USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Rehoboth > Historic Rehoboth: record of the dedication of Goff memorial hall, May 10th, A.D. 1886 > Part 1
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HISTORIC
REHOBOTH.
974.402 R26p
Gc 974.402 R26p 1128739
M. L
21 1 GENEALOGY COLLECTION
JOHN DAVIS LONG AMICUS CERTUS IN RE INCERTA
V
(Bristol 4)
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01145 7162
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historicrehoboth00perr
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HISTORIC REHOBOTH
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D Myon cell
RECORD:OF : THE DEDICATION: OF.
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MEMORIAL HALL
. MAY : 10F . A.D. 1886:
FULLY ILLUSTRATED
PRESS OF PERRY & BARNES, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS, ATTLEBOROUGH, MASS. 1886.
1128739
GOFF MEMORIAL HALL.
INTRODUCTORY.
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This pamphlet is a contribution to Old Colony history. It presents in a more complete and accurate form than was possible within the limits of a newspaper report, the dedicatory exercises of the Goff Memorial Hall in Reho- both. The occasion was a notable one in many particulars. It dealt, historically, with the settlement and growth of one of the oldest townships in the country. It marked the successful issue of a building enterprise of no little importance, and one in which many people were directly interested. The dedication itself brought together a com- pany of distinguished speakers, and an audience that in numbers and appreciation commanded their best efforts. Taken as a whole, the manifold subjects of discourse and the various incidents of the day are of rare value and significance to every American townsman. Especially interesting will the record of these pages prove to the citizens of Attleborough, Cumberland, Seekonk, Paw- tucket, East Providence and Swansea-municipalities originally included within the ancient boundaries of Re- hoboth. Hardly less acceptable will the work be in other towns and cities of the Old Colony, or, indeed, wherever in this wide land is found a son or daughter of old Rehoboth.
We have endeavored to present the story in acceptable form, incorporating, beside a full report of the dedicatory
INTRODUCTORY.
proceedings both morning and afternoon, a history of the building enterprise; a picture and description of the Hall itself, with list of relics in the Antiquarian Room and their donors; portraits of the gentlemen most prominently interested in the work; and such other illustrations and sketches as might properly appear in such a publication.
The Building Enterprise.
--
Early in the spring of eighteen hundred and eighty- three, while engaged in accumulating material and facts for his ecclesiastical sketch of Rehoboth in the history of Bristol County, Rev. George H. Tilton was im- pressed by the large number of ancient and odd relics which he found in possession of the residents of the town. The antiquity and rareness of some of the documents, books, implements, &c., which he saw, awakened the de- sire in his mind that these be collected and preserved in some suitable place. Accordingly it was with this thought in mind that on the second day of January, eighteen hundred and eighty-four, while examining the relics in the possession of George N. Goff, Mr. Tilton said to Mrs. Goff. "We must have an Antiquarian Society here."
Thereupon he immediately went to work to raise sub- scriptions to erect a building. By dint of hard labor and the expenditure of much time, at the close of January he had the sum of fifteen hundred dollars pledged. On the thirty-first of January, Geo. H. Tilton, John C. Marvel and George N. Goff, went to Pawtucket to see Darius Goff, Esq., a former resident of Rehoboth, and find out if he would not aid them. After the facts were presented to him, Mr. Goff pledged an amount equal to that already raised and told them if they raised any more to come and
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
see him again. The aim of Mr. Tilton at first was for a building simply for relics, &c., but this soon developed into the idea of a building which would contain a hall, a school room and a library. Encouraged by the liberality and promise of Mr. Goff, Mr. Tilton set at work with re- newed zeal to increase the amount pledged. With the aid of others who had already subscribed, he brought the sum up to four thousand dollars which was promptly du- plicated and more than duplicated by Mr. Goff.
