cloudless sky. The day was cahn, clear and mild. Everything conspired to render it one of the finest mornings of early autumn ; and njany were those who rose betimes and hailed it with joyful anticipations. Emigrants to other towns and to the distant cities and villages of other states had come back to revisit once more the scenes of their youth, and to celebrate with friends and former associates this grand jubilee of their native town. And now the sons and daughters of Wilton, resident and emigrant, together with numerous guests from abroad, leaving behind them for a while the cares of professional life, the din of machinery, the business of the farm, the workshop, or the counting room, mi^ht be seen thronging the roads that ascend from all quarters of the com- mon. As they approach, the first thing- to catch all eyes was a fancy flag, hi its seiui-circular wreath of evergreen, hovering in the ail- midway between the two churches on the hill, and appearing to have no support, till on arriving near it, the cord which upheld it was seen stretched from belfry to belfry, and on the flag itself ap- peared the inscription, "1739" and "1839," with other devices be- tween them. The national banner had been raised in the air, and its stripes and stars, borne on the now rising breeze, were floating gaily over the now spacious pavilion, erected on the border of a pleasant field, a few rods east of the old meeting-house. Around the meeting-house stood handsome spruce trees, the growth ol the niglit: while within it was beautifully ornamented Avith verdant boughs and wreaths, ami a large chandelier of eve] green. The com- mon was at an early hour alive with people moving to and fro, or collecting in groups : and the fine appearance of the Miller Guards, a com] any of volunteers, organized in the town a short time previous, under the c-ommand of Col. Samuel King, with the clieeriug music of the baud attending them, gave increased anima- ti(m to the i^cene. Ami throughout the multitudes there assembled tlie cordial greetings of old acquaintances, the hearty shaking of hands, the glad voices and speaking countenances all testified to the ovei-flowing pleasure and good feeling which reigned on the oc- casion." The officers of the day were : President, Ezra Abbott ; vice-presi- dents, Abraham Whittemore, Jonathan Liverinore, Jonathan Burton, Timothy Psrkhurst, Timothy Abbot, Daniel Batchelder, Oliver Whit ing ; Chief Marshal, Jonathan Parkhurst ; /Assistant Marshals, Samuel Kink, David Wilson, Hermon Pettengill, Calvin Gray, Oliver Barrett, jMoses Spaulding : toast masters, Eliphalet Putnam, Zebe- diah Abbot. This is a list of splendid men. They are all gone. Not one of the officers who were active on that occasion still lives ; but they have left a record that is as imperishable as the stars. They were repre- sentative men. Although not the founders, they were the pro- moters and builders of a staunch and noble town, whose influence has reached every part of our great country. They were men who loved their God, their home, their town and their country. They 14 worked not only tor themselves but tliPir fellowmen. Tliey were }iot drunkards, uor loafers, but men of marked sobiiety and un- flaggin','' industry. They did not plot against the cammon weal, but they wrought by day and by night for the ])erfection of law and the advancement of society. They did not have great learning or bril- liant abilities, but they were wise observers, very intelligent, and full of native worth, and an integrity that was as immovable as the granite hills on which they lived. They were possessed of all the characteristics which are essential in establishing a successful com- monwealth. Fifty years have come and gone since the centeiniial of Wilton occurred ; and it is without doubt true that they have been the most remarkable years in many respects that the world has ever known. In no other epoch of history has the brain of man been so 2)roductive of discoveries and inventions which are useful to mankind. Chemical, mechanical, physical and economic truths have been discovered and utilized which have displaced and re ;idj listed almost all the processes of manly industries, afltecting agiiculture, manufactures, transportation, exchanges, the sciences and the arts, the finances, the education and learning, the moral and social con- dition of the human race. In the old world during this time, and since Victoria ascended the throne of England, which was just before the centennial of Wilton, kings and queens have lost their thrones, and more than half the powers of Eiirope have been overturned and remodelled. In our own country we have made a growth whi(!h is the marvel of Christ- endom. AVe had a population in 1839 of about fifteen millions of people, now we have more Ihan sixty millions Then the Pacific coast was an almost unknown land, with scattered inhabitants and a shore covered with snow and sand and rock. " where formerly the sluggish Mexican kept his ranch and the red Indian hunted the buf- falo,'' now it is dotted all over with thriving cities and villages in which are to be found all the equipments of modern civilization ; and this vast region is to day connected by the ii'on rails with every other part of the United States. Then Arkansas and Missouri were extreme frontier states; Alichigan almost unknown. Chicago was a speck of a town not then chiistened, bu; called Fort Dearborn ; 15 now it has almost as many inhabitants as London then had ; its name is a power in this land ; its beauties and marvels are the wonder- ment of all who behold them. The •>-rowtli of this raaoic city is typical of the whole nation. When our fathers celebrated fifty years ago they recurred to the storms and trials of the revolution and the brave work of their fathers at Bunker Hill, Bennington and Yorktown for evidences of their prowess and patriotism in war, but the valor of the men of '76 is almost dwarfed by that of their sons shown on hundreds of battlefields eighty five years later. The civil war, which stands mid- way between 1839 and 1889, tested the patriotism not only of the men of the nation but of Wilton, whose roll of honor is proof that here dwells a people thoroughly imbued with love of home and country, and a disposition and ability to defend lioth at all hazards and at any cost. During the period, slavery, which was a foul blot upon our governnjent half a century ago. has been overthrown, and the nation is redeemed from the clutch of its deadliest foes. In our town we can show cods. Personal benefit moves both. Every one is entitled to the benefit of his entojrprise and foresight. If Mr. Blank produces a method heretofore unknown or takes u]) a line of business that no one before him discovered, by which he becomes rich; and all the region sells him its products, be- cause he pays more and uses better than any other one, Mr. Blank be- comes a public benefactor, even if his prime motive is personal bene- fit only. Mr. Blank is no more supposed to live for the people than the people to live for Mr. Blank. Their relations are mutual, and their rights in law and equity are equal, .\dvance business men, inventors, disi-overers are a great advantage to the community at large. They open and conduct new^ enterprises to the benefit of all the people. The oldest and one of the most notable in Wilton was the dis- covery which produced starch from potatoes in commercial quanti- ties, by Ezra and Samuel Abbott in 1811, 78 years ago. when their first building was erected. One of the most emphatic illustrations of modern times by men Wilton born, is that of David Whiting & Sons. What they have done and what they are now doing is before your eyes. It is also fully set forth in your new history. Other men, native born and adopted are doing large and appropriate work worthy of all commendation. Compare Wilton with towns that 22 liave few facilities an^I few men. A. glance is suffioient to show your great advantages and I have no time to enlarge. There must be stimulus to every enterprise. The most potential stimuli are the jierception of a want, the example and success of other men and personal benefit. Dift'eient motives move different men in unequal degree. One man is most moved to invention and discovery by the riches he hopes to win, another by love of discovery and construction, another by the credit and renown of success, another to give development to ingenuity and to another the faculty i.> intui- tive and he cannot I'efrain. Such a man has great delight in new fields. There is an impulse that carries him onward and he takes pleasure in new sensations. To unravel a diflRcult. unsolved prob- lem in nature or art is to him a tin-ill of delight. Sensations tingle to the most distant nerves in his system. When all these motives combine in one man and he moves in a new field of undiscovered possibilities, coupled with discretion, ability and persistency, great riches, great renown and largf benefit to mankind are the result. Thomas A . Edison, still a young man, is a most striking example of the present day. His fortune is said to be $12,000,000. and Italy made him a Count last month. The same may be said of Alexander Graham Bell and might have been said of Prof. F. B. Morse. Fifty years ago the dimly perceived field was agriculture. Now the illum- inated field is electricity. And these exam})les are but pebbles gathered on the hither shore of infinite possibilities in invention. There are more in the future than have yet been developed. A great change has come over the public estimate of inventive men. Fifty years ago it was common to call inventors and patentees visiona.y men of little or no account and patents valueless and unworthy of notice. It was customary to laugh and sneer at patents then. Patentees laugh now. It did not occur to the public that men nnist see before they could do. The want must be peiceived, the method of supply discovered and the result produced by inventive men before the public realized that such a want existed or could be remedied. But now the American public is quick to see and hearty to appreciate, in striking contrast to 50 or 100 years ago. The liistory of John Abbot's inventions affords great interest and instruction. He invented the plan and process of making hand coal shovels, millions of which are in use to-day. There was a fortune in it, but he did not obtain it. Also a new style of paving blocks, used in vast quantities now. The new history mentions his motor and his factory at West Wilton for making farmers' hoes. A. long chap- ter would be needed to tell all he did. The experiments of Ephraim Brown, my father, on threshing machines, in which he j^roduced the identical conception of the machines of the present day, and missed only for want of more jDOwer to drive than one horse could furnish, thus losing to Willon the credit of one of the most remarkable in ventions of modern times, that in its present form and perfection threshes, cleans and })uts in bags 2000 bushels of grain in one day with a single machine and more than 1,000.000.000 bushels in a year, would require another chapter. Lucinda Spaulding's invention of a seamless bag. woven like a web of cloth on a loom, to the pro- duction of which large factories are now devoted, would make an- other chapter. Proof of her invention, produced in court, settled a law suit and by it vast interests were determined and adjusted. There are probably others of the olden time besides the starch fac- tory machinery. And during the last fifty years Wilton hand and brain have been busy and are busy still with vast possibilities foi the future. But time does not permit me here to enlarge. There is enough to show that Wilton ingenuity has made its mark and stands well in the advance ranks of this inventive age. In nature Wilton is a picturesque gem in a setting of magnificent beauty. Its hills with tops crowned with tilth and fields and woods and homes, their sides in gentle slopes basking in the bright shining of the sun, and covered with flocks and herds and abundant ver- 24 dure ; its vallevs with sparkliuo- waters l)atliiiio- the feet of the dfcli- vities to theii" maigiiis : the spriuf^s aud fountains, brooks and watei-- falls and the flowinot. 47 From graver sins of youth still sought to save, And sins of riper years remembered not, But grieved, and prayed, and evermore forgave, And suffered late and long! Hovf thrill the gazing offspring at the sight, What sacred memories their spirits stir ! Here, in the ancient home's all-holy light. They gaze at her, at him, — at him, at her, — God-crowned with peace and years ; And, though sweet music in their grateful souls. Sweet as the voice of brooks or song of birds, Upwavd in hymns of joy and reverence rolls, The love they feel is all too great for words, And overflows in tears. Even so, dear Wilton, Mother of our Race ! Proud of thy hundred and thy fifty _\ ears, And prouder yet of thy immortal grace. That still forever young and fi'esh appears. Thy children flock to thee : To thee, rejoicing in thy length of days. From North and South, from East and West they come. To bring glad hearts of gratitude and praise, And hold Thanksgiving in the ancient home, On this thy Jubilee. Ah, some there were, who loved thee passing well. Whose hearts would glow to greet this festal day ; Yet they no more their grateful tale shall tell As once they told it, — they have passed away. And onward roll the spheres. But thou, O Mother of our Race, who must Through ages live, unconscious of the tomb, Thou harborest h.o\j graves and precious dust. And to thy Jubilee thy wanderers come. Rejoicing, yet with tears. 