THE BI-CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
[Illustration: HENRY S. MYGATT
President of the Bi-Centennial Celebration]
INCEPTION AND ORGANIZATION
CONTRIBUTED BY CHARLES N. HALL
In April, 1906, a call was issued in the columns of the _New Milford
Gazette_, asking all citizens to meet at Mygatt’s Hall, Bank Street, on
Monday evening, April 30, to consider the project of celebrating the
town’s two hundredth anniversary.
About forty citizens responded to the appeal and met at the appointed
time and place.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. William G. Green, and Mr. Henry
S. Mygatt was appointed chairman of the meeting.
After full discussion as to the possibility and advisability of such a
celebration as that implied in the call, the following preamble and
resolution were adopted:
“Whereas, New Milford was first settled in the year of our Lord, 1707,
and has from a humble beginning gone steadily forward in growth and
prosperity, through the industry and patriotism of its sons and
daughters, and the blessings of a Divine Providence:
“And Whereas, It seems fitting that the two hundredth anniversary of
this town, now near at hand, should be recognized and celebrated by all
its citizens in such manner as to confer proper dignity upon the
occasion; to call together for a day all its children; to honor the
memories of those who contributed to its past and present welfare; to
show the industrial, agricultural, commercial, educational, and
religious progress of the community throughout the past years; and to
give due thanks to the Providence that has watched over it.
“Therefore it is Resolved: That during the year 1907, upon a date to be
named at a future meeting, there shall be held a celebration to be known
as the New Milford Bi-Centennial.”
After further discussion as to forms of organization, it was voted:
“That in accordance with the spirit of the foregoing resolution, this
meeting shall appoint a General Committee of Arrangements, said
committee to have entire charge of all arrangements pertaining to the
New Milford Bi-Centennial Celebration; to have power to make changes in
and additions to its own numbers; to have authority to appoint and
organize all necessary sub-committees, and the power to direct the work
of such sub-committees, and to make removals and substitutions in such
sub-committees; and to take any and all measures necessary to carry the
foregoing resolution into effect.”
The meeting then appointed a Nominating Committee consisting of C. M.
Beach, W. G. Green, H. L. Randall, S. S. Green, G. M. Breinig, and Rev.
Marmaduke Hare, to present to the meeting the names of those who should
constitute the General Committee of Arrangements.
After consultation, the Nominating Committee presented a list of those
persons who should constitute the General Committee, and those so named
were by vote declared appointed as the General Committee of
Arrangements, with the powers and duties above set forth.
It was then voted:
“That when this meeting adjourns, the chairman of this meeting shall
have authority to call, at his pleasure, a meeting of the General
Committee of Arrangements.”
The meeting then adjourned.
The General Committee of Arrangements met on July 6, 1906, about one
hundred members being present. At this meeting a permanent organization
was effected, officers elected, sub-committees appointed, and a date set
for the celebration.
The officers elected were:
Permanent Chairman and President, Henry S. Mygatt; Vice-Presidents,
Andrew G. Barnes, Francis E. Baldwin, Stephen C. Beach; General
Secretary, Charles N. Hall.
It was voted:
“That the Celebration be held on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday,
June 15, 16, 17, 18, 1907.”
It was voted:
“That Sub-Committees be created as follows:
An Executive Committee,
A Finance Committee,
A Committee on Exercises,
A Committee on Refreshments,
A Committee on Decoration,
A Committee on Publicity,
A Committee of Invitation, Reception, and Entertainment;
A Committee on Religious Observances,
A Committee of Public Safety,
A Committee on Historical Research and Permanent Publication.”
It was further voted:
“That each member of the General Committee pay the sum of one dollar,
and each member of a sub-committee the additional sum of two dollars to
the Bi-Centennial fund.”
Subsequently the Executive Committee, acting for the General Committee,
appointed from time to time other sub-committees found necessary in the
progress of the work. These were:
A Loan Exhibit Committee,
A Committee on Vocal Music,
A Colonial Reception Committee.
The officers and members of the General Committee of Arrangements were
as follows:
_President_, HENRY S. MYGATT;
_Vice Presidents_, ANDREW G. BARNES, FRANCES E. BALDWIN, STEPHEN C.
BEACH;
_Secretary_, CHARLES N. HALL;
_Members_
John F. Addis.
Mrs. John F. Addis.
Geo. E. Ackley.
Mrs. Geo. E. Ackley.
W. H. Adams.
Victor L. Anderson.
Emil Anderson.
Geo. B. Ackley.
Mrs. Geo. B. Ackley.
Fred Anderson.
Mrs. Geo. W. Anthony.
Mrs. Phoebe L. Anderson.
Horace A. Allen.
Rev. J. J. Burke.
Dr. J. C. Barker.
Dr. B. E. Bostwick.
Chas M. Beach.
Alexander H. Barlow.
W. G. Brown.
Charles P. Bentley.
Reuben Booth.[11]
G. M. Breinig.
David E. Breinig.
Henry M. Baldwin.
Willis F. Bennett.
Willis G. Barton.
Dr. Charles P. Blinn.
Mrs. Wm. D. Black.
William H. Booth.
H. B. Bostwick.
Burton B. Booth.
Mrs. J. L. Buck.
Mrs. J. A. Bolles.
Mrs. Wm. Bostwick.
Miss Ruth T. Booth.
Frederick L. Bennett.
Andrew Buckingham.
Mrs. Chas. M. Beach.
Mrs. G. M. Breinig.
Mrs. A. M. Booth.
Mrs. H. E. Bostwick.
Miss C. B. Bennett.
Miss A. E. Bostwick.
Miss Helen M. Boardman.
Miss Kate T. Boardman.
Miss Grace Buckingham.
Miss May Brown.
Miss Adaline L. Buck.
Mrs. J. C. Barker.
Mrs. B. E. Bostwick.
Amos H. Bowers.
A. C. Bowers.
Andrew M. Booth.
Mrs. David A. Baldwin.
Mrs. Willis F. Bennett.
Lyman W. Brown.
Andrew J. Baldwin.
Noble Bennett.
E. Noble Bennett.
Mrs. Merritt Beach.
Mrs. I. B. Bristol.
Mrs. Edwin N. Bostwick.
Daniel B. Brewer.
Henry Booth.
Wiliam E. Bostwick.
Rev. T. J. Cronin.
Andrew C. Clark.
Mrs. Andrew C. Clark.
Daniel H. Canfield.
Lawrence C. Camp.
Robert B. Clark.
L. F. Curtis.
Mrs. L. F. Curtis.
P. M. Cassedy.
John D. Clark.
Alanson N. Canfield.
Mrs. Geo. N. Canfield.
Mrs. Lemira J. Carter.
Howard C. Clark.
Phineas E. Clark.
Warren S. Crossman.
John B. Cox.
Chas. B. Camp.
Salmon Couch.
A. L. Conkey.
Rev. Frank B. Draper.
Dr. J. A. Dolan.
Henry Donnelly.
[Illustration: SEYMOUR S. GREEN
Chairman Executive Committee]
[Illustration: HONORABLE ANDREW G. BARNES
Vice-President]
[Illustration: STEPHEN C. BEACH
Vice-President]
[Illustration: FRANCIS E. BALDWIN
Vice-President]
SOME OFFICERS OF THE BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Robert L. Duncan.
Eben B. Dorwin.
Myron B. Disbrowe.
Edwin J. Emmons.
Mrs. Edwin J. Emmons.
Albert Evitts.
Rollin C. Emmons.
Chas. H. Evans.
Miss S. C. Erwin.
Thomas Fuller.
Munson Fairchild.
Alban G. Ferriss.
Samuel J. Ferriss.
Mrs. Albert Ferriss.
Henry Ferriss.
Miss Minnie A. Ferriss.
Miss Jane Fenn.
Dr. H. B. Griswold.
Minot S. Giddings.
Levi P. Giddings.
Wm. G. Green.
Seymour S. Green.
Henry Garvey.
Miss Jeanette L. Gaylord.
William F. Gaylord.
Fred R. Green.
Ethiel S. Green.[12]
William B. Green.
George W. Green.
William Green.
George H. Gaylord.
Mrs. James Giddings.
Rev. Marmaduke Hare.
Rev. Stephen Heacock.
J. E. Hungerford.
Mrs. J. E. Hungerford.
Walter C. Hine.
Mrs. Walter C. Hine.
Mrs. Charles N. Hall.
J. Stuart Halpine.
Wm. H. Hartwell.
Frederick C. Hoyt.
Henry D. Hine.
Oliver W. Hoyt.
Mrs. H. D. Hine.
Mrs. W. B. Hatch.
Virgil B. Hatch.
Merritt W. Hill.
Mrs. Mary H. Hunt.
Edson P. Hill.
Harvey B. Hoyt.
Martin L. Hungerford.
Arthur B. Hungerford.
Sheldon B. Hendricks.
Mrs. Sheldon B. Hendricks.
John H. Hall.
Edward Hendricks.
Merwin Hine.
G. W. Hatch.
G. L. Hamlin.
Oliver S. Hartwell.
Roger T. Hartwell.
Robert J. Hungerford.
E. D. Howland.
Minot L. Hartwell.
John T. Hepburn.
John M. Hine.
Frederick W. Hartwell.
Clark M. Hunt.
Samuel R. Hill.
Henry H. Hartwell.
Albert S. Hill.[12a]
Allen S. Hill.
Edgar F. Hawley.
E. F. Hartwell.
H. C. Ives.
Rev. Frank A. Johnson.
George H. Jackson.
L. N. Jennings.
Lucius Jackson.
Michael A. Kelly.
Dr. F. E. King.
Mrs. F. E. King.
W. F. Kinney.
Mrs. W. F. Kinney.
Nelson W. Kinney.
Arthur W. Knowles.
Henry Kinney.
Frederick W. Knowles.
Frederick Knapp.
Henry Kinney, 2d.
Joseph La Hait.
Geo. H. Lines.
Walter B. Leavenworth.
Carr S. Lyon.
Wm. P. Landon.
Frank W. Marsh.
A. H. McMahon.
Mrs. A. H. McMahon.
Daniel Marsh.
Chauncey B. Marsh.
J. B. Merwin.
Roland F. Mygatt.
Frederick Merwin.
Mrs. H. S. Mygatt.
Miss. Grace H. Merwin.
John H. Morehouse.
James E. Mullins.
Miss Carrie H. Marsh.
Mrs. Margaret Moore.
Mrs. Carlos Merwin.
M. H. Mallett.
Amos H. Marsh.
