USA > Connecticut > Tolland County > Hebron > Hebron, Connecticut, bicentennial, August 23d to 25th, 1908 : an account of the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town : 1708-1908 > Part 1
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Gc 974.602 H35h 1770942
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01151 3311
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/hebronconnecticu00biss_0
HEBRON, CONNECTICUT.
-
Bicentennial August 23d to 25th, 1908.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN.
1758
1708
1908
HEBRON
CON.
Hebron, Connecticut, Published by the Bicentennial Committee 1910.
F 846308 .39
Hebron, Conn.
Hebron. Connecticut. Bicentennial August 231 to 25th. 100s. An account of the celebration of the two hundredth anniver- sary of the incorporation of the town. 1708. 1905. Hebron, Conn .. Bicentennial committee. 1910.
77 p. incl. front. (fold. mapy plates, groups of ports. 24!en. $1.50 Compiled by F. C. Bissell.
1. Hebron, Conn .- Hist. comp. -
I. Bissell, Frederic Clarence, 1848-
11-12845
Library of Congress
F101.1145114
Copy 2.
Copyright 1 2 0257
CHELF CART!2Ne1]
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L 434
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1.70942
CONTENTS
Membership of Committees .P. 11
Finance Committee's Report 13
Programme of Sunday Services . 10
Dedication of New School Building 18
Old Folks' Concert 19
Governor's Day 21
Address of Welcome by John L. Way, Chairman 26
" President Luther 27
.. " Rev. Samuel Hart 33
Paper by J. Homer Bliss-"Morey and Fulton" 36
Address of Governor Woodruff 38
Historical Address of F. C. Bissell-"First Hundred years" 10
" Dr. C. H. Pendleton --- "Second Hundred years" 5.4
Poem of Miss Susan B. Pendleton 66
Address of Miss Mary Hall-"Marlborough" 70
" Roger E. Phelps,-"Andover" 73
ILLUSTRATIONS
Map of Hebron, 1744 . frontispiece
New Town Record Building opp. P. 9
Executive Committee and Town Officials 16
Chairmen of Sub-Committees
24
Speakers and Officers of the Day
32
First Congregational Church 40
St. Peter's Episcopal Church 40
Gilead Congregational Church 48
Hebron Library Building 48
Gilead Hall
48
North Side Green Before the Fire of 1882, and portrait Judge Sylvester Gilbert, M. C. 56
South Side Green in 1840.
56
Residence late Ex-Governor Peters, and portrait Ex-Governor John S. Peters 64
South View from Hebron Green, 1830
64
TOWN RECORD BUILDING 1910
PREFACE.
"HEBRON, CONN., Oct. 15, 1909.
MR. F. C. BISSELL,
DEAR SIR :-
At a meeting of the Hebron Bicentennial Executive Committee it was voted to publish the account of our Bicentennial Celebration and to request Mr. F. Clarence Bissell to arrange and prepare the material for publication.
Yours truly, CYRUS H. PENDLETON, Secy."
In conformity with the above request I have tried to gather up the history of the Bicentennial for permanent preservation. This I have done amid the duties of a more than ordinarily busy life and without laying claim to literary ability, but with the desire to do my part towards preserving a permanent record of the observance of an anniversary which will never come again to any of us, and that those who follow may know how and why we celebrated the day. If it answers this purpose, I am satisfied.
I note as I am writing to-day, May, 1910, the new Town Record Building just completed. This is a direct result of the historical interest aroused at the Bicentennial, being built in part by a subscription commenced at that time and it is a sub- stantial memorial of the occasion.
F.a Bissal.
9
BI-CENTENNIAL.
The celebration of the Bicentennial, either of the settlement or incorporation of the town, had been talked of for years but the first decisive step toward it was taken when a clause was put in the warning for the annual town meeting of October 7, 1907. This read as follows: "To see if the town will take any action in regard to the observance of the 200th anniversary of the settle- ment of the town."
The result was that the following vote was passed at the meeting: "Voted that the town appropriate Two Hundred Dollars for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the town, and that the Selectmen and Representatives be a committee for that purpose." The general committee thus chosen were: Edwin T. Smith, Frank R. Post, William W. Jones, Selectmen ; and Dr. Cyrus H. Pendleton and Roswell Chamberlain, Repre- sentatives.