48 Guard thou the memories of thy noble dead, Treasure the simple records of their worth, Hand down their story, which, like daily breads Shall feed youii^- viitue, and renew the birth Of all that saves the State : So shall thy fame grow glorious age by age. And civic conscience pass from sire to son, — So shall thy name be bright ou history's page, And win the fair renown which all have won Whose work and worth are great. "Tis love of these that brings us here to-day. That modest names may be with honor crowned; Thy thronged Thanksgiving now is proud and gay. Because our Fathers aye were faithful found In thought, in word, in deed. O Wilton, sacred name to all thy sons. Revere the men who, at stern Duty's call. Heard not the howl of wolves or roar of ofuns. But heaid the voice of conscience, still and small, - The giand New England breed ! Not mine the moving tale to tell How heroes faced their dangers well. Feared not the deadly ambuscade, The whoop that night territic made. Nor yet the scai'ce less awful howl Uf savage beasts that nightly prowl, Nor yet grim hardship, pain, and want, Sickness and cold and famine gaunt, But cleared the forests, tilled the soil. Drove from their haunts the wolf and beai\ Founded their homes in honest toil. And founded next their house of j^rayer. Nor mine to praise the glorious deed Of those who felt their icountry's need. 49 Refused to pay the tyrant's tax, Flung on the ground the hoe and axe. Kissed weeping child and fainting wife, Counted as dross the joys of life, Shouldered the musket, sought the war. And died from home and love afar. These are thy nobles, country mine ! These are thy more than lords and kings ; These are the men of strength divine From whom thy proudest lineage springs. No — not for me the tale to tell Of those who wrought, of those who fell : ' T is not for poet to rehearse. Such deeds as these in mincing verse. Such deeds as these, such men as those. Demand the manlier mood of prose ; For truth, like beauty, unadorned. Stands forth too glorious to be scorned. No — let the words be words of fire, But stern as was that iron time: I dare not, Hero-Men, aspire To tell your deeds in tinkling rhyme ! Beauty ! Ah, beauty of the gladsome earth ! Sweet Wilton, art thou not her haunt and home ? In thy fair valleys had she not her birth ? From thy green woodlands has she learned to roam ? Thy rocks and rugged hills. Thy cool and murmuring rills. Thy proud Souhegan dashing down in foam. Thy woods and sunny glades. Thy mossy forest-shades. Thy sailing clouds and blue, imperial dome, — If banished by her foes, Surely, to scenes like those Beauty herself, in tears, would plead once more to come. 50 Ye who woul I know what beaut}' means, ]\Iount to the heights of Abbot Hill ; Mark the great landscape, scene of scenes, Outstretched in glory, fair and still, AVhere o'er the earth Heaven stoops and leans, With deeper joy itself to fill. Trace out, half seen, half lost, the road That winds to yonder valley down, Then climbs the hill-toii, high and broad, Where stands the " Middle of the Town," — Where stood the ancient house of God, Beacon and guide, old Wilton's crown. Till, like a martyr form Engulfed in fier}' storm, Perished the belfried tower in seas of flame. And, spared all meaner doom. In ashes and in gloom Left still a blessed memory and name. Then raise your eyes beyond, and mark The mighty wall of mountains dark. Looming on high in purple mist. Their summits by the sunlight kissed, W^here Pack-Monadnock shuts the scene, And grandeur lends to all between. Aye, through the wide world seek Where mountains, peak by peak, Rear their long ranks against the sky. And bound the empire of the eye : Then scan yon long horizon of the West, And this shall be its glory manifest — Great Pack-Monadnock stands outvying all the rest. Such majesty thy summits wear. Fair Wiltox, fairest of the fair ! But softer charms thou hid'st away Where wandering footsteps seldom stray — Where Nature, in her vestal grace. Shrinks from men's eyes and veils her face, 51 Yet where, in sweet, bewitching spot, she smiles, and finds a rival not. ' T was thus that, forty years ago. Ere I had learned the world to know. With beckoning smiles she welcomed me, A dreamy child, as shy as she. Led me apart, and showed me, wondering, then. The lonely loveliness of Chestnut Glen. O'er many a brown and jagged rock. With laughter sweet and merry mock, ' Twixt banks with ferns and mosses set, Leaped a light-hearted rivulet — Leaped from the oo2y heights beyond Where slept the peaceful lily-pond. But soon, with slower, soberer pace. It lippled past my favorite place. Kissing the roots of one huge tree, A stately maple, fair to see. That reared its amjiie head aloft, A cloud of foliage thick and soft, And for the liltle wanderer made From sun too hot a shield and shade. Hard by, three mights chestnuts stood. Three sovereigns of the solitude, On whose gnarled boughs the squirrels fat Chattered, and chirped, and fearless sat. Held the ripe chestnuts in their paws. Plied at their ease their sauc}" jaws. And rattled down each empty shell. Heedless on whom or what it fell, — Then ran their races to and fro. Eying the harmless child below : While overhead, as black as night. Flapping his wings in lazy flight. When the wise crow the intruder saw. He dropped a hoarse and startled ''Caw!" 52 Warning his comrades in the wood, And fled the perilous solitude. Here sheltered safe the lifelong day, What bliss to dream the hours away, — To make a playmate of the brook. Dallying in its favorite nook. And singing softly as it fell In tiny cataracts down the dell, — To dip tired feet in waters cool And dabble in the crystal pool, While the blue-bottle hovered by, Or darted swift the dragon-fly. And while o'erhead those glorious trees Rustled in every wandering breeze ! Alas, those royal shapes are gone. Those woodland kings, save one alone, And this, decrepit, broken, bare, Rears but a mangled trunk in air. Changed is the once so lovely scene ; The woodman's axe has busy been ; A farm-road ploughs the glen's fair side. With dreary waste and havoc wide. And oxen di-ag the creaking cart O'er what was dear to one j^oung heart. So must it be — for what we prize Melts like a cloud, and beauty dies ; Yet never, till my sun is set, Shall 1 that winsome haunt forget. The loveliest spot I e'er shall know, jVIy Chestnut Glen of long ago ! ' Tis true that beauty dies. Yet truer still that beauty lives forever ; The great world spins in everlasting skies. And these shall perish never. ;)3 Nature is God's, and man Shall ever find thee beautiful, sweet Wilton ! For truth and love and beauty are the plan The universe is built on. Cherish thy beauty, then. The noblest wealth thy children can inherit ; Still stamp its seal upon thy stately men, Thy women fair in spmt. While Time's swift chariot rolls, Man's life is thinker, worker, friend, and neighbor, And God's own beauty shines in godlike souls That spend themselves in labor. Naught but the soul's life-plan Sinks the deep gulf 'twixt Socrates and Nero : T is what he is. not has, that makes the man. And what he th'nJiS. the hero. For majesty of mind. Vigor of will and grace of feeling tender. Glory of conscience, leaving all behind, — These are the spirit's splendor. And such in myriad ways — Strong, thoughtful, brave, true, gentle, kind, and loyal- Such were the Fathers whom we meet to praise : This was their beauty royal. Ah, deep the need to-day of men like these. Massive and grand as then- own forest trees. Steadfast to serve whatever truth they saw. Fixed to revere the majesty of law. Blind to all dangers in the path they trod. Deaf to all voices save the voice of God. 54 What though they were no wiser than theu- time, Failed without guides Truth's loftier peaks to climb. Scaled uot the heights that rose the clouds beyond, Broke uot the spell of preconception's bond. Foresaw not all the wonders of the new, But left some noble work for us to do 1 Nay, blame them not, unjust: the world lives long, And each brief age is for its own task strong ; To each in turn great Nature much reveals, From each in turn immensely more conceals. Blame not the Fathers, who their light obeyed, Yet our light could not see, if, as they prayed, *' More light " has broken from God's boundless book- For man has leai'ned with bolder eyes to look. The eternal scriptures Science reads with awe, — Discerns tlie workings of a vaster law Than once men dreamed of, daring to behold A truth diviner than was known of old. Yet none the less is need profountl Of men like those from whom we sprang. Men with the strength of manhood crowned. Men swift of heart to heed the sound Of Duty's trumiDPt-clang, Gifted with scorn superb for hostile cries. Fired with undying hate of tricks and lies. Fearless alike of open enemies And Treacherj^'s serpent-fang, — Men who, with faith serene and courage stout, Though spies were thick within and foes without, Took no weak counsel of their fear or doubt, But, sending up to heaven their battle-shout, Undazed in victory, unquelled in rout. For God and freedom fought their battle out. Till all the land with songs and hallelujahs rang. 55 We, too, have known the stress and strain, The terror of the battle, Have seen our country rent in twain. Have felt her agon^^ of pain. And heard the musket rattle. We, too, have seen how life-blood runs. How War its victims gathers : Midst shot and shell and roaring guns, Thank God, our brothers and our sons Proved worthy of the Fathers ! And, when the bleeding boys we loved Looked mutely up to others. By Heaven's own love and mercy moved, Our sisters and our daughters proved How worthy of the ^lothers ! We, too, must serve, and work, and wait. In higher warfare moral; We, too, are set to build the State, — Like polyps small in labors great. To rear our reef of coral. Again the Titans rise To scale Olympian skies, — To drive fair Freedom from her home And quench her stars in endless gloom, To give the world a prey to passions fell, The rising hopes of man to crush and quell. To make of Gold a God, to make of Earth a Hell. Foes, grim and mighty, swarm To wreak us deadliest harm : Corruption, Bribery, Fraud, and Shame, Dishonesty of myriad name, 56 Venality, alert to skulk and prowl. Feeding on corpses like a hideous ghoul, The ravenous Greed-ol'-spoils, and Party-spirit foul. Want, Waste, Extravagance, Hate, Lust, IntemiDerance, Too-Mufh demanding more and more, Too-Little, wailing at the door, — Here bloated Wealth, Parade, and fatuous Pride, With Trus'is and sly Monopolies at their side, There Poverty forlorn, and Crime in crimson dyed. Here Tyranny, the " Boss," Our non-imported Joss, Bellows with brazen voice and loud, And kings it o'er a people cowed : There Anarchy, insane and tierce of mood, Foams at the mouth, collects her maddened brood. Gnashes lier teeth, and glares, and shrieks for lire and blood. Here Party, subtle fiend, From all detection screened, Disguised as Angel of the Light, Leads on her followers to the Night, — Slays all whose vision is too bold or keen. Exalts the blind, the timid, and the mean. And bids them all bow down to Moloch, the "Machine:" There dull Indifference, Callous and slow of sense. Greedj' of base and slothful ease. And self alone intent to please, Buries its vacant mind in matters small, Despises that which centres in the All, Denies the law divine, and scoffs at Duty's call. Alas, on every hand, Huge black-browed giants stand. 57 Mad champions of the past and dead, With wild-eyed Ignorance at their head, Roaring- loud-tongued with storms of empt_y speech, Smiting with frantic hands at all who teach The law divine of Each for All and All for Each. These are thy foes to day, Thou grand America ! 'Gainst these, more fierce than Goths or Huns, Today thou summonest thy sons, And bidd'st their phalanx dense, a glorious band. Still, like their Fathers, strong and dauntless stand, Faithful to death, and still defend their Fathers' Land. No cowardice, no despair ! Bravely the conflict dare ! Thy sons shall still thy foemen front. And bear like men the battle's brunt. Fear not the smoke, the shock, the shouts, the scars. The struggling ages long of wounds and wars : Unquenched, undimmed shall Hash thy diamond crown of stars! Beneath the juniper the prophet old. By Beer-sh«iba (so runs the Hebrew tale). Sat in the wilderness. Of what avail His service of Jehovah, long and bold. Denouncing lukewarm love and worship cold, His zealous slaying of the priests of Baal. His stern rebuke of royal Ahab pale! He hid his face within his garment's fold. What mourned he ? Not the loss of life's reward. Not lack of lands or gold or finery. Not peril of fierce Jezebel's bloody sword : Out from his soul burst forth this bitter cry — " I am not better than my fathers. Lord ! I am not better than my fathei s ! Let uje die ! ' 58 O mighty lesson, vast, magnificent ! The ancient legend tires the blood like wine ; It bears a truth more precious, grand, divine, Than ever poet sang or jjrophet meant, A truth with Natui-e's holiest hymnings blent. Be better than thy Fathers ! By that sign, The woi-ld moves on in Evolution's line, Quenching the soul that drones in self-content. Wilt thou not life with nobler deeds adorn, Thou art no child of theirs, the Fathers leal ! To aspii-e, to climb, is ever\' spirit l:>orn : Thou canst not live on nothing but the Real — Thou canst not eat the husk and spurn the corn — Die shalt thou, liv'st thou not bv God's Divine Ideal. And thou, my Country, thou must higher build The rising temple which is but begun ! Not yet with destined splendor can the sun Thy spires and pinnacles and tun-ets gild, — Not yet is thy grand destiny fulfilled. Not yet th}^ race of high achievement run, Not yet thy goal of dazzling glory won : The voice of God's Ideal is not stilled ! 'Tis thine to build upon the Fathers' plan. Yet give it loftier aims and vaster scope, — Thine in the world's great march to lead the van, And guide to light all who in darkness grope ; For thou art consecrate to God, to Man, — To Freedom, Justice, Love, to Gratitude, t» Hope ! 5J» BENEDICTION OF EEV. I. S. LINCOLN " Our Father who art in Heaven hallowed be Th}' name We come to Thee after listening to the discussion of great themes, touching human welfare, and ask Thy blessing to rest upon this oc- casion. We thank Thee that we are not limited by time or space, but we are created in Thine iminortal image so that we may ever live in obedience to Thy perfect government and may grow happier and better in the ever opening, brightening future. We ask Thee to bring about the time when universal purity shall pre- l^are us for everlasting peace and joy. Amen.'' At the (dose of the literary programme of the morning a collation was served in the lower hall and Unitarian vestry, under the manage- ment of Henry H. Stickney and S. K. Foster as caterers, assisted by an efficient corj^s of heli^ers. About six hundred were present at dinner, and a substantial bill of fare was presented, consisting of hot baked beans, cold meats, rolls, pastry, c-offee, etc. AFTERNOON EXERCISES. The company assembled in the Town Hall in the afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, and completely filled every available place. The Presi- dent, iMr. Burns, made a brief opening address, in which he made allusion to the centennial of Wilton in 1839. He spoke of a glowing and enthusiastic account of that celebration, which was written by Isaac Hill, one of New Hampshire's honored sons, and which was published April 30, 1840, in the Farmer's Monthly Visitor, edited by Mr. Hill. The title of the article is "New England and New England Intellect illustrated in the history of the fir.st hun- dred years of the town of Wilton." Mr. Hill began his tribute to Wilton by the following unique and clearly original lines: 60 " What soil, what iioly ground was Yankee Freedom built oul Such ground as that around, upon, beyond the noble hills of Wilton. Lexington, Bunker Hill, White Plains, the best blood was spilt on. That flowed in veins of noble spirits raised around, upon, beyond the glorious hills of Wilton. What region best fires, rouses, insf>ires a genius like John Milton? " The elevated land around, upon, beyond The gladden'd hills of Wilton," and closed by saying " many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest tbeni all." PROGRAMME. 