USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Fairfield > This is Fairfield, 1639-1940 > Part 45
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He will then give a general display of the Magic Lantern and Phantasmagoria, including a great variety in Natural History, of Animals, Birds, Fish, and insects; Pleasant Landscapes, rich and beautiful Garden Flowers, the American Beauty with her gar- land, the Magic Sailor, &c. Rivers, Bridges, Ship- ping and Carriages: Likenesses of eminent men- Washington, Lafayette, Franklin, Newton, &c. Rural Scencs-Spring with its Flowers, Summer with its Grain, Autumn with its Fruit, and Winter with its Fireside. Moral Pieces, Seven stages of Human Life, from the Cradle to the Grave; the Rosebud that blooms and dics in a moment, with a variety of funny pieces, calculated to produce a smile on the soberest face. He will then exhibit a rcal Loadstone, and powerful Artificial Magnet, and show their at- tractive and repulsive influence on the Mariner's and Surveyor's Magnetic Compass Needles, by actu- al experiment, and the method of magnetizing needles, on sea or land when they fail to traverse. He will then put in operation his new and complete Electric Machine, giving gentle shocks to those who wish it; and close with a few pleasing Philosophical and Chemical Experiments.
Music, soft and sweet, on the little Steel Piano Forte.
Lecture to commence at 7 o'clock-Admittance twenty-five cents, Children half price. Tickets at the Bar. (See picture section)
Tuesday, Sept. 4th, 1896.
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Frolics were popular also as the 1800's ap- peared. There might be a Charity Frolic or a Donation party where all invited gathered at someone's house with perhaps money, or prob- ably provisions for a needy neighbor. There would be a repast to close the evening. When a new couple moved into the neighborhood there was always a housewarming to welcome the new couple and the pantry would be completely stocked in one evening. There were Spinning Frolics where several would get together to Spin for a friend for the afternoon or evening, and Nut Frolics where several would go off together to gather nuts.
April 19, 1815-Mrs. Jennings had a Spinning Frolic. She had a great deal given her from the in- habitants and received them with a grateful heart. -from Jonathan Bulkley.
There were Quilting Frolics when the ladies joined forces to help each other to quilt a bed quilt. Then too, Wood Cutting Bees for the needy were often held. On Jan. 3, 1806 there was a Turkey Frolic at Mr. Pike's, according to Jonathan Bulkley. He also told of the following:
Thurs. night, March 2, 1814, there was a Nut Frolic to Capt. John Hull's attended by 24 gentle- men and a large collection of ladies. Mr. J. Bangs, Manager.
March 6, 1814-It happened to be training day and all our forces marched up to Mr. Samuel Beers and had a Turkey Frolic, pretty well for war times.
March 15, 1814-The great folks had an Oyster Frolic at Mr. Knapp's in Fairfield.
Sometimes the Frolics lasted more than one day-a series of events. In one diary I found: Nov. 28, 1812-"Husked some corn in part and played with the girls having a jolly bunch of them here. As it is Saturday night we wind off the Thanksgiving frolic". (A Husking Bee with a free kiss going to each lad who happened to find a red ear of corn).
There were Oyster suppers and picnics. On July 29, 1870 Mr. Sherwood tells of having "a boil of clams" at Pine Creek and on Sept. 1, 1875 "Picnic at the Forge-carried up a good 2 horse loads, had a good time" and on Aug. 25, 1875-"went to Bradley's, took his oxen home, came back and went to a Sunday School picnic in T. B. Gould's woods in the afternoon", again
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in 1872 "a ball and Oyster Supper to William Lyon's this evening" and on Feb. 7, 1884 "Oyster supper at Bill Raymond's".
Clam bakes too were frequent summer activi- ties and Mr. Frank Sherwood tells of "a great clambake at Gregory's Point" on Aug. 28, 1873 - having been given by the Fat Man's Associa- tion.
There was also a Republican Clambake at the home of Simeon Pease in the fall of 1911 and a picture of that outing is included in the picture section at the rear of this book. They would gather beach plums together or huckleberries, or dig clams together and make a picnic out of it.