This general committee held their first meeting February 22, 1908, and organized with Edwin T. Smith, Chairman; Dr. Cyrus H. Pendleton, Secretary ; and Frank R. Post, Treasurer. They appointed the following sub-committees:
10
COMMITTEES.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Henry A. Spafard
John L. Way
James H. Jagger
William J. Warner
Lewis W. Phelps
William L. Ellis
C. Daniel Way
Edward W. Bill
Dr. Charles J. Douglas
INVITATION COMMITTEE
Daniel W. White
Mrs. Charles L. Phelps
Hart E. Buell
F. Clarence Bissell Mrs. Charles J. Douglas Mrs. Charles D. Way
John L. Way
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
John N. Hewitt
Wilbur N. Hills
Henry A. Spafard
Loren M. Lord
Charles D. Way Frank H. Raymond
John E. Ellis
ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE
James H. Jagger
Mrs. John R. Gilbert
Alfred H. Post
Mrs. Geo. F. Mitchell
Mrs. Marietta Horton Fred A. Rathbun
Walter S. Hewitt Mrs. Alfred H. Post
Robert E. Buell Edmund B. Bassett
Mrs. Frank White
MUSIC COMMITTEE
Lewis W. Phelps
Wilbur N. Hills
Roger F. Porter
Mrs. William J. Warner Mrs. Daniel H. Hodge Mrs. Arthur R. Gillett
DECORATION COMMITTEE
Mrs. Leon G. Rathbone Mrs. A. D. McCarty
Mrs. C. Daniel Way Mrs. Carey L. Perry
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Mrs. Edwin T. Smith Mrs. Anne C. Gilbert
Miss Caroline E. Kellogg Mrs. Wm. O. Seyms J. Harry Fitzgerald
LOAN COMMITTEE
William J. Warner Mrs. W. J. Warner
Mrs. William S. Ellis Mrs. H. Asa Bissell
Daniel W. White William W. Jones
Mrs. Abbie H. Smith Miss Annie Hutchinson
Mrs. Julius Hills
11
After the movement was thus officially opened the com- mittee and, in fact, every person in the town, with hardly an exception, entered into the spirit of the affair and helped to make it the success of the centuries, as it certainly was for Hebron.
It was understood that the appropriation by the town was only a nucleus for further subscriptions from those interested. The Finance Committee, as might have been expected, was early in the field and its success was such that enough was sub- scribed to meet the entire cost of the celebration and the appro- priation by the town was left untouched. In this matter the present inhabitants of the town were aided substantially by many former residents and friends in other places.
12
The following is the report of the Finance Committee to the General Committee:
J. H. Jagger, Treas. Bicentennial Finance Committee, Dr. To amount received from individual subscriptions $682.00
To amount received for entertainments from Social Committee . 30.25
To amount received for goods furnished, F. E. Patterson, caterer . 7.55
To amount for left over goods sold . 9.30
$729.10
CONTRA
By amount paid Finance Committee Expenses . $24.74
By amount paid Entertainment Committee Expenses 325.89
By amount paid Invitation and Printing Committee Ex- penses 52.15
By amount paid Transportation Committee Expenses 105.54
By amount paid Decoration Committee Expenses 63.88
By amount paid Musical Committee Expenses 114.40
By amount paid Social Committee Expenses 36.55
By Bal. in Windham National Bank (to printing acct.)
5.95
$729.10
13
The Invitation Committee, who with the advice of the General Committee prepared the programme, took charge of the advertising as well as the special invitations to those who were to take part in the ceremonies of the occasion. They also furnished printed programmes for the week giving the principal features of each day with the arrival and departure of trains, for the use of those wishing to distribute as a general invitation.
The design which is found upon our title page, and used upon the official stationery of the committeesand upon the programmes, is a fac-simile of a defacing stamp used in the Hebron post- office many years ago. The design consisted of the name of the town and state surmounted by a crude representation of a wooden pump with the date 1758 thereon. This had reference to the story of "the firing of the pump" by our loyal ancestors in honor of the fall of Louisburg in that year. An edition of the weekly programme was also issued giving the baseball schedules of each day and the names of such "Nines" as were to contest with "The Hebron Wallopers" for the local championship.
The Entertainment Committee took the contract for pro- viding lodgings for such visitors as wished to remain in town for a night or more and a dinner for an unknown number upon Governor's Day. They did it well, every one was provided for.