1. Music by the Band. 2. Address, "Minister.-; of Wilton," Dr. A A. Livei-inu'a. 3. Address, lion. Geo. A. Marden 4. Music, '' Hurrah foi' Old New England." Mrs. A. O. Barker and Chorus. 5. Address, Mr. Isaac Whiting, Wilton. N. H. 6. Address, Hon. Frank G. C'larke of Peterboro. 7. Poem. Major D. E. Procter, Wilton, N. H. 8. At this point the president said it would be interesting to know how mam' persons were present who attended the centennial fifty years ago, and invited all such to stand and be counted. The result showed above one hundred people. 9. Music, Duet, Mrs. Geo. Whiting and Mr. A. Fletcher. 10. Address, Geo. E. Bales, Esq., Wilton, N. H. 11. Music " The song that reached my heai't,'* Mrs. George W. Hatcb, 12. Address, INIr. G. O. Whiting, Lexington, Mass. 13. Music, Male Quartet, H. P. Ring, Warren Jones, Chas. A. Burns, David Stevens. 14. Address, Dr. Frank M. Pevev. Wilton N. H. 61 15. Address, Rev. A. M. Pendleton, Milford, N. H. 16. Music, "Star Spangled Banner,'' sung by chorus and all the assembly. 17. Benediction, Dr. A. A. Livermore. THE MINISTRY OF WILTON. Adilre.ss of lie v. A. A. Livermore, D. D., president of the Meadville Theological School, Meadville, Penn. It has fallen to my lot to speak of the ministei's of Wilton. This is due I suppose to the fact that I am a minister's grandson and a minister and engaged in training other ministers. During tht; one hundred and fifty years of our history there have been in all the churches here about fifty ministers. At first tliere was but one church, now there ai'e five. The first minister who led this company was a native of North- bordugh, Mass., Jonathan Livermore, who was ordained Dec. 14, 1703. He was settled over the whole town under the old system of the union of state and church. While all the neighboring ministers were Calvinists, he was an American, which was the form of the lib- eral Christianity of that day, and to this fact it may be partly due that two Unitarian charches have since grown u[) in this town. Several hundred of his sermons still exist, of ancient script, yellow and solidly scriptural. Mr. Hill of Mason, who preached his fun- eral sermon, says " his labors were crowned with sijigular suc- cess, one hundi-ed and fifty-two persons being added to the church," the test at that day of a minister's usefulness. There were only two families in town whose members were not baptized. He was followed, after a ministry of a little more than thirteen years, by Rev. Abel Fisk, a native of Peppered, Mass., who served the church about twenty-four years, a pious and faithful minister. His views were Calvinistic. He was much beloved and respected by the people of Wilton. He had some salient features of charac- tei- ; one was a great love of horses and skill in training- tlieni, which liave been said to be clerical propensities. He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Beede, a native of Poplin, now Frem )ut, N. H., who like his p-edecessor was a gnidaate of Harvard College. Many present will remember him — tall, dignified, of princely manners, but gracious and loving, and like his Master, the friend of children. In the puli)it his manner was earnest and eloquent. Several of his sermons were published. It was during his ministry in 1816 that the Sunday School w^as established, one of the earliest in the country. He removed to Maine after a service of twenty-six years. A classmate of Dr. Channing, he was essentially of a like faiih, though holding a more hopeful view of the future life as a Universalist in his later years. His influence extended beyond the town. Hon. Isaac Hill pronounced an afi'ectionate eulogy on him, in which he said, "no cleigyman of New Hampshire was better known in his native state than Thomas Beede." He was promin- ent as a Free Mason, and chaplain of the State Legislature for seven successive years. Thus three pastorships covered a period of sixty three years, from 1763 to 1826. They stamped the character of the town as a moral and religious community, which has continued to this day. By different talents and views t'.iey filled an honorable place in our history. In the meantime new features of church administration had grown up. The Voluntary ss'stem took the place of the Union of to^\n and church. Differences in religious views split the Fust church into sects of Baptists, Orthodox and Unitarian. Short terms instead of long ones became the custom in all the churches in the later history, the longest being, I believe, that of He v. D. E. Adams of si.Kteen years in the Second Congregational chuich. Instead of one race of people we now have three race.-<, English. Irish and French in our town. The tight fitting straight-jacket of Piu'itan faith and observance has given way to more liberty, a more generous culture, pei-haps to more license. The tithing man with his stalwart rod of authority is no more. Time will fail me to give even the names of the many faithful min- isters who have since filled the pulpits of the town. Some are pres- 63 eut who can speak for themselves, or have spoken ah'eady, the vener- able Lincoln, the beloved Adams and others. Time also will fail me to mention the ministers and missionaries, who, either as natives or residents, have gone oat from the town to do effectual service in behalf of liuuianity and the Christian church, honoring the names of Abbot, Barrett, Burton, Peabody, Steele, Wilson, Rockwood and others. Bat if anything is omitted, is it not recorded in the his tory of tlie town, in the clironicles of one hundred and fifty years, chap e IS 13 and 14? God bless the ministers of Wilton, and may they be as devoted and faithful to their high calhng as their forerunners, who have en- tered into the worship and service of the Church Triumphant. ADDEESS OF HON. GEO. A. MARDEN OF LOWELL. Mr. Marden, having indulged in some ])leasantry as to the intro- duction given hi'u by th? President of the Dav, proceeded to speak of the significance of the oc -asion wliicli had called together tiie sons and daaghters and grandsons and grand dauglit?rs of old Wil- ton. As older countries ount tim^, he said. New England is yet young, and Wilton is a m !ie youth. But it is to be remembered that our fathers began where old England left off, and Wilton adds to the hundred and fifty years of her own individual existence, all the centuries which represent the development of Great Britain fioni the crudest beginnings. The Wilton of 1739 had in it all the •' promise and potency' of the results which make up the Wilton of 1889. And when our fathers came into this wilderness to start new homes they brought with them in embryo the entire machinery of the govei'ument which ex:ists to-day. Progress has been constant, to be sure, and the picture which Mr. Brown has painted, both of what has been accomplished and what may be accomplished, can be considered exaggerated only in some of its alleged possibilities. " Ratios '' are greatly modified by new factors of influence, and the increase in population, for instance, which the orator has so empha- 64 sized, seems to have met with a sort of automatic check sines the days when Wilton's rural school-houses were crowded with the boys and girls of the neighborhood. Nor is it chiefly in material progress, which can ba state 1 in ra- tios and measured by figares, that Wilton's future value to the State and the nation is to be estimated. She may double or treble her water-power, and by means of dynamos on mountain streams run sewing machines and churns in the village, but that is not her chief glory. There has been a vast change in Wilton since her people celebi'ated the town's birthday at the old Central a half century ago. And the Wilton of 18B9 is the conserving force which makes the Wiltou of to-day a decent habitation. What we need most in the coming fifty years is a digestive power that shall take the vast con- glomeration of elements which a free immigration has poured in ujd- on us, and mould thein into a homogeneous, safe and relial^le citi- zenship. It is the power of the Wilton of our fathers which will enable us to do this, and that alone. The typical New England town, such as this town has been, and to a great extent still is, is both the glory and salvation of New England and the country. One may go across the line on the North of us and were he Ijlindfold he could almost detect when he left the borders of New England. If he goes to the South or West it is to a great extent the same. The rest of the country is to be complimented in proportion to the New England characteristics it has imbibed. There is something infinitely attractive about a New England town of the Wilton tyi)e. It is tidy, it is wholesome, it is clean, one may say it is appetizing. In any typical New Kngiand home, however humble, one however fastidious may eat a square meal and be happy about it. If this is local j^ride it is pardonable. One ought to be enthusias- tic over the land of his birth ch- the home of his adoption. W^e have not heard so much of this to-day as will be heard later on. I iia\ e much sympathy with the remorse ascribed to Theodore Parkei-, who, being- met one day on the street by an " Adventist " and assm-ed that the world was coming to an end within a few weeks replied, '' that does notconcern me ; I live in Boston.'' Happy is he who can be enthusiastic over his own and feel sure that his enthusiasm has an unquestion- able foundation, as can a son or daughter of a town like Wilton. 65 Such love cannot easily exaggerate, however warm its language, and if the future shall prove as glorious for this venerable town as the jmst has been, if the conservative influence of the institutions and traditions of the noble men and women who gave us the Wilton of histor}', shall have, as we trust and believe they will, the moulding and fashioning of the Wilton of prophecy, our children's children may be as proud of her as we are, and as justly. ADDRESS OF I. S. WHITING. There is something peculiarly striking to the imagination in pioneer work. Though all times have their dangers and heroisms, there is in pioneering an element of the unknown and mysterious that smites the imagination with dread of dangers greatly dispro- portioned to the cause. As I think of those early settlers groping their way through the unknown wilderness, I am reminded of the discoverers who have made great names in history — of Columbus, held up by divine faith to discover a hemisphere, and round out the circle of the world ; of the Cabots, threading the pathless seas to an unknown continent. Those early settlers, like these famous men, were discoverers and creators, men born to teach mankind new pos- sibilities in human nature and to lead us out into farther reaches of endeavor. I am tempted to apply to them the words which the Almighty reserved for himself : " All things were made by them, and without them was not anything made that was made.'' If we compare the motives of oar forefathers with those of some of the early comers to this continent, they will not suffer in our estimation. Melendez came with the sword and stained his hands with the massacre of human beings ; Cortez enslaved a nation, and DeSoto and his band of gay adventurers came to gain lands, and go back home with gold in their hands to spend in the revels of Euro- pean courts. Our fathers came with purer motives and a loftier purpose. 66 " Not as the conqueror comes, They the true hearted came ; Not with the roll of the stirring drum, And the trumpet that sings of fame." They came to stay, to build homes and find their happiness in domestic life and the rewards of an honest industry. If we look for works that entitle them to the glory of mankind, we shall find most iii'ominent their declaration of political independ- ence. Five days after th^ battle of Lexington the Selectmen put out a warrant for a town meeting, saying, " Whereas, it appears at this time that our public affair.s are in so distressing a situation that we are not in a capacity to proceed in a legal manner, to see if the town will vote that the votes and resolves of this and all other meet- ings of this town, for the term of one year, shall be binding on the inhabitants of the town," — and at the meeting this article was voted. They were among the first in the land to perceive that the people are the source of political power. The will of the people ! That is the foundation of the American Union. It has been the glorious theme of every orator since the Union was framed, and not one word said in its praise has bean spoken in vain. And yet that suli- lime political doctrine was first uttered by men who bore the same names as you and I baar ; by men, some of whom have sons here to-day, and on a spot not threa miles distant from where we sit. We are accustomed to go to distant lands and distant ages for examples of great deeds ; but here, right here, among our own hills, we may find the insjiiration for great endeavors, and in the archives beneath your feet you may see the sacred book that contains the law. •'The word unto the j^rophet spoken. Was writ on tables yet unbroken.' And so on, throiigli all the afairs of life, they showed us ex:im plea of achievement. They found here a wilderness : they left fields smiling with harvests. They threaded their way through the woods to their homes ; they left us broad highways and bridges. They displaced the beaver-like instinct of the savage, in whose wig warn a thousand years made no change with the intelligence of the white man witii whom every generation brings changes and improve- 67 ments in his dwelling. They built houses and mills ; the school- house, the church, and finally the town house. These they trans- mitted to us for our inheritance. Thej found us in " the debt im- mense of endless gratitude, still paying, still to owe." ADDRESS OF HON. FEANK G. CLARK of peteeboro'. Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : It is difficult to decide which is the harder task to perforin, to ab- sent one's self from his native town upon this interesting occasion, or to be present at this time, with the recent admirable town history in almost every household, together with the eloquent and interest- ing words of president and orator still ringing in om- ears, to be called upon to speak, and expect to respond in an interesting and satisfactory manner. If it were not for the clergymen whom I see present I might at least say " Amen " to all that has been written and spoken concerning this grand old town to-day, and I should be sure that my action would meet yovu" approbation, but in theii- presence even that privil- ege is denied me, and I feel a ^^ood deal as the prisoner did when he was asked by the judge if he liad anything to offer to the court before sentence was imposed : "No, your honor," replied the prisoner, " there is nothing that I can off'er you, for the reason that my lawyer has taken every cent I had ; " and so it is with me at the present time, I have at least nothing new to off'er, for the history of Wilton and the distinguished gentlemen who have preceeded me have most eloquently and ably stated it all. And yet is that a valid reason why a loyal son of this good old town should remain entirely silent upon this glad day ? No, Mr. President, it is no good reason why we should not signify our loyalty and devotion to the town of our nativity ; it is no good reason why we should not express our gratitude and reverence for its founders and its institutions. 