From the Southport Chronicle, 1884 -
The Mill Plain, Mill Hill, Fairfield and Barlow's Plain people will picnic in the grove near the dam on the 4th. Ladies furnish refreshments and Gents appetites.
From the Southport Chronicle, 1884 -
529 persons went on Sunday School picnic of the Southport Congregational Sunday School-all gath- ered at the depot and went to High Rock Grove. 8 A.M .- 7 P.M. rainy day-the skating rink was popular.
S. S. CLUB'S ANNUAL PICNIC JULY 3, 1884
The S. S. Club with their friends, numbering about twenty ladies and gentlemen left Southport, Wednesday morning June 25th, in Mr. Edward Henshaw's four horse bus to hold their 1st annual picnic at the Nichols' homestead in Weston, being the guests of Mr. Samuel Nichols of this village.
After a ride of some two hours, the club and their friends arrived at Weston where they were met by twenty or thirty ladies and gentlemen from Wes- ton, Westport and Easton.
At 12 o'clock the club sat down to an old fashion clam bake, to which ample justice was done by the club and its friends, after which dancing was com- menced which lasted for two hours or more.
The club then bade good-bye to their friends from Westport and Weston and started for home, arriving in this village about seven o'clock.
A vote of thanks was voted to Mr. Samuel Nichols, for the way that he handled the ribbons. Mr. Nichols is called the "celebrated four horse drive" of this vicinity.
It was also voted by all who attended the most enjoyable affair that the club has ever held.
Robert L. Shepherd Sec'y pro tem. *
There were Sailing parties on the Sound oc- casionally in the warm months and sleighing parties and skating parties in the winter.
On Sept. 10, 1868 Mr. Sherwood "went to Northport, Long Island on a Masonic excursion -aboard the City of Norwalk-very rough time -great many sea sick-got home at 10 o'clock at night".
Hull Sherwood recorded on Aug. 25, 1814 -
Today we go sailing, having the wind westward -we crossed the Sound and beat down to Neat Light and into Cow Harbor, there being about 20 couples. We walk across to J. Scudder and take sup- per, after which we have a ball with watermelons in abundance.
This from Jonathan Bulkley -
Mill River, Aug. 17, 1808-yesterday Mill River Farms and Mill Plain company went on a party of pleasure to Long Island but did not land-and re- turned the same day in the afternoon all well-ex- cept the ladies being very seasick-the vessel who carried the party was The Industry of Capt'n Banks. After we landed the Company returned to Mr. Able Ogden's at Mill Plain and partook of a supper and spent the remainder of the evening in dancing.
Also from Mr. Bulkley -
J. B. and lady set out Sunday evening Sept. 12, 1819 on board Sloop Traveller bound for York. Tarried 3 days in York. Sailed for Newburgh where we arrived after a short and plain passage, where we took a land carriage and arrived at Mr. Dicker- son's, 22 miles west of Newburgh in the Town of Montgomery Society of Hopewell where we found them well. Stayed 12 days and started in a wagon with Mr. & Mrs. Dickerson for home, crossed the River in the horse boat and arrived at W. Caleys in less than 2 days-distance 85 miles. The Dicker- son's stayed 12 days and returned.
Sleighing parties took many forms but usually they would conclude their trip at the home of one of the party or another friend and a dance would be in progress soon after their arrival.
Today's Senior citizens' eyes just sparkle as they relate the fun and gaiety of riding on a double ripper down Sport Hill, or Congress Street hill or Bronson Road or on J. K. Robin- son's red velvet cushioned one down Vault Hill (Verna Hill Road between Bronson Road and Hillside Road). The skating parties on the Mill Ponds too on clear, cold, moonlight nights were moments of great sport and joy.
Dec. 30, 1916-Several hundred are expected to- night at the ice carnival to be held at Perry's Pond, Mill Plain for the benefit of the Vassar College Fund under the direction of Miss Nellie Wheeler, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Samuel H. Wheeler and Miss Deborah Glover daughter of Mrs. H. S. Glover. Three or four bonfires will be lighted about the pond and Japanese lanterns will be hung. Hot coffee and frankfurters will be served. Jitneys will run
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from Fairfield center to the pond after 7:30 o'clock. Admission will be charged at the pond. The skating at present is very good and a great many are ex- pected to disport in the moonlight.
