THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES Ex Libris Katharine F. Richmond and Henry C. Fall WILLIAM v. MU.M H. CLAKEMCK J. G TOWN COMMITTKK. Ki-i S. Id KNS. JOHN W. CROBHY. Chairman. GKOKOK A. WORCKBTKR. KMRI C. HUTCHIN80N. JOHN K. FOSTER. CELEBRATION OF THE One Hundredth flnmveiwy OF THE INCORPORATION OF fllLFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE, JUNE: 20, 1894: INCLUDING THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE, ADDRESSES, POEM, AND OTHER EXERCISES OF THE OCCASION. They who never look back to their ancestors will never look forward to posterity. Burke. MILFORD, CABINET PRINT. 1894. 1066181 FIRST MKKT1NG HOUSE AND FORMER TOWN HOUSE. MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 5 "STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, 1794. "Jn the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four. "An Act to incorporate the Southwesterly part of Amherst, the North- westerly part of Hollis, the Mile Slip and Duxbury School farm into a town, and to invest the inhabitants thereof with all such privileges and-immu- nities as other towns in this State hold and enjoy. "Whereas, a petition signed by a number of the inhabitants of the southwesterly part of Amherst, the northwesterly part of Hollis, the Mile Slip and Duxbury School farm (so called) has been preferred, setting forth that by an act of incorporation passed by the Legislature of this State, on the first day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety- two, the southwest part of Amherst aforesaid was, by certain boundaries therein described, made a parish ; that the tract of land therein contained is too small for a town ; that the inhabitants of the Mile Slip and Duxbury School farm aforesaid are unable to support the Gospel, build bridges and maintain schools ; that a number of the inhabitants of the northwesterly part of said Hol- lis could be better accommodated by being annexed to the southwest parish in Amherst. They, therefore, prayed that they might be incorporated and made a body Politic, with all the Corporate powers and privileges by law vested in other towns. And the inhabitants of the town of Amherst, in legal Town-meeting, having voted their assent to the same ; Therefore, Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court Convened, that all the lands and inhabitants within the following limits : viz., Beginning at the southwest corner of the northwest parish in Amherst aforesaid, on Lyndeborough east line, thence running easterly to the northeast corner of Amos Green's lot, called the Mill lot ; thence southerly on a straight line to the southwest corner of lot No. 20 ; thence easterly on the range line to the northeasterly corner of William Peabody's land ; thence southerly on the range line between John Shepard, Esq., and William Peabody's land until it comes to land belonging to the heirs of John Shepard, late of said Amherst, deceased ; thence easterly to the northeast cor- ner of the same, joining to land of the same John Shepard, Esq.; thence southerly, by land of John Shepard, Esq., aforesaid, on the range line to Souhegan River ; thence down the middle of said River till it strike land owned by Benjamin and Stephen Kindrick ; thence southerly by said Kindrick land to the road leading from David Danforth's to the town of Wilton ; thence crossing the same and running a south point to Hollis Line, being near David Duncklee house, and then to the northeast corner of the land lately laid off from said Hollis by their committee appointed for the above purpose ; thence running south about twelve degrees east so as to strike the northeast corner of John Steams' land, it being the northwest corner of Robert Colboun's land ; thence on the same course till it comes to the southeast corner of the said Steams' land ; thence westerly, by said Stearns' and Wm. Haley land, until it comes to the northwest comer of said Haley land, thence westerly to the northeast corner of Mr. Gould's land, and so on westerly, by said Gould and David Danforth's land, to said Gould's northwest corner; thence turning southerly to southeast corner of Robert Darrah's land ; thence west fifteen degrees south until it comes to Raby east line ; thence northerly on said Raby east line until it comes to the south line of said Amherst ; thence northerly on the north line of said Raby to the southwest comer of A_m- herst ; thence southerly by the west line of Raby to the southeast comer of the Mile Slip ; thence westerly to the southwest corner thereof ; thence northerly on east line of Mason and Wil- ton to the northwest corner of the Mile Slip ; thence easterly on the south line of Lyndeborough to the southeast corner thereof ; thence northerly by the east line of Lyndeborough to the bound first mentioned, Be, and the same are hereby incorporated into a town by the name of Milford ; and the inhabitants who reside and shall hereafter reside within the before-mentioned boundaries are made and constituted a body politic and corporate, and invested