James Marsh.
Miss Lottie Mallett.
Henry W. Murray.
Mrs. Henry W. Murray.
E. B. Marsh.
E. O. Marsh.
Mrs. E. O. Marsh.
Andrew J. McMahon.
Robert C. Mallory.
Wm. J. M. Miller.
James H. McMahon.[13]
George Newton.
Charles H. Noble.
Russell B. Noble.
Miss Ella F. Noble.
Wm. N. Noble.
Ithamer F. Northrop.
Jasper A. Northrop.
Alfred H. Noble.
Mrs. George Northrop.
Lawrence Northrop.
Charles Northrop.
J. H. Nettleton.
Charles H. Osborne.
Wilbur H. Osborne.
Abram Osborne.
Wallace W. Osborne.
Farley Osgood.
Robert A. Osborne.
Rev. John F. Plumb.
John Pettibone.
Henry H. Pomeroy.
Wm. B. Pell.
Mrs. Wm. B. Pell.
Mrs. Ivory Phillips.
Mrs. Clayson S. Perry.
Charles Planz.
D. W. Pepper.
Wm. A. Parcells.
A. W. Peelstrom.
John Payne.
Edgar A. Peet.
Lewis A. Payne.
Lehman T. Peet.
Clinton H. Pomeroy.
H. Leroy Randall.
Mrs. H. Leroy Randall.
William J. Roberts.
Miss Sarah J. Roberts.
Mrs. C. E. Riddiford.
Charles Riley, Jr.
F. T. Richmond.
Seeley B. Richmond.
Mrs. Chas. Randall.
Mrs. Isaac Reynolds.
Wm. L. Richmond.
Levi S. Richmond.
Nathan H. Root.
C. E. Riddiford.
Orrin Roberts.
Rev. H. K. Smith.
Dr. Geo. E. Staub.
Verton P. Staub.
Nicholas Staub.[14]
Turney Soule.
Chas. H. Soule.
David E. Soule.
George T. Soule.
Frank E. Soule.
Henry S. Sanford.
Everett J. Sturges.
Frederick E. Starr.
Mrs. Verton P. Staub.
Vincent B. Sterling.
Geo. W. Squires.
Miss Caro S. Sanford.
Mrs. V. B. Sterling.
Carl F. Schoverling.
Henry A. Soule.
Walter D. Soule.
Mrs. Catherine Smith.
Mrs. C. R. M. B. Smith.
Albert Sterling.
Wm. W. Stillson.
Frederick M. Straight.
James S. Sullivan.
Israel B. Smith.
Mrs. Wm. Schoverling.
Lee Stone.
Mrs. C. C. Smith.
Miss Harriet V. Sherman.
Mrs. Ellen F. Shepard.
Mrs. Charles Taylor.
Frederick J. Turrill.
Arthur G. Todd.
Cyrus A. Todd.
Mrs. R. S. Todd.
Mrs. Henry R. Treadwell.
Mrs. Lucy Turrill.
Chas. A. Tappen.
Miss Martha Treadwell.
John T. Underhill.
Rev. S. D. Woods.
Dr. Geo. H. Wright.
F. M. Williams.
Mrs. F. M. Williams.
Philip Wells.
Stanley L. Warner.
Henry O. Warner.
Wm. D. Wanzer.
A. C. Worley.
John E. Wells.
Charles A. Way.
Miss Edith Warner.
Mrs. C. E. Wright.
Miss Charlotte A. Wells.
Smith M. Waller.
E. M. Waller.
Frederick L. Wanzer.
Edward A. Wildman.
John F. Williams.
Newton B. Weaver.
Reuben M. Wilbur.
Miss Mary C. Wells.
The members of the special committees--appointed by the General
Committee[15] to arrange for and carry out the plans for the
Celebration--were:
Executive Committee: Seymour S. Green, chairman; J. B. Merwin, Everett
Sturges, Verton P. Staub, Mrs. H. S. Mygatt, Mrs. C. M. Beach.
Finance Committee: H. Leroy Randall, chairman; Charles H. Noble,
treasurer; Willis G. Barton, William G. Green, Turney Soule, Edwin J.
Emmons.
Committee on Exercises: Charles M. Beach, chairman; John H. Morehouse,
clerk; Willis F. Bennett, Frank E. Soule, D. W. Pepper, John Pettibone,
Mrs. Verton P. Staub, Frederic M. Williams, Joseph La Hait, Samuel R.
Hill, Chauncey B. Marsh, Miss Helen M. Boardman, Miss Ella F. Noble, and
the selectmen of the town, _ex officio_.
The Committee on Exercises appointed the following marshals for the
Civic and Military Parade, and the following sub-committees to arrange
for Colonial features in the Parade and for an Automobile Carnival on
Monday, June 17:
Marshals: Samuel R. Hill, chief marshal; David E. Soule, George E.
Ackley, Henry O. Warner.
Committee on Colonial Features: Willis F. Bennett, chairman; Alfred H.
Noble, clerk; William G. Green, Dr. Charles P. Blinn, Chauncey B. Marsh,
Mrs. J. C. Barker, Miss Helen M. Boardman.
Committee on Automobile Parade: Roland F. Mygatt, chairman;
[Illustration: H. LEROY RANDALL
Finance Committee]
[Illustration: FREDERICK E. STARR
Music Committee]
[Illustration: W. F. KINNEY
Invitation, Reception and Entertainment Committee]
[Illustration: CHARLES P. BENTLEY
Decoration Committee
CHAIRMEN OF SOME BI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEES]
Henry D. Hine, Dr. B. E. Bostwick, Robert Dunlap, S. Woolsey Pepper,
George T. Soule.
Committee on Refreshments: Miss Adaline L. Buck, chairman; J. Edwin
Hungerford, clerk; H. C. Ives, Vincent B. Sterling, Mrs. Charles N.
Hall, Mrs. Margaret Moore, Mrs. A. C. Clark, James E. Mullins, Wm. L.
Richmond, Mrs. Walter C. Hine, George E. Ackley, P. M. Cassedy, Dr. B.
E. Bostwick, Emil Anderson.
Committee on Decorations: Charles P. Bentley, chairman; Wm. B. Pell, Dr.
Charles P. Blinn, John F. Addis, Geo. T. Soule, Frederick L. Bennett,
Henry D. Hine, Mrs. F. E. King, W. H. Adams, A. W. Peelstrom, Levi P.
Giddings.
Committee on Publicity: Charles N. Hall, chairman; W. G. Brown, Dr. Geo.
H. Wright, A. C. Worley, David E. Breinig.
Committee on Invitation, Reception and Entertainment: W. F. Kinney,
chairman; Miss Sarah J. Roberts, secretary; Russell B. Noble, Mrs.
Frederic M. Williams, Mrs. H. S. Mygatt, Mrs. Albert H. McMahon, Henry
S. Sanford, Andrew C. Clark, Stanley L. Warner, Mrs. Isaac Reynolds,
Alexander H. Barlow, Andrew J. Baldwin, Charles Northrop, Mrs. George B.
Ackley, Mrs. C. E. Wright, Miss Caro S. Sanford, Mrs. Chas. Taylor, Mrs.
Wm. Bostwick, Mrs. Catherine Smith, Mrs. H. E. Bostwick, Orrin Roberts,
Mrs. Merritt Beach, Alanson N. Canfield, Albert Evitts, George H.
Jackson, Mrs. Wm. B. Pell, Miss A. E. Bostwick, Francis E. Baldwin,
Oliver S. Hartwell, Mrs. E. O. Marsh, Henry Ferriss, Miss Jeannette L.
Gaylord, Seeley B. Richmond, Mrs. Carlos Merwin, J. B. Merwin, Mrs. W.
D. Black, Mrs. J. L. Buck, Mrs. Phœbe L. Anderson, Mrs. Henry R.
Treadwell, Mrs. Wm. G. Green, Mrs. G. H. Jackson, Chas. B. Camp, Cyrus
A. Todd, and the selectmen of the town, _ex-officio_.
The chairman of this committee appointed Albert Evitts, chairman of
reception; Henry S. Sanford, chairman of entertainment.
Committee on Religious Observances: Rev. Frank A. Johnson, chairman;
Rev. John F. Plumb, Rev. Frank B. Draper, Rev. T. J. Cronin, Rev. J. J.
Burke, Rev. Marmaduke Hare, Rev. Stephen Heacock, Rev. H. K. Smith,
Rev. S. D. Woods, Rev. T. J. Lee.
Committee of Public Safety: Henry Donnelly, chairman; Charles Planz,
Albert H. McMahon, L. N. Jennings, Charles Reilly, Chas. H. Osborne.
Committee on Historical Research and Permanent Publication: Minot S.
Giddings, chairman; Russell B. Noble, Mrs. Henry E. Bostwick, Miss
Charlotte B. Bennett, Miss Kate T. Boardman.
Committee on Loan Exhibit: Dr. George H. Wright, chairman: Wm. B. Pell,
C. Andrew Humeston, Miss Flora G. Stillson, Herman C. Buckingham, Mrs.
Clarissa R. M. Staples, Miss Jeanette L. Gaylord, Miss Mabelle Sanford.
Committee on Vocal Music: F. E. Starr, chairman; Prof. Edwin G.
Clemence, director; Henry C. Harris, Mrs. H. S. Mygatt, Rev. H. K.
Smith, Mrs. M. W. Hill.
Committee on Colonial Reception: Stephen C. Beach, chairman; W. F.
Kinney, Wm. G. Green, J. Stuart Halpine, Charles M. Beach, Henry S.
Sanford, Roland F. Mygatt, Frank W. Marsh.
All the committees worked nobly and in perfect harmony.
Upon the Finance Committee devolved the responsibility of raising the
necessary funds, and the duty was splendidly performed. Solicitors were
appointed in each district of the town, and furnished with books in
which subscriptions were pledged to be paid on or before April 1, 1907.
The solicitors, besides the members of the Committee, were: Henry W.
Murray, Oliver W. Hoyt, Henry M. Baldwin, Nicholas Glennon, Nelson W.
Kinney, Edgar A. Peet, John W. Pulver, John T. Underhill, Daniel Marsh,
Walter C. Hine, Millard B. Dorwin, Charles H. Evans, Chauncey B. Marsh,
Henry S. Mygatt, Charles N. Hall.
So successful was this canvass that the needed funds were all subscribed
before May 15. The result speaks volumes for the enterprise and
systematic work of the Finance Committee, as well as for the generosity
and public spirit of New Milford’s citizens.