The Decoration Committee saw that the public buildings were decorated with flags and bunting, the town hall, the churches, the school house, the public library, the Governor Peters' place and the Arnold place, the residence of Miss Caroline E. Kellogg where the evening reception was held. Other build- ings were decorated at private expense, notably the stores of W. S. Hewitt, F. A. Rathbun and J. B. Tennant and the houses of Daniel W. Post, Fred A. Rathbun, Everett G. Lord, Daniel W. White, town clerk, John N. Hewitt, Miss Ellen Buell, H. Asa Bissell, Dr. C. H. Pendleton, A. D. McCarty, Horace F. Porter, H. Clinton Porter, Geo. F. Mitchell, Henry A. Spafard, Loren M. Lord, E. J. Willcox, Roger F. Porter, F. C. Bissell and Frank H. Raymond.
The Music Committee arranged for the band and the vocal music for Governor's Day and took a generous hand in the choir
14
music at the union services in the Congregational church on Sunday.
The Social Committee planned the evening entertainments by the young people and furnished very creditable and pleasing programmes.
The Loan Committee arranged a successful loan exhibit in the library building and in doing it brought to light many valu- able and interesting relics from Hebron homes and attics, the existence of which was heretofore unknown to the public.
As the time approached, the Transportation Committee found that their hands were likely to be full, especially on Gov- ernor's Day, but their duties were faithfully performed and every one that needed transportation to and from the railroad station was provided for.
The week before the celebration proper the town began to take on an air of expectancy and subdued festivity, decorations began to appear and visitors to arrive. On Sunday the 23d a large and interested congregation attended the union services at the First Congregational Church, the Holy Communion having been celebrated at the Episcopal Church at an early hour. The following was the order of service, the music being under the direction of Prof. W. O. Turner of Willimantic with Mrs. Wm. O. Seyms, organist and by the combined choirs of the different churches. The choir was made up as follows :--
Mrs. Arthur R. Gillette
Mrs. Geo. F. Mitchell
Mrs. Henry Spafard
Mrs. Robert J. Kyle
Mrs. Wm. J. Warner
Mrs. Daniel H. Hodge
Miss Edna L. Smith
Miss Susan B. Pendleton
Mrs. Chas. J. Douglas Miss Irma B. Lord
Mrs. C. Daniel Way
Miss Helen M. Hodge
Frank R. Post
William O. Seyms
Arthur R. Gillette
Roger F. Porter
Loren M. Lord
Wilbur N. Hills
Leroy L. Spafard
15
MORNING.
ORGAN VOLUNTARY
. Wm. Adin Rupp
Centennial Celebration Chimes
DOXOLOGY
INVOCATION . Rev. John H. Fitzgerald of St. Peter's Church
LORD'S PRAYER
HYMN 36
RESPONSIVE READING . Rev. S. A. Apraham of Marlborough ANTHEM Edmund Turner Great and marvellous are thy works Lord, God, Almighty. Just and true are thy ways, Thou King of Saints. Oh taste and see how gracious the Lord is. Blessed is the man that trusteth in him. The lions do lack and suffer hunger. But they who seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.
Oh thank the Lord of all lords for his mercy endureth forever.
READING OF THE SCRIPTURES . . Rev. A. J . McLeod of Andover PRAYER
Rev. Mr. McL.cod
RESPONSE . by Choir Hear me when I call, Oh God of my righteousness,
Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
HYMN 1312
OFFERING
by Mrs. R. J. Kyle
SOLO.
.Rev. J. G. Davenport, D. D., Waterbury, Conn.
SERMON .
Text -- Ecclesiastes vii, 10 Theme -- "New England, Past and Present."
HYMN ANTHEM . . Lillian Taitt Sheldon
"How firm a foundation."
IIYMN 153
BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Daven port
MILITARY POSTLUDE
I. H. Burt
16
FRANK SELECTMAN - Treas R. POST
BICENTENNIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WIL
JONES
AM SELECTMAN
C.H.PENDI REPRESENTATIVE.
ON. M.D. SECY .
EDWIN T. SMITH SELECTMAN CHAIRMAN
IN
ROSWE CHAMBE YTATIVE
AND Town Officers 1998
WHITE
DANIEL TOWN
W.
CLERK
REPRI
WALTER TOWN S. HEWITT TREAS
EVENING SERVICE-7.30.
ORGAN VOLUNTARY
HYMNS
PRAYER .