with all the powers, privi- leges and immunities which towns in this State by law are entitled to enjoy ; to remain a distinct town, and have continuance and succession forever. And be it further Enacted that Augustus Blanchard, Esquire, be, and he hereby is, authorized and empowered to call a meeting of said in- habitants for the purpose of choosing all necessary Town Officers ; and shall preside therein un til a Moderator shall be chosen to govern said meeting, which shall be warned by posting up notice thereof at the Meeting-House in said Milford, fourteen days prior to the day of holding the same, and the annual meetings for the choice of Town Officers shall be holden on the first Tuesday of March annually. "Provided always that nothing in this act contained shall, in any wise, release the inhabi- tants of the said Southwest Parish in Amherst (part of Said Milford) from paying their propor- tion of all debts now due from the town of Amherst, or their proportion of the support of the Pres- ent Poor of said Town and Parish, or any taxes now assessed on them as inhabitants of the said Town of Amherst ; but the same may be levied and collected from the inhabitants of the said Southwest Parish (now part of Milford aforesaid) in the same way and manner as if this act had not been passed; and the present inhabitants of the said northwesterly part of said town of Hollis shall be liable to pay all taxes heretofore assessed on them as inhabitants of the town of Hollis, in the same way and manner as if this act had not been passed. "In Senate, January n, 1794. This bill having had three several readings, passed to be en- acted ; sent down for concurrence. "ABIEL FOSTER, President of the Senate. "In the House of Representatives, the same day, the foregoing bill, having had a third read- ing, was enacted. "NATHANIEL PEABODY, Speaker. "Approved nth January, 1794. "JosiAH BARTLETT. ''A true copy. "Attest, NATHANIEL PARKER, Dep. Sec. "Recorded by "AUGUSTUS BLANCHARD, Town Clerk." NOTE. In the compiling of this centennial record we have met with more de- lays than we anticipated. Much that occurred on the day of the cele- bration it is impossible to reproduce upon a printed page. The most that we can do is to make it as perfect as the circumstances will per- mit. In this effort we havei been aided very largely by those who took part in the exercises of the day. The addresses, as furnished in MS., together with the letters, are in the main, in the exact form of address or language of the speaker or writer. I assume full responsibility for the preparation and compilation of this book. Whatever errors or inaccuracies may appear belong to me. The long time which it has taken to secure the illustrations is the cause of the delay of the volume. Respectfully, W. B. ROTCH. MlLFORD, N. H. ONE OH THK BADGES. flilford Centennial Celebration. The Selectmen of Milford through their Representatives to the Gener- al Court of the State of New Hampshire, asked permission for the town to appropriate money for the proper celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of its incorporation, and the following act was passed : A n act authorizing the town of Milford to appropriate money to celebrate the centennial of said town : Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court con- vened , SEC. i. That the town of Milford in the County of Hillsborough is hereby author- ized and empowered to raise, appropriate and expend a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars for the purpose of celebrating the centennial of said town. SEC. 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage. (Approved Feb. 16, 1893.) An article was inserted in the warrant for the annual town meeting, held on Tuesday, March 14, 1893, as follows : "To see if the town will vote to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of its incorporation, and raise and appropriate money for the same." The town voted to have a celebration, and chose as a committee to have charge of the arrangements, Messrs. J. W. Crosby, J. E. Foster, EH S. Burns, E. C. Hutchinson, H. L. Bartlett, Geo. A. Worcester and Clarence J. Gutterson, and raised and appropriated the sum of five hun- dred dollars to defray the expense of the same. ( At a subsequent meeting the appropriation was increased to one thousand dollars, and W. F. French chosen a member of the committee, in place of H. L. Bartlett, who declined to serve.) The committee met in the selectmen's room in the town house, on Saturday, March 2o, 1893, and chose Col. John W. Crosby chairman, Geo. A. Worcester, secretary, and W. F. French treasurer. It was voted that the celebration be held during the week commencing June 17, 1894. ( This date was later changed to the 26th.) Also voted that the Hon. C. H. Burns of Wilton be invited to deliver the oration. 