The Executive Committee met frequently to authorize appropriations and
receive reports, and, in May, opened an office in the Knapp Building on
Bank Street, the second floor of that building having been very
generously placed at their disposal by Mr. Frederic Knapp of Hartford.
Meetings of all the Chairmen of Committees were occasionally held, and
were found very useful in promoting the work.
The Committee on Exercises had the greatest task to perform in arranging
a suitable and comprehensive programme of exercises for the entire
Celebration, co-operating as to Sunday’s exercises with the Committee on
Religious Observances. In order to secure full participation in the
Parade, District Committees were appointed throughout the town, to look
after Parade features in their respective localities.
These Committees were:
Lower Merryall: F. C. Merwin, H. W. Murray, S. B. Hendrix, W. D. Stone,
John Pepper.
Waller: John T. Underhill, Smith Waller, Thomas Austin, Alexander H.
Barlow.
Hunt: Nelson W. Kinney, M. W. Beers, Earle Morehouse, Chester Lyon.
Long Mountain: Henry M. Baldwin, H. H. Pomeroy, Wm. Pomeroy.
Gaylordsville: Chas. H. Evans, Wm. Gaylord, Chas, H. Soule, George
Newton, Wm. J. Roberts.
Northville: Francis E. Baldwin, A. C. Bowers, E. B. Buckingham, Walter
C. Hine.
Still River: Percy Collins, Fred P. Chase, Stanley L. Warner, Chas. H.
Stevens.
Park Lane: N. H. Root, James S. Sullivan, W. B. Leavenworth.
Hill and Plain: Wm. D. Wanzer, Arthur E. Knowles, Merwin P. Hine, Geo.
W. Hatch.
Second Hill: Robert Duncan, Robert J. Hungerford, Mrs. A. C. Clark, Mrs.
J. A. Cowan, Mrs. T. Walsh, Wm. Hartwell, Millard B. Dorwin, Joshep
Cowan, Miss Alice Beers, Mrs. Wm. Johnson, Mrs. Hans Ahlstrom.
Upper Merryall: V. B. Hatch, Israel B. Smith, A. H. Squires, Geo. W.
Squires, Fred M. Straight.
Pickett: Nicholas Glennon, Mervin Andrews, Leslie Marsh. Chestnut Land:
Ivory Phillips, P. E. Clark, Howard C. Clark, Frank Erwin, Fred
Anderson, E. F. Hartwell, Samuel Thompson.
Aspetuck: Daniel Marsh, Joseph Hill, E. Noble Bennett, Levi S. Richmond.
Boardman: Oliver W. Hoyt, Andrew G. Barnes, Sheldon Northrop.
The District Committee on refreshments were:
Upper Merryall: Mrs. Geo. B. Ackley, Geo. W. Squires; assisted by Mrs.
Wm. Birkins, Mrs. Frederick Squires.
Lower Merryall: Mrs. Carlos P. Merwin, Mrs. Geo. N. Abbott, Mrs. H. W.
Murray.
Hunt: Mrs. Myron W. Toohey.
Northville: Mrs. Walter C. Hine, Miss Elizabeth Baldwin.
Chestnut Land: Miss May Galvin, Edgar Phillips.
Second Hill: Mrs. Robert J. Hungerford, Mrs. Joseph A. Cowan.
Park Lane: Mrs. Mary D. Bostwick, Mrs. Wesley Northrop, Mrs. Edward C.
Howland.
Boardman: Mrs. Oliver W. Hoyt, Mrs. Henry W. Kimlin; assisted by the
Christian Endeavor Social Union.
Waller: Mrs. Thomas Austin, Mrs. Smith M. Waller.
Gaylordsville: Mrs. Arthur Hungerford, Mrs. J. A. Dolan.
Long Mountain: Mrs. Henry M. Baldwin, Miss Minnie Pomeroy.
Aspetuck: Mrs. Levi Richmond, J. Fred McEwan.
Hill and Plain: Mrs. Robert Osborne, Arthur E. Knowles.
Lanesville: Mrs. Laura Campbell, Mrs. Nora Dickey, Mrs. Horace A. Allen.
Pickett: Mrs. Edward O. Marsh, Mrs. Daniel B. Brewer, Miss Bessie Adams.
Center: Mrs. W. C. Beeman, Miss Kathleen Duncan, Mrs. Robert S. Todd,
Mrs. Timothy Heacock, Miss Bessie I. Brown, Mrs. V. B. Sterling, Mrs. A.
M. Booth, Mrs. P. M. Cassedy,
[Illustration: EDWIN G. CLEMENCE
Conductor of the Chorus]
[Illustration: CHARLES J. RYDER, D. D.
One of the Speakers]
[Illustration: MISS ADALINE L. BUCK
Chairman Refreshment Committee]
[Illustration: HENRY DONNELLY
Chairman Public Safety Committee]
Mrs. W. M. Keeler, Mrs. Albert Sterling, Mrs. Emil Anderson, Donald E.
Hungerford, Francis Mulcahy, Clifford Castle, Mrs. James E. Mullens.
The Committee on Decorations furnished the town with a fine public flag
pole and flag, to be used first at the opening exercises of the
Celebration. The committee also carried out the beautiful plan of
decoration and illumination on Main Street.
The Committee on Publicity kept the Celebration before the public in
many ways. Printed envelopes of the Bi-Centennial were furnished to the
citizens to the extent of several thousand. One thousand very attractive
cards were sent throughout the State, and frequent items were published
in all the newspapers of the State. This committee also published the
official Programme of the Celebration.
The Committee of Invitation, Reception, and Entertainment devised,
addressed, and sent out the official invitations; arranged for the
official reception of all guests; and, in many ways, made all guests
feel truly welcome. This committee arranged for Reception Headquarters
and a Bureau of Information in Roger Sherman Hall during the
Celebration.
The Committee on Religious Observances had charge of the exercises on
Sunday, June 16, and arranged so well that this proved to be one of the
most delightful days of the Celebration.
The Committee of Public Safety, co-operating with the selectmen of the
town, provided most complete arrangements for the preservation of order
and the safety of property throughout the days and nights of the
Celebration.
The work of the Historical Committee was difficult and important in a
high degree, and the task of collecting all the historical facts needed,
and presenting the whole in attractive and interesting form, kept all
the members extremely busy up to the opening of the Celebration. The
committee received most practical and valuable assistance from The
Grafton Press of New York City, which not only contracted to publish the
book of the Bi-Centennial, but in many ways facilitated the preliminary
work. This firm agreed to report, for the book, the entire proceedings
of the four days, and, to this end, established a representative on the
spot some days in advance, to remain throughout the Celebration. The
reportorial work was under his direction.
The Loan Exhibit Committee were tendered the use of Grand Army Hall,
through the kindness of Upton Post, and began early to look up all
articles of historic value and interest. The amount of work involved was
very great, but was most successfully accomplished.
The Committee on Colonial Features made preparations which contributed
very greatly to the interest and success of the parade, spending a great
deal of time and thought in representing the scenes of old Colonial
days.
The Committee on Colonial Reception prepared the hall and made all
arrangements for one of the most pleasurably anticipated events of the
Celebration.
The Committee on Vocal Music, under the direction of Professor Edwin G.
Clemence, prepared an elaborate musical programme and gave abundantly in
time and efforts to perfect this most important portion of the
exercises.
Rest Houses for women and children were established at various
convenient places, in readiness for the crowds anticipated.
James C. Barker, M. D., and T. B. Merrin were appointed a Committee of
Public Health and Comfort.
Owing to ill health, Mr. Henry O. Warner was unable to serve as Marshal,
and Walter C. Hine was appointed in his stead.
The Marshal’s aides appointed for the Parade were:
FIRST DIVISION
Perry Green.
Noble Booth.
Charles Pomeroy.
Miss Madeline Todd.
Miss Louise Beeman.
Miss Parthenia Todd.
SECOND DIVISION
Dr. C. B. Blackman.
George S. Dean.
Spencer Welton.
THIRD DIVISION
Granville Breinig.
W. M. Keeler.
Clifford A. Trowbridge.
FOURTH DIVISION
James Marsh.
W. C. Beeman.
Clifford Marsh.
From January, 1907, up to the opening day on June 15, all the committees
worked arduously and unceasingly to make the Bi-Centennial a success.
Less opposition and discouragement were met than are usual in such
enterprises, and to the public-spirited and loyal citizens of the town
belongs the credit of all this work, so triumphantly accomplished.
THE OPENING EXERCISES
There never was a time and place, perhaps, in which a keener interest
was taken in the weather than at New Milford during the days immediately
preceding the Bi-Centennial Celebration. One of the most backward and
inclement springs known to New England history seemed to have bequeathed
all its inclemency to the summer month of June, and, on the afternoon of
Friday, June 14, not only were the signs few and feeble that summer had
come, but the sky was extremely threatening. The boldest prophet did not
venture to predict fair weather for the following day with any approach
to positiveness; and, under the besetting dread of a down-pour which
would ruin the beautiful Bi-Centennial decorations already in place on
“The Green,” and interfere sadly with the Bi-Centennial exercises (most
of which were to be in the open air) New Milford faces wore an
expression of anxiety that was piteous to see. Saturday came without
rain and without clouds, however, and, better still, brought with it
that light, luminous haze, which, in this part of the world, presages a
spell of dry weather--an augury that, happily, was to be fulfilled. The
rows of white pillars with gilded capitals (typifying the Colonial
architecture) and the clusters and festoons of national colors and navy
signal flags (typifying our present national greatness), which
constituted the official decoration of “The Green,” assumed new splendor
in this highly favorable light, while the private decorations, which had
been delayed somewhat by the fear of rain, were brought to completion so
rapidly that, by noon, the town was literally enveloped in flags and
patriotic and Colonial bunting.
Promptly at four in the afternoon the Doxology pealed forth from the
chimes of All Saints’ (played by Prof. Clemence) and was quickly taken
up by the voices of the large concourse gathered on “The Green” about
the band-stand, on
[Illustration: CHARLES N. HALL
Secretary of the Bi-Centennial Celebration]
[Illustration: CHARLES M. BEACH
Chairman Committee on Exercises]
which the chairmen of the Bi-Centennial committees were seated. Rev.
Frank A. Johnson invoked the blessing of God upon the coming
Bi-Centennial ceremonies in an impressive prayer, after which “America”
was played by the band (Gartland’s of Albany) and sung by the audience.
