USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Fairfield > This is Fairfield, 1639-1940 > Part 44
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The Christmas Tree at the Town House, under the guardianship of the "Unquowa Club", sparkled with all the gems which good old Santa Claus has intend- ed to delight his children with. It was vastly admired throughout the morning, and its glittering verdure transferred to the juveniles in the afternoon-nor was this all. Upwards of three hundred and fifty
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children received in addition an appropriate present. This bountiful profusion of gifts was the result of a liberal donation of time, labor and money, ex- pended by the executive committee of the club, aided by the contributions of many of our worthy townspeople. Surely, they were amply repaid by a sight of the glowing faces, and grateful emotions of our little people.
The festival concluded with a jolly old fashioned dance in the Town Hall, where good performers "discoursed most eloquent music", to which tripped nimble feet until the "wee sma' hours", when the large and happy gathering dispersed quietly to their homes, nothing having occurred to mar the har- mony of the grandest, merriest Christmas ever cele- brated in Fairfield.
SCRATCHER
CHRISTMAS
The grand happy festival of CHRISTMAS was duly celebrated in this town. On Sunday (Christmas day), services appropriate to the occasion were held in all the churches. Special provision was made for the enjoyment of the children. As has been well said, Christmas is most emphatically a children's festival, and right joyfully did the children celebrate it this year.
On Saturday evening a "Christmas Tree" was "Celebrated" in the Southport Congregational Church. The pastor, Rev. Mr. Hill, conducted the exercises. The preliminary services were very pleas- ing, but the children were of course more especially delighted with the distribution of the presents. Mr. Hill conducted the presentation of the gifts in a very happy manner. The sparkling eyes of the little ones showed how delighted they were as there were hand- ed out to them one after another, Sleds, Skates, large Tool Chests, Tivoli Boards, Games, Puzzles, Fashionably-dressed French dolls; with books, such as the Library of Wonders, (of which there are 20 volumes), Lange's Commentaries and other valu- able works for the older scholars.
On Monday afternoon a Christmas Tree enter- tainment on a grand scale, was held in the Town Hall. All the churches of Fairfield Center united in this celebration. The tree was very large and was completely loaded down with presents. The large upper hall of the Town House was filled with ex- pectant, happy children. We did not have an oppor- tunity of examining closely the presents, but from the character of the management of the entertain- ment, we are sure they were excellent.
No one can object to putting the Town House to such a good use as this. The conception of this plan of celebrating Christmas was admirable, and ad- miralby was it carried out.
On the evening of Monday there were Christmas Trees in the Southport Methodist Church, and in Trinity Church. Of the former we can only speak from hearsay, but we are informed that it was thor- oughly enjoyed by all present. The presents were elegant and substantial. When our Methodist friends do go in for anything of this kind, they do it right heartily and are sure to carry it out successfully.
Trinity Church was very elaborately dressed. The services connected with the Christmas Tree com- menced at 7 o'clock. The preliminary exercises were of interest, especially the singing and recitations of the children. The attention of a person entering the church was first attracted by the curtain which had been erected to screen the Tree from the impatient gaze of the children. At a given signal, the Tree became, as if by enchantment, a blaze of light, the lamps in the body of the church were almost instan- taneously extinguished, and the curtain was lowered amid the breathless but excited attention of the little ones. They might readily have imagined themselves suddenly transferred from a church into fairyland.
The spectacular arrangement was very effective. The Rector, Rev. Mr. Wells, conducted the exercises in his usually impressive manner. In behalf of his church and Sunday school he wished to all the Sun- day school children in the town, to whatever de- nomination belonging, a happy "Merry Christmas." The Rector was very felicitous in all his remarks.
Of the presents on the Tree we cannot speak "ex cathedra", but, so far as we could see they were admirably adapted to give pleasure to the re- cipients.
Altogether, Christmas has never been more joy- fully celebrated in this town than it was this year.
There were other Christmas Trees in town, at which exuberant joy was manifested, and watches, &c. distributed, but these were "private" joys with which we cannot intermeddle.