68 The hearts of her childi-en are to-day throbbing with love for the familiar scenes of childhoods days and the cherished memories that cluster around them. Now fond recollections flash through our minds, telling us of joy, of gladness and of realized hopes, anon feel- ings of sadness come rushing over us as we are reminded of the ashes of our beloved dead upon yonder hillside ; these tender mem- ories are what make the old place dear to us. There is another rea- son why this, our native town, should be dfear to us. Whatsoever we may have attained that is pure, good, manly or womanly ; what- soever we may have attained that is honorable in this life, we are indebted for it in no small degree to this, our native town, for it is here that the foundation of those principles were formed ; it is here that they were tenderly nourished and fashioned. We often hear with pride of the achievements of New Hamp- shire's eminent sons ; we heard of them when Daniel Webster and John P. Hale and Henry Wilson stood like majestic sentinels in the Senate of the United States, upholding with peerless strength the principles of right and good government. We heard of them again in 1861, when the cause of human liberty was imperiled, when the rights of citizenship were assailed, and the very foundation of our government trembled. With one accord thousands of brave sons left their firesides and offered themselves as a sacrifice upon the altar of their country ; yes, in those gloomy days we heard of the daughters also, the Florence Nightingales, whose soft whisper and gentle touch nursed back to health the sick and wounded, and soothed the pain of the dying soldier in his agony and despair. I remember well the heroism of the brave sons of Wilton in those days of doubt and danger. We recall with pride their patriotism and valor as, with feelings of deep emotion, they arose in public meetings and responded to the call for volunteers. Men who never spoke in public before offered themselves to theu' country in words more eloquent and inspiring than ever siuQe were heard, and they made an impression upon my youthful mind that I shall never for- get. We are accustomed to refer to these as New Hampshire men and women, when the fact is that the towns in which they passed their early years are entitled to the credit of their noble deeds much more than the State of New Hampshire. The church, the school - house, the lyceum. the town meeting, each and all-are institutions of the town and not of the State. It is here that characters are formed before the forum and market places are reached. It is here that virtue, integrity and patriotism develop. These factors, to- gether with the pure, upright, generous, self sacrificing lives of the uoble men and women who have stood as beacon lights to the young people around them, have made the sons and daughters of Wilton what they are, and their lives and deeds reflect a lustre that helps to make up lier history, and we are here to dsy to acknowledge it, and with grateful hearts and willing voices to paj' a loving tribute to then- worth and memory. May the fond recollections of this day ever continue to linger with us, making our deeds and lives such that they also may be worthy of emulation ; then the reputation of this good old town we all love so well will in the future, as in the past, live on and live ever, a credit to her worthy sons and daughters. ANNIVERSARY POEM. BY MA.TOR D. E. PROCTOR. One hundred and fifty years, With all its hopes and fears, Have passed away. We come from distant lands. With warm hearts and cordial hands, In happy, joyous bands. This autumn day, To honor the brave, true men, Who, leaving home and friend, .\nd came to this Good town, so strong and firm, A Christian home to earn — To fertile farms they turned, Al wilderness. 70 Let praise to God ascend : Let all oiu- voices blend, To him in song, And praise him for the light. That's kept these homes so bright. Through storms and darkest night, These years so long. Soldiers in truth were they, Trusting in God each day. Their faith above. They cleared these hills and bogs. They worked through suns and fogs. Their homes were built of logs, Then- labor, love. For right and righteous laws. They fought in English wars, For England's gain. Nobly and weU they fought, With sword and cannon shot. Dear the victories they bought. On bloody plain. Again when EngUsh gi*eed, Caused the Colonies to bleed. By unjust law, Fii'st from these grand old hills. They ralHed with a will. Fighting at Bunker Hill, A holy war. They fought with valor sharp. - Under AMiite Mountain Stark, At Bennington. They humbled old King George At Trenton, Valley Forge. Nor sheathed the trusty sword. Till war was done. 71 Penniless they returned, Their honors nobly earned, Their work well done. With a faith that never flagged, They planted Freedom's flag, Upon the highest crag Of mountain home. They changed the sword to plow, Their harvests a varied flow Of milk and honey. They sold theii" pork in trade. And hard, sharp bargains made : Their balances they paid In Continental money. The Parson then was chief. Sincere in his beHef, God's way he told. Teaching all to lead a life. Above reproach and strife, And used sin's pruning knife. In manner bold. His rules were well obeyed, The sheep were few that strayed. From out the fold. For his support each man. Of every race or clan. Must pay upon his land, A tax in gold. Many years up and down, With the people of the toAvn, The parson went. Christened those of tender years. Married them, soothed theii- fears. Mingled with them his tears, AVlien life was spent. 72 To-day, the change how great ! He comes within the gate, The Christian preacher. The second, his flock he cheers ; The thii-d day, words and tears, While on the fourth api^ears, Another teacher. With force the question comes. Are we to-day true sons Of noble sires ? Have we done what was right. And kept with main and might. On the altars burning bright, The ancestral tires? Wherever it be thy part. In town or crowded mart. With all its noise. Be this answer to thy mind, In places of every kind, Of honor and trust, you "11 find Our Wilton boys. Wlien treason spurned our flag, And raised the rebel rag, AVith shotted guns, They, as their fathers rose, And gave back blows for blows, Against their country's foes. Your nolile sons. The}^ marched in torrid sun. They fought at first Bull Run. Through ebb and flood. On every field made red. By human gore they bled ; In death and wounds they shed, Pui'e Wilton blood. 73 As when the star of peace, Gave the promise from the east, To Judah's flocks. The grand armies had met. And slavery had paid the debt, And treason's sun had set, At Aj^pomattox. Like the fathers of okl, They retui-ned to the fold, "What was left of them." And into ways of peace, Joyous, a glad release, They turned to Freedom's feast, Good honest men. Some chose the city's charms. Some on the good old farms, To work and Avait. Some thought the old home nest Not large enough, and best Obey Greeley, " Go west," For fortune's fate. Some who were bright and keen, Kindly took to medicine. The way the best. Trusting that by httle skill, Giving for every ill, A sugared brown bread pill, Achieved success. Some batthng in the strife. Sought to lead a merchant's life, To earn their bread. Selling sugar mixed with sand, Shaking warmly by the hand, Talking soft, smooth and bland, While victims bled. 74 Some having a legal turn, Being wise, bright and learned, Nimble of jaw, Kindled a legal flame, Rising to wealth and fame, And earned an honored name, In c'ominon law. Others called by the Lord, To preach His holy word, A trust given. To teach the way the best. To gain the home of rest, With saints immortal blest, Safe in heaven. Now whatever you may do. Just mark this to be true. To-day as then. Here is the same sharp grit. The same get up and git. As 'twas in "seventy-six,'' 'Mong Wilton men. If again the sound of war, Be echoed from afar. Among these hills, The sons of vets youll find. Shoulder to shoulder in line. Fighting beneath the pme. Braving the ills. Of battle and the sound Of woe that gathers round. At every turning. With a faith that never tires, They, brave as were their sires, Will keep the loyal fires Brightly biivuing. 75 All honors to the brave, Wlio nobly died to save Oui- country free. Wherever theu' bones may rest, In valley or mountain crest, May the sacred spot be blest, Through eternity. Honor the mothers dear. Who mingled hope with fear. With every care, As in the homes they stayed, And in silent sorrow prayed, And saw within the shade. The vacant chair. Our every prayer shall be. Keep our laud forever free. Its praises sing. " Long may these hills be briglit. With freedom's holy light. Protect us by thy might. Great God our Kine." ADDRESS BY GEO. E. BALES, ESQ. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen : There is somehow a misfortune Avhich attaches to members of the legal fraternity in that they are expected to make a speech upon any and all occasions. But I have sometimes thought that this misfortvme is not confined to the lawyers, but rather extends to those who are compelled to listen. However, I can conceive of no occasion which would better serve as an inspiration for a speaker, than the event which we are to-day 7G commemorating. And indeed the thoughts which this interesting- occasion suggests are so numerous and varied, that the time allot- ted seems entirely inadequate in which to give expression to the sentiments which demand utterance. But there is one Hne of thought from Avhich, owing to my tender years, I am from necessity excluded. I cannot, as my esteemed legal friend, Mr. Biu'ns, might once have said, "indulge in remi- nensesy This is certainly an important day in the history of Wilton. The spirit of celebration is eclioing and re-echoing among these rugged hnis, and is illuminating the beautiful valleys of this historic town. It is eminently fitting that upon this occasion, as the younger gen- eration, we should pay to the ancient town the homage which is ever due from youth to old age. Rejn'esenting this younger gen- eration of native born and adopted citizens, I bring their siluta- tions to Wilton upon this, its natal day, — ^a day which signalizes the completion of a century and a half of municipal life. The town enters to-day upon a new chapter in its history, and its sons and daughters have assembled around the family hearth- stone, glorying in the past and hopeful of the future ; showing by their presence here to-day their love for the old town and reverence for its founders. And they are most worthy of unstinted praise for the heroism they disi:)layed, the sacrifices they made, and the hardships which they endured in therr pioneer life. As we consider the character of tlieir work, the story of which the orator of the morning has rehearsed, we look back through the long vista of years with feelings of profound respect and veneration. We can to-day -visit shrines of grander fame in other lands : there ^-iew the work of the masters of architecture and behold the beauties of art. We can in imagination recreate the glorious temples of ancient Athens. In Westminster Abbey we could hold communion with warriors and statesmen. But none of these are so suggestive of the glory, the grandeur or the humanity of mankind as this observ- ance of a town's bii'thday. The past is full of the achievements of men : the success of pop- ular government is an assured fact : human thought has been emancipated ; slavery abolishcMl : the forces of nature made obedi- ent to the will of man. aiid the nation saved from outward foes. 77 But our conflict will be, not with armed hosts upon the field of battle, but with those insidious forces which threatened corruption to the moral sentiments of our people — those forces which would violate the sanctity of home, or would subvert the institutions which are the pride and glory of New England. We should stand firm against any encroachments upon oui* rights ; adjust, so far as possible, the great economic problems which confront us, and as far as we are able, diffuse the blessing of education among the masses. In a word, let us, my young friends, appreciate more fully the duties and responsibiUties of citizenship. A gallant color-bearer at Port Hudson, at the head of his detach- ment, was sent to capture a neighboring hill, for which the Confed- erates were also racing. The company moved steadily but surely up the hill, the heroic color-bearer at its head, bearing his flag in one hand high above him. Onward he marched, a tall, conspicuous mark for the enemy. When look ! the hand that bore aloft the banner is pierced with a rifle ball. He caught the banner in the other hand, and when they had almost gained the hill-top, that hand went down, and the cheers which greeted him when he caught the banner in that hand, were changed to groans. But look again ! he raised his wounded hands, caught the falling flag and j)lunged it into the breast of his uniform, staggered the few remaining steps to the top of the hill, and for a moment he stood balancing on his chill the banner above him, his bleeding hands hanging helpless at his side. And as he fell back into a comrade's arms to die, they heard him exclaim, " Boys, it never touched the ground." And so, my young friends, may we maintain the standard raised one hundred and fifty years ago by our heroic. God-fearing ances- tors, continued only at terrible sacrifice during all these years, so that when the time comes that we shall commit it to other, and we trust better hands, may we be able to say with the gallant color- bearer at Port Hudson, ''It never touched the ground." 