Charles N. Hall, Secretary of the General Bi-Centennial Committee, then
stepped forward and delivered the following address of welcome:
“CITIZENS AND FRIENDS:
“For this seems the most comprehensive and fitting title by which to
address such an assemblage as this; since many of you are citizens, and
all of you are friends of New Milford. Citizens and friends then; to one
and all; to those of you who are citizens; to those of you who were New
Milford born, but have found other homes; to those of you whose
forefathers were once New Milford’s children; to each and every one of
you, and to all guests yet to come, the General Committee of the
Bi-Centennial, speaking for this entire community, extends a most
heartfelt welcome.
“But our welcome is tinged with regret; regret that these words cannot
be spoken to-day by the one man that is best fitted for, most entitled
to, that honor. Those of you who have worked during these months of
preparation, and all who know him, will bear witness that no man living
has done more for this Celebration; no man living could have greeted you
more gracefully or with greater sincerity than would our honored
President, Henry S. Mygatt, were he present. But though not with us in
person, we know that he is so in thought; that his hopes and best wishes
are with us to-day.
“It is difficult to find words fitting for an occasion like this, for no
occasion like this has ever before confronted us.
“For the first time in her history, New Milford fittingly celebrates a
birthday anniversary. For the first time in her history, New Milford has
planned a great general home-coming of all her scattered children. For
the first time, we shall see, during these four days, all our own people
gathered together in a common cause: and it is not likely that any now
living will ever see them so gathered again.
“This then is The Event, not merely of the years, but of the centuries;
an event which must occupy a place unique and unapproached in the
history of our town; and words may well fail to express the sentiments
which such an occasion must inspire.
“Since that day in the year 1707, when the pioneer, John Noble, first
traversed the wilderness to this place, up to this day of June, 1907,
every event and circumstance, toil and danger, hardship and prosperity,
peace and war, all have been but successive steps leading to this
Celebration, and making it possible. And, in this Celebration, we mark
not this anniversary alone, but celebrate as well all that has gone
before.
“We celebrate the founders of our town; the heroic men and women who, by
their toil, their courage and their faith, not only made New Milford,
but helped to lay the corner-stone of this nation. Every event in this,
our Celebration; this flag-raising; the splendidly impressive service of
Sunday; the historic addresses, and the reception of Monday; the
imposing parade of Tuesday; all were planned, not only to afford
pleasure and entertainment for our guests, and to glorify the New
Milford of to-day, but also to commemorate and glorify the past.
“But while we celebrate New Milford, past and present, what shall we say
of the New Milford to come? Shall not the civic pride, and energy, the
patriotism, that have inspired this Celebration, continue to be moving
forces toward a better New Milford? Shall not some of the thousands who
visit us, impressed with the attractions of our town, remain and help us
to make a greater New Milford?
“New Milford has done wisely and well to inaugurate this home coming,
for such home comings are vitally essential to the right life and growth
and prosperity of any community.
“New Milford is proud of her history; proud of her position among the
hills and towns of old Litchfield County, in this blessed commonwealth
of Connecticut; proud of her business enterprise, of her schools and
churches; and proud of her children, whom she welcomes home to-day.
“You are here, not as chance visitors, or strangers, but as members of
one great family. We ask you to be not only with us, but of us at this
time; to become, for the time being, citizens of our town, and would be
glad to have you become so in fact.
“New Milford and its Celebration are yours; be at home with us; survey
the attractions of our town; visit and greet old friends; enjoy the
Celebration to the utmost, and then if you must leave us, take with you
the kindest thoughts, and happy memories of the Bi-Centennial.”
At the close of this address, the band, playing “Auld Lang Syne,”
marched to the south end of “The Green” (the chairmen of the committees,
the New Milford Cadets under command of Capt. Gifford Noble, and the
audience falling in behind) to the new, white, eighty-foot flag pole,
which had been erected there under the supervision of Grand Marshal,
Samuel R. Hill. To the strains of the “Star Spangled Banner,” Mr. Hill,
assisted by Lewis W. Mosher, ran a new flag[16] up the pole, while the
Cadets stood statue-like near its base. As the flag touched the peak, a
cannon salute was fired by a firing squad under the direction of Samuel
R. Hill, Jr. This was a signal for the playing of “We’ll Rally Round the
Flag, Boys,” by the band, for the blowing of factory whistles, and the
ringing of church bells; and, with this acclaim, the formal opening of
the New Milford Bi-Centennial Celebration was ended.
THE LOAN EXHIBITION
The loan exhibition in Memorial Hall was opened to the public at ten
o’clock Saturday morning, several hours in advance of the formal
ceremonies of welcome described above, and was kept open during the
entire four days of the Celebration. It proved an agreeable surprise,
not only to the guests of the town, but to the townspeople themselves,
who had no idea how rich their homes were in relics of the past until
they were thus brought together for this Bi-Centennial occasion. Indeed,
it was pronounced by competent judges one of the most interesting
collections of antiquities ever seen in the State of Connecticut. By its
aid, any person possessed of the slightest imagination could easily
reconstruct the every-day existence (in-doors and out-of-doors) of the
ancestors, and could even divine the intellectual, moral and religious
ideas and ideals which governed them. Besides the local relics
associated directly with the New Milford life of yore, were a number of
curiosities from remote corners of the globe, which testified to the
important rôle played by natives of New Milford in earlier times as
merchants, ship-owners, travellers, and missionaries.
These various richly-stored heirlooms were a source of great joy to the
aged, whose observations and reminiscences, as they moved about among
the show-cases, were well-nigh as fascinating as the exhibits
themselves; and a means of instruction for the young, to whom most of
the objects displayed appeared as strange as if they had been brought
from another planet.
The finest thing about this exhibition, however, was the public spirit
it exemplified. The committee in charge met scarcely a refusal from the
persons to whom they applied for loans, and, once the character of the
undertaking was understood, volunteers came forward in such numbers that
twice the space afforded by the G. A. R. rooms might have been filled,
had it been available.
Many of the visitors expressed regret that so remarkable a collection
must be scattered so soon and a hope that New Milford would one day see
its way clear to maintaining a permanent exhibition of the sort. And it
would not be surprising if the ultimate outcome of this loan exhibition
should be a museum of antiquities, since a large proportion of the
exhibitors would gladly contribute their treasures to the common-weal,
if a specially-constructed, fire-proof building should be provided for
the conservation of them.
A complete list of the exhibits is given herewith:
Henry Kimlin:
1. Razor dated 1688.
2. Pair of spectacles.
Minot S. Giddings:
3. A deed to Jonathan Giddings of a tract of land on the Connecticut
Reserve of Ohio, given by Elijah Boardman, Homer Boardman, David S.
Boardman, Stanley Griswold, of New Milford, Ct., Elijah Wadsworth,
Frederick Wolcott, Litchfield, Ct., and Zepheniah Briggs of New
Fairfield, Ct. Dated 1800.
4. Razor. Portrait of Washington engraved on blade.
5. Sampler, Ruth Buck, date 1786.
6. Bible, Ruth Buck, date 1771.
7. Copy of “Washington’s Political Legacy,” 1800.
8. Copy of “Gertrude of Wyoming,” date 1809.
9. Copy of “Life of Dr. Benjamin Franklin,” by himself, date 1795.
10. “The Federal Calculator,” 1802. Samuel Giddings.
11. The Prayer Book, 1795. Ebenezer Sanford.
Fred’k E. Starr;
12. Section of Pulpit of Meeting-house, 1754.
Mrs. Arthur Caldwell:
13. Grandmother’s jewelry.
14. Pin, 1816.
15. Floral comb.
16. Candle tray and snuffer.
17. Fluid lamp.
18. Vase.
19. Bowl.
Dr. L. J. Pons:
20. Canteen, Civil War.
Lyman Caldwell:
21. Collection of arrow heads.
Wm. H. Marsh:
22. Pie platters, that the extra good pies of our grandmothers were
baked in.
23. Churn. This churn is probably over a hundred years old.
24. A bottle of the Eighteenth Century.
25. A bottle of the Eighteenth Century.
26. A doll’s cradle used fifty years ago.
Fred’k Berry:
27. Dress sword and sash. Presented to Capt. F. M. Berry, by Company H,
2d Conn. Artillery.
F. A. Johnson:
28. Tea pot, buried in the War of 1812, with other valuables, to prevent
its falling into the hands of the British.
29. Rifle shot, picked out of the side of a Confederate fortification at
Atlanta, Ga., where they had been fired in by General Sherman’s troops.
30. French lancer’s spear head, picked up on the battlefield of
Waterloo, soon after the battle.
31. Arrow given by “Dave,” one of the party of Modoc Indians who killed
Gen. Canby. Secured in the Indian Territory.
32. Strip of Confederate flag, which was lowered from the Capitol at
Richmond at the surrender, when the city was captured. Confederate money
from Gen. Lee’s treasure chest. Captured at Appomattox.
L. T. Peet:
33. Trencher and knife, used before the Revolution.
34. Candle-stick, used by Alba Peet 150 years ago, he being a shoemaker
and working evenings.
35. Rock-salt pounder, used by my grandfather, Samuel W. Peet.
Henry E. Squires:
36. Green and white coverlet. Wool raised, spun, and woven in Merryall.
37. Plaid blanket. Wool raised, spun, and woven in Merryall.
Mrs. F. A. Mallory:
38. Flowered coverlet.
Mrs. G. B. Ackley:
39. Pair of silver candle-sticks, candle snuffers and tray.
G. B. Ackley:
40. Book, 1809, specimen of penmanship.
Mrs. G. B. Ackley:
41. Bible, 1806. Almanacs, 1803 to 1814.
L. E. Peet:
42. Water Yoke. Over 100 years old.
James H. Cole:
43. Collection of papers. Deed and other papers.
Mrs. E. J. Sturges:
44. Discharge paper.
45. Old paper, 1754.
Lottie A. Waldron:
46. Sugar-bowl.
47. Pair of glass candle-sticks.
May G. Brown:
48. Portraits of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Holman, painted in Boston in 1819
by Prof. Morse, (inventor of the telegraph) just before they sailed as
members of the _first_ band of missionaries to the Sandwich Islands.
They were great grandparents of May G. Brown.
49. Journal of Mrs. Thomas Holman, one of the first missionaries to the
Sandwich Islands in 1819. Written on board the brig Thaddeus. Mrs.
Holman’s daughter was the first white child born in the Sandwich
Islands, and Mrs. Holman was the first woman to go around the world.
(See Nos. 50 & 114.)