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There were Candy Pulls, Exhibitions, and Building raisings. Hull Sherwood wrote on April 25, 1816-
Today I raise the main body of my house with about 40 men. The frame comes together jointly and after which the air resounds with Huzza from every tongue together with the Toast of Piety and Honesty to the Farmer contemporary to the name I had given 'Residentiary of Piety'. We got through with the raising before night and I provide a field for ball playing until supper is ready-we have a good Pot Pie made of veal and turkey sufficient for a plentiful supper. The principal part tarry in the evening and drink grog and sing by the spirit of it until 9 o'clock. I am left very weary.
A perfect example of their interdependence.
Frank Sherwood on Mar. 26, 1874 recorded: "Had a molasses candy party in the evening and a dance likewise."
Mrs. Lottie Burr told me that there was a special hook in her Mother's kitchen to pull the candy. They would throw it over the hook, pull it and then cut the candy in pieces.
The exhibitions were usually at the School- houses or the Churches. Mr. Frank Sherwood told about going "to an Indian performance in the Church hall".
On May 21, 1814, Hull Sherwood recorded- "Today Sam Beers moves a barn-we lend our oxen to him".
Helping each other and having fun doing it again.
The folk enjoyed the Cattle Show for Fairfield County held in Bridgeport on Oct. 12, 1842 and the County Fairs held in Norwalk. It is said that Greenfield "Broke" this County Fair in the late 1800's when they appeared with their best oxen -27 pairs, and went home with all of the prize money-as a result this was the last year the Fair was held.
Later Danbury Fair was looked forward to and well attended by Fairfield folk. They ex- hibited their best and attended as many of the days as possible. It was a time for fellowship, seeing friends and relations from other parts of Connecticut as well as seeing the many curiosities brought to the Fair. For a few years the Green- field Country Club Fair was a large Fair and a town wide event.
The schools of Town were closed to permit the children to attend the Fair.
Sept. 4, 1905-It was voted to permit the Schools at Centre, Southport, Mill Plain, Greenfield, Wilsons Mills and Banks to close on afternoons of Wed., Thurs., Sept. 14 and 15 to attend the Country Club Fair.
The Grange Fairs too have long been antici- pated events by young and old alike. These have stood the test of time and are still held in early September at the Grange Hall on Hillside Road, Greenfield Hill. This year, 1960, marked the 61st annual Greenfield Hill Grange Fair.
Ploughing Matches always attracted a crowd.
May 8, 1884-The Third Annual Plowing Match was held Saturday at Robert Dickie's Farm and there was a good attendance. Six and 1/2 Acres were plowed. There were 12 contestants including one yoke of oxen and the cash prizes amounted to $50. The awards being the best and cleanest plowing, each team turning up half an acre from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. The prizes awarded were: First prize $20 F. Bronson's ox team; second F. Bronson's team driven by Miles Howe; 3rd, $10 to O. B. Jennings' team, driven by H. Peterson; fourth, $5 to Bron- son's team driven by G. J. Kelly; fifth, a whalebone horsewhip to R. Dickie. After the match the guests enjoyed the usual collation served in Mr. D's fam- ous style. The judges were David Buckley, Marvin Hull and Andrew Wakeman. The entries were R. Dickie, 4 teams; B. B. Banks, O. B. Jennings, E. Morehouse, F. Bronson, two horse and one ox team; Wm. Murray, Jonathan Sturgis and a Stratford team.
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The early interest in town in Ball games was surprising to find. Mr. Frank Sherwood record- ed on Sept. 10, 1868 -
Went to Williamsburg, (N. Y.) to the baseball match between the Atlantics of Brooklyn and Union Marsenic champions of the United States. The At- lantics-victors 31 to 7.
He had taken the boat to New York from here. Then on Oct. 1, 1875 he wrote:
In the afternoon went on the Hill (Greenfield) to see a baseball match between the Resolutes of Greenfield and the Rip Raps of Westport, resulting in favor of the latter-about two to one-clear and beautiful day.