Rev. Dr. Daven port
ANTHEM
. Male Quartet
SCRIPTURES
Rev. Mr. Fitzgerald
HYMN, to tune "Hebron" . Composed by Mrs. Kate Trumbull Way
Two hundred years have come and gone,
Since in this dear old Hebron town.
A little band of holy men,
Did pray and call God's blessing down.
Now raise your voice and shout and sing Help us to laud and glorify,
These men of old who built this town,
And left it fair for you and 1.
The Pilgrims come from near and far, They come with hearts so full of love.
The feast we keep with them to-day, Is like to that in courts above.
Now rise my soul and sing and sing, In this beloved Hebron town. And call on God who rules above, To send his choicest blessings down.
SERMON Rev. Joel S. Ives, Hartford, Conn.
ANTHEM
ANTHEM
"Sun of My Soul" "Lest We Forget"
CLOSING HYMN
BENEDICTION
Rev. Mr. Ives
17
On Monday, August 24th, at 2 P. M. the Center School building, which had been thoroughly repaired and enlarged by the addition of a new room to accommodate the grammar and high school preparatory departments was dedicated. The interior as well as the exterior of the building had been decorated with flags and bunting and a large audience gathered to partici- pate in the exercises which were in charge of the district commit- tee, Henry A. Spafard. They opened with an organ voluntary by H. K. Viner, principal of the preparatory school, followed by singing of the doxology and by prayer offered by Rev. J. II. Fitzgerald, rector of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church. Then followed a recitation "Success in Life" by Clair L. Robinson, a song "My Mother's Hymn" by Miss Irma Lord, an extract from "Hiawatha" by Miss Helen Gilbert and a humorous selection entitled "Mrs. Silas Tarbox" from "Timothy's Quest" by Genevieve J. Little. President Flavel S. Luther of Trinity College, Hartford, then made an address taking for his subject "The Modern Public School, its Influence and Advantages." He emphasized strongly the influence of school environment upon the child life and mind and congratulated the citizens of Hebron upon their step forward in the right direction along that line. At the close of Dr. Luther's address, Mrs. Minnie Sumner Preston, a former teacher in the local public schools but now a home missionary in the West, made some interesting remarks recalling bygone days and her experiences as a young "school- marm" here in Hebron. She closed by addressing the school directly and urging them to diligence in pursuit of an education and to ever bear in mind the words which she would imprint upon the walls of their new building "Push forward! onward! make college your goal." Dr. C. H. Pendleton, for many years a member of the school visiting committee, gave some interesting reminiscences of early school life, after which the exercises closed by all uniting in the singing of "America."
In the evening an Old Folks' Concert, admirably planned and executed engaged the attention of an audience that filled the town hall to overflowing. The very interesting programme, which was rendered under the direction of Prof. Turner was as follows :-
18
YE CONCERT.
A LYSTE OF YE TUNES TO BE SUNG BY YE BIGGE CHOIR AUGUST YE 24, 1908
Ye Singing will begin at 8 of ye clock, if so be yt ye Sifters be readie and their Hats on Straight.
Ye Sifters muft not make ye Sheep's eyes at ye Modeft Brothers, left they become difconcerted Thereby, to the Detri- ment of their Singing.
Unseemly Behaviour will be Severely Punished by ye Tything Manne, who hath a rod in Pickle for all Evil doers.
Brother Turner will beat ye tyme, and ye Singers are Cau- tioned to be exceedingly Mindful thereof.
Ye Spinfter (for a long Tyme) Kellogg will play on a mufickle Instrument and ye Bass Viol and ye Fiddle will play alfo.
Ye carlefs Boys, olde and younge are warned againft throw- ing Peanut Shucks and Spit Balls at ye Singers, or on ye floor, and ye Caretaker will complain to ye Tything Manne of all Such.
PART YE FIRSTE
1. AULD LANG SYNE-By ye Bigge Choir.
2. INVITATION-A Godly tune by ye same.
3. GRANDMA'S ADVICE-By our younge Sifter Helen Lord. Who is advised to diligentlie heed ye Same.
4. NEW DURHAM. BRIDGEWATER-Again by ye Bigge Choir.
5. THE QUAKER'S COURTSHIP-By Goodman and Mis- tress Roger Porter ye same who belongeth to ye Twins.
6. NEW JERUSALEM AND GREENWICH-By all ye Menne and Womenne Singers.
7. YE OLDFASHIONED BUCKET-By 4 Syngers who think themselves Some Punkins.
8. RUSSIA AND TURNER-By ye Fulle Chorus.
9. COUSIN JEDEDIAH-A Worldlie Tune- By Spinfter Edna Smith, ye Comelie Blonde, Mistrefs Mary Mitchell, She yt was a Post, Brother Frank Post, One of ye Bigge Menne of ye Town, Goodman W. O. Seyms, ye Proude Father of ye Smalle daughter.