50. Feather cape and wreath, red, yellow and black, worn by the native
chiefs of the Sandwich Islands. Made from thousands of feathers of a
rare bird, but one feather suitable being found on each. These articles
were given by Kamehameha I. to the Holmans (missionaries). They are no
longer made and there are few, if any, like them now in existence. They
are, therefore, of great value. (See Nos. 49 & 114.)
Ruth T. Booth:
51. Casters, over 100 years old.
52. Coffee pot, over 100 years old.
53. Platter, over 100 years old.
54. Plate, over 100 years old.
55. Cup and saucer, over 100 years old.
56. Tea set, 11 pieces, 125 years old, formerly owned by my
great-grandmother, Ruth T. Downes.
Harriet V. Sherman:
57. Sampler.
Mrs. Mary E. Stone:
58. Spectacles and goggles. Arrow head and bayonet.
D. C. Kilborne:
59. Lottery tickets. Sold by the first Cong’l Church Society of
Bridgewater to raise money to build the church edifice.
Mrs. S. D. Woods:
60. Daily paper with the account of the funeral of George Washington.
1799.
Dr. L. J. Pons:
61. Rapier, used by Capt. Eli Booth, (1800) Milford, Ct.
62. Revolutionary sword.
63. Lantern from two-wheeled physician’s chaise, used by Dr. Myron
Downs, 1830-1860.
64. Bayonet and sheath, 1812.
65. Old English dagger. About 1790.
66. Lantern.
67. First glass lantern. About 1840.
68. Dragoon’s helmet, 1775. Bearskin bush.
69. Dragoon’s flint lock pistol. 1775.
70. Old English pistol.
Mrs. George Trieschmann:
71. Lutheran Bible, 1784.
Mrs. Chas. M. Beach:
72. Tea caddy. This was made at Read’s Pottery in Lower Merryall, about
the year 1780. It was part of a tea set which Mercy Sperry (who married
Sylvester Wheaton) had when she went to housekeeping.
73. Invitations to assembly balls, one hundred years ago.
74. Grape shot, picked up on the battlefield of Waterloo, about the year
1820, by Rev. Nathaniel S. Wheaton, D. D.
75. Half-cent, American coin, 100 years old.
76. Brazilian dump, coin worth about 2½ cents.
77. Powder horn taken from the dead body of an Indian by Capt.
Theophilus Baldwin, a volunteer in the French and Indian Wars, while
Baldwin was on a scouting party. The Indian shot at him from ambush, and
missed. Theophilus did not miss.
Mrs. H. H. Hartwell:
78. Flint lock gun. Carried through Revolution.
79. Gun. Carried by a French officer in the Revolutionary War.
Afterwards changed from a flint lock to a percussion lock.
80. Cartridge belt and cartridges, used in Revolutionary War.
81. Autograph bond of Roger Sherman.
82. Brigade orders, Gen. Sedgwick.
83. Two commissions, Joseph Hartwell. As ensign. As lieutenant.
Geo. N. Canfield:
84. Cane, made from the hull of Old Ironsides. Inscription on head:
“From the hull of the Constitution, first built in 1798, and dear to
Americans for having successfully fought the Java, Guerrierre, Cyane,
and Levant, the bombardment of Tripoli in 1812, and also for her
miraculous escape from the British Squadron. Presented to R. E. Canfield
by S. Oaks, Esq., U. S. N.”
Dr. G. Bragaw:
85. Flint lock gun with bayonet.
Edward H. Beach:
86. Indian battle axe.
Mrs. E. H. Austin:
87. War club, Sandwich Islands. Made from root of a tree.
88. Quilt, hand spun and woven.
Mrs. Hannah Fuller Austin:
89. Commission of Abraham Fuller. He was afterward Captain of
Connecticut troops, most of his men being from Kent.
E. H. Austin:
90. Pewter flagon. Supposed to be 150 years old. Belonged to Mills
family of Kent. Authentic record of age for more than 100 years. It was
an old flagon when this record began.
91. English army belt clasps. Picked up on the field of Waterloo a few
days after the battle. Forty-second Somerset.
Mrs. Thomas Austin:
92. Britannia tea pot. More than 100 years old.
A. H. Barlow:
93. An old deed, given to William Barnes of Haddam, by Samuel Barnes in
1734. Also some of the Continental money.
94. Daguerreotype, Gaylord’s Bridge.
Mrs. A. H. Barlow:
95. Embroidered apron, 65 years old.
96. Collection of handkerchiefs and chemisette, over 65 years old.
97. Lace bonnet, worn in 1868.
98. Stockings knit by Mrs. Joseph Marsh for her eldest daughter, Mrs.
Laura Bailey, and worn by each of her six children.
A. H. Barlow:
99. One spoon of a set given to the grandmother of A. H. Barlow as part
of her “setting out.” Made of silver dollars in 1799.
Mrs. A. H. Barlow:
100. Spoon, 1830.
101. Old jewelry, 2 lockets and 3 pins. Tortoise shell combs.
102. Three old lace veils.
Mrs. Edward Dakin:
103. Tea canister. Belonged to my great-grandmother, and used by her
during her lifetime. Purchased in the year 1770.
Marion D. Underhill:
104. Netted lace, made from flax, raised by my great-great-grandfather
on Kent Mountain; spun by my great-great-grandmother; and netted by my
great-great-aunt, over eighty years ago.
Miss E. A. Bailey:
105. Cane, brought from England. Has been in the Bailey family for 209
years.
Mrs. A. B. Giddings:
106. Tea pot, brought to New Milford in 1707 by Zachariah Ferriss. Was
the only tea pot in town.
107. Toddy tumbler and vinegar cruet, one hundred and fifty years old.
Harriet A. Taylor Lee:
108. Coat worn by Wm. Taylor as Colonel of Militia, 1789.
109. Colonel Wm. Taylor’s duelling pistols, 1789.
Mrs. Chas. Taylor:
110. Pewter porringer, 200 years old.
111. Dr. George Taylor’s wedding hat, 1825. (See No. 255.)
112. Pewter candle-stick, very old.
Bessie I. Brown:
113. Chinese chest, very old.
114. Calabash, very old. Used for carrying water. (Wicker work encloses
a gourd.) This calabash and the Chinese chest were presents received in
1852 from China by the Holmans, missionaries to the Sandwich Islands.
(See Nos. 49 & 50.)
Chas. N. Hall:
115. _New England Courant_, 1723. Published by Benjamin Franklin.
Elsie Cummings:
116. Basket, used in Miss Cummings’ family 125 years ago.
Mrs. Eli Clark:
117. Ink stand and sand well. Has been in my family for 125 years.
Mrs. P. E. Clark:
118. Hair brush, made by my grandmother, Lucinda Young, when a girl 12
years old, 96 years ago.
119. A history, 108 years old, previously owned by Dr. Silas Castle of
Roxbury, Conn., my great-grandfather.
120. Iron mortar and pestle.
121. Wooden water bottle.
Elsie Cummings:
122. Foot stove.
Mrs. P. E. Clark:
123. Barrel.
Mrs. Eli Clark:
124. Warming pan.
Mrs. Carlos Merwin:
125. Plate, Spanish bull fight, 1795.
126. Brittania tea pot, 75 years old, “Muskmelon” pattern.
Fred C. Merwin:
127. Constitution of Union Library, New Milford, 1796, the first in
town. Sec. Elisha Bostwick, ancestor of owner.
Mrs. Carlos Merwin:
128. Bead bag, 72 years old, hand made.
129. Sampler, 76 years old.
130. Knapsack.
131. Bell that rang the “Minute Men” in, used by David Merwin in
Merryall.
132. Musket.
133. Plate, 75 years old.
Mrs. A. G. Barnes:
134. Sugar-bowl, 200 years old.
135. Cup and saucer, 150 years old.
136. Cup and saucer, 75 years old.
Mrs. C. T. Staples:
137. Seal of Wm. Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, public and private seal.
138. _London Post_, (1738).
139. Play bills.
140. Doll, 50 years old.
F. E. Baldwin:
141. Punch tumbler, from Isaac Stone Tavern, Park Lane.
142. Ancient lantern.
143. Powder horn, taken by Hezekiah Baldwin from body of Indian shot by
him near Lake George in French and Indian War, about 1756.
144. Pitch pipe, used by Jeremiah Baldwin in giving the key to choir of
Congregational Church, New Milford.
F. E. Baldwin:
145. Grain fan, fanning-mill of “Ye Olden Time.”
146. Foot stove.
147. Warming pan.
148. Candle mould.
Frank H. Beach:
149. _Crêpe_ cloth flowers (framed).
Mrs. Wm. E. Stone:
150. Masonic apron.
Flora G. Stillson:
151. “New England Primer,” 150 years old.
Henry Harmon Noble:
152. Two discourses delivered at New Milford, December 14, 1800, by Rev.
Stanley Griswold, it being the Sabbath next after the decease of Rev.
Nathaniel Taylor.
Homer Wanzer:
153. Receipts (from 1796 to 1800).
Mary Bostwick Kelly:
154. Silver sugar tongs and six tablespoons. Sixteen teaspoons which
belonged to Elisha and Betty Bostwick; over 100 years old.
Mrs. W. D. Black:
155. Portrait, Sally Northrop. Born June, 1776; died December, 1876.
Miss J. L. Gaylord:
156. Hand-made counterpane.
Mary Bostwick Kelly:
157. Portrait, Col. Elisha Bostwick, born Dec. 17, 1748.
158. Portrait, Betty Ferris Bostwick, born in 1768.
159. Portrait, Jared Bostwick, born May 24, 1787.
160. Portrait, Betsy Ann Bostwick, born July 11, 1792.
161. Picture, “The Old Bostwick Homestead.” Has been in the family for
200 years.
162. Framed contract for house (1780). Cap and mitts worn by Elisha
Bostwick, when he was baptized, in the year 1749.
163. Watch. Bull’s-eye watch, carried by Colonel Elisha Bostwick through
the Revolution.
164. Watch carried by Jared Bostwick. Over 100 years old.
Fred C. Merwin:
165. Indian hatchet and arrow-head, found on the farm of the late David
Merwin, a “Minute Man.”
Mary Bostwick Kelly:
166. Shawl, Betty Ferris Bostwick; 125 years.
167. Jackknife.
Mabel Marsh:
168. Ancient tea pot. Was brought over from Ireland about 100 years ago.
At one time owned by Mrs. Mabel Baldwin.
Mrs. George Marsh:
169. Old-fashioned shade glasses. Worn by Col. Adolphus Hallock nearly
100 years ago, when driving cattle, travelling on foot and horseback
from Ohio to New Milford.