78 ADDRESS OF MR. (I. 0. WHITIXG, OF LEXINGTON. MASS. (Abstract.) In the introduction, the President of the day referred to the poKtics of ]\ir. "Whiting in such a way that he felt called upon to tell the story of the man who met the Jew on the street and dehb- erately knocked him down. When asked the cause of his strange conduct, the man replied, "• I did it because you are one of the fel- lows who persecuted Christ." Bat said one of the crowd which had gathered, '■• That was 1800 years ago.'' "I don't care,"' was the reply, " I did not hear about it until last night." I don't know but I feel at present much as the Jew must have felt, continued Mi*. Whiting. Some time ago my brother, in speakmg of this celebra- tion, said that if I felt like it they would like to hear from me. He also said they proposed ha^ing an antiquarian room, and any con- tributions I could make would be acceptable. This pai't of his request I referred to IVIi's. Whiting, and imme- diately forgot about both of them. Some few days after I remem- bered what my brother had said, and so asked my wife if she had thought of any reUcs to send. She said " Yes,'' that after mature deliberation she had decided to send me. So here I am, loaned for the occasion. I am proud to call myself a son of Wilton. My life has fallen partly in two generations. I was born in time to remember well the last, with its dip candles, huge lire places and brick ovens. When I was a bov it was fifteen or twenty miles to the neai'e.st rail- road station. To-day every house in Wilton is a good one, and the raih'oad is at our doors, so that excursions may be enjoyed by nearly all. Nearly every luxuiy under the sun is ours, and yet we are not happy. How often we hear the complaint that the days are not as good as they used to be. This is aU a mistake. Times are improving. In every dii'ection we can see we are living on a more generous scale. I remember the spring wagon which my father used to go to the mill in and to the meeting on Sunday. It was the first and best 79 one in town, and yet to-day everyone has two or three as good or better than it. We are H^dng• on a higher plane. The Wilton of to-day is far in advance of the Wilton of 50 years ago, and 50 years hence there will be a still larger advance. That the greatest happiness and prosj)erity may come to every citizen of my native town is my sincere wish. DKF.M.PEVEY'S ADDEESS. Mr. President, Fellow Citizens of Wilton : It gives me great pleasure to be permitted to stand here to-day for a few moments and give in my testimony for the good town of Wilton. I will not say the old town of Wilton for I do not regard that word as appropriate to a town in a republic until at least it has had a life of a thousand years. I am not a native of this town, though I came within two of being born here, i. e. two towns, for Lyndboro' and Greenfield lie be- tween this town and Bennington, and Bennington is the place of my nativity. But I have lived here long enough to gain a residence and long enough to attain to my majority, for I have resided in Wil- ton over twenty-one years ; yes, nearly thu'ty. During that time I have identified myself with the interests of the town, I have re- joiced with its citizens when they had occasion to rejoice and I have suffered with them in their calamities of fire and flood. I love the town of Wilton, and as Carlisle says " A town consists in the lives of its inhabitants," I love the people of Wilton. A few weeks since the President of the United States passed through a portion of the State and met with a royal reception. The Boston papers remarked the next morning that the patriotism of New Hampshii'e was hard to beat, that New Hampshii'e people would do their duty, — in such a case let the Executive of the nation belong to one party or the other. This gathering to-day is in the line of patriotism, love of country, love of township, love of home. You are celebratinf^ the anniver- sary day of your nativity because you are interested in the welfare of your town. It is highly appropriate for the citizens of a town, as for an individual, occasionally to stop and look back over the path by which they have come and count the deeds they have done, in order that they may intelligently rejoice over then- successes and improve by their mistakes. This town has had a varied experience. It has had its seasons of affliction and disaster as well as seasons of prosperity, and duiing its life of one hundred and fifty years it has deported itself nobly. It has secured for itself an enviable position among the towns of the State, a position of which its citizens may well feel proud. There are two events I will call j'our attention to to-day. One is the fact that your life for the last hundred years has been co- existant with the life of oui- government. Just one hundi'ed years ago our national government commenced its existence. George Washington, the first President of these United States took his seat and delivered his first message to Congress in which was the mem- orable words which have been repeated in jest and in earnest so many times since, that " virtue and happiness are inseparable." In the same address he said that it was his conviction that the repub- lican model of government had been entrusted as an experiment to the American people. It has been preserved for one hundred years and we confidently hope that its life will be perpetual. Another event to which I will refer is this : One hundred years ago this year my grandfather, Peter Pevey, lived in this town. He worked in a mill, one of the first built in this town, located in the French village, called the Fowler Mill. Two years previous he mar- ried a Miss Cummings, who lived in the family of a Mr. Abbott. In 1789, just one hundred years ago, he moved with his family to the Southern part of Greenfield, into a log house on the side of the mountain. He cU'Ove a yoke of oxen drawing what little furniture they had, his wife with a child in her arms going before through the wilderness by a road designated by notched trees. She arrived first at the house and as tradition has it sat down and in her loneli- ness wept like a child. After the gush of feeling was over she arose and attended to the work of house-keeeping. They lived there many long and dreary years and in time built them a new 81 house. There were born to them twelve children. Eight hved to grow up, but recently the last of that generation has passed away. " So women must weep and men must work, but time goes on for- ever, forever !" Reference has been made to the fact that the committee who ar- ranged for the celebration fifty years ago were not here to-day but are all gone. It seems to me we should take a different view. Such noble men must have so shaped the events of then- time that to-day we do see the effect of their lives and in a very important sense they are here at this anniversary. So my friends we shall attend the next anniversary. We shall be there whether we will or no. Then let us stamp the age in which we live in such a way as to leave an impress upon any time that will helj) to make that an occasion of pleasure and rejoicing. EEV. A. M. PENDLETON'S ADDEESS. I have an ideal of a town which will hold a jubilee once at least in fifty years, not simply to commemorate the passage of so much time, but to recount the progress it has made during that time. It is not mine to say what will be Wilton's gain in the next half cen- tury, but I can easily indicate the lines on which it will ba made if made at all. It will be, first when her most enterprising citizens turn theu- trained intelligence to the develoj^ment of the sources of wealth at hand instead of seeking their fortunes elsewhere, or, stay- ing at home, plod along in old ruts by traditional methods and place their money in the farms and enterprises of other states to the neg- lect of home industries, and secondly, it will be when one and all make it a part of their conscious mental habit to further the well being of the town. The measure of a town's prosperity is the num- ber of people in it who combine to build it up. Now any projected impi'ovement of mvich moment encounters long delay and no little opposition. Individual selfishness hinders if it cannot appropriate the common good. Bat the true business citizen already knows H-2 that mdivitlual prosperity apart from the common good is dehisive. The gain of all is his gain. There is a life in common which if we live not well we fail individually even more consjiiciously. The thought is no new thought. It was felicitously expressed by a society of some centuiies ago in the significant and noble name by which they designated themselves, "The Brethren of the Life in Common." More distant centuries still recorded it in a luminous text of the Old Testament : " Then helped every one his neighbor," and every one said to his brother, '• Be of good courage." So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and "he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil," and then of course they had the perfect society. Everybody helped and together they secured the complete good that everybody wanted. So when you have for a priuie article of your town creed some such declaration as this, "We believe in doing witli as little stress and strain as pos- sible one good thing alter another, world without end," a great connnittee, comprising the lai'ge mindodness, the wise foreseeing, the achieving hands, not officially appointed, but drawn together by elemental force, will lay out a series of in:provements which you will take up in wise order year by yeai", till you have in Wilton all the advantage.-; to be had in any other town, to the end that yours may be fit to be the residence of the better men and women of the coming time. The most significant, and. to me, interestiiig thing said to-day, was said by the principal speaker this morning. When your orator be- gan to forecast the possible future of Wilton, I felt a momentary apprehension lest he should treat as to the usual florid declamation with which an American loves to speak of his country in gross or detail. I said inwardly, '" Now the American eagle will surely flap his wings." Instead, however, he gave us a sober scientitic state. nent of the resources of water power in this valley, still remaining unused and capable of being used, in amount greater and more imjiortant than that which you have already utilized. Then by a large sugges- tion he went on to tell you how, by the ajjplication of electricity, these streams might be almost infinitely magnified, and your fac tories placed miles away in better localities than this narrow valley aflbrds, with new poi:)ulations and industries around them. Instantly I recalled a memorable answer of Professor Peirce, of Harvard College, to a skeptical student who asked him one day in that spirit of doubt which finds nothing fixed or certain in this universe, " How do I know that the sun will rise to-morrow ? " " Know it,"' said the religious man of science, "Know it as you do any other truth, on the veracity of God." There are no shams in nature. Will Wilton have a better future? Yea, as God lives. Hid within the iron hills, flowing in her streauis, deej) in her soil, abroad in her jjieen acres are God's reserves of power which he keeps for the distant generations tbat they n)ii\ find no slacking of his hand, but the eternal word sure. BENEDICTION BY REV. A. A. LIVERMORE. And now unto the God of our Fathers and to our God we com- mend ourselves and our town for the future as for the past, and may the love of the Heavenly Father and the grace of Jesus Christ and the communicui of the Holy Spirit be with us forevei-. Amen. Contributed on request of the Committee by Mr. Abiel Abbot, 81 Years of Age, To THE Committee of Arrangements, — Gentlemen, — Having been invited by you to make some remarks on the occasion of our late celebration, I was prepared to do so had the time allowed. In compliance with your subsequent request for a copy of the remarks I would have made, I can only, not having them written, give you the substance of what I should have said. This I do herewith, — the more readily, as, having been in 1839 one of the committee to prepare and publish the account of the Centen- nial Celebration, I am glad in any way to facilitate your similar labors. 84 1 Mr. President, — Allusion has been made to the fondness for horses of our second minister, Rev. Abel Fisk, who lived where Mr. Gardner Blanchard now lives. At the time of his deatli his oldest son, the late Dea. Abel Fisk, was about 18 years old. In his '* Recollections '' of his father, given me many j'^ears ago, Dea. Fisk speaks of this trait and of his father sometimes having colts and young horses of his parishioners to break and train. He now and then rode them to his pastures on the Ministry Lots, which had not yet been sold, — one of his pastures being just north of the John Dale farm, to which a part of it was afterwards added. On one occasion he w'as seen coming from the north toward home, when the horse, taking bit in teeth, ran from the Common, in sjjite of efforts to hold him, down the hills to the barn. Mr. Fisk turned him about, and quietly saying, " You came for your pleasure and now must go back for mine." made him do it in satisfactory fashion. He was fond of music, and pleased with martial music. In his walks or rides about town, he had a habit, when not near houses, of hiun- ming or siBging, so that the words would be heard by his little son on behind him,- — ahva3'S psalm tunes, — as old Wintei-. to the words, His hoary frost. His fleec}' snow. Descend and clothe the ground. The liquid streams forbear to How, In icy fetters bound. It was his ])iactice to visit the schools, and sometimes at the close of the week to catechise the scholars. He made himself familiar, and often almost playful with children and youth ; would rarely meet them without stoiDjjing, and after a few kindly words pass on. He was of quick S3mpathies, and entered readily into the feelings of others, — uniformly cheerful, naturally of a hopeful temiDerament. looking on the bright side of things, — disposed to be social and affable with all he met, returning in a kindly way their respectful salutations. He uniformly wore small clothes, black coat, single breasted, straight bodied, of Quaker form ; never anything but Avhite about his neck ; bands sometimes on special occasions ; never a surplice : white topped boots in cold weather, shoes in warm : always cocked 85 hats, until about the time of his.s are the Two Great Forces — Vital Religion and Sound Education. For the spread and triumph of which churches and school-houses are built and able teachers and valuable books are provided. Why are these most jiowerf ul agencies needed ? Because man's nature and rela- tions are such as a child of God, created in his constitutional, im- mortal image, with all the attributes of an intelligent, free, moral responsible agent, capable of forming a Godlike character in all the beauty, worth and glory of holiness. To accomplish this object, both religion and education must come to man's aid, to render him in the highest degree, good and happy, in all his relations to God and his great universe — ia all his acjj^uisitio.is and uses of things, over which, his rightful dominion extends. Thus aided and guided. The above Address), for the lack of time, was not delivered at the time of the Celebra- tion, but the Author, who has long resided in this town, and is in the 91st vear of his age. Is still active and highly enjoys life. This Address appears here, in print, by the request of the Town Committee of Wilton. 