On the evening of March 5, 1884, the stockholders having been duly notified, the first meeting of the Anti- quarian Society was held in the vestry of the Congrega- tional church, when the following communication from Mr. Goff was presented and unanimously accepted:
"If the inhabitants of the town will increase their sub- scriptions up to four thousand dollars, I will raise mine up to the same amount, and in addition, give one acre of land to erect the building thereon, the location of which shall be the old homestead of my father, and a further condition that five gentlemen shall be elected as trustees, one for five years, one for four years, one for three years, one for two years, and one for one year, who, with the president and secretary of the society, shall erect said building and have the whole care and management of the property. After one year, one trustee shall be elected an- nually; and furthermore, I reserve the right to name three of the five trustees, and also to approve the plan of the building. At least three thousand dollars of the four thousand subscribed outside of mine, shall be paid into the treasury before I am called upon. When that is done I shall be ready to pay mine in full. This offer will hold good for sixty days from date."
At this meeting the following officers were elected:
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
President, Rev. George HI. Tilton; Vice Presidents, Esek H. Pierce and Francis A. Bliss; Secretary, Wm. H. Mar- vel, Corresponding Secretary, Rev. G. H. Tilton; Treas- urer, Wm. W. Blanding; Trustees -- for five years, George N. Goff; four years, Esek H. Pierce; three years, Paschal E. Wilmarth; two years, Charles Perry; one year. George HI. Horton. By the constitution of the society, the President and Secretary are made trustees ex-officio, thus making the whole board of trustees to consist of seven persons.
In the latter part of March, Mr. Tilton sent a letter to Hon. Thomas W. Bicknell acquainting him with the fact that quite a sum of money had been pledged, and that it was the intention to have a school and library in the building, and that any aid or assistance he could render them would be duly appreciated. Mr. and Mrs. Bicknell were both very much interested in the under- taking, and sent the following letter which led to the founding of the Blanding Library.
BOSTON, MASS .. April 1. 1884.
REV. GEO. H. TILTON, President Antiquarian Society, DEAR SIR :-
Your plans with reference to a Memorial Hall, High School Rooms. Antiquarian Hall, etc .. at Rehoboth, have interested Mrs. Bicknell and myself very much, and have awakened the living embers of the sincere and deep attachment we have for old Rehoboth and her excellent people. formed under circumstances most interesting and important to all con- Perned. At one time, while we were teaching the high school at Reho- both, very considerable interest was then manifested in the matter of erecting a high school building and hall at the village, and such public- spirited men and women as John C. Marvel. Wm. R. Bullock, Mr. and Mrs. Deacon Brown, William Blanding. Renben Bowen, Danforth Hor- ton, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Carpenter. Tamerlane Horton, Josephine B. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Otis Goff. Nelson Goff and others, were deeply interested in the project, which ended only in discusssion. Nearly thirty years have passed since then, and it has been a matter of concern to us, what could be done to preserve the better standard of intelligence and virtue, tradi- tional and historic. in this grand old town.
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
You may be assured that your work as a pastor and teacher of the old church of the Rogersons, Thompsons and Grovenors, has been a source of delight to us, who, while absent in person, still have a lively interest in all that concerns the welfare of the parish and the people. Still more have we been delighted with the zeal and public spirit you have manifest - ed in the preservation of the ancient landmarks of Rehoboth,and particu- larly in the work of faith and love which is about to be crowned with the plandits of success, in the proposed erection of the Goff Memorial, which, while a monument to the noble generosity of the principal donor, is also the sure evidence of your courageons faith and indomitable perse- verence, in collecting the generous gifts of self-sacrificing donors, to an edifice which shall be a means of social, educational and religious benefit to all of the people.
Let us congratulate you, then, in the near prospect of the consumma- tion of what is consecrated by prayer and labor for the good of man and the glory of God; and let us bear testimony to our grateful regard for those who have given generously, lovingly and sacredly to perpetuate the names of worthy ones who helped to plant a town, which should in its history illustrate the principles of the Puritan stock, and which has sent forth so many men and women to make the world the better. It lias oc- curred to Mrs. Bicknell and myself, if agreeable to you and the other trustees, that we would gladly aid you in some way in supplementing the good work you have undertaken, by laying the corner-stone of a public library, which shall be free to all the people of the town, under such regu- lations as the trustees may see fit to make.