10 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. COPY OF LETTER TO HON. C. II. Bl'RXS. MII.KOIU>, \. H., MARCH 1*7, 1*93. HON. C. II. BI-RNS, Xasliua. X. II. Dear Sir: The Town (if Milfonl, ;it its last annual meeting, voted to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of its incorporation, and chxse a committee of seven to make all needed arrangements. Thai committee have organized with Col. .1. \\'. Crosby as chairman, and myself as secretary. The exact date of the event, coming in the winter (January 11 ), it was decided to have the celebration during the week commencing .June 17, 1894. The committee were unanimous in their vote, to invite you to deliver an oration ii|on that occasion. If the date selected does not conform to your other engagements we will change it to any other you may select. Trusting that you will give this matter your early consideration, 1 remain, Very truly yours, (K<>. A. WORCESTER, Secretary. COPY OF REPLY OF HON. C. II. Bl'RXS. NAHIII-A, X. IL, MAK. 27. 183. fien. A . Worcester, Esq., Secretory, on June 17th. 1894. for the celebration. In reply, will say that I accept with great pleasure the invitation. and feel very much honored by it, and shall endeavor. Providence per- mitting, to deliver the address, and shall hoj>e it will be worthy of the great occasion. The time fixed will be agreeable to me. and am socially pleased with the invitation at so early a date, as it will give me ample opf>ortunity to prepare for it. I am with great respect. Very truly yours, CHAS. H. Mi K.S-. MILKOKD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 11 The following is a copy of the invitation sent to Milford's absent sons and daughters : V N \ N > S) 1 \ S N x ^^ J % $ ^ -J S ^ 12 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. INVITATION TO AMHERST. It was voted to invite the town of Amherst to participate in the ex- erci.ses, and the following invitation was sent : MILFORD, N. H., JUNE 27, '94. The Titirn of Mil ford to her mother town of Amherst xtndeth greeting: WIIKKKAS, the town of Milford proposes to celebrate in a fitting manner the one hundredth anniversary of its incorporation, on June 20, 1894, therefore, we do most cordially invite you to be officially represent- ed ujxni that occasion by such delegation as you may be pleased to send. The Centennial Committee. JOHN W. CROSBY, Chairman. GEO. A. WOKCESTER, Secretary. Amherst responded to this invitation by electing the following named gentlemen to represent her at these exercises: EHWARD I). BOYLSTON, EUWIN K. BTJRTT, JAMES F. WESTON, WM. B. ROTCH. GEO. E. FABLEY, GEO. W. BOBWORTH, HORACE HAKVELL, FRANK HARTSHORN, ALFRED J. McGowN, GRANVILLE PAKKKM, DANIEL A. FLETCHER, JAMES U. PRINCE, ISAAC B. DODOE, EL-GENE C. HUBBARD. MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. Committees. At meeting* of the town committee held at subsequent dates, tin following special committees were appointed : PRESIDENT OF THE DAY, Judge Robert M. Wallace. CUIEK MARSHAL, Col. F. E. Kaley. RECEPTION. John McLane, F. T. Sawyer, F. E. Kaley, J. E. Foster, C. E. Knight, J. W. Crosby, J. M. Burns, Win. M. Knowlton, W. W. Howard, H. C. Buxton, C. H. V. Smith, M. F. Crosby. INVITATIONS, PRINTING AND BADGES. G. A. Worcester. E. C. Hutchinson. BANQUET, G. V. Tarltou, J. N. Stevens, W. W. Dodge, W. F. French, A. M. Wil- son. Mrs. J. E. Webster, Airs. J. A. Hill, Mrs. R. H. Pierca, Mrs. O. H. Foster. GROUNDS AND TKNT, E. C. Hutchinson, G. A. Worcester. PRESS, W. B. Rotch. E. E. Hill, E. M. Stanyan, W. W. Hemenway. PROGRAMME AND MUSIC. F. W. Richardson. F. W. Farnsworth, C. S. Emerson, Mrs. J. McLane. Mrs. B. F. Foster. DECORATIONS, H. H. Barber, W. A. Guild, F. W. Sawyer, B. F. Foster, G. A. Worcester. PROCESSION, C. E. Kendall, B. R. Cauie, E. S. Heald, J. T. Young, A. W. HowUaa, H. A. Wilkins, W. R. Howard, G. W. Tarbell, E. C. Hutchin- son, J. C. Merrill,' F. B. Bartlett. KIRE WORKS, E. C. Hutchinson, J. McLane, G. A. Worcester. BICYCLE PARADE AND RACE, L. H. Hall, B. Mills, W. J. Elliott. HISTORICAL LOAN AND ART COLLECTION. Mrs. J. McLaue, Mrs. J. A. Hill, Mrs. H. H. Barber, Mrs. J. E. Webster, Mrs. W. K. Emerson. Sunday Evening Services. According to the invitation of the centennial committee, the various ministers of the town prepared a program, and invited their people and all interested, to unite in the town hall, on Sunday evening, the 24th. for a union service, thus initiating in a. very lietittiiig manner, the cen- tennial celebration of the week. 