19
10. BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC-By Miftress Kyle, wife to ye Parson, Sifter Inez Porter, she who Married a Gillette, Goodman Frank R. Post, same as before, Sifter Dorothy Clark, Mrs. Dan Hodge, ye Gileaditis.
Ye conGregation will Please Hist and Shout right Lustilie on the Chorus.
INTERMIFSION
To reft the Syngers, Also the lysteners.
A Goode Tyme for ye Younge Menne to Speak to ye Maidens Whom they would see Home, and for ye Sifters to get fresh Coals in their Stoves.
PART YE SECOND
1. ANVIL CHORUS-All ye Singers in One Voice.
2. JOHNNY GREEN-By ye Porter Family that was, and he who married One.
3. DENMARK-By 3 Goode Looking Syngers and ye Bigge Choir.
4. DIXIE LAND-By Brother Wilbur Hills, a Godly Manne from Gilead.
5. WHEN GEORGE THE 3D WAS KING-By Manne ye name of Mitchell from ye citie.
6. SONS OF ZION-Once more by ye Choir.
7. VILIKINS AND HIS DINAH-By Sifter Warner who Warbleth right Merrilie, She lives in Gilead.
8. Ye Lytle Eddy Smith will now relate how he went to Camp with his Papa and what he Saw There.
9. STRIKE THE CYMBOL-Ye Solow by Miftress Henry Spafard; She who rideth in a Chariot and so putteth on Airs.
10. CORONATION-By Everybody.
N. B .- If anyone is not Pleased with ye Conserte, he can as he retyre, get his ticket back-or if he feare that he has received too much benefit for ye money payed, he can make a further payment to ye Keeper of ye door.
20
GOVERNOR'S DAY.
Tuesday, August 25, 1908 was Governor's Day, the climax of the celebration. The weather was perfect and the people of the town fairly outdid themselves in the cordial welcome and generous hospitality accorded to their visitors. Fifteen hundred persons at least were present, largely from neighboring towns but many from other parts of the State and the United States, giving a flavor of Old Home Week to this part of the anniversary. By railroad, automobile, teams of all descriptions, bicycles, and by foot the crowds passed into the village and by the time of the arrival of the Governor and distinguished guests, who came by the 9:15 A. M. train from the West, the Green presented a very lively appearance. The Governor with his private secretary and other guests were met at Turnerville station by the selectmen, the chairman of the day and other citizens in automobiles, who escorted them to the Green. They first called at the old Governor Peters' mansion where a short informal reception was held and the rooms visited containing the old furniture arranged as in the ex-governor's day. His antique office claimed special attention where many of his books were displayed and the guests registered their names with a quill pen of former days. The church nearby where the Governor attended, and his grave in the adjoining cemetery were also visited.
The party then proceeded to the Green where a large tent had been erected at the west end, in front of the Congregational Church, where the public exercises were to take place and a large and interested audience were already in attendance. After the band concert the assemblage was called to order by Edwin T. Smith, the first selectman of the town, who introduced the chair- man, Mr. John L. Way of Hebron and Hartford. The following is a fac simile of the programme which was carried out in detail.
21
HEBRON BI-CENTENNIAL
1708
1908
HEBRON
CON.
GOVERNOR'S DAY Tuesday, August Twenty-fifth 1908
23
PROGRAMME.
9:45 A. M.
Concert on the Green by Hatch's First Regiment Band, of Hartford.
10:30 A. M.
BAND SELECTION
INVOCATION, REV. R. J. KYLE, Pastor of First Congrega- tional Church
HYMN-TO TUNE "HEBRON"
1. Fair Hebron set among God's hills, Oh! holy land, thy name we love; The thought of thee our bosom fills With gratitude to God above.
2. Thou Lord, didst lead to this dear place, Our sires in happy days long gone ; With thankful heart and voice we'd raise To thee a glad triumphant song.