We believe that a good library is one of the most valuable means of edu- cation; that communion with the best thoughts of the best men and women of the world, through their writings. is a sure method of elevating society, mentally and spiritually; and that the increasing value and power of pure literature in books and magazines are as necessary to the higher life of men, as are the streams in the valleys and the fresh winds of the hills and the ocean to physical life.
In order, therefore, to encourage the formation of a library to be kept in the Goff Memorial, we will donate five hundred dollars to the trustees of the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society, to be expended by them in the se- lection of good books, a large portion of which, let us suggest, shall be chosen with special reference to the wants of the boys and girls. the young people of the town. We sincerely hope that others may contrib- tée more or less freely to this nucleus of a library, and that the annual supply of books shall keep it fresh and interesting to all readers, so that the gifts may be a constantly increasing blessing to all who may enjoy their benefits.
We shall be glad to have the library become so valuable that all the
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
people of the town may seek its benefits and the inspiration which may come from it. We would have it free as air and water to ali. We hope that many a boy and girl, possibly it may be with a few books or encourage- ments at home, will find help, cheer and hope on the shelves of the library, and that the character of the future men and women of the town may be stronger, manlier and more truly Christian for its existence.
We have but one request to make in connection with our humble gift, which we leave for your consideration and decision. The name of Blanding is one of the oldest and most respectable of this ancient town. William Blanding was a contributor to the expenses incurred in carrying on the war with King Phillip of Pokanoket, and for more than two hundred years the name of the family and the town have been associated.
In view of these facts, and that the name may be kept fresh in the minds of the future dwellers of Rehoboth, yet more especially for the loving affection we have for the character and memory of our beloved parents, Christopher and Chloe Blanding, whose dust sleeps with that of the long line of their kindred in the old church burial ground on the hill west of Rehoboth village, we most respectfully suggest that the permanent name of the library shall be The Blanding Public Library of Rehoboth, Maxs.
With great confidence in the wisdom and ability of the trustees in ad- ministering all the valuable trusts committed to them, in connection with this beautiful memorial building and its various interesting departments,
We are. very sincerely, THOMAS W. BICKNELL, AMELIAA DAVIE BLANDING BICKNELL.
On the spot selected by Mr. Goff as the site of the new structure, the old "Goff Inn." the birthplace and home of his ancestors, was still standing. The land upon which it stood had been in the Goff family by direct descent ever since 1714. The excellent picture of the old inn, given on another page, shows that a series of additions had been made to the original house. Situated on the road leading from Taunton and various points in the Old Colony to Providence and Newport, the Goff Inn was one of the noted hostelries of Colonial days. As we view it in coun- terfeit, we can almost hear the coachman's horn and see the four horses swing the stage up to the door with a
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
burst of speed reserved for that special occasion. As we look upon its time-honored walls it seems almost too great a sacrifice that they have been torn down even to make room for so handsome a building as the one which succeeds it.
The old Inn was removed in April, and in May ground was broken for the new structure. Owing to obstacles, however, the work was delayed until fall. It was then renewed, and the cellar was built under the direction of Mr. George N. Goff. On September 8th, 1884, the con- tract was signed by the contractors, Lewis T. Hoar's Sons of Warren, R. I., and by the committee on contract, consisting of George N. Goff, Charles Perry and Esek H. Pierce. The plastering was let to H. Bryant & Brother of Fall River.
PHOTOLUIC SPASSION
THE OLD GOFF INN.
Description of Memorial Hall.
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From whatever point the visitor approaches Rehoboth Village, the first object that attracts the eye is the tower of the Memorial Hall. He is at once struck by its grace- ful proportions, and a nearer approach confirms the im- pression of its beauty. We cannot better describe it than by referring the reader to our frontispiece, where an excellent view of the structure can be had. It is situated on a gentle eminence, facing south, surrounded by ample grounds. Near by, the Palmer river, now untrammeled by mill wheels, flows cheerily to the sea. A fine elm in front adds to the picturesqueness of the spot. In outward aspect and thorough workmanship, it is all and more
than the picture represents it. Its main dimensions, exclusive of projections, are 38 1-2 by 60 1-2 feet.