Dr. B. E. Bostwick:
170. Old will and inventory, 1739.
171. Deed, 1720.
172. Certificate, survey by Roger Sherman, 1748.
J. B. Merwin:
173. Pine-tree shillings, 1652.
174. Hour-glass, used in the Revolution.
175. Six books, 1753, 1771, 1784, 1800, and 1805. New England Primer.
Mrs. Elizabeth Wells:
176. Bandanna handkerchief, owned by John Turrill, a soldier of the
Revolution.
177. Parchment and bobbins, used by Roger Sherman’s mother in
lace-making.
Miss Catherine Wells:
178. Continental money.
Mrs. Elizabeth Wells:
179. Linen apron, 100 years old.
Miss Catherine Wells:
180. Paper dolls, 40 years old.
181. Linen skirt, 46 years old, hand-made.
Mrs. John D. Clark:
182. Candle stand, 100 years old.
183. Two sets silver spoons, one set 125 years old, the other set 100
years old.
184. After-dinner coffee cup, 125 years old.
185. Sugar-bowl with lid, 125 years old. Sugar-bowl without lid, 100
years old.
186. Work basket, over 100 years old.
187. Deed of land in New Milford, 117 years old. Deed of land on Long
Mountain, 172 years old. Equation table, showing how much a clock should
be faster or slower than a sun-dial, or the sun on the meridian.
George Thatcher:
188. Two knives and a fork. George Thatcher’s grandfather, Michel Gould,
used these 140 years ago.
189. Pocketbook, 1790.
Mrs. Chas. Taylor:
190. Fireplace griddle; fireplace waffle iron; skillet for baking hoe
cake (coals put underneath and on top); fireplace gridiron; fireplace
chop broiler; fireplace toaster; fireplace baking-kitchen; fireplace
iron fork; fireplace frying-pan; fireplace roasting-kitchen, 100 years
old. These and the other fireplace fittings were so grouped as to form a
most realistic picture of the fireplace of ye olden time.
191. Old foot stove.
E. J. Sturges:
192. Rapier, carried by Ebenezer Perry, of Col. Andrew Burr’s regiment,
of Fairfield, at the fall of Louisburg, June 17, 1745.
193. Portrait, Mrs. Mary Sturges, who witnessed the burning of her home
in Fairfield, by the British, July 9, 1779.
Minot S. Giddings:
194. Silver spoon. A spoon or a set of spoons, made from silver dollars,
was presented by Mary (Baldwin) Giddings to each of her children, with
her initials engraved on them. Jonathan Giddings and Mary Baldwin were
married Jan. 2, 1766.
W. O. Corning:
195. Bassoon, over 100 years old.
196. Serpent, over 100 years old.
Mrs. Salmon Couch:
197. Flannel dress goods, 1844, colored and woven by Mrs. Sarah Peet and
Mrs. Goodsell.
198. Tin-baker, over 100 years old.
Mrs. F. M. Williams:
199. Pewter tankard, 100 years old.
200. Child’s linen skirt, over 100 years old.
201. _Connecticut Courant_, 1799, containing account of death of George
Washington.
Mrs. Dan. Clark:
202. Hand-made wedding veil (100 years).
Mrs. T. T. Marsh:
203. Portrait, Dr. Jehiel Williams, one of the first doctors of New
Milford (1815), and grandfather of the late T. T. Marsh and of Edward W.
Marsh of Bridgeport, Ct.
Mrs. Chas. Taylor:
204. Early Colonial pewter basin.
205. Early Colonial pewter tea set.
206. Pewter platters.
207. Pewter platters.
208. Fluid lamp, one of the first sperm-oil lanterns, carried by Dr.
Geo. Taylor.
Flora Geer Stillson:
209. White satin wedding slippers and sash. Rachel Ann Bostwick and John
Stillson, married in June, 1774. These articles loaned by their
great-granddaughter.
210. _Crêpe_ shawl, figured with nasturtiums, worn by Mrs. John Stillson
on trip of the first train run on the Housatonic Railroad, 1840. Loaned
by her granddaughter.
211. Bead bag on linen, worked by Loretta Geer in 1823, when she was ten
years old. Loaned by her granddaughter.
212. Bead bag, worn by Mrs. John Stillson. About 75 years old.
213. Sampler worked by Almira Turrill in 1824. Loaned by her grandniece.
L. T. Peet:
214. Sickle, used for cutting grain, 125 years old.
215. Toby jug, made in Jersey City pottery, 60 years ago.
Miss Helen M. Boardman:
216. Miniature of Major Lawrence, of the British Army, a nephew of Mrs.
Wm. Taylor of this town.
Miss Kate T. Boardman:
217. Locket, owned by Mrs. Wm. Taylor. She was the daughter of the
second minister of this town.
The Misses Boardman:
218. Candle-sticks, brought from Warwick, England, and used in the days
of Queen Anne.
219. Japanese tray and cups, brought from Japan in 1854 by Frederic A.
Boardman, who was in Commodore Perry’s expedition to that country.
220. Bas-relief of George Washington, owned by Judge David Sherman
Boardman in 1820.
Miss Rose Murdoch:
221. Decanter and glasses, presented by the Marquis de Lafayette to
David C. Porter, in Paris, in the year 1825.
Mrs. C. A. Smith:
222. Chair, 150 years old.
Peter Peterson:
223. Pitcher.
224. Bottle.
225. Two pictures and silver spoons made in 1600.
226. Brass scenes, brought from Denmark.
Harriet A. Taylor Lee:
227. Stamp, Greek word, meaning “Quit yourself like a man.” Belonged to
Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, 1748.
228. Baby stocking of Harriet D. Allen (1806), afterwards Mrs. George
Taylor.
Mrs. C. N. Hall:
229. Picture, old Canfield Homestead, 150 years.
Mrs. Mary D. Bostwick:
230. Bible, Thomas Wells, 100 years.
Mrs. H. R. Treadwell:
231. Box made of a fragment of the old ship “Constitution.”
232. Sampler worked by Ruth Taylor, afterwards Mrs. Elijah Downes.
Loaned by her granddaughter.
233. Autograph of John Hancock.
234. Cut from a bill of fare of a banquet given to Henry Clay, printed
on satin. His autograph added.
235. Seal of completion of Erie Canal, 1825.
Mrs. H. R. Treadwell:
236. Portrait of Roger Sherman.
Charles B. Camp:
237. Silver pipe, smoked during Revolutionary War. Over 100 years old.
238. Bible, published in 1639.
Mrs. Chas. B. Camp:
239. Patch box, from estate of Alex. Rosseguie, a Huguenot of France.
Loaned by his great-great-granddaughter. (See No. 287.)
240. Towel, 200 years old. From estate of Alex. Rosseguie.
241. Candle-stick, from estate of Alex. Rosseguie.
Charles B. Camp:
242. Fife, used in Revolutionary War by John Camp. Loaned by his
grandson.
Jay Cogshall:
243. Silver spoon, 1787.
244. Spoon mould and spoon, 200 years old.
The Misses Wells:
245. Samplers worked by Mary G. Sherman, afterwards Mrs. Stephen Wells.
L. N. Jennings:
246. Piece of gun picked up on battlefield of Antietam a few days after
the battle.
Mrs. Eli S. Roberts:
247. Cup and saucer formerly owned by Mrs. Eunice Clark Morris. Over 100
years old.
248. Mrs. Cornelia Morris Young’s baby shoes, 86 years old.
Mr. E. P. Hill:
249. Basin, platter, and plate, used by Capt. James Buck, who was
married to Roger Sherman’s sister.
250. Documents: Raising recruits for Continental Army. fax List, 1781.
Elizabeth H. Noble:
251. “Old London Penny Postman.” Accurate portrait brought from England
by Mrs. Henrietta Burritt about 1800. Loaned by her great-granddaughter.
252. “Wife of Old London Penny Postman.” Portrait.
Mrs. Helen B. Carr:
253. Portrait. Mrs. Susan Masters Blackman, granddaughter of Rev.
Nathaniel Taylor.
254. Picture, “Old Masters House.”
Mrs. T. E. Stewart:
255. Trousers. Dr. Geo. Taylor’s, worn when he was two years of age, and
first calico brought to New Milford (1804). The man who wore the hat
(No. 111) wore the trousers twenty-one years earlier.
256. Baby’s dress. Embroidered by Mrs. Nathaniel Taylor for her son, Dr.
Geo. Taylor, in 1802.
257. Slippers, worn by Dr. Geo. Taylor.
258. Collar, made by Harriet Allen (afterward Mrs. Geo. Taylor) while
attending the Moravian School.
Mrs. H. S. Mygatt:
259. Portrait, Colonel Samuel Canfield, of the Revolutionary Army.
260. Wood from Roger Sherman’s house.
261. Old English pewter cup.
262. Whale oil lamps, from Stonington, Conn. Over 100 years old.
263. Fluid lamp.
264. Silver tea set, belonged to Tamar Boardman Taylor, daughter of Rev.
Daniel Boardman, and wife of Rev. Nathaniel Taylor.
265. Silver spoons, used by Noadiah and Clarissa Mygatt.
266. Silver spoon, marked T. M. (T. Mygatt).
267. Pewter dish, French pewter, dated 1777.
268. Old pewter lamp.
D. K. Crofut:
269. Quilt, warming pan, and ancient hoe.
270. Flint lock musket.
May G. Brown:
271. “Tapa” cloth, made from bark by natives of the Sandwich Islands.
Mrs. H. S. Mygatt:
272. Cane. Belonged to Philo Canfield, son of Col. Samuel Canfield.
Roger Sherman Chapter, D. A. R.:
273. Warming pan.
274. Foot stove, used in the Congregational Church, New Milford, 1812.
Mrs. G. W. Wright:
275. Picture of New Milford.
A. E. Taylor:
276. Piano, age unknown.
Lehman T. Peet:
277. Indian work basket, made by Rachel Mauwehu, a squaw of the
Schaghticoke tribe, about 1847.
278. Thread stand, about 125 years old.
Congregational Church:
279. Chair, belonging to Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, second pastor of the
Congregational Church, from 1748 to 1800.
Mrs. B. F. Humeston:
280. Fireplace cooker. Used in 1775.
281. Cuff buttons, made in 1797 from ore found in Roxbury.
Mrs. S. E. Bristol:
282. Pitcher, Staffordshire, 175 years old.
Mrs. S. E. Bristol:
283. Silhouette, 90 years old. William Bristol, father of Isaac B.
Bristol.