88 no matter how ranch property, represented by money, or in any thing else, which money will buj', religion will increase their value and make them more enjoyable. Now this will be manifest, when we consider what religion is, in its true nature and in its legitimate place and fruits, as best il- lustrated in historic Christianity, and in the perfectlj^ lioly life of its great Divinely-inspired Founder, and, when we also consider what education is, as it is jnesented to us, in its various branches and grades in our good school system, from the primary department up to the complete univei'sity. What is religion in its characteristic elements ? As an organic Divine Law, including all the forms of duty obligatory on all moral beings, the performance of wliich is productive of holy character, — Religion is Love, revealing itself in the exercise of universal benevolence, willing good to every body. Hence it has been truly said, "All Holiness consists m Benevo- lence." And its exact opp?>site, sm, consists in selfi.slmess. God's perfect character and government are founded on conformity to this law of Love. This makes him gloiious in holiness, and obedience to the same law makes his children shine in all the beauty of holiness. In this way only does vital religion bind a loving God and his loving children together in the closest and the most happy fellow- ship. In support of this statement we have the highest auth rity in such sciiptural expressions as these: "Love is the fulfilling of the Law, the end of the commandment, the bond of perfectness." On these two commandments, love to God and love to man, Christ says, hang all the Law and the prophets, (i. e. ) the whole sum of duty. Paul, in his beautiful description of charity, only another name for love, makes it the grand indispensible element of moral goodness, its soul, without which all else is of little relative worth. John, in his Epist., says: "God is Love, and wlioso dwelleth in Love, dwelleth in God and God in him. " Hence, v, here this love is Jeft out of luiman experience, there is no real religion.. One of the saddest cases of total destitution of real religion, on record, is exhibited to us in the wicked life, on a large scale, of Napoleon Bonaparte of France, as thus described in a brief sentence, b}* Wm. Ellery Channing, D.D., in his review of his character and life: "A Brain from Heaven, but a Heart from Hell." 89 A man of a magnificent intellect, jDossessing great natural and acquired talents, but all under tbe supreme control of a selfish, un- j)rincii3led heart, out of which he brought forth wicked things in great abundance. Like not a few others, he was "Wise to do evil, but to do good he seemed to have no knowledge." While, bj' these he became a great warrior and emj^eror, they made him the most terrific enemy of his race, and the world could not con- qvier him until they had learned from his example the great art of successful warfare. When they had done so, they tore off his crown and banished him from the throne of France and made him a prisoner in his lonely sea girt isle, a sad but merited fate. Such cases as this tend to prove the correctness of the folio »ving ex- pressed opinion of Horace Mann, once president of Antioch college, a great educator, who did. in his day, more than any other man to improve and perfect our tine system of education. He says, "It seems almost cruel to highly educate, discipline, strengthen and increase the power and skill of the intellect, and neglect the holy culture of the heart, and leave it under tlie control of unprincipled selfishness to carry on a more successful war against the rights and interests of others." The most a icked, dangerous persons on earth are thooe, who have, by unprincipled means, acquired the most power, and use it to in- jure others, to enrich self or sel.'s clique or party. What a contrast between the course of the life of Bonaparte and its results and that of the truly religious person. With an all loving God most loved, religion harnesses all the great forms and foi'ces of good into the service of God's loving, loyal children, and thus the great Divine promise is verified. •'All things work together for good to them that love God." Thus where religion becomes a matter of personal experience it generates a large capacity to derive eujo^'ment from all innocent enjoyable forms of good that come within the range of human knowledge, where they are and as they are — in the possession of others as realh' as those in his own own sole personal possession. In this way wicked selfishness will be banished from the heart, and temptation will lose its controlling power to use wrong methods to obtain good from others. For, by having and using this large 90 and ever increasing capacity, the religious man can enjoy a vast amount of happiness from countless forms of good while they remain in the possession of others. Thus the amount of his enjoyment is im- mensly greater than the man's who is destitute of religious experi- ence, even though he may count his possessions by the millions. While vital religion justh' claims the right to stand at the head of all forces, acting as causes, it cheerfully welcomes education as a powerful co-operative force, second only to itself. Each has much to do with words, with their construction into sentences, and with the interpretation of the real meaning they contain. The union of these two forces is indispensible to the highest success of each in doing good. Religion and education are both contained and come to use in words and their influence reaches us through this medium. Education asks and answers the question. What is the meaning of religion, which come to us locked up in words, which are the hfe-preservers of re ligious thought and influence from age to age forever? This has long been done in the past up to the present in words spoken, heard, written, printed and sung. Through this medium the Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles communicated the Gospel of salvatiou to our world in long ages past. Education has much to do by the way of exposing and dispelling the numerous clouds of error that have so long, more or less, enveloped religion, and thus it has let in the clear glorious sunlight of truth, which has warmed into life and evelasting growth, the whole family of noble and ennobling virtues. Thus education may help remove obstructions and open the way for pure religion to enter into human experience, and make individuals and society in the largest degree prosperous in getting and using all forms of desirable good. While it may be true that gain is not godhness, it is a great form of truth that "godliness — serving God — is great gain, profitable unto all things having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.'' With these expressed views correspond those of the distinguished Christian educator, the late Horace Mann, when he said : •'Man is a miserable orphan and wanderer till he finds a God and a Father in whom to confide." And so do they correspond with the religious views of New Hampshire's greatest son, Daniel Webster, whose 91 views may be most fittingly quoted here. ' His eloquent words are: '•Heligion is that tie which connects man with his Creator and binds him to His throne. An indispensible element in every great human character. If this tie be sundered, all broken, man floats away a worthless atom in the universe, its proper attrac- tion all gone, his destiny thwarted, and his whole future nothing but darkness, desolation and death." Holy and happy forever are all those who know from experience what this tie of religion is and the infinite hope it inspires. '•■ill^Uluui ANTIQUARIAN KOOM. One of the most attractive and unique things in connection with (he celebration was the library room of the town hall, which was for the day fitted up as a " museum of antiquity." The suggestion for such aii exhibit came from Mrs. Harvey A. Whiting ; the actual work of soliciting and collecting material and fitting up the rooms was not commenced in earnest until the Tues- day previous. The Committee in chaige consisted of Mrs. E. Putnam Dascomb, Mrs. Chas. H. Burns, Mrs. W. W. Curtis, H. H. Livermore, and L. C. Barnes. The raison d' etre of the collection was found in the fact that an intermission of two hours was expected between the morning and afternoon exercises, and the supposition was that not all could be provided with seats at the first setting of the collation table, so to supply a diversion to those who were obliged to wait, the room was provided. Following this idea, the intention was not to open the rooms until the morning exercises were over : but, owing to the large number of people who were unable to obtain admission to the hall, the y2 committee expedited matters so they were able to tlii'ow open the doors at 11 o'clock, thus furnishing those who were disaj^pointed with something only less enjoyable thaii the speeches. The display was so large that the major part of the library was taken up with extemporized tables, show cases, spinning wheels, etc. Hvmg around the waUs and back of the tables were embroi- dered bed quilts, which gave a very pretty background. There were many of these bed spreads, aU very old, but in good preser- vation, which represented monuments of industry and skill at needle work. Those which deserve special notice are : 1. One deep red quilt, designed by the Rev. Jonathan Liver- more, m imitation of scroll work. It is known to be 120 years old. 2. One loaned by Mrs. O. J. Lewis, which was made of very fine patchwork, of red and green, on a white ground and quilted in fine designs, resembling a Marseilles spread. 3. A handsome bed spread, woven by Betsey Blanchard, has jjassed its hiuidi'edth year. Other articles which were handed down from the family of Jona- than Livermore, consisted of the dress worn by Mrs. Dascomb : part of the costume worn by Mr. H. H. Livermore ; saddle and pillion and saddle bags used by the Doctor over 120 years ago, looking rather the worse for wear ; a bible 152 years old, which the reverend gentleman used, and his christening robe, dating from 1770. Among the many valuable andcui'ious relics with which the room was fiUed, the display of Jacob Putnam was especially interesting, because they came from the first settled farm in town. The present occupant of the place belongs to the fourth generation, and the name Jacob appears in three of them. The orijfiual o,vner of the implements was the great grandfather of the Putnam who contrib- uted the articles and now owns the farm. The tools consisted of a keyhole saw, probably the first of the kind ever in Wilton ; an old bitstock made entirely of hard wood, in as good condition apparently as it was when first made : bits to go Avith the brace ; two turnmg chisels, a swingeing knife and flax hatchel, a compass and candle stick one hundred years old. A large flax wheel, in perfect condition, having two combers, one coarse and one fine, with flax on it all ready to spin, stood in the corner. This wheel and an easy chaii- 130 years old was made by the original Jacob Putnam, with the very tools just enumerated. One other article from the farm deserves especial mention, the so-called tithing stick. It is of turned hard wood, two feet long and two inches in diameter, with an iron cap on one end. It was used in the olden times by the tithing man, Jacob Putnam, 2d, to preserve order in church and other public gatherings. The gavel of modern times seems to be its descendant. The stick on exhi- bition is 150 years old. L. J. Nutting contributed a muTor now entering the third cen- tury of its existence. The frame is well decorated, aud glass clear and good. Also, a curious material formation in which a common tree fungus has cemented three good sized stones firmly together. E. F. Peekins gave a cider mug 200 years of age. It is so col- ored and gotten up as to represent a man seated in aa armchair in old-fashioned costume, three cornered hat, etc. Mrs. S. J. LovEYOY had a 200 year-old wine glass, which shows the modern article to be no improvement on the ancient. Also a pau" of small solid silver salt spoons, a century and a half old. W. H. LivERMORE contributed some Colonial money, the oldest pieces of which was dated 1744. Henry Gray showed an ii'on mortar, which originally was brought from England in 1637 by Wm. Chandler. Though showing the effect of use it is in good jDreservation, except one edge which is slightly broken. And a paii' of balances, having scoop on one side and basket on the other, used by Nat Sawyer when he opened a store here in 1796. MosES Lovejoy displayed an Enghsh straight backed chair, which has been in this country since 1803. Benjamin Hopkins brought in a revolutionary musket over 6 feet long. Luther Baldwin's place contributed an old-fashioned, long- handled frying pan. G. E. Hartwell, an old rocking chair made in 1734. Geo. O. Whiting, a hammered copper coffee urn once owned by the Duke of Kent, Queen Victoria's father. This article though 100 yenrs old is very beautiful and artistic. Also a carved old-fasliioned chair, 200 yeai's old. Mrs. D. E. Proctor had the first low, round table ever in Lynde- boro. It Avas made in the year of the Declaration of Independence. Also loortraits of Mr. and Mrs. Beuj. Goodi'ich, grandfather and g-randmother of Mrs. Procter, Mrs. Elmira Dascomb furnished a 200 year-old extension candle- stick. A. A. Kamsey brought in a standai'd weight of Ireland dated 1718. Wm. Abbot, a surgical knife with ivory handle obtained from Dr. E. Rockwood, and originally taken from the Hessians in the Revo- lution. Calvin Lewis brought a very ancient wai'ming pan. A large vai'iety of ladies' garments which once belonged to the grandmothers of this generation was to be seen ; the imi^lements for tue working and spinning of flax and wool ; wheels, cards, swingeing knives, etc.: many chairs that date back into colonial times ; tools of aU kinds ; a large variety of very antique china ware, books, linen shawls, lanterns, etc. The General Miller, Liveimore and Abbot famihes brought in many valuable heiilooms. Other articles deserving special mention are : A copy of the first news paper of the country, dated 1704, by Mr. J. W. Stiles; sev- eral revolutionary army commissions framed ; copy of a letter written in 1772 by Bocachias Abbot of Andover : a model of the original church of the place made by Heniy Holt from material taken from the ruins in 1860 ; twin wax dolls, life size, from the General Miller homestead — these took the first prize at the Paris Exposition, lOl) years ago; — a 1756 rocking chair, old fashioned but in good condition; an ai-m chair with which Maj. Abiel Abbott began house-keeping in 1764 ; a handsome gilt mirror, 100 years old. and an anticjue tobacco box and pipe holder, both the pro- perty of Mrs. W. H. Barnes; a large number of warming pans and foot stoves ; some silver spoons made from the sword of Capt. John Thurston of 1812 fame; a hundred year-old pijie; an an- tique silver watch as large as an ordmary clock of to-day ; a rough clored glass vase made in North Lyndeboro by Rev. B. F. Clark in 1820 ; an ancient outline portrait of Dr. !