The first floor comprises three rooms, viz :- a school room, 24 1-2 by 38 1-2 feet, leading out of which is a reci- tation room 12 by 15 feet, which forms part of the north- ern projection of the building. The school :s on the west end and is lighted from the north and south. An antiqua- rian room which is 19 by 30 feet and is lighted from the north and cast, and a library room, 19 by 30 feet, which is lighted from the cast and south, occupy the east side. The second floor consists of the hall, 38 1-2 by Go feet, and is amply lighted from the east, south and west. The
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
basement is well-finished, is deep, and contains one of Barstow's best furnaces. In the tower in front, Mr. Goff has caused to be placed a bronze tablet bearing the fol- Jowing,-"Goff Memorial, 1884," which, with the labor ex- pended upon it, cost not far from five hundred dollars. The building can be said to have been finished in the autumn of '85, although some slight additions have been made by Mr. Goff at intervals since.
The Blanding Library, comprising about six hundred and twenty-five volumes, the greater part of which were con- tributed by Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Bicknell, was opened to the public for the first time, February 22, 1886, and has been open ever since, two evenings of each week, Mon- day and Friday. The school room was open for a public school in the fall of 1885, and was so used for two terms. In April a private school was opened, which is supported by various individuals. The total number who have con- tributed toward the building fund is about one hundred and sixty, with amounts varying from ten to two hundred dollars. The total cost of the building is nearly $ 14,000, of which Mr. Goff furnished about $10,000.
The initiative object of the building, as a repository of ancient relics, is recognized as paramount in the completed structure. Its Antiquarian Room on the northeast corner is large and well lighted, and in every way attrac- tive. Much time and labor have been expended on this department, especially by the President, Rev. G. H. Til- ton, and the Secretary, Wm. H. Marvel, both of whom have been actively engaged from the first. The names also of Wm. H. Luther, Esq., Librarian and Custodian, and J. C. Marvel, Esq., deserve honorable mention for their efforts in this direction. The collection, in point of interest, is second to none in the State, though there are
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
some more extensive. Still the donations, considering that they were drawn in a single year almost wholly from the garrets of a single town, are quite as remarkable for their variety as for their rarity. In order to render "Honor to whom honor is due," as well as to furnish a catalogue for those visiting the room, we give below a list of the articles with names of the donors.
Antiquarian Donations.
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Defence of Christianity, two volumes, printed in 1728,
Wm. A. King.
Six copies Ladies' Magazine,
Fifteen copies town and school reports, 66 66
Eleven copies Missionary Herald,
Three copies Home Missionary,
Nine copies Christian Inquirer,
66
Five copies "The Quaker,"
Twenty-seven pamphlets,
One volume sermons, printed in 1708,
One old book, printed in 1704,
Two pairs old spectacles,
Samples of cloth woven at Orleans Mill at different times since 1828, preserved by Dea. Benjamin Peck,
66
One Hatchel,
Two ancient shoe buckles,
66
One sewing machine, made in Rehoboth by Wm. A. King,
Encyclopedia of Arts and Sciences. volumes, four
Twenty-eight old books,
One ninepence, dated 1777,
One five-dollar note on Farmers Bank, dated 1 808, .6
16
*An ancient Scotch sword, used in the French and Indian wars by a Mr. Davidson,
66
*It is related of Mr. Davidson, that in a battle his adversary cried for quarter. "Halves is all I can give," Davidson replied, at the same time cutting his antagonist down.
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
One banner, carried by the Rehoboth Cold Water Army in 1840, 66
One hose pipe that belonged to the first and last fire engine used in Rehoboth,
One musket and cartridge box, owned Elisha A. King in 1812,
by
One pillion, 100 years old,
06
One Indian arrow head,
Francis V. Bliss.