'Die Rev. A. .1. Rich acted as chair- man, read the Scriptural selections, furnished the original hymn with which the service closed, and pronounced the lienediction. which Rev. .Joseph Manuel was prevented from doing by absence from town. Kev. F. L. Knapp led the people in a helpful prayer, and a chorus choi under the leadership of ('. W. Kdwards. rendered excellent music. Kev. II. I*. Peck, having leen chosen by his brethren as pastor of the oldest church on the soil, delivered an address on the "Past and Future Work of the Churches in Milford." He began by expressing his satisfaction with the idea of l>eginning the celebration of the Krst hundred years of our history by a grateful recognition of the Invisible Hand, which has led us the way. and then proceeded to outline what he conceived to have l>een the special way in which each church has wrought, under this Divine Hand, for the devel- opment of the community. He held that the work of the First Congre- gational Church, whose first building, now Eagle hall, was erected on I'nion S(jiiare. at a cost of so much time and sacrifice by the original set- tlers, true to its history had leen. not only to establish a free form of government, but also to ingrain into the early life of the town, the great Hebrew and Roman principle of justice and law. Its (iod had been stem ami holy, in his chief aspect, hence his worshippers, with true Puri- tan heroism, sought to engraft these qualities, sometimes by force, upon church and stab*. Their great work was to lay foundations of law and order without which no country can enjoy permanent prosperity. 'I'll.- Baptist Church, established in 1NOJ). has a history older than Congregationalism, and has ever stood for the complete liberty of the individual under (iod, using the Hible as its only authority, and making CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND CHAPEL. MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. In little, of mere creeds, being thus democratic, not only in government, hut in doctrine. This principle must thus have l>een wrought into the citi- xen life of Milford the most of the century, stimulating the sense of in- dividual liherty. The Methodist Church came into history, as every one knows, as a new and living breath of the spirit of God, re-animating the cold and lifeless church of England, and bringing a new impulse to the churches of America. This must have stimulated the religious feeling of .Milford. and quickened it to new life. The Catholic Church is the mother of us all. however much many of her children may have come to differ from her. She holds still, with all her imperial government and extended ritual, to a grand ideal of unity, and her influence has l>een, in the main, in the view of the speaker, in favor of law and order in this country. The present A. 1'. A. movement, whose purposes to keep all Roman Catholics out of every office within the gift of the people of this country, was emphatically condemned by the speaker, as both unjust and unwise, because our con- stitution grants equal rights to every citixen. without regard to the form of his religion, and unwise because it is the very way to bring on the religious war which the members of that organization claim to fear. The Unitarian, ov Liberal Church, grew for the most part, out of the narrowness of the Orthodox Church. It. claimed wider views, both of the love of God, and the rights and possibilities of human nature. It lias also given us a clearer insight into the human life of .Jesus. By way of criticism and outlook into the future, the preacher held that the old idea of justice and law need to be supplemented by that of unmer- ited kindness and generosity, that the old individualism needed to be broadened into materialism, that the spiritual Divine illumination by the Holy Spirit needed also the enduring qualities of education and culture, that the Catholic ideas of unity and authority needed greater adjust- ment to our American ways and institutions, that the Liberal movement needed a deeper sense of the Divine within its rich thought of human- ity, and that all needed a more tolerant appreciation of the fact that none held the whole of God's truth, while each had been elected to receive a portion of God's light and life. God's aim was not simply to bless them, but always for the ultimate salvation of the whole communi- ty! Let us cross then, gratefully and hopefully, the threshold of the new century, working and waiting together, until that one. true kingdom of God. which tilled the vision of the ancient prophets be indeed come. " When the war-drum throbs no longer, And the battle flags are furled ; In the parliament of man, The federation of the world." 16 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. Centennial Poem. God of our fathers, we In soul and country free, Would praise thy name; Prom Thee our heritage, Our century's bright page, Our trust in each new age, Unchanged the same. Like to Jerusalem, Mountains our bordei-s hem, Symbol of strength ; Our valleys laugh with corn, Beauty the hills adorn, Health crowns each smiling morn, And joy at length. We thank Thee, for the past, Since here our lot was cast In this fair town ; For men of noble worth, The church, the school, the hearth Religion's higher birth. Our being's crown. The coming century bless, Our banner Holiness, Our hope in Thee : Guard us from every ill. Thy truth in us fulfil, To know and do Thy will, Our service be ! Hasten Thy kingdom's reign. The gospel's sweet refrain. The wide earth o er ; When all at one shall be In righteousness and Thee, All sons of God most free, Hence evermore ! A. JUDSON RICH. rXITARIAN CHURCH. The Day's Observance. Tuesday, the?26th of June, the day appointed for the observance of the