The Greenfield Hill Church like the others ob- served Christmas with special "dressings" for the Church. A schedule was carefully followed and everyone looked forward to gathering greens and meeting night after night to tie them. On the Sunday before Christmas, a large group would go into the woods to get the ground pine. Bags and bags of those greens were gathered and then the folks would meet for several nights to make wreaths and yards and yards of garlands. It was a cold job for often the greens were still full of ice and snow and it was necessary to shake each piece before it could be tied. No one ever mind- ed the cold fingers for there was always much sociability during the evening and refreshments concluded the night's task. This was not only fun but good fellowship. The entire Church would be arrayed-long ropes of greens over the windows-banks of greens around the pul- pit and an evergreen tree to one side.
Some years later, a "Christmas Tree" gained in prominence everywhere and each year a few nights before December 25, a new celebration became part of the Christmas season. The entire family would go to Church together for this event and a program of carol singing and Christ- mas recitations carefully learned and meticu-
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lously spoken highlighted the evening. At the close of the evening there were gifts of perhaps an orange, a camel cookie or a small box of sweets for every youngster in the community.
The "Tree" became more a part of the decor- ations of the Church and candles were placed upon it. Everyone watched breathlessly in fear of fire but it was indeed a sight to behold as little eyes and adult eyes, too, reflected the joys of the Birthday of the King.
One night at Hope Chapel, the tree did be- come ignited by the candles but preparedness and quick thinking averted any damage.
Frank L. Sherwood recorded in his diary on December 26, 1883:
Went to Flat Rock Church (Easton) in the even- ing to a Christmas Tree ... good sleighing and a beautiful day.
Activities still centered around the Churches but the Christmas season had become also a time of visiting and frolic. On December 25, 1872 Frank Sherwood wrote:
Went to Sherwood Banks to an Oyster Supper.
On December 25, 1889:
Went to a genuine Christmas supper at Jennings. and on December 24, 1885:
Went to Easton Centre (Church) in the evening to a concert.
More gaiety was establishing itself during the Christmas season.
These advertisements, taken from the Chroni- cle, show that more "things" were being made available to embellish the Christmas festivities:
The Southport Chronicle-December 15, 1868
A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ! !
GRAND OPENING - of - TOYS AND HOLIDAY GOODS
---- at - Jenning's Drug Store, Wednesday, December 18th
Consisting of Wooden and Tin Toys of every description, Presentation Books for Old and Young, Albums, Fancy Stationery, Diaries, Pass Books, Fine Perfumes and Hair Oils; a choice assortment of French and American Soaps, Toilet Boxes, Brush- es, Combs, Wallets, Work Boxes, Games of Cards, Toilet Sets of elegant patterns, &c, &c.
The Southport Chronicle, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1870 LOOK ! LOOK ! ! LOOK ! ! ! CHRISTMAS GOODS AT JENNING'S DRUG STORE
Wooden Toys, Paper Toys, Tin Toys, Iron Toys, Glass Toys, China Toys, of every description. Games of all kinds. Building and Alphabet Blocks. Toilet Sets-new designs- choice French Soaps, Brushes, Combs, Leather and Calf Wallets, Pipes and Smok- ers' Articles. Story Books for old and young. 200 kinds English and American Confectionery. Call early and make your selections
A few items from the Fairfield Advertiser lend additional light to the early Christmas ac- tivities.
December 21, 1888
Everybody interested in the decoration of Trinity Church is requested to be on hand and help on Monday next at 9 A.M.
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The Christmas Tree exercises for the Sunday- School of Trinity Church will be held in the Church on Friday evening next December 28 at 7:30 o'clock.
The Congregational Society has been engaged during the week in decorating their church with evergreen trimmings for Christmas.
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The young people and others have been very busy at Trinity Chapel preparing the Christmas decora- tions this week. A very large number have been present and a great deal of good work done.
Greenfield Hill-December 21, 1888
A Christmas entertainment will be held at the Church in this place on Monday evening. A Christ- mas arch is designed as part of the decoration. A literary and musical programme have been ar- ranged.
Some sing to show us their good will
While others sing to show their skill
The organist, he played to kill
But now alas for Greenfield Hill
The choir and organ both are still.
As one reads of the past there was also an occasional reference to other holidays in Fair- field. Celebrations of these, like Christmas were much more simple than we know them today.