Even back on April 25, 1816 when Hull Sher- wood had his house raising he told of providing "a field for ball playing until supper was ready" -and about 1885 -
The Crescents and Alerts of Redding played Aug. 3 at Sport Hill. The Crescents came off victorious. They are to play the Excelsiors, Saturday, the 9th, near the residence of N. B. Hill. *
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Amateur Theatricals were perennial favorites with old and young alike. "Uncle Rube", a comedy in three acts, and "Strife", a tragedy in
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as many acts were given again and again for many audiences throughout town by the Green- field Hill Grange. Another dramatic perform- ance entitled "The Old Maids Convention" at- tracted crowds wherever and whenever it was presented. A newspaper report of the program is included here. "Professor Makeover's Remod- elscope" would have put some of our modern "devices" to shame. This was old time fun at its best.
OLD MAIDS CONVENE SOUTHPORT MAIDENS WITHOUT PROS- PECTS HOLD A CAUCUS
QUOTATIONS ON BACHELORS
Most of Them Are Ripe to Pick But Some Are Awfully Shy
All the old maids of Southport, Greenfield Hill, Fairfield and the neighborhood gathered last even- ing at Washington Hall in Southport (Pequot School) to hold an "old maids' convention", follow- ing the discovery that 1900 skips a leap year, and, therefore, gives the old maids no chance at all. The old maids gathered in considerable force, and they brought with them their parrots, canaries, pet cats and pretty much everything else but the traditional "matches and green tea". They met to discuss the situation and formulate plans.
After a good deal of talk and considerable "sass" on both sides it was finally voted to reinforce that familiar old chestnut, "While there's life there's hope", with an amendment that it would be a good thing to even things up and have a little more life and a little, just a little, less hope, the idea being that the thing has been rather one-sided the past few years.
Perhaps it ought to be said just here that most of the old maids who appeared on the platform were from 16 to 22 years of age. They were about the fairest and the prettiest for miles about, and the unattached young men in the audience were on pins and needles until the curtain was finally rung down.
The stage was set with big flaming hearts, made of red flannel, no doubt, pierced by arrows whittled from shingles. But it was prosaic, and, after all, nobody saw the hearts and the arrows. Chief inter- est centered in the old maids. There was at one end a remarkable looking machine labelled "Prof. Makeover's Remodelscope", and a piano filled the other end. Then there were some draperies, lamps and other things. The program was as follows: "The Old Maid's Convention" Washington Hall, Southport, Conn. Monday evening, Feb. 26, 1900, 8 o'clock.
The "Convention" is held by and consists of the amusing sayings and doings of the Young Ladies' Single Blessedness Debating society of Greenfield Hill.
Entertainment is in three parts:
Part first-On the way to the convention.
Part second-At the convention.
Part third-Transformation.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Pres., Josephine Jane Green . .Carrie C. Sherwood
Sec., Priscilla Abigail Hodge .... Belle Adams
Hostess, Jerusha M. Spriggins .. Addie B. Bradley
Betsey Bobbett Annie Bulkley
Tiny Short Marietta Knapp
Polly Ann Spratt Georgia Jennings
Juliette Song Laura Dowd
Mary Jane Praddler Anna B. Bradley
Calamity Jane Higgins Hattie Bulkley
Sophia Stuckup
Lillian I. Lewis
Lily Arabella White (colored) .. Marion H. Wilson Professor Makeover
Raymond Matson (Rastus) Prof's Asst. (colored) Clarence H. Bradley Substitutes-Jessie Lobdell, Mary Jennings, Irene S. Bradley, Walter Merwin, Elizabeth Bradley, Edna Bulkley, Georgia Bulkley, Marion Wilson (colored).
For the first part, Hostess Spriggins, who took her role very cleverly, occupied the stage and received her "candidates" for transformation. They came flocking in from all doors to the hall and created a deal of merriment by their questions and evident anxiety. They were arrayed in all sorts of old clothes and looked as old as the oldest inhabitant. They were welcomed severally and collectively, and then the second part opened.