lOOthJanniversary of the settlement $of the town, dawned fair and' bright. It was a proud day for Milford. And as has been said : " Those having in charge the observances, knew well when the grass was greenest, and the beautiful trees'that adorn our streets were wont to put on their richest dress ; when the birds sing their sweetest welcome, and the golden robin comes back from'the sunny south to its cherished home in their branches, and they chose that month tojcall back and wel- come, and to rejoice with the scattered sous and daughter's of our good old town. The response was hearty as the invitation was cordial, and the occa- sion was one of thejcommingling of kindred spirits, as when a long sev- ered family once again gather about the ' old hearth stone " and talk over and rejoice in the recollections of % early scenes and associations the familiar places and faces inspire." The public and private decorations on the occasion, which were pro. fuse, were tastefully, and many of them elegantly arranged by Col. Beals of Boston, whose ability and skill in this direction are unsur- passed. The public buildings were arrayed in gay attire, with chaste and elegant adornment of a varied character. It would be an almost endless undertaking to describe all of the dec- orations; it would be easier to give the list of^houses not decorated. It is safe to say that 99 per cent, of the houses, except on the extreme out- skirts, made some kind of a display. About all of the houses on the line of march were hidden behind flags, bunting, streamers, shields and other decorations, signifying the spirit of the dweller'therein, and im- pressing visitors and strangers witWjthe sincere welcome extended by an hospitable people. The day was ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing of an early morning salute by " Mollie Stark." "Molly Stark" is one of four cannons "'captured by the intrepid Stark at the battle of Bennington, Aug. 16, 1777, and is of French make, and after its capture did valient service for the Americans. Two of its 18 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. mates are preserved in the Capitol of Vermont, and this one is the prop- erty of New Boston by right of conquest The first spectacle to be witnessed was the bicycle parade at 8 o'clock, which was participated in by nearly sixty riders, the procession being headed by Mills, Mall and Elliott. The wheels, many of them, were gaily decorated with flags and colored ribbons. The route was over the one pursued by the regular procession later in the day. The citizens along the line were greatly pleased with the finest parade of this nature that the town ever witnessed. At 9 a. in. was the dedication of the Col. O. W. Lull Memorial Foun- tain, of which a complete account is given elsewhere. While these exercises were taking place, a great concourse of peo- ple from the neighboring towns were filling the streets. The bands were giving open air concerts, and the trade procession was forming on the several streets, with the head resting on Railroad Square, awaiting the arrival of the special train which was to bring the Governor and his staff, and many other invited guests. Decorations. The town hall took precedence in the line of centennial decorations. The front was profusely covered with bunting, including.s flags and streamers. Across the center was a semi-circular design with the in- scription. " 100 Anniversary of Milford." Over the front entrance was a large bronzed eagle, underneath of which, and surrounding both sides of the doorway, was a heavy draping of flags and shields. On the south side large flags were displayed in unique design, and in the centre of the building was a large canvas painting, representing a camp scene in soldier life, or as the artist might describe it, union and confederate soldiers after the surrender. Also a large inscription. ' 17H4, KM) Anni- versary of Milford. Greeting to All." Wide, red. white and blue bunt- ing was festooned along the entire awning in front of the stores. The Library building was bright with the national colors. In large gilt letters was the inscription, " Welcome to our Sons and Daughters. In front of Masonic hall windows, hung suspended a large canvas paint- ing emblematic of the order. The interior of the hall was tastefully decked in red. white and blue, draped with lace about the stage and bal- conies. On the wall in rear of stage was the inscription, " Welcome Our Guests." Over the quarters of the fire department in the basement of the town hall annex, were numerous American flags enclosing a can- vas painting of a fire scene, steamer, etc. The Melzer block, next beyond the Library, exhibited a liberal dec- oration, in the center of which was a canvas painting of Union soldiers, entitled the " Rear Guard." Webster block, Avery's building and the National Bank were also dressed in the garb of national emblems. MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 19 At Hamblett and Power's block, red, white and blue bunting was draped along the