284. Miniature, 80 years old, Heman Crane.
285. Cake basket, 100 years old.
Mrs. H. R. Treadwell:
286. _Massachusetts Gazette_ and _Boston News Letter_ of 1775.
287. Patch box, as used by fashionable ladies of the 17th and 18th
centuries, to contain black patches, cut in various shapes and sizes, to
stick on the face, supposedly to heighten the brilliancy of the
complexion by contrast.
Bessie Kennedy:
288. Shears, hand wrought, date unknown.
Annie Kennedy:
289. Ink well, hollowed out of a solid piece of soapstone.
E. Kennedy:
290. Skillet.
Jeannette L. Gaylord:
291. Old Honiton and point lace.
292. Old embroideries.
293. Portraits, Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer Gaylord, about 1798.
294. Shell cameo. Portrait of owner’s uncle, W. L. Jewitt, 1840.
295. Old rum bottles and liquor jug, the latter being used in olden
times to carry to the hayfields.
296. Indian needle-case and horn spoons.
W. F. Gaylord:
297. Three Indian implements.
Mrs. Theodore Carlson:
298. Swedish bracelet. Wood and iron watch chain, Swedish.
Jeannette L. Gaylord:
299. Lace evening cloak. 1850.
Mrs. Henry Hine:
300. Articles from Martinique: Lava; tile from old cathedral; goblets
which went through fire; pictures of Martinique after the eruption.
301. Pottery vase from Equador, between 400 and 500 years old.
302. Asphalt, from Asphalt Lake, La Brea, Trinidad.
303. Pottery from Fort de France, Martinique.
304. Tea pot from Cuba.
305. Chocolate bean and picture, Trinidad.
306. Two photos, Kingston, Jamaica.
Mrs. Charles Taylor:
307. Miniature of Mrs. Margaret Craft. Painted just before her marriage
in 1832. She is now 97 years old.
308. Miniature of Mr. James Craft in 1832.
Harriet A. Taylor Lee:
309. Badge of Israel Putnam in a Greek Society at Yale College, 1776.
Given by him to Wm. Taylor.
310. Prayer Book, English, published during the reign of King George and
Queen Caroline. Belonging to Colonel Wm. Taylor.
Mrs. E. A. Wildman:
311. Pewter platter, 130 years old.
Mrs. Henry Hine:
312. Anklet, or Hindoo bracelet.
313. Alligator.
314. Candle-stick, Trinidad.
315. Poinsettia bean, Martinique. Nutmeg, Puerto Cabello. Betel nut
(natives chew to blacken teeth).
Miss A. E. Bostwick:
316. Sampler, 1831, made by Lucy M. Sanford (afterwards Mrs. William
Bostwick), when nine years old.
Mrs. C. A. Smith:
317. Brass candle-stick, made by hand in 1767.
318. Legal document bearing signature of Roger Sherman.
319. Pocketbook made by Kent Wright, the first white child born in Kent,
Conn.
Mrs. Lily Traver:
320. China, 18 pieces, very old.
321. Cuff buttons, hand-made, Chinese.
322. Indian implements and bead bag.
323. Silver spoons, very old.
324. Candle-stick.
325. Coins and bill (Confederate).
326. Breastpin and ribbon, 100 years.
327. Book and old documents. Account of third and last voyage of Capt.
Cook, in 1776.
328. Salt-cellar.
329. Map, drawn by Sarah Northrop (afterwards married to Col. Starr) in
1822.
Mrs. J. Leroy Buck:
330. Tea caddy. Owned by Mrs. Ithamar Canfield, born Jan. 2, 1770.
Loaned by her great-granddaughter.
331. Dressing case, owned by Ithamar Canfield, born Feb. 19, 1764; died
Apr. 11, 1848.
332. Document. Share in Toll Bridge Co.
Lawrence Northrop:
333. Sword, carried in War of 1812.
Willis F. Bennett:
334. Powder horn, used in Revolutionary War by Sam Bennett.
335. Snuff box, used by Isaac Baldwin, soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Flora G. Stillson:
336. Invitation to opening ball at the New England House, Dec. 11, 1856.
J. H. Nettleton:
337. Indian relics, found in New Milford.
Helen M. Boardman:
338. Chinese idols, brought from China in 1854 by Frederic A. Boardman.
The Misses Boardman:
339. Gondola hook, used in Venice by the nobility in the early part of
the 17th century.
Miss Rose Murdoch:
340. English miniature, mother of Mrs. David Murdoch.
341. Mexican ivory, very old.
Albert Evitts:
342. Vegetable dish, used by Dr. Williams. Old willow ware.
Mrs. H. S. Mygatt:
343. Bull’s-eye watch, over 100 years of age.
344. Bouquet holder, 75 years old.
Helen M. Boardman:
345. Compass, made from tree sent by Thomas Jefferson to Mount Vernon,
and planted by General Lafayette.
Martha D. Treadwell:
346. Watch, 75 years old.
347. Jewelry, very old.
J. H. Nettleton:
348. Flint lock pistol.
Mrs. Nettleton:
349. Hand-made collar, 60 years old.
Congregational Church:
350. Picture of Rev. Noah Porter, D. D., LL. D., pastor of the
Congregational Church 1836-1843. Afterwards President of Yale College.
Russell B. Noble:
351. Picture of house (now standing) on the plains about two miles south
of the village of New Milford, with the deed, dated 30th day of May, in
the 12th year of his Majesty’s reign, A. D. 1772, conveying it to his
son, Ezra Dibble Noble, by Zadok Noble, grandson of John Noble, the
first settler.
352. Silhouette picture of Charles Clement Noble, son of Ichabod, son of
Ezra Dibble, son of Zadok, son of David, son of _John Noble_, who
settled in New Milford, A. D. 1707.
353. Three commissions signed by Governors: Jonathan Trumbull, John
Treadwell, John Cotton Smith.
354. Dr. William Gordon’s “History of the Rise, Progress, and
Establishment of the Independence of the United States of America,” in 4
volumes. Published in London, 1788.
355. Map of New Milford, published by Richard Clark, 1853.
Mrs. Henry Brinsmade:
356. Picture, Mrs. George N. Mallory, born in New Milford, Sept. 17,
1808. Now living in New Haven. This picture was taken at the age of 97.
Geo. B. Ackley:
357. Bellows, over 100 years.
Mrs. Charles E. Marsh:
358. Bible, leather-covered, printed 1696. From my grandfather, Allen
Marsh.
Chas. E. Marsh:
359. A reel.
360. Double linen wheel.
361. Foot stove.
362. Single linen wheel.
363. A spinning wheel, for wool.
Mr. E. P. Hill:
364. Iron fire dogs.
Miss Sarah J. Roberts:
365. A Pilgrim staff, brought to New Milford in 1750 by Mr. Eli Roberts.
Mrs. Arza Morris:
366. Ancient gridiron.
367. Reel.
368. Swift.
369. Linen wheel.
370. Wheel for spinning wool.
371. Blue and white blanket (Phebe Velie).
372. Blue and white blanket.
373. Hatchel for flax.
Mrs. Eli Welton:
374. Old mirror.
375. Sunrise quilt, home spun and woven.
376. Tulip quilt.
Mrs. Carson B. Mead:
377. Map of original thirteen States. About 1785.
378. Gun used in Revolutionary War.
379. Indian hatchet and pistol.
Mrs. Grace C. Wellwood:
380. Hanging iron lamp.
David Barnum:
381. Button-hole cutter.
Mrs. Hannah More Jessup:
382. Candle-stick, used in Platt’s Tavern in Bridgewater, in 1820.
383. Whale-oil lamp.
384. Geography, 1807.
385. Tent lantern of Gen. Burgoyne, taken by a Bridgewater soldier at
the time of his surrender, at Saratoga, 1777. Gen. Burgoyne’s own
lantern.
386. Lantern belonging to one of the first settlers of New Milford
(Bostwick) and used in the War of 1812.
387. Tripod wooden candle-stick.
Mrs. Dora K. Sanford:
388. Glass lamp, 1850 or earlier.
389. Pewter lamps, about 1800.
390. Lard lamp, about 1770.
Mrs. Horace Allen:
391. Masonic pitcher.
Boardman Wright:
392. Autograph letter of Daniel Webster.
393. _New England Weekly Journal_, April 8, 1728, an early number of one
of the first newspapers published in this country, the first number of
the _Boston News Letter_ (the first newspaper) having appeared Apr. 24,
1704.
394. _Country Journal and Poughkeepsie Advertiser_, 1787 to 1789.
Contemporary account of Washington’s first inauguration.
George W. Murphy:
395. Iron tea-kettle, over 100 years old.
Mrs. Henry Ives:
396. Silver spoon, made from silver coin earned by spinning (1799), by
the grandmother of Deacon Henry Ives.
H. C. Ives:
397. Silver tea-pot, about 100 years old. Owned by the grandfather of H.
C. Ives.
Mrs. H. C. Ives:
398. Sugar-tongs, made from silver dollars in 1825, at the silversmith
establishment of Stanley Sanford Baldwin, for his bride, Harriet
Stevens. Grandparents of Mrs. H. C. Ives.
399. Brass candle-sticks, over 100 years old.
F. J. Turrill:
400. Deed, from Daniel Boardman, 1729.
401. Plow, used by John Turrill, a Revolutionary soldier.
William B. Pell:
402. Collection of Continental currency.
403. Pewter mug, part of the camp outfit of the 24th regiment of
Napoleon’s _cuirassiers_. From the room which the Duke of Wellington
occupied after the battle, and known to have been used by him.
404. Club, made from a part of the ram “Merrimac” of the Confederate
Navy. Sunk at the engagement at Hampton Roads, Va., by U. S. S.
“Monitor.”
W. F. Gaylord:
405. Gun, used in three old wars. Carried by Zephaniah Briggs, when 24
years old, in French and Indian War; in the Revolutionary War by the
same man at 46 years of age; and in the War of 1812 by the same man at
78. He lived to be 103.
Mrs. S. E. Bristol:
406. Old China, 100 and 150 years old.
Mrs. H. C. Ives:
407. Collection of old china, 97 pieces, all very old.
Mrs. P. L. Anderson:
408. Roman mosaic jewelry, 60 or 70 years old.
Mrs. Henry R. Treadwell:
409. Autograph letter of Gen. Washington.
Mrs. W. H. Percy:
410. Silhouettes, Stanley Sanford Baldwin and wife, 1825. Mexican medal,
presented by State of Louisiana to Zachary Taylor, Major General.