Here was where the stingy bachelors got a good roast on both sides, for the secretary of the meeting, Priscilla Abigail Hodge (Miss Belle Adams), read off a list which was calculated to scorch hearts al- ready blistered. It gave at a glance the market quo- tations on the "unhitched", as follows:
Herbert Jennings, very susceptible; Fred Wells, in demand; Wakie Sherwood, very active; Harry Mills, Fairfield, waiting a bid; Frank Wood, a good investment; Oliver Meeker, Greenfield, warranted strictly pure; John Wells, Dr. Hetzel, Fred Skiff, George Northrop, as good as gone; Henry Burr Jennings, gone to the highest bidder; Frederick Hyde, Harry Jennings, Charlie Fox, checked from list since last convention; Eddie Cole, pursuing love's young dream; Jack Sherwood, allured by city attractions; James O. Bulkley, out of the market; Henry Meeker, very uncertain; Chig Bulkley, Walter Meeker, choice bargain lots; Everitt Jelliff, cupid's best friend; Harry Meade, in demand; Charlie Taintor, captivating; Ed Penney in the market; Fred Jennings, immovable; J. T. Corlew, waiting for some one to grow up; J. Frank Elwood, behind time; C. M. Gilman, second to none; John Parker, genial clerk at L. B. Switzer's thinks it an "easy time" for old maids; Raymond Matson, Greenfield, He loves us all too well to marry one, he'd take the lot had he been Croesus' son; Walter Merwin, Greenfield, waiting for a girl with lots of tin; Ed- win Sherwood, Greenfield, he smiles and smiles, but won't propose.
Part three, the transformation scene, furnished the chief fun of the evening. The old maids were sent through Prof. Makeover's machine and ground into what they most desired to be, the only stipula- tion being that they must give their exact age. The machine was a tall, black box and after a few pre- liminaries the candidates entered, singly or in pairs. They told what they wished to be when they came
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out, elocutionists, singers, actors, etc., and then a sturdy, sweating negro turned the crank, the inmates disappeared amidst shrieks and the crunching of bones, and in few minutes it was all over.
There was a great chance in this for a lot of fun and it was improved. Lily Arabelle White (colored) went in at a guess weight of 225 and came out quite sylph-like and festive, able to skip to rag time and sing a ditty. Mary Jane Praddler lied about her age, almost broke the indicator, which went into frightful contortions, and finally had to be run through a second time. Tiny Short, aged 90, who carried her pet poodle, came out a slip of a girl with a roll of bologna on her arm; another candidate who "wished to be a man" was accommodated, and in various other ways the machine, under Prof. Makeover's manipulation, proved a veritable won- der.
There was a large audience and everybody en- joyed the affair. It was given under the auspices of the Daughters of the King, of Southport.
These were generally money raising projects for groups of the Churches or of an organization in Town.
In the picture section of this book there is a picture of a George Washington Party held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Bradley for the benefit of the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church. It was a very formal affair with printed invitations and all-a lovely evening really and so enjoyed by everyone. * * *
There were many other forms of entertain- ment as the years went on. Jonathan Bulkley tells of a puppet show on Feb. 3, 1808.
Feb. 3, 1808-A puppet show was exhibited at Mrs. Pike's last evening consisting of a great deal of deception. A Mr. Punch and the royal family with a great deal of fine music.
And the Southport Chronicle was an excellent source for others.
1884-The Strawberry festival at the Cross High- way Chapel last week on Wed. evening was a fine affair and a success netting $50.
That Chapel was called Safe Guard and was just over the line in Westport although Fairfield folk attended it. Mr. Kettle, pastor of the Green- field Hill Congregational Church, held Prayer Meetings there. (Hope Chapel on Stillson Road and Faith Chapel in Tunxis Hill were also very active).
Frank Sherwood wrote on Oct. 11, 1883 -
Went to Bridgeport to the Firemen's Parade- carried over a load (of people)-a great day for Bridgeport.
Minstrels too were popular and in 1868 Mr. Sherwood told of going to Minstrels up in the Center Street Methodist Church Hall.