coving of the building its entire length. In front of G. A. R. Hall appeared national colors, and large canvas painting, rep- resenting "Sheridan's ride to Winchester," also numerous army corps badges, and W. R. C. badge. In front of O. U. A. M. hall were flags and a large portrait of George Washington, underneath of which appeared the motto, " God and Our Native Land." Bunting was also festooned along the awning. The livery building of Frank Ordway, the armory of Co. D., and Ken- ney's building were radiant with flags and bunting in appropriate form. The Howison House on the evenings of the 25th and 26th, was bril- liant with colored electric lights across the building just above the first and second story windows. In the day time the house was ablaze with bunting and the national colors. There was also displayed a canvas painting. The awning in front of Wadleigh block was uniquely draped in red, white and blue in a pleasing design. The block belonging to the same estate on South street, was finely decorated with American flags, promi- nent in view was a large canvas painting of George VVashington. Wal- lace block on corner of Square and South street, was heavily draped with bunting. On the front surrounded by flags and streamers was a canvas painting representing the " Goddess of Liberty." There were also several emblems of the I. O. O. F. in view. Ryan's livery was appro- priately decked with American flags. The oval, so recently reconstructed, and which is an object of tradi- tional interest, presented a fine appearance, being profusely decked with the flags of all nations. The post-office manufactory of John McLane on Nashua street, was covered with American flags ; on one point of the building was a canvas painting representing the ' Battle of Gettysburg," on the other was a representation of the conflict between the " Monitor and Merrimac." The Ganey building on Middle street, occupied by the Standard Cloth- ing company, was duly trimmed with the national colors. The Catholic Church on Amherst street, bore unmistakable marks of patriotism in the anniversary celebration. Its imposing front was richly decked with American flags and streamers, in the centre of which, stand- ing out prominently, was a fine portrait of the Father of Our Country George Washington. Connected with the decoration of the Shaw house, corner of Union and Cottage streets, there appeared dates and names of considerable his- toric interest. The residence of Mrs. Wm. Wallace was prettily attired in decora- tive design, with American flags and streamers, as were also the houses of Dr. Hutchinson and E. C. Batchelder. B. F. Foster's block was draped with flags, and red, white and blue bunting was tastefully festooned above the first and second story. Chase's market and Boutelle's harness shop were also trimmed. 20 MILFORI) CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. Holland's block and Saving's bank building were neatly trimmed with national colors. In front of the latter was the inscription " SVel- coiue." over the entrance. The Ladies' Exchange was prettily noticed with red, white and blue Hags and streamers. Eagle Hall building, one of the oldest landmarks in the town, was appropriately attired in the national colors, and bore the inscription, " We greet you all." Foster's block was bright with the national colors, enclosing the motto, " Wash- ington, Father of Our Country." Shannahan's building bore a hand- Home design of Hags and streamers appended from a gilt eagle, with col- ors skirting the edge of the awning. The tenement house on Smith street, besides a heavy display of bunting, bore a long painting representing Washington crossing the Del- aware. Emerson & Son's building was neatly draped with the national colors. The store of C. E. Kendall & Co., proprietors of the old mill store, was fully alive to the sentiment of the occasion, and the front of the building was spread with stars and -stripes in tasteful arrangement. The office of publication of the Farmer's Cabinet reflected its loyalty to the interests of the nation, state, and the welfare of humanity, by d> aping its street front with the emblems of our national unity. Along the line of the procession, and at other points, private resi- dences were decorated with American flags, and red, white and blue bunting. In truth, the whole town was in a blaze of red, white and blue, everyone decorating their buildings to a greater or less extent. The spirit was universal. The Procesior\. At an early hour the several formations that were to constitute a prominent feature in our centennial celebration, assembled at their respective points. The headquarters of the Chief Marshal, Col. F. E. Kaley, accompanied by his efficient corps of aids, was established at Railroad Square.. Promptly at the hour the word "forward" came from the chief, and immediately the column proceeded on its way, amid the cheering strains of martial music, waving of flags and banners, and the applause of the multitude, forming one of the most imposing pageants ever witnessed in the enterprising and patriotic old town of Milford. The divisions were formed substantially aw follows : DIVISION No. i. Chief Marshal, Col. F. E. Kaley. Chief of Staff, F. H. Bartlett, Aid*: H. K. Warren, Chas Came, W A. Guild, . W. Ch**e, W ' J. Prince. Gen. C. W. Steven*, F. W. Sawyer, W. D. Sargent, S. A. Guttenon. Geo. Smith and Frank Jewett. Second Regiment Band of Nashua, 30 piece*. (W. A dimming*, director ) MTLFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 2l Co. D,N. H. N.r.. Lafayette Artillery. Milford Fire Department. Guests i:\ c.