One Indian stone hatchet,
Ten old books,
Nancy M. Smith.
One new model spinning wheel, made by Elder Childs Luther,
One bag,
One smoking case used by Stephen Moulton in 1826,
One old dress,
Two sleighs for looms,
Linen cap and dressing gown, 125 years old, Ida F. Smith. Eleven old books, Deborah A. Moulton. One stone arrow head, Benjamin Horton.
One Indian pestle,
One linen shirt, used by Abel Medberry, 100 years old,
One pair sheep shears,
One busk,
Nine forks,
Four knives,
One spoon,
One porringer,
Shells,
One cheese basket and hoop,
One powder horn,
One pestle and mortar,
One bonnet block,
One chair, Three brackets,
One picture of Henry Clay,
One picture of the Centennial,
Bark of the California red wood tree,
66
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HISTORIC REHOBOTH.
One silk wedding dress worn by the donor's wife, Benjamin Horton. One spoon mould, Henry C. Goff. Thomas Hill.
Twelve Almanacs from 1767 to 1778,
Copy of an act passed by the General Assem-
bly of R. I., in 1776, regulating the price of provisions, 66
Thirty-five Old Farmers Almanacs,
Alfred B. Goff.
Eighteen town reports,
Confederate money,
One Columbian family Bible,
One Indian hatchet,
One candle mould,
Gustavus B. Peck. Wm. H. Bowen. Henry T. Horton.
One hatchel,
One pair bellows,
Fifty-one Old Farmers Almanacs,
Four town reports,
One foot stove,
Tin oven, Wooden skimmer, Tin baker,
* Patent certificate issued by James Madison to Dexter Wheeler of Rehoboth, in 18II,
Will of Jeremiah Wheeler, 1796,
One stone apple,
One military plume,
One hand reel,
Abigail W. Moulton.
Hat, Plate,
One Bureau,
Bennet, Sword used by James B. Moulton,
Pewter platter,
Swifts,
Two wine glasses,
Eight old books,
*The machinery for the old Swansea factory was made by Dexter Wheeler in the shop that stands opposite the residence of Tamerlane W. Horton. Dexter Wheeler removed to Fall River, and built the first mill there.
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
One silk banner formerly owned by the Reho- both Total Abstinence Society, E. A. Brown.
One state bank bill, George N. Goff.
Confederate $10 bill, Mrs. George N. Goff.
One handkerchief, over 100 yrs. old,
Free Masons apron, worn by Russell Potter in 1824,
Twenty-one pieces of crockery, (loaned)
One picture of John Wesley,
Defence of Robt. Emmet,
One brass candle stick, sniffers and tray, Pair bellows,
Sword from sword-fish,
Alice Goff. Albert C. Goff. Electa A. Read. David Briggs. George H. Horton.
Two candle moulds used at sea by Captain Stephen Martin,
Huldah Nichols.
One flint lock musket used by Capt. Stephen Martin in the Dorr Rebellion, Stephen M. Nichols. Rachel Hicks.
One pair wooden balances,
One quill wheel,
..
One flax wheel,
One warming pan,
Two pair scales,
Horatio N. Moulton.
One knapsack,
One candle stick,
One wood bit-stock,
One sword,
One spit,
Rough notes in rhyme,
Whitman Chase. Thomas C. Grant
One walrus tusk,
One decanter,
One saucer over 200 yrs. old,
Lucy Drown.
Two sermons by Rev. Otis Thompson,
Twelve pamphlets, Joanna E. Freeman
Two papers, One book,
Catalogue of Antioch college,
One book,
Rev. Geo H . Tilton. Augusta E. Newton. Lucy B. Sweet.
One sermon, (Thompson)
Esquimaux glasses, used to protect the eyes from the sun, Wm. H. Marvel.
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
Lead ore from Galena, Ill.,
Wm. H. Marvel.