\Ioses Atwood, the first 95 homeopathic physician of New Hampshire; Deacon John Good- riche's first suit of clothes, very odd ; Pewter plates and platter made by the grandfather of Abby Abbot, 150 years ago ; a pau- of spectacles, old enough, (150 years), to wear glasses; some beauti- ful linen embroidery done with a quill by Mrs. Geo. B. Preble's mother ; an English ale jug — American since the revolution ; — an 80 year-old doll, strange and comical in size, color and dress ; the first Bible ever in Wilton; ear jewels of 1778; bridle rugs, cuff buttons, 150 years old; a handsome display of table linen in the process of manufacture; fliax laised on Deacon Abbot's farm; a suit of clothes worn by Dr. A. A. Livermore when a boy, show- ing by several addittions to the length the rapid growth of the youth ; carved cane made of the jaw of a whale taken in the Arctic regions, property of E. F. Perkins. To make the rooms more realistic of the olden times the ladies in charge were dressed in old fashioned costume. Mrs. Putnam Dascomb wore a dress which has been handed down through the Livermore family from the wife of Jonathan Livermore, It is made of brocade satin, very dark red in color, full skirted and long waisteJ, as befitted a minister's wife of that time. Mrs. W. W. Curtis in black satin, pompadour hau", high comb and white lace cape with muslin ruff represented the wife of our first President in feature as well as dress. Mrs. C. H. Burns looked very old fashioned in her chintz dress with mutton leg sleeves and wearing a calash. Ml". H. H. Livermore assisted, di-essed in Court costume. The rooms were so attractive that large crowds lingered there all clay, and to accomodate those who were unable to examine things on Thursday, the rooms were kept open the next day. Altogether it proved a" complete success, and doubtless many unspoken as well as spoken thanks went out toward those whose industry produced in such a short time so large and valuable a col- lection of relics. A complete description is impossible, but enough has been said to satisfy all who did not see it that it was an excellent collection and that they have lost a golden ojjportunity. For those who did have the pleasm-e of seeing it any description is superfluous. It is graven on their memories as an hour spent in y() the atmosphere of the 18th century ; so the attempts and accomj^lish- ments of our ancestors, their ability to surmount obstacles and pro- duce things of lasting worth, are brought rapidly home to us. Note. For much of the material used in writinj? this acoount thanks are due to Mr. Frank Lund whose full notes have been kindly put at our disposal. CONCERT. A full house gi-eeted the artists who came from Boston to finish the exercises of the day by giving us some fine music. The persons taking part were : 81GNOR RoNCONi, a renowned flutist and Buffo Opera singer, who is a member of the Listemann Concert Company. Signor Ronconi made his reputation as a vocalist and flutist in Europe before com- ing to America. His first vocal master was the the teacher of Chris- tin(i Nillson. The gentleman has a finely cultivated deep bass voice, and his performance on the flute is marvelous. Miss Stella Bonhuer is an American young lad}^ now studying vocal music under Signor Ronconi. Her soprano voice is one of great range and sweetness. Miss A. P. LovELAND is one of Boston's finest pianists. A number of Wilton people have had an opportunity previous to the concert of enjoying her wonderful power over the piano. Superb execution and deep artistic appreciation unite in her. It is needless, as it is impossible, to gi,ve a satisfactory account of the entertainment. Enough to say the audience by their re- peated encores showed their rich appreciation of their efforts. The following is the program without the encores which were six in num- ber : 1. Piano Solo, Minuet by Padaranski Miss A. P. Loveland. 2. Echo Song, Bishop Stella Bonhuer. Flute obligato, Signor G. B. Ronconi. 97 3. Munnuiing Breezes, Jensen Miss Loveland. 4. I feai- no foe, Pinsuti Bass song, Signor Ronconi. 5. Pattison Waltz Song, Stella Bonheur. 6. Fantasie Melancolique, Reichert Flute Solo, Signor Koneoni. » 7. Lullaby from " Erminie," Stella Bonheur. 8. Leperello from " Madammina," Mozart Signor Ronconi. 9. Piano Rondo, John Field, Miss Loveland. 10. Duet from " L'Eliser d'Amore, Stella Bonheur and Signor Ronconi. The following young ladies were present dressed in antique cos- tume : Miss Mabelle Emerson, Miss Grace Blanchard, Mrs. M. Park- hurst, the Misses Lulie Blanchard, Mary Proctor, Nettie Putnam, Gussie Putnam, Stella Beard, Fanny Whiting, Blanche Burns, Bertha Lund. These young ladies, with Mr. L. C. Barnes as escort, occujDied re- served seats near the stage and formed a picturesque group and gave us, of the present day, an opportunity to see the styles in vogue in the days of our great grandmothers. APPEiNDlX. It may be well for the committee to mention a few facts for the benefit of those who come after and celebrate the 200th anniversary. First, There was no appropriation made by the town to defray the expenses of the celebration, which was thought by many at the time to be a great mistake, and your committee shared that feeling until they got fairly to work, when they found that something be- sides money was necessary to make the occasion a success. It be- ing understood on the start that no money was raised every one whose services were needed went to work in earnest and gave freely of their time and talents for the success of the coming event. A few expenses were incurred, and those were more than met by the evening concert given by Miss Loveland and others from Boston, and Vkhich proved a very pleasant and profitable ending of the daj'. The collation for such an occasion is the most difficult of all to ar range. The idea of soliciting food and making the dinner free was first thought of by the committee, but it was soon found that too much labor would fall upon a few ; then again to give a free dinner to everybody that came seemed almost too much even for a gener- ous town like ours. The plan of securing a caterer and charging 25 cents per plate was finally settled upon, and we think not only proved fairly profitable to the caterers but (juite satisfactory to those who partook of the dinner. The celebration was one that our town may well be proud of, and the success was due to the generous suppoi't and interest of not only those who took part in the exercises of the day but also the citizens generally who aided and assisted by their hearty cooperation. H. A. WHITING, for the Committee. 99 SUB-COMMITTEES. The sub-committees, not ali'eady mentioned, appointed by the Executive Committee were as follows: On Music. — Willis H. Abbott, chairman and conductor ; Warren Jones, John D. Wilson, Charles A. Burns, A. Dwight Abbott, David Stevens, Harry P. Ring. On Decorations, — Albert Beard and wife ; S. K. Foster and wife. On Reception, — F. M. Pevey, Isaac S. Whiting. WILTON BRASS BAND. The Wilton Brass Band which furnished gratuitously excellent music on the occasion of the anniversary was made up as follows : Azel P. Brigham, leader ; Thomas Cooley, cb"um major ; Albert A. Hartwell, G. Herbert Hartwell, Fred E. Bennett, Andrew Fletcher, Chas. B. Smith. Elmer E. Richardson, Harry P. Ring, Harry A. Powers, Dennis Hurley, John Giles, John R. Mac Kay, Walter M. Bales. Wm. J. HoUilian Michael Cullinau, Nathan A. Cragin, Frank W". Lund, John Sullivan, Samuel M. Upton, Orren S. Chandler, Dallas Sumner, John R. Sheldon, George Hood, Warren E. Foster. It was organized in 1857, and now has 25 members. CHORUS The chorus, furnishing vocal music in the Hall, was as follows : Sopranos. — Mrs. A. O. Barker, Mrs. G. W. Hatch, Mrs. George Whiting, Mrs. Frank H. Pornitt, Miss Hattie S. Perkins, Miss Jose- phine H. Gage. Altos. — Mrs. Harris Abbott, Mrs. W. C. Jones. Mrs. Wm. Berry, Miss Hattie L. Putnam, Miss Annie V. Tyler. Tenors. — Andrew Fletcher, David Stevens, Chas, E. Edwards, A. Dwight Abbott, Ellery Hutchinson. Bassos. — Warren Jones, Harry P. Ring, Frank Porritt, Chas. A. Burns, Stanley H. Abbott. Pianist. — Mrs. C. A. Bnrns. Conductor. — Willis H. Abbott. 100 LETTERS OF REGRET. luvitations to be present at the exercises of the day were sent to Francis (i. Peabod}', D. D., son of the orator at the Centennial cele- bration ; to Rev. S. B. Stevvai't, grandson of Eev. Thomas Beede, one of Wilton's early pastors, and to Col. Thos. L. Liverniore. The invitations were sent by Rev. A. A. Liverinore, at the request of the executive committee, and appended are the replies LETTER OF REV. F. G. PEABODY. Bar Harbor, Me., Sept. 13th. My Dear Cousin : — Your kind invitation to the Wilton celebration reaches me unfortunately on the evening of the day j'ou name. It would be a pleasure to me, and no doubt to my mother and sister, to be with you if it were possible, and I shall be glad if you will express to your committee our thanks for your remembrance. I trust that the occasion has been in all respects haiDpy and success- ful. Believe me always sincerely yours. Francis G. Peabody. LETTER OF REV. S. B. STEWART. Lynn, Mass.. Sept. 11, 1889. Dear Dr. Livermore : — In answer to your very kind invitation from the Centennial Committee to attend the Wilton celebration to-morrow, I very much regret my inability to be present. But I cannot resist a sense of pride, pardonable I trust, in having the root- lets of my life somewhat fed from the springs and fortunes of this noble old town. Whatever my grandfather, Thomas Beede, may have contributed to the intellectual and spiritual life of the town, I shall always be- lieve that there were equal happy, reciprocal influences from the many good andtrue people and families, where he lived for so many 101 years, that have descended to his children and grandchildren, for which they will always be most grateful, and on account of which they will always hold the town's fortunes and traditions in most affectionate remembrance. Very sincerely, Samuel Baekett Stewart. LETTER OF COL. TH08. L. LIVERMORE. Boston, Sept IGth, 1889. Dear Cousin : — I am much obliged to you for yovu-kind invitation of last week. I thought when I received it that if a little more notice had been given me I shordd have been glad to come to the celebration, but it would not have availed me because I had to stay at home on the 12th for other reasons. I trust that the bad weather did not jDrevent a very g-ood time. Yoiu's faithfully, Thos. L. Livermore. THE EVEEETT HOUSE. The popular landlord of the Everett House, Mr. Starr B. Center, made a special effort to please the patrons of his house, and pre- pared a neat menu card, on the front of which were the words : 1739. 1889. 150th ANNIVERSARY DINNER. Everett House. Wilton, N. H. A wood cut of a log cabin adorned the front of the card, while the back had a cut of the present commodious hotel. Tiie house was quite extensively decorated throughout. One hundred guests as- sembled around the tables and partook of the following 102 Chicken Soup. Mashed Potatoes. Green Corn. Onions. MENU. Escalloped Oysters. Broiled Spring Chicken. Vegetables. Sweet Potatoes. Stewed Tomatoes. Cucumbers. Relishes. Worcestershire Sauce. Pastry. Meat Pie. Apple Pie. Squash Pie. Coflfee Gelatine with Cream. Ice Cream. Cake. Lemon. Vanilla. Spong-e. Lily- Fkuits. Muskmelon. Watermelon. Bananas. Milk. Coffee. Roast Beef. Turnip. Celery. Squash. Cranberry Sauce. Snow Puddin"-. Apples. Tea. THE WILTON OF TO-DAY. TOWN CjFFICERS. In order to connect this account with the town history, we give the town officers for 1888 and 1889. For 1888. Selectmen, James Sheldon, Chas. E. Barrett, Geo. M. Hartshorn. Town Clerk, John F. Mahoney. Town Treasurer, D. E. Proctor. Tax Collectoi-, Frank M. Lund. Board of Education, Geo. E. Bales, P. Ring, Mrs. L. C. Barnes. For 1889. Selectmen, James Sheldon. John B. Hickey, Richard M. Moore. . Town Clerk, L. C. Barnes. Town Treasurer, Geo. E. Bales. Tax Collector. Henr}- H. Stickney. Board of Education, Geo. E. Bales, Mrs. L. C. Barnes, Willis H. Abbott. io;5 The town sent as delegate to the convention to revise the State Constitution, C. A. Bales. The Postmaster at Wilton is Alfred E. Jacques, who has held the OiHce for fourteen years ; the Postmaster at West Wilton is Henry O. Sargent. The office of Deputy Sheiiff is tilled by Mo.ses Clark, who has occupied the position for twenty- seven years. The Representatives to the Legislature since the publication of the history axe : 1887, Dr. Josiah Fleeman ; 1889, Geo. I. Doe. THE BUSINESS MEN OF THE TOWN. The Wdtou Savings Bank. — E. G. Woodman, President ; Geo. E. Bales, Treasurer. Clothing and Furnishing Goods. — Geo. W. W^allace, E. F. Per- kins. Drugs and Medicines. — Henry Trevitt, M. D., H. A. Powers. Dry Goods, Fancy Goods, Boots and Shoes. — S. N. Center & Son, A. C. Young. Boots and Shoes. — F. M. Lund. Groceries and General Stores. — D. E. Proctor, A. O. Barker, S. N. Center, 2d, M. P. Stanton. Meat and Vegetables. — S. H. Dunbar, James Shea. Millinery and Fancy Goods., — Miss S. A. Smith. Stoves, Tinware and Plumbing. — S. K. Fostei-, W. H. Bearisto. King's Ambrosia Co. — H. P. Ring. Livery Stables. — Joseph Langdell, Eli J. Curtis. Harness Makers. — Lewis Tingley, E. J Curtis. Undertakers. — W. H. Barnes, H. H. Stickney, Henry N. Blanchard. Express. — American, Northern. Photograj^her. — F. E. Bugbee. Printing. — H. P. Ring, H. A. Smith. Builders" supplies. — D. E. Proctor. Watch Maker and Repairer. — H. A . > mith. Hair Cutting. — Frank F. Duval, H. A. Smith, F. M. Lovejoy. 104 Shoemakers and Repairers. — F. M. Lund. 8. Hutchinson, Edmn Kidder, David Lovejoy. Auctioneer. — R. J. Frye. INDUSTRIES OF THE TOWN. In order that the business of the town at the time of the cele- bration may be briefly reviewed as a whole, we simply enumerate the (hiierent manufactures and trades, the details being given in the History of Wilton. Colony Brothers, manufactuiers of flannels and dress goods. Low & Rewell, machinists, manfacture self-wringing mops, Web ster's elastic tug. etc. Levi Putnam, saw mill, planing machine and turning lathe, manu- factures trunks and trunk stock. \V. N. Patterson & Son, grist mill, and manufacture plows, culti- vators and saw horses. Daniel Cragin, manufacturer of knife trays, dry measures and sugar boxes. Nathan Barker, cider mill, planing and matching machine. Herman Hopkins, saw mill, clapboard and shingle machinery and turning lathe ; makes rakes. Henry H. Livermore, saw mill, shingle and stave machinery. James H. Holt & Son. manufacture knobs and milk can stopples ; also have a cider mill. Henry O. Sargent, saw mill and turning machinery. Samuel W. Smith manufactures knobs. Roselvo A. Smith saws staves. Hopkins & French manufacture fancy boxes and writing desks. D. Whiting & Sons, milk and cream contractors, creamery butter makers ; grain, lumber, wood and coal dealers ; slave and box man- ufacturers ; farmers. Wheelwi'ights and carriage makers. — Flint & Gray, A. J. Parker, Nathan Cragin. 