-irrirges. Govemor and Stall, President of the Day, etc. The following composed the mercantile department, manufactures, trades' and agricultural display in the procession, which is universally pronounced to be the grandest demonstration of the kind ever conceived and carried out in a town of this size. It is evidence of the thrifty and progressive enterprise of our people, and promises well for the com- mencement of the second century : DIVISION No. 2. Milford Cornet Band H. H. Barber, float, 50 rolls of carpeting, Banner "Dry Goods, Mil- linery, etc." E. C. Batchelder, dry goods team. Mrs. A. J. Burns, covered carriage, millinery scene. Ladies' Exchange, team with very unique equippage. J. M. Laws, carriage artistically trimmed with specimens of the shoe trade, and occupied by daughter Helen and Willie Youmans. H. F. Warren, team driven by young lady. \V. F. French, druggist, team bearing huge druggist's mortar. Standard Clothing Co., float containing sewing machine and also print- ing press in operation. Boutelle, harnessmaker, large float, profuse display ; K. Ailbee, club swinging, in performance. Farm wagon, driven by H. H. Sanderson. D. T. Buttrick, agricultural tools, 3 teams. C. E. Kendall & Co., agricultural tools, 2 teams. B. F. Foster, undertaker, 2 teams. Kenney & Foster, real estate, carriage. W. R. Putnam, one team, harness exhibit. E. M. Parker, express display, i team. Ed. Shannessey, wheelwright establishment, the proprietor working at his trade, i team. J. E. Bruce, grocer)' wagon, driven by John Bruce, i team. Hutchinson & Averill, 2 grocery teams representing trade, driven by lieo. *M. Center and Fred Winters, i team occupied by firm. Stowell, grocery team, trade song by young ladies. Thomas Holland, grocery team, driven by Eugene'Dutton. N. W. Robinson, Milford's veteran meat dealer, 2 meat carts decorated with red, white and blue. Holt Bros., 3 meat carts, and wagon loaded with fniit. W. I. Chase, market team. Milford Fish market, 2 teams. Leland Kenney, painter's team and ladder wagon. Brahaney & Broderick, carriage and ornamental painting, i covered car- riage. F. W. Famsworth, stationer, float boat filled with little girls. John Stevens, restaurant team. Emerson & Son, covered float with parlor furniture exhibit. DIVISION No. 3. Wilton Band, Lyndeboro' Artillery company, 30 men, and piece of artil- lery. John McLane, float, postoffice outfit. French & Heald, 3 floats, one with display of chef formers, with placard, "Our line for 1894 ; one with sideboards, placarded "Our lat- est;" one with packages of furniture. Hillsboro" Mills, float with woolen blankets. Morse & Kaley, float with display of colored cottoa yarn. MlLFOKl) CEXTEXNIAL CELEBRATION. llartlctt & Son, llo.it with exhibit uf hosiery. Wilkins Bros., tlo.it loaded with paper boxes. A. J . Foster, team covered with specimens of morotc > manufacture. C. Childs, team, exhibit of baskets. W. K. Pierce, wooden ware, i team Krank Hartshorn, 2 teams, lumber. A. W. Howison, i team, lumber. K. K. Came, i teams, coal. Merrill Itros., 10 teams, representing their coal, wood, and ice business W. N. Ware, team representing saw mill industry DIVISION No. 4. This division exhibited the agricultural interests of our town, and was one o( the must unique and extensive in the procession. The fact was plainly evident that much skill and originality of design had been ex- pended in the construction of the vehicles representing the oldest and mos: substanti.il vocation of our people during the hundred years of the town's existence. The exhibit was chiefly as follows : Four large floats, each one displaying in some form the products of the farm. One of the number representing spring, summer, autumn and winter, and all of them contained n number of young Misses appro- priately attired Jenkins, poultry team. W. II Tarbell, three seated team, neatly trimmed W. H. (.'leaves, milk wagon. W. H. Kendall, Cieo. Raymond and others, 8 teams. W. k. Fitch, jxmltry team Alon.