One Powder horn,
Roster of Anawan Cadets,
Articles of agreement of Anawan Cadets, organized 1860,
One cradle,
Myranda J. Brown.
One hand reel,
One Indian tomahawk,
David H. Briggs.
One old knife,
Painting of Leonard Bliss, Jr.,
Author of History of Rehoboth, Caroline M. Carpenter.
History of Rehoboth,
One old bible,
Mrs. L. Carpenter. whip,
One pair handcuffs and one slave brought from South Carolina, A. W. Carpenter.
One sermon, (Thompson's) T. W. Horton.
One tin lantern,
One shovel handle, made in Rehoboth 80 years ago,
One Indian spear head, Albert E. Kenny.
Two old pictures, Avis Hicks.
Town reports and Farmers' Almanacs,
Three old books,
One old hat, Wm. W. Blanding.
One pair shears,
One tobacco box and pipe, used by Wm. Blanding in 1782,
One boot-jack, made in 1792,
Cartridge box,
One valise,
Crockery from the Fiji Islands,
Cup and saucer, (loaned)
One pewter tea-pot,
One spider, Col. Lindall Bowen.
Two regimental flags of the Ist Reg., 2nd Brig., 3rd Div., Mass. Militia
One Adjutant's record book of the Ist Reg., 2nd Brig. 3rd Div., Mass. Militia, 66 One plate, 150 years old, Ruth A. Waterman.
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
One Masonic apron, worn by Joseph Bowen in 1810, Rosella B. Lec.
One certificate of membership from Eastern Star Lodge, No. I, of Rehoboth, to Joseph Bowen, given October 16, A. D. 1804, 66
Map of Rehoboth,
Fire shovel, tongs and andirons,
Bayonet sheath, on distaff,
Straw guage, Pair of shears,
Hoe and cow bell,
Horse cutter,
Straw guage,
Swingling board,
Two fourpence,
Half pennies,
Half cent,
66
Cap, Reel, formerly Mrs. Stephen Goff's,
Annie P. Fenton. Emma Fenton. Elizabeth M. Wheaton.
Pitcher,
Almanac,
Bank bill, made in 1776,
Confederate Money,
Hoe,
Thomas G. Potter.
Two arrow heads,
Opium pipe,
G. C. Brown.
Chinese fan,
Piece of brain coral,
Flax brake,
T. W. Carpenter. Delight C. Reed.
Swingle,
Saddle bags, formerly owned by Christopher Carpenter, Cynthia Goff.
Military cap, formerly worn by Major Otis Goff, Shaker bonnet block, Old hatchet,
Indian stone pestle, Spinning wheel, Two wool hand cards,
D. C. Reed. Bayliss Goff. B. G. Goff. Joseph S. Pierce. Lindley Horton,
Mrs. George Kent. David Taylor. Larkin Fenton.
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HISTORIC REHOBOTHI.
Esek H. Pierce.
Clock, Lantern, Two Hatchels,
Horse-pistol, Candle stick,
Indenture, 1769,
66
Family record, 1751, of Elkanah Eddy,
Old book, Military Discipline, 1733,
Almanac, 1786, 66
Herald of Gospel Liberty, the first religious paper printed in the United States,
Silver coin, 1767, and 20 other coins,
Deed, dated 1694,
Two Cent bill,
Continental Money,
Postal script, Silver Dollar,
Will of John Brown, Sr., 1750, in rhyme,
Papers of John .Brown, Jr.,
Paper, Universal Yankee Nation,
Old knife,
Quaker wedding bonnet, worn by Mrs. Bushee of Swansea, 125 years ago, Mrs. E. H. Pierce.
Wood busk, made in 1764,
Pitcher, 100 years old, Julia A. Pierce.
Bible, formerly owned by Hon. Stephen Bul- lock, of Rehoboth, Gideon P. Mason.
Three Cranes,
Gun barrel, found among the burnt ruins of the first house built in Duxbury, Mass., by Miles Standish, one of the Pilgrim Fathers, Asaph L. Bliss.
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