Thanksgiving, always a day of prayer, was also a day of feasting quite early. Like the first Thanksgiving good food was an important part of the day.
Hull Sherwood reported:
November 29, 1815
Father peddles turkeys and we have some pies made for Thanksgiving. November 30, 1815
This day being appointed by our Legislature for a public Thanksgiving, we accordingly manifest it as usual. Mr. Sherwood performs divine service.
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April 13, 1815
Day of Thanksgiving throughout-for providen- tial deliverance from the calamities of War-we dine upon 18 lb. turkey and puddings.
December 1, 1814
Today is Thanksgiving Day by appointment of Governor J. C. Smith.
In 1845 November 26 was Thanksgiving Day in Connecticut while New York observed it on December 4. Reminds one of our "Republican" and "Democratic" Thanksgivings of about 25 years ago.
Thanksgiving was also a day to go hunting. The men would get up earlier than usual that morning, get their chores done in a hurry and go off hunting grey squirrels or rabbits for the rest of the morning. All would be on hand for the dinner complete with the fixings however.
The gaiety of New Year's too is very recent. One can find notes about visiting family or friends and staying for a New Year's supper either on the last day of the old year or the first day of the new year about 1875. Later there would be a ball to lighten the evening as well.
The Fourth of July as the day of American Independence has long been observed in Fair- field for Hull Sherwood wrote:
July 4, 1815
I go down to Fairfield in the P.M. where they celebrate the American Independence in National salutes, baked pigs and wine with merry songs and music.
This too is part of our past. Some of these practices are still part of us. Perhaps we might renew some of the others.
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CHAPTER 17
ENTERTAINMENT IN FAIRFIELD OVER THE YEARS
One cannot help but wonder how these won- derful folk of years back spent their "spare" time. One uses that word advisedly for when we realize how hard they had to work and how little they had to do with, there was hardly time left for many pleasurable moments. Thus they took their fun as they found it and enjoyed each change of pace and held on to it with joy. There were simple pleasures and each were planned for eagerly awaited for as the appointed time came.
The several diaries which I have had the op- portunity to read show that as the 19th century appeared dances were popular and these con- tinued through the entire 100 years. On May 5, 1812 Hull Sherwood reported -
In the evening we had a dance at Abel Ogden's and Samuel Beers played and on August 27 of the same year-rain in the morning until 9 o'clock, then the clouds came over from the north and I went to Fairfield Woods to engage a fiddler, the P.M. cool-we had an Oyster Frolic in Lockwood's Swamp and in the evening a ball at John Hull's with Mr. Bebe for a musician.
and again on Feb. 28, 1815 he recorded -
In the evening I attended a ball at John Hull's with my female companion. The company is com- posed of about 24 couples, some of which are from each adjoining district. We have a fine ball and a regaling repast on cake and cheese moistened with wine. We retire about 2 o'clock.
Jonathan Bulkley also told:
Mill River Aug. 12,1808, last night was a ball at Mrs. Pike's ballroom with quite a handsome collec- tion of young ladies and a respectful collection of gentlemen.
and again on Thurs. Feb. 27, 1817 -
Last evening was a Ball at Mrs. Pike's Ballroom attended by about 50 gentlemen and ladies. There has been 2 plays performed at Mrs. Pike's this win- ter by Capt. William Robinson Jr. and Co .- one called "Fox Chan" and the other called "The Age Tomorrow"-performed very well.
There were series dances or balls held at various
places throughout town. Hull Sherwood stated the following:
Dec. 14, 1815-In the evening I attend and com- mence a Quarter of Assembly dances at Mill River with my sister Eleanor which are regularly to be opened each fortnight. I spend the evening very agreeably and the dance is conducted with the greatest beauty and order-we retire at 12 o'clock and I fancy none the worse but the better for attend- ing so decent and so harmless a recreation.
These were called the Mill River Assemblies and continued for 3 months through the winter. Jan. 25, 1816, Mr. Sherwood said:
As evening comes, I make provision to carry the girls to the 4th Assembly Ball. We meet a numerous host in the Assembly Room and for my own part, I enjoy the evening superlatively when not engaged in the dance, I endeavor to improve by conversation with the fine wrought ladies. The time passed un- heeded off while this agreeably entertained not only this but a delicious refreshment of fish and fowl imported from the City. After supping to our fill we retire about 10 and I attended the girls home safely.