3. They deemed no sacrifice too great To make for truth and Liberty ; Freedom and peace, a rich estate: We bless them for this legacy.
4. Our fathers' guide Thou wert, Oh God, Be ours we pray in days to come, We'd follow in the paths they trod, The paths that lead to Thee and home. -- IDA A. PORTER DOUGLAS.
BAND SELECTION
ADDRESS OF WELCOME, BY THE CHAIRMAN, JOHN L. WAY, EsQ.
ADDRESS, BY FLAVEL S. LUTHER, LL.D., President of Trinity College.
BAND SELECTION.
HISTORICAL ADDRESS, "The place of Hebron in the Colony," by REV. SAMUEL HART, D.D., President of the Connecticut Historical Society.
HYMN, "AULD LANG SYNE."
24
DANIE
TE
WH INVITATIONS
HENRY A.SDAFFORD FINANCE
JAMES H JAGGER ENTERTAINMENT
Chairmen of Sub-Committees
BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
JOHN N. HEWITT TRANSPORTATION
LEWIS W PHELPS MUSIC
WILLIAM WARNER LOAN EXHIBIT
MRS LEON G. RATHBONE DECORATION
MRS. EDWIN T. SMITH SOCIAL
LUNCH HOUR announced by the "Firing of the Pump." 1:30 P. M.
BAND -- "Hail to the Chief."
ADDRESS, BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ROLLIN S. WOODRUFF, Governor of Connecticut.
HYMN, TO TUNE "ST. ANN'S." O God, our help in ages past,
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS, BY F.CLARENCE BISSELL, EsQ.
BAND SELECTION.
THE SECOND HUNDRED YEARS, BY CYRUS H. PENDLE- TON, M. D.
BAND SELECTION.
POEM-"HEBRON," BY MISS SUSAN B. PENDLETON.
BAND SELECTION.
TIDINGS FROM OUR CHILDREN.
MARLBOROUGH, "OUR ELDER," 1803, BY MISS MARY HALL.
BAND SELECTION.
ANDOVER, "OUR YOUNGER," 1848, BY ROGER E. PHELPS, EsQ.
BAND SELECTION.
FIVE MINUTE SPEECHES.
OUR SONS ABROAD, BY REPRESENTATIVES OF OUR OLD FAMILIES.
HYMN, "America." My country ! 'tis of thee.
BENEDICTION, REV. JOHN H. FITZGERALD, Rector of St. Peter's Church.
EVENING-8:00 to 10:00.
Informal reception at the house of Miss Caroline E. Kellogg, the old "Arnold Homestead."
Orchestral and Vocal Music.
A Grand Handshaking.
25
After the invocation by the Rev. Mr. Kyle, the singing of the hymn composed by Mrs. Douglas, and a stirring band selection, Mr. Way made his address of welcome, closing with an intro- duction of President Luther, as follows :-
ADDRESS OF WELCOME By JOHN L. WAY, President of the Day.
We are gathered here to celebrate in the way dear to New England folk, an event not merely of the years but of centuries-the Two Hun- dreth Anniversary of the organization of our body politic.
In meeting assembled, our ancestors determined to found in these hills homes for themselves and for those who should come after them. Here they worshipped God, perhaps with more of fear than love, and hereabouts they labored that we might enjoy the blessings and the homes which we now so gratefully acknowledge.
Loyal in the days of the colonies, patriots during the Revolution, firm supporters and defenders of the Union, and at all times law-abiding, self-respecting and respect-impelling citizens, the people of Hebron during all the two hundred years which we commemorate to-day have done all within their power and with the full measure of their strength for right living, free and stable government by the people, and purity in public and private life.
Hebron, our Hebron, was not intended, in the sense of the Hebron of the Land of Canaan, as a place of refuge, nor has it like the older Hebron ever been the home of prophets or the abiding place of kings. As little adapted for the establishment of a large metropolis as it was for the seats of the mighty, the founders discovered in the inheritance which they transmitted to us that prospect of calm and peaceful country life which has ever been the charm of Hebron and which draws us back again and again, however far we may wander.
In youth, allured by the prospect of wealth and power or stirred by ambition, we may go out into the busy world; but even then there is within us that love and affection for the old place in which we were raised, the old shrines endeared by the labors and touch of those who have gone, that sooner or later we come back, as many have come to-day.
"This fond attachment to the well-known place, Whence first we started into life's long race,
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