The district schools held programs once or twice each year-usually to raise money for maps or needs of the classroom of one sort or another. About 1890 -
Last Wednesday evening, March 18, the pupils of Bulkley's District School under the guidance of their teacher, Miss Osborn, gave a pleasant entertainment at Academy Hall (Dwight School) which was well filled with interested spectators. Everything passed off in fine style, reflecting credit on Miss Osborn, who had been unwearied in her efforts to make this entertainment a success. A snug little sum (over $20) was netted for the school treasury. The program:
Singing-Little Busy Bee-School
Dialogue-Opening speech
Welcome speech-Maggie Dalling
Recitation-Briar Rose-Annie Baker
Number exercise-nine pupils
Concert exercise-Little Fingers
Singing-Upidee-School
Recitation-Widow Spriggin's daughter-Fred Morehouse Gymnastics-School
Two Tableaux-Three Little Maids of Lee
Recitation-Father's Fool-Frank Wakeman
Funny Uncle Phil-Jane Dalling
Song-Georgie Meeker
Dialogue-Enrollment
Recitation-Among the Animals-Johnnie Dall- ing
Recitation-Georgie Meeker
Dialogue-Johnnie Dalling & George Conners Song-Little Mothers
Recitation-Lillie Meeker
Dialogue-Playing School
Tableau-Johnnie Horner
Dialogue-Playing dentist
Tableau-Au Revoir
At the Old Academy the Crowning of the May Queen was an important event and was often marked by suitable ceremonies. Mary Elizabeth Osborne was chosen Queen by the votes of the school children in 1845. Jennie Skinner was chosen as her maid of honor. Her coronation took place in a pretty piece of woods on the south side of the Old Road which led through the old fields over Sasco Hill and just beyond where it crosses the little creek. The day was beautiful and a bower of green branches and flowers enclosed the royal party. A numerous company, including many of the older residents, was present.
The children, too, took part in the Town's festivities.
Sept. 4, 1884-A Children's Ball-Masque
A children's ball-masque was given last Wednes- day evening. There were many grotesque costumes. Among the little folks and others in fancy dress were: Miss Lulu Eldred, as Swiss Peasant; Miss
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Lizzie Waterhouse, as Nun; Miss E. Hoytest, as Dutch Peasant; Miss Riette Eldred, as Ballet Girl; Miss Helen Talman, as Goddess of Liberty; Miss Stella Van Aden, as Fairy; Miss Lulu Van Aden, as Fairy; Miss Sallie Durant, as Bride; Miss Mur- ray, as Jockey; Miss Richards, as Lady Washington; Miss Mabel Stanwood, as Sultana; Miss Florence Sands, Aesthetic Maiden; Miss R. Hoffheimer, as Fairy; Miss Stella Clark, as Fairy; Chester Darling, as Mephistopheles; H. Durand, as Dude; Ernest Clark, as Clown; Frank Page, as Pack of Cards. -New York World
Balloon ascensions were a feat of daring and development and the Fairfield folk went to see them along with others. They were a part of The Greenfield Hill Country Club Fair and here is a report from the Southport Chronicle about one held in Westport but watched by many from Fairfield.
Sept. 14, 1870 THE BALLOON IN WEST- PORT-A grand balloon ascension took place from Newburgh, N. Y. on 6th of September. The aero- naut, Prof. Samuel A. King, of Boston, gave the writer the following facts concerning the ascension:
This was Prof. King's 147th ascension. His bal- loon is 50 feet high, 30 feet in diameter, and holds 16,000 cubic feet of gas. It carries two persons. A passenger engaged the second place, but as a fresh breeze was blowing at the time of starting he deemed it prudent to remain at home.
Prof. King left Newburgh at 35 minutes past four o'clock, P.M. and arrived in Westport at 5:35, mak- ing the trip of 60 miles in just 60 minutes. He thinks the highest altitude from the earth reached was one and one half miles. The air was very chilly. The view was grand beyond the imagination of man. He could distinctly see cities 100 miles distant. At the same time he had in view every city and village on the Hudson River, and every place on the north side of the Sound from New York to Hartford.
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