It would seem that often the dances went on much later. Mr. Frank Sherwood told of attend- ing many:
Jan. 19, 1869-Played to a Ball at Theodore Hendrix-got home at 5 o'clock in the morning.
Feb. 16, 1871-Went to Bill Lyon's on an ox sled to a Ball with Bill and Charry. John Curtis played. Rode home with Fred and stayed all night with him. Clear and beautiful day.
Mar. 22, 1871-Went to Fox Hunter's 4th An- nual oyster supper and ball held at William Smith's. Henry played. Stayed all night. Had a grand time. The room was decorated with 17 Fox skins hang- ing around.
Aug. 29, 1871-Went to a Moonlight Dance.
Aug. 26, 1875-Came up on the Hill and played at B. B. Banks all night for a party.
And in 1869:
Went to Bill Smith's to a surprise party and came home at sunrise.
Also Thurs., Jan. 17, 1884:
Went to Simon Bradley's to a Ball, had a splen- did time.
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When the parlors were used often times rather than taking up the carpeting, unbleached muslin was spread over the floor area and danced upon.
Bright's Hall over the General Store in Platts- ville too was a popular place for dances Mr. Robert Beecher told me. George Bright would do the calling, Sam Bulkley would play the violin, and folks would gather from a good dis- tance to swing their partners and circle eight.
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Early menageries or travelling annual shows too were a great curiosity of the time-another form of entertainment. On Oct. 31, 1818 Wil- liam Wheeler reported -
I saw at Bridgeport a camel between 7 and 8 feet high with the Arabian Saddle on his back. An African Lion, tame-the keeper put his hand in his mouth-the Lama from Peru, of a brownish white-he had very fine wool-the Marmoset and two monkeys who danced to music of the cymbal and bass drum and walked the slack rope.
He also recorded on Oct. 14, 1833 -
Saw at Bridgeport-a Lion and Lioness, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Rhinosaurus, Panther, Polar Bear, Zebra, Shetland Pony, Cougar, Hyena, Porcupine, Jaguar and 17 monkeys.
-- and again on April 13, 1835-a great animal show at Bridgeport.
Frank L. Sherwood said on April 13, 1868-
Went to Bridgeport-stayed to circus in the evening-got home at 1 A.M.
-Also on May 20, 1869:
Went to a European Circus in the afternoon. A large meteor in the evening at 10 minutes past 11. -and on Tues., April 22, 1873 wrote- Went to Bridgeport to see P. T. Barnum's great circus and menagerie-gone all day-cloudy in the forenoon and raining hard all the afternoon and evening.
Hull Sherwood told on Feb. 29, 1812-
I saw a calf with 4 tongues & 6 jaws and a bear and a panther alive, also a shark skin, a two headed calf skin and an alligator skin stuffed and sewed, all wax figures and a great number of paper images as active as life and very curious.
The children always anxiously awaited the coming of the advance ad men who put up the large posters on the barns along the country roads announcing the coming date of the Circus and left free passes for all of the family of the owner of the barn and for any other youngsters who just "happened" to be present at the time. Timothy Dwight, President of Yale sanctioned a Circus on November 2, 1796.
Singing Schools, Concerts, and Lectures were also of great interest. In 1845 there were month- ly Concerts in the "Church Basement".
Groups met from one house to the other to sing together. From Miss Sarah White's diary in 1882-"Singing School held twice a week in Chapel under charge of Prof. Perkins of N. Y. $4 for 20 lessons".
There was a lecture on Richard the III at Washington Hall (upstairs in the former Pequot School) Nov. 11, 1886 and Miss Sarah White recorded in her diary on Aug. 12, 1870
D. D. E. P. Rogers delivered a Lecture on the Tower of London. Tickets 50ยข, the avails to erect a fence around the Meeting House.