105 Blacksmiths and Carriage smiths. — Bales & Putnam, H. N. Gray & Sod, C. B. Smith. Cari3enters. — H. L. Emerson, James L. Hardy, Wm. D. Stearns, Jeremiah DriscoU, Isaac Brothers, L. A. Tyler, E. D. Frye, J. H. Hutchinson. Brick and stone masons. — Joel Hesselton, Chas. Hesselton. Brick masons. — John Gage, Judson Hartshorn. Stone masons and stone cutters. — Elijah Putnam, James R. Das- comb, John R. Sheldon, I. N. Hutchinson. House painters. — Dallas Sumner, Geo. Hartwell, Orreu Russell, H. N. Blanchard, Wm. A. Burton, Thos. Cooley, Geo. Hopkins. Carriage painter. — A.. P. Brigham. SECRET SOCIETIES AND FRATERNITIES. Clinton Lodge, No. 52, A. F. & A. M. — Masonry seems to have been established very early in the town, and the history of the early lodges is given in detail in the town history. The present lodge was established in 1829. The officers for 1889 are as follows : John F. Smith, master : Warren P. Putnam, senior warden ; David E. Proctor, junior warden ; Henrj' L. Emerson, treasurer ; John Gage, secretary ; Cyrus M. Ingalls, senior deacon ; Chas. A. Burns, junior deacon ; Geo. W. Hatch, M. D., chaplain ; Edmund P. Hutch- inson, marshal ; Arthur C. Young, senior steward ; Wm. ^McLaughlin, junior steward : Lorenzo Quade, representative to Grand Lodge ; Calvin H. Lewis, tyler. The society has a membership of sixty-nine at present. Wilton Lodge. No. 2563, Knights of Honor, instituted Sept. 29, 1889. Officers — William H. Barnes, dictator ; William D. Stearns, treasurer ; George W. Wallace, financial reporter ; David E. Proc- tor, reporter. Laurel Lodge, No. 78, I. O. O. F. — This lodge was instituted April 18th, 1889, with seven charter members, and now numbers 106 over thirty members. The officers for the present term are : George E. Hartwell, noble grand ; R. M. Moore, vice grand ; W. B. Hopkins, secretary ; S. M. Upton, treasurer ; D. A. Stiles, warden ; M. J. Her- lihy, conductor ; W. E. Foster, chaplain ; A. J. Rideout, past grand. Forest Colony, No. 125, Pilgrim Fathers, instituted June 24th. 1889, with thii'ty cliarter members. Officers — Chas. A. Burns, gov- ernor ; Marcella Hatch, lieutenant governor ; Helen M. Putnam, secretary ; Frank W. Lund, collector ; Fred W. Clark, treasurer ; Ella F. Curtis, chaplain ; Frank P. Martin, sergeant at arms ; Ehnira E. Martin, deputy sergeant at arms ; Naomi F. Stickney, inside sen- tinel ; Hem-y H. Stickney, outside sentinel; Geo. E. Bah-s, ex- governor. Abiel A. Live'iuore Post, No. 71, G. A. R., Department of New Hampshire was organized September 6th, 1883, with seventeen charter members. The records now give a membership of thirty- four. The present officers of the post are Henry L. Emerson, com- mander ; Sanford M. Aver}', senior vice-commander ; Wju. D. Stearns, junior vice-commander ; D. I' . Proctor, adjutant : John Gage, quartermaster ; James R. Dascomb, surgeon ; George W. Parker, chaplain ; Thos. Carter, officer of the day ; Orren P. Rus sell, officer of the guard ; Lucius A. Way, sergeant major ; John R. Sheldon, quartermaster sergeant. David E, Proctor, Camp No. 43. Sons of Veterans, organized May 14, 1889, with 14 charter members. Following is the list of officers : Edward W. Lawrence, captain; Frank E. Pioctor, first lieutenant; Wm. F. Easton, second lieutenant ; Walter G. Parker, chaplain ; Wm H. Emerson, first sergeant ; Horace B. Cook, quartermaster sergeant ; John J. Sullivan, sergeant of the guard ; Patrick B. Mc- Carthy, color sergeant ; Jeremiah McCarthy, principal musician ; Mort'in F. Hutchinson, corporal of the guard : Alfred E. Johnson, camp guard ; John H McCarthy, picket guaid. Abiel A. Livermore Woman's Relief Corps, No. 52, organized Dec. 6, 1888. Officers; Mrs. Mary J. Hartwell, president: Mrs. Abbie A. Emerson, senior vice president ; Mrs. Fannie M. Stickney, junior vice president : Mrs. Eliza J. Nhaw, secretary ; Mis. Susan F. Gage, treasurer ; Mrs. Helen I. Russell, chaplain ; Mrs. Margie C. Butters, conductor; Miss Mary E. Pioctor, assistant conductor; 107 Mrs. Hattie J. May, guard; Mrs. Emma C. Nutting, assistant guard. Tliere are now thirty-nine nanjes on the records. Advance Grange, No. 20, Patrons of Husbandry. This Grange was founded Feb. 20, 1874, with a full complement — thirty mem- bers. The present membership numbers seventy seven. The offi- cers are, James Sheldon, master ; Stanley H. Abbott, overseer ; Wills H. Abbott, lecturer; Perley J. Abbott, steward; A. H. Gold- smith, assistant steward ; Geo. S. Fowler, chaplain ; Gardner Blanchard, treasurer ; Mis. A. D. Abbott, secretary ; \Vm. Berry, gate keeper ; Mrs. H. Hopkins, Ceres : Mrs. C. H. White, Pomona ; Mrs. Henry Gray, Flora; Mrs. Jennie Potter, lady assistant steward. Besides the societies already mentioned, there is in town a Ladies Reading Club, whose meetings are of a literarj^ and musical char- acter. PROFESSIONAL MEN. Physicians.— Henry Trevitt, Geo. W. Hatch, B. F. Greene, C. E. Higgins. Dentists.— P. M. Pevey, W. Y. McGown. Lawyers. — George E. Bales, attorney and counsellor at law, notar}'- public, Chas. H. Burns, coaiisel for Boston & Maine Railroad, has a law office in Nashua, but resides in Wilton. Clergymen. — Rev. I. S. Lincoln, for a long time pastor of the Unitarian Church, now retired ; Rev. T. O. Harlow, pastor of Baptist Church at Wilton Center ; Rev. Father E. E. Buckle, pastor of Catholic Church. CHURCHES. The Liberal Christian Church, The Second Congregational, and the CathoHc, are the churches in the village proper. At Wilton Centre there is the First Congregational (Unitarian), and the Bap- tist Church. 108 SCHOOLS. • There are in Wilton nine schools, of which four are gi-adecl. The schools in the village were graded in 1887, at which time a High School Course was arranged, which has since been somewhat modi- fied and enlarged. The class of "88, numbering ten, was the first to be i-egularly graduated and to receive diplomas. In the winter of 1889 a com-se of lectures was given for the benefit of the High School, and the proceeds were devoted to the pm'chase of api:)aratus. Consequently the school now has a fair lot of physical apparatus, by the use of which the principles of modern science may be well shown. The course of study covers a period of three years, and embraces most of the studies usually found in an ordinary High School, but of course cannot in so short a time fit for college; this ^s one of the jjossibilities of the future. The scattered population in the districts outside the village proper, renders a graded system there a practical impossibility. The schools are in charge of com- petent teachers, and good work is done in them all There are nine teachers, and the total enrollment of pupils is 317. The appropria- tion available for school puposes was, for the fiscal year ending March 1st, $8,000.00. The teachers are as follows : High School, Chas. W. Marshall. Grammar School, Clara H. Blood. Intermediate School, M. Grace Blanchard. Primary School, Emma F. Robertson. West Wilton, Hannah J. Herlihy. Davis- ville. Bertha L. Blood. Wilton Centre, Lulie S. Blanchard. Abbott Hill, Nellie S. Hobbs. French Village. Ida M. Kmiball. PUBLIC LIBRARY. BY D. E. PROCTOR. The Wilton Public Library was organized in 1872, with its r():)nis in the Savings Bank Building and Miss Persis Barrett as librarian. It gave the town ex<'ellent service until the disastrous fire of Dec. 2, 1874, when it was nearly destroved. It however rose from its 109 ashes by the kindly assistance of friends and insurance and con- tinued its good work until Jan. 20, 1881, when the fire fiend again visited it, and nothing was left except the few books which were in circulation. Later these books and some trust funds were placed in the hands of a Board of Trustees, consisting of the Hon. Charles H. Burns, Rev. J. J. Twiss, Miss Persis Barrett, I. S. Whiting, and D E Proctor. A library room has been fitted with all the modern im- provements in the Town Hall, and at the last annual meeting in March, 1889, the town voted an appropriation of ($500) five hundred dollars for necessary furniture and fixtiu'es, books and other ex- penses. George A. Newell of Boston, a son of this good town has kindly presented the library with one thousand volumes of new and standard books. The Ladies' Reading Club, an oi'ganization of our most highly edu- cated ladies, have promised about five hundred volumes of the American Cyclopedia. The Hon. C. H. Burns presents nearly 100 volumes of standard works. Dr. F. M. Pevey promises the library a surprise in the near future, while others are ready to add further contributions. The books will be arranged in alcoves — those given by Mr. Newell to be the " Newell Alcove ;" those by the Reading Club to be named as the ladies of the club may designate, while blanks will be left for the names of other generous sons or friends of Wilton to immortalize themselves and make the library and the world better for their kind benefactions. Miss Martha Putnam is librarian, and the present Board of Trus- tees consists of Hon. C. H. Burns, Isaac S. Whiting, Esq., D. E. Proctor, George E. Bales, Esq., and George G. Blanchard. STATISTICS. The Wilton of to-day is a growing, thriving town. The beautiful hills, commanding a view unsurpassed in a State of beautiful scenery, entice many from the cities during the heated term, and in conse- quence summer homes are being built in different portions of the 110 town. Wilton is thus brought more prominently to notice, and if once visited is very likely to be a<^ain, for the hills are not the only attraction. Pleasant walks and drives reveal nooks of unexpected beauty. Prominent among these should be mentioned Barnes' Falls — originally, as some claim, called Greeley's Falls — the natural charm of which is being enhanced by the eftbrts of Mr. O. J. Lewis, who has recently come into possession of this property. Thus Wil- ton increases in population and favor. The i^opulatiou to day is' in the vicinity of '2,000, although only approximate figures can be given ; but it is thought that the census will show rather more than the above estimate. The number of registered voters is 4 16, and the total valuation is $897,618 This sum, according to the last Town Report, is distributed as follows : VALUE Numb er polls, 418, $41,800 00 (> horses, 309, 23,598 00 •' oxen, 61, 3.580 00 ii, cows, 821, 23.574 00 i. neat stock,154. 2.702 00 (., sheep, 97, 368 OJ u hogs, 506, . ■ . 3,589 00 It carriages, 30, 2,645 00 Improved and unimproved land. 641,385 00 Stock in public funds, 23,500 00 n in banks. 24,570 00 Mone \' on hand or at interest, . 40.857 00 Stock in trade, 44,100 00 Mills . xnd machinery. 21,350 00 The amount of tax collected was $14,8 20.93. This, with $25.82 collected as interest, gives a total of $14,846.75. The principal revenue of the farmer is derived from milk for the Boston markets ; price, 24 cents per can of 8 quarts. A few figures as to prices on some of the important farm products may not be out of place here, and we give them as follows : Corn, 50 cents per bushel; white beans, $2 per bushel; j^eas, $1.50 per bushel; rye, 75 cents per bushel ; oats, 35 cents per bush. ; potatoes, 60 to 70 cents per bushel : butter, 25 cents per tb. ; wood. Ill $4 per cord ; apples, No. 1, $2 per bbl. ; hay, $15 per ton ; flour, winter wheat, $5 per bbl. ; spring wheat, patent, $6 per bbl. ; price of farm labor, $20 per month; haying, $2 per day; skilled labor, $2 to 13 per day. (To show how the relative importance of crops has changed in 50 3'ears, it may be interesting to note that in our country' corn instead of cotton is king, and now our five most valuable crops are corn, hay, wheat, cotton and oats, in the order named.) The general health of Wilton is good, as is indicated by the fact that there are in town about one hundred persons who are seventy years old or older. Number of deaths for year ending Dec. 3 1st, 1888, 37, It is Sclid that the only married couples tiiat were present at the Centennial Celebration of 1839, and at the late celebration of 1889, were Mr. and Mis. David Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Moses Lovejoy, Mr. and Mi s. W m. Emerson. Mr. Sewall Putnam, contributes the following interesting bit of history : " Rev. F. G. Clarli of Medford, Mass., a native of Lyndeborough, who gave the historical address at the 150th anniversary of the set- tlement of Lyndeborough, informed me that he learned from the Salem, Canada, records, that Nathaniel Putnam, (the father of Jacob, Archalaus, Ephraim and Nathaniel Putnam, early settlers in that part of Salem, Canada, that is now Wilton), was one of the proprietors of Salem, Canada, and in 1742 he built a saw mill on the brook near the meadow at the head of Barnes' Falls. The mill was two or three times rebuilt, and sucessively owned and occupied for one hundred and twenty-five years by Jacob Putnam ; his son, Archalaus Putnam, Abiel Wilson, Putnam Wilson, Oliver Whiting, and Aaron Barnes." ERRATA. On middle of page 10, for "SMiitney read Whiting. On page 18, tenth line from bottom for aspostle read apostle. On page 25, thirteenth line from top, for affords read afford. On page 35, eleventh line from top, for $106 read $100. On page 37, second line from bottom, for 1700 read 1790. On page 61, fourteenth line from bottom, for American read Ai'minian. On page 92, for Bnrns read Burns. On page 96, for Bonhuer read Bonheur. On page 99, eleventh line from bottom, for Pornitt read Porritt. INDEX PAGE. Abbot, Abiel, contribution 83 Abbot, F. E., poem 45 Afternoon, programiue for 60 Antiquarian room 91 Bales, G. E., address 75 Band, Wilton Brass 99 Brown, E., oration 17 Burns, C. H., address. 12 Business of town 103 Chorus 99 Churches 107 Clark, F. G., address, 67 Clark, Moses, address 9 Collation 59 Committee, executive 1 Committee on music 99 Committee on decorations 99 Committee on reception 99 Concert 96 Decorations . , 7 Everett House 101 Industries of town 104 Invocation, T. O. Harlow 11 Lincoln, I. S • 59-87 Livermore, A. A 11-61-83 Liverrmoi'e, T. L 100 Library, public 108 ATarden, Geo. A , 63 Morning, programme of 9 115 PAGE. Officers of day. 10 Officers of town 102 Parade 2 Peabody, F. G 100 Pendleton, A. M 81 Pevey, F. M 7i) Proctor, D. E 69 Professional men 107 Putnaui, Sewall, contribution Ill Schools 108 Societies 105 Statistics 109 Stewart,. S. B 100 Whiting, G. 78 Whiting, I. S 65 Whiting, H. A 98 kD~ 3 0.3. 0- ''^ ''..^•- .^^ o^ s^* /,^fe-: \/ .#M %/ o „ o ' ,0 A PC, <^ v^ "= r ..'. ?/-,/?/^ ^ - " "-.ST. AUGUSTir4E o"^ t * 'J>L' » ° i^