Miss M. E. Hine:
411. Sampler, worked by Alta Eliza Gaylord, 1829.
Mrs. G. W. Wright:
412. The idol of the royal family of the Sandwich Islands. Presented to
a missionary by Kamehameha I.
413. Taper for reading, age unknown.
414. Spoon, formerly the property of Daniel Boardman, who was ordained
the first pastor of the Congregational Church, then called the “Church
of Christ,” Nov. 21, 1716. The spoon is marked:
B
D I
B is for Boardman, D is for Daniel, I is for Jerusha, his wife.
415. Latin Psalter, 1509.
416. Prayer Book. Changed from the English ritual to American P. E.
ritual in handwriting of Bishop Provost. It lay on the altar of Trinity
Church, New York, for many years previous to the Revolution. When the
church burned down during the occupancy of New York by the British, the
cinders from the burning roof left their marks on the cover.
Boardman Wright and Rev. F. A. Wright:
417. Pictorial German Bible, 1692. Formerly property of Rev. J.
Friedrich Schröder, minister in the German Lutheran Church, in
Mecklenburg.
Mrs. Boardman Wright:
418. Silver chatelaine.
419. Scarf.
420. Scarf.
421. Sandalwood fan.
422. Hand-painted fan, sticks, mother-of-pearl, gold inlaid.
423. Fan, sticks, mother-of-pearl, silver inlaid.
424. Lace, Rose Point and Duchesse.
425. Old lady’s cap.
Boardman Wright:
426. Invitation, Dance Programme and Menu. Ball given in honor of Prince
of Wales (now King Edward VII.), in 1860.
427. Silver tankard, property of Daniel Boardman, the first minister of
New Milford. Probably brought from England by Samuel Boardman in 1633.
Mrs. Florence Buck Loonan:
428. Clock, more than 150 years old. Wooden works, made with a knife.
Raymond Goodsell:
429. Indian arrow-heads in case.
Mrs. C. H. Allen:
430. Lustre pitcher, about 150 years old.
431. Sugar-bowl, over 100 years of age.
432. Lafayette Cup.
Mrs. G. W. Wright:
433. Chair, property of Madame Boardman (Mrs. Daniel Boardman), wife of
the first minister of New Milford.
Boardman Wright:
434. Hat badge (U. S. Engineers). Worn by Gen. Robert E. Lee through the
Mexican War.
Dr. G. H. Wright:
435. Old wooden fireplace, frame and mantel. Old fireplace crane.
Mrs. Henry E. Bostwick:
436. Commission, William Gaylord, 1723.
437. Two commissions, Benjamin Gaylord, 1760 and 1762.
438. Sword captured during the Revolutionary War from the Tory leader,
Wade Vaughn, by the Gaylord Band.
439. Silver, over 100 years old, showing style of engraving at that
time. Initial of both husband and wife, D. T. M.--David and Tamasin
Merwin.
440. Pitch-pipe used in the old Congregational “Meeting House.”
441. Powder horn, carried through the Revolutionary War.
442. Piece of the wedding dress of Mrs. Abel Seeley, married before the
Revolutionary War. It is home-spun linen and hand-woven, in imitation of
French muslin.
Mrs. Henry E. Bostwick:
443. Pewter porringer.
444. China.
Mrs. G. W. Wright:
445. Tea pot, cup and saucer, imported from China by Hon. Elijah
Boardman, about 1790.
446. Holster and flint lock pistols.
Mrs. S. E. Bristol:
447. Gold watch and chain, 150 years old.
E. J. Emmons:
448. Newspaper, _Ulster County Gazette_, 1800. Account of funeral of
George Washington.
Mrs. C. H. Allen:
449. Medicine chest, over 100 years old.
Sadie Strong:
450. Knitted counterpane, about 40 years old.
A. H. McMahon:
451. Millennium plate, over 160 years old.
Mrs. Henry E. Bostwick:
452. Engraving of Roger Sherman.
Mrs. Willis F. Bennett:
453. Iron peel, nearly 100 years old. Used for placing and withdrawing
food from the brick oven.
Dr. G. H. Wright:
454. White satin suit, worn by Senator Elijah Boardman.
Dr. H. H. Hartwell:
455. Trooper’s coat.
Mrs. Helen B. Carr:
456. Dress, made in style shown in London Fashion Book of 1799.
Mrs. Salmon and Fred Buck:
467. Silver spoon, 150 years old. Cup and saucer used by Roger Sherman’s
sister.
Mrs. Helen B. Carr:
458. Sermons of Rev. Daniel Boardman.
459. Sampler, 1804.
460. Locket and ring, worn by the grandmother of Mrs. Helen B. Carr.
Will Cogswell:
461. Dagger found during Revolutionary War. Indian Hammer Head.
Mrs. F. W. Knowles:
462. China, over 100 years old; 11 pieces.
463. Flax grown in New Milford by John Caldwell, in 1800.
464. Tailor’s shears, over 150 years old. With these shears the lady
represented in the daguerreotype of No. 465 earned by tailoring the gold
beads of No. 465.
465. Gold beads and daguerreotype, very old.
466. Dress worn by Harriet Beard when married to Charles Knowles.
The Misses Boardman:
467. Two brooches; one, tomb of Washington, the other, made from the
Charter Oak.
Clarissa T. Staples:
468. Queen Anne knife and fork, Sheffield plate, made in 1690.
Mrs. Ellen Lamson:
469. Tea pot, 200 years old, brought over from England.
G. G. Bray:
470. Tray, 150 years old.
C. Andrew Humeston:
471. Wedgewood pitcher; lustre pitcher, very old; cup and saucer, 80
years old.
Mrs. F. E. Starr:
472. Apron, home-spun linen, worked with crewels. Very old.
Clarissa T. Staples:
473. Candle-stick, formerly used by Samuel Treadwell.
Ormida Northrop Pratt:
474. Brewster Cup, 150 years old, belonging to Mrs. Mary Brewster Beach,
whose father was William Brewster, second son of Elder Brewster, of the
_Mayflower_.
475. Sampler, 90 years old, embroidered by Mary Brewster Beach,
great-great-granddaughter of Elder Brewster, of the _Mayflower_.
476. Fan of Mrs. Jane (Mills) Bordwell, wife of Rev. Joel Bordwell,
pastor of Kent Congregational Church, 1758-1811.
477. Purse, 75 years old.
Mrs. Seymour C. Loomis:
478. Ring dropped by Lafayette in the house of my
great-great-great-grandmother, Abigail Starr Taylor, in Danbury, during
the Revolutionary War.
479. Brooch. Belonged to Mrs. Ithamar Canfield, worn during 1700.
480. Book, used by Abigail Starr, wife of Major Daniel Starr, 1750.
481. Letter of Abigail Starr, 1756.
482. Slipper worn by Abigail Starr, 1765.
Helen M. Boardman:
483. Brooch (Italian), about 75 years old.
Miss M. D. Porter:
484. Door-handle from back door of Rev. Nathaniel Taylor’s house in New
Milford, probably made for the front door by the old blacksmith, Daniel
Burritt, whose initials are on it, 1759. When repairs were made in the
house, in the summer of 1880 or 1881, this old latch was taken off and
given to Mrs. Mary Taylor Porter.
485. Powder horn (Abel Hine, 1758).
486. Pulpit Bible, used by Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, who was settled in New
Milford in 1748, and died after a pastorate of 52 years. This Bible was
given to him by his father, Daniel Taylor, of Danbury.
487. Silhouette, Rev. Nathaniel William Taylor, D. D. (grandson of Rev.
Nathaniel Taylor), made by Samuel Metford, New Haven, in 1842.
Mrs. Chas. Taylor:
488. Hand-made counterpane. Made for large four-post bedstead, of linen,
with pattern done in candle wicking, drawn through.
THE OLD HOME GATHERING
The “Old Home Gathering” in Roger Sherman Hall, at 8:30 o’clock Saturday
evening, was presided over by W. Frank Kinney, Chairman of the Committee
on Invitation, Reception, and Entertainment. Mr. Kinney, by way of
welcome, spoke as follows:
“You do not know how hard it is for me to come to-night into a place
like this. I was asked by the committee to take charge of these
exercises for reasons that you well know. I am asked to give you a
welcome to our town. ‘Surely, the love of home is interwoven with all
that is pure, deep, and lasting in earthly affection. Let us wander
where we may, the heart turns back with secret longing to the paternal
roof. There all the scattered rays of affection concentrate. Time may
enfeeble them, distance overshadow them, and the storms of life obscure
them for a season, but they will at length break through the clouds and
gloom, and glow, and burn, and brighten, around the peaceful threshold
of home.’ Thus wrote the poet Longfellow, and I repeat those lines
because they express in so much better language than it is possible for
me to do, the thoughts that are uppermost in your hearts to-night.
“We welcome you to-night to these grand old hills, among which your
ancestors were born and bred, and where they drew the inspiration that
made them the men of mark and note of their day; over whose wooded
heights you tramped with the old gun on your shoulder, looking for the
gray squirrel, watching for the rise of the partridge, or listening to
the distant baying of the hound, as he chased the fox along the trail.
“We welcome you back to these beautiful valleys, where, in your earlier
days, you bent your back, and, by the sweat of your brow, earned your
daily bread. We welcome you back to the
[Illustration: ROGER SHERMAN HALL AND CHURCH STREET]
noble old river, where you swam and bathed in its clear, bright waters,
or sailed so smoothly upon its bosom, or skated over it, in its winter
coat, or, perhaps, studied astronomy by counting the stars as you lay
prone upon your back.
“We welcome you back to these beautiful mountain streams that come
tumbling down the hills, and through the valleys to the river, which
many a day you followed with hook and line, trying to entice the
speckled beauty from some favorite haunt. Welcome back to the little red
school house at the corner, where you learned your A, B, C’s, and to the
historic old birch tree that stands near by, and of whose branches you
still have tender memories. Welcome back to the dear old church, within
whose sacred walls you spent so many hallowed hours, and from which you
took many of the sweetest, as well as the saddest, memories of the old
town.
“Welcome back to the old homesteads, ‘Sacred to all that can gladden, or
sadden, the heart of man, over whose thresholds of oak and stone, life
and death has come and gone.’ We leave you there, we cannot cross those
thresholds; but when you come forth again, we welcome you to our
beautiful village, to the festivities of this Bi-Centennial occasion.
And to those who have come back after a few years of absence, and to
those who have come to the homes of their ancestors for the first time,
you will find we have hearts warm enough, and homes large enough, to
welcome you all. Again I say, welcome, thrice welcome to our grand old
town.”