And from the Southport Chronicle, Aug. 15, 1869 -
Prof. Blazo, alias Prof. Von Humbug, advertised to deliver a "Free Illustrated Lecture-Moral, In- structive, Important and Amusing", last evening, 13th, at Washington Hall. A large audience con- gregated at the Hall to be partakers of this intellect- ual feast, but in the meantime "Prof." Von Hum- bug had suddenly decamped-taking the eight o'clock train for Bridgeport. While his hearers (to- be) were quietly awaiting here his august pres- ence, he was enjoying, perhaps, "a good smoke" in that city. He left his trunks, with orders for them to be forwarded in the morning; there is some talk of attaching them for sundry bills contracted by him in the place.
Southport Chronicle, June 7, 1873 -
The last meeting of the Fairfield Singing School came off Thursday evening. The members returned their thanks to their efficient Mr. Andrew P. Wake- man, and parted singing an appropriate song.
Dec. 7, 1870-Southport Chronicle -
Josh Billings Lecture at the Town House Friday Evening was a success. The house was very well filled and "Josh" kept the audience in high good humor for over an hour. We hear that another humorous speaker will soon "lecture" in Fairfield under the auspices of the Unquowa Club. We hope this may prove true.
SAMP MORTAR - THE GRAND CONCERT July 10, 1884
The vocal and instrumental concert given at the Stratfield Baptist Church Thursday evening June 26th by Prof. Joseph Keller and class, of Fairfield Woods, was a complete success, a first-class musi- cal entertainment for the people in this locality, and a fine, orderly, and appreciative audience greeted the singers. ALL the members were highly compli- mented by those who were present from Bridgeport, competent judges In fact everybody expressed themselves as being well pleased with the Professor's work, his class and his evening entertainment.
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The following is the
PROGRAMME
Overtures-Grand Entre March, and Waltz de Con- cert, by the Orchestra.
Choruses-The Pedestrian, The Swiss Girl, The Vale where my Home Lies, by the Class.
Piano Duets-Clayton's Grand March and The Waves of the Ocean, by Mrs. Osborn, and Miss Smith.
Piano Selections-No One to Love, by Mrs. Os- born; Come back to Erin, with variations, by Prof. Keller, (by request) ; Bella Waltz, by Miss Annie Smith.
Songs-O Restless Sea, by Mrs. B. Wilson; We Never Speak as we pass by, by Miss Alice Palmer.
Duets, vocal-My own Dear Mountain Home, by Miss King, Mrs. Osborn; All is well, by John and Thos. Reid.
Solos and Choruses-Ever so fondly Dreaming, by J. Reid; O Shall I ever Meet them Again, by Mrs. Osborn.
Quartette-Moonlight on the Lake, by Misses Palm- er and Brown, Messrs. Smith and Reid.
String Quartette-Crimson and Blue, Messrs. Batch, Keller, Miller, and Keallin.
Grand Chorus-American Flag, Quartette, Class and Orchestra.
Accompanist-Miss Lura Wilson. Director-Prof. Keller.
This class has been organized but six months, meeting only on Friday evening rain or shine.
The Professor began by demanding perfect and undivided attention, and they thought he was going to be "too strict", but he "meant business" and he has the good will of each pupil today.
At the earnest solicitation of the members of the class, Prof. Keller has consented to begin again in the fall.
The Professor has proved a very efficient teach- er of instrumental music here in years gone by, and during the past winter and spring has come to the front as a teacher of vocal music.
He used a piano of his own make at the above concert.
JUNE 10, 1886 - THE CONCERT
The concert given by the Y. P. L. C. Singing class at the chapel of the Congregational Church, Tuesday evening, was very well attended. The class was assisted by Messrs. O. T. Sherwood and A. C. Bradley, and by the following Bridgeport talent; Dr. and Mrs. H. P. Cole, Miss Mary Stickles, Miss Neva S. Conger and Mr. A. J. Wilkins. The pro- gramme was as follows:
Part First
1. Organ Solo-"Poet and Peasant Overture", by O. T. Sherwood.
2. Chorus-"When Evening Twilight",by the Class.
3. Quartette-"Come Dorothy Come", Mrs. Cole, Miss Stickles, Messrs. Wilkins and Cole.
4. Chorus-"Sweet Voice", by the Class.
5. Soprano Solo-"Pretty Zingarella", by Mrs. Cole.
6. Chorus-"Evening Bells", by the Class.
7. Quartette-"Sailors' Song", by Mrs. Cole, Miss Stickles, Messrs. Wilkins and Cole.
8. Bass Solo-by Dr. Cole.
9. Chorus-"Silent Night", Class.
Part Second
1. Organ Solo-O. T. Sherwood.
2. Contralto Solo-Miss Stickles.
3. Chorus-"Ring on ye Bells", Class.
4. Quartette-"Song of the Triton", Mrs. Cole, Miss Stickles, Messrs. Wilkins and Cole.
5. Tenor Solo-"Good Night Beloved", A. J. Wil- kins.
6. Quartette-"Spring Song", Mrs. Cole, Miss Stickles, Messrs. Wilkins and Cole.
7. Chorus-"Alone I Walk the Ocean Strand", Class.
8. Chorus-"Up Away", Class.
Musicale - June 29, 1898
Programme
1. Second Regiment Quick Step -- duet F. Bradley-M. Morehouse
2. Fairy Dream Edna Alling
3. Hickory Galop Mary Raymond
4. Flowers of May Georgie Banks
5. Song of The Forest-duet
M. Raymond-M. Lynch
6. A Morning Song Elva Banks
A Happy Home Elva Banks
7. Song selected Edna Alling
8. Love's Sweet Dream Florence Bradley
9. Jingle Bells-duet .. B. Archibald-N. Bradley
10. That Waltz of Von Webert-Recitation Elva Banks
11. La Carmine Ethel Maud Lynch
12. Greeting in the Forest
Dorothy Smith-Mollie Morehouse
13. Les Sylphet Bessie Archibald
14. Forget Me Not Maud Lynch
15. Songs by four Yaller gals.
Declamations F. Minot Banks
Hereby announces to the citizens of Bridgeport and vicinity that he contemplates giving an entertainment in Declamations at Hawes Opera House
on Wednesday, the 27th of August instant, commencing at 3 o'clock P.M.
By reciting the following pieces to wit:
1. A Poem of which a poet by the name of Young is the author.
2. A piece entitled First Kind Word.
3. A Valentine written by an old lady of Stratford who was 88 years old, and sent to her only sur- viving school mate who was 89.
The following pieces have never been put on paper:
4. A Historical Address in poetry relative to the burning of Fairfield, Greens Farms, Norwalk and Danbury by the British a little more than a hundred years ago.
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5. An address in poctry delivered by the speaker at a Sunday School Picnic at Parlor Rock in August A.D. 1882.
6. Closing with an interesting Love Story.
N.B .- If the weather should be stormy it will be on Friday afternoon the 29th.
Admission 25 cents to all parts of the house.
A Lecture at the Town Hall --- EDUCATION AND DELIGHT
Doctor Dennis, of New York, Professor of As- tronomy and Philosophy, Lecturer on Mechanics and Hydraulics, Practical and Scientific Steam En- gineer, &c .; respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of this vicinity, that he will deliver a Lecture on the Science of Astronomy, this evening at FAIRFIELD COURTHOUSE, illustrated by the most beautiful transparent diagrams, magnified and reflected by a powerful optical instrument, similar to an orrery of brilliant light, exhibiting a beautiful view of the Solar System, with the twelve Signs of the Zodiac, and two Comets; a telescopic view of the Sun with its spots and rays, of Mercury, Venus, the Earth and Moon, Mars, the four Asteroids, Vesta, Juno, Ceres and Pallas; Jupiter, with its four moons; Saturn, with its seven moons, belts and rings; Her- schel, with its six moons; the Comet of 1680, and that of 1811, with their fiery trains; phases or changes of the Moon; inclination of the Earth's and their causes, Spring Tides and Neap Tides; ro- tundity or spherical form of the Earth, proved by two ships in motion, approaching two others at rest; two partial and one total Eclipse of the Moon; two partial, onc annular, and one total Eclipse of the Sun; transit of Venus, Rainbows, Clouds, Constel- lations, Seven Stars, Balloons, Volcanoes, &c.
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