-.o Howard, hay wagon. F. C. Itoutelle, fruit dealer, donkey cart. A portion of this display was under the auspices of the Grangers. A ;>leasing feature of (this division was the appearance ol the following young ladies, neatly attired, on horseback : Sadie French, Louise Anderson, Kosclle Hutchinsnn, Maud Taggart, and Jesse ilutchinson. DIVISION No. 5. Mechanics Cornet Hand. This division was made up almost entirely of heavy teams, represent- ing the granite interest, now one of the most promising and extensive in our midst C. W. Stevens, 2 teams; K. (1. Kiltredge, i team; C. W. Carkin, i team ; D. I.. Daniels & Co., i team : J. K. Thompson, i team : Young \ Co., i team ; Milford (iranite Co.. i team. These teams were nearly all drawn by four horses, and contained spec- imens of rough and finished work Thev attracted universal attention. The procession was nearly fotty minutes in passing a given point, and was pronounced one of the finest civic processions ever witnessed in the State. It was thoroughly illustrative of Milford's enterprise and re- sources Promptly at lo o'clock the procession inarched down Union Street to 1'nion Square, through Union Square to Nashua Street, Nashua to Clin- ton. Clinton to South, South to Lincoln, Lincoln to I'nion, Union to (Jar- den, (Jsirden to Cottage, Cottage to Elm, Elm to Union Square, through Union Square to Antherst, Amherst to Souhegan. Souhegan to Pleasant, Pleasant to Orchard, Orchard to Chestnut, Chestnut to Amherst, Amherst to (trove, (irove to Union Square. Upon the completion of the parade it was reviewed by the (iovernor and his Staff and invited guests, fuweillbled on the Town Hall steps. 1 8 9 fl. H- Centennial Celebration, June 26. 1894. V9 New Hampshire Turkey, Hot Rolls. Mince Pie. emi. ^> COLD MEATS. Roast Beef, Lobster Salad. Radishes. Hot Baked Beans. Cold Bread. Sugar Cured Ham. Brown Bread. Frosted Custard Pie. Orange Cake. PASTRY. Lemon Pie. Bride's Cake. Chocolate Layer Cake. Strawberry Cake. Vanilla Ice Cream. Frozen Pudding. Coffee. Tea. Milk. Oranges. Bananas. MILFORI) CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 23 The Lafayette Artillery Company of Lyndebo rough, that in the parade is the fourtli oldest company in the country, having l>een formed in 1804, and ha* maintained its organization ever since. After the review of the procession the Milford Fire Department gave an exhibition upon Union Square, attracting much favorable com- ment by their efficiency and promptness. Dinner was served in a huge tent erected at Endicott Park, by Caterer John Stevens, at 50 cents per plate. The following bill of fare was seived : Cold Turkey. Hot Baked Beans. Hani. Beef. Brown Bread. Pies and Cake. Hot Coffee. Dinner for two hundred invited guests was served at the Banquet Hall of the Town House, and was in charge of Massec'i, caterer from Nashua. The blessing was pronounced by the Rev. Joseph Foster. Sports. While a large gathering was assembled in the Town Hall to listen to the literary exercises there, others gathered at the Park to witness the base ball contest between the Milfords and the Matthews of Lowell. It was one of the largest gatherings ever assembled at the Park that witnessed the base ball game. It was a close contest, and resulted in the defeat in the Loweil visitors in a score of 8 to 7. The following shows the make up and score of the clubs : MILFORDS. MULLEN, 3B. T. YOUNG, as. Hixns. LF. MANNING, c. J. HOWISO.N, "Jn. ROACH, IB. B. YOUNG. CF. NOLAN, RK. Sl'TTKR. P. POND. (STB.). MATTHEWS. MAIIONKY. SB. GALLAGHER, LF. THORNTON, In. Mc(rUIRK. '2}i. FLYNN, c. McfJUANK, SS. \ r AUGHN, OF. KELLY, RF. HAVLIN, i>. INNINGS MILFORDS - MATTHEWS ! TOT'L * 8 24 MILFORD CENTENXIAL CELEBRATION. At 2:20 o'clock the bicycle raue look \<\,u-<\ the following named rid- ers having entreed the contest : BF.NTO.N Mi 1.1.8, W. J. ELLIOTT, A. R. WKHSTBH, C. A. McLxNE, C. F. ISOLA, I'KRLKY MARTIN, Enw. CROWKLL. .1. T. GAUTIKR, L. A. HITTCHINSON. L. H. HALL, A. W. I'.i \M ii \i:i-. The point of ntarting was in front of Town houe, over a seven mile course, up one side of the river and down the other, finishing in front of Bartlett's store. First prize, a '25 medal, won by lien ton Mills, time 25 minutes and HO and 3-5 secoonds; second prize, $10 bicycle lan- tern, Arthur R. Webster ; third prize, cyclometer, C. F. Isola. EXERCISES AT THE HALL. COL. J. W. CROSBY. Col. J. W. Crosby, Chairman of the Town Committee, called the meeting to order, and spoke as follows : LADIES, FRIENDS, AND FELLOW CITIZENS : We are glad to greet you on this day of days, for dear old Milford, and have you with us to participate in our festivities on this, to us, joy- ful occasion, and one hundredth anniversary. The matter of celebrat- ing the one hundredth anniversary of our incorporation as a town was talked up in town meeting in the . year 1892. It was then decided that we celebrate the centennial in 1894. And our Senators and Representa- tives elect to the Legislature of 1893, were instructed to have passed an Enabling Act by which the town could appropriate money to celebrate its centennial. At the tow meeting in March, 1893, a committee was ap- pointed to arrange for an appropriation of our one hundredth anniver- sarsary. And they have worked early and late, with the cordial assist- ance of the town's people generally, to make it a success. Whether they have done so or not, we leave you to judge. To those who have gone from our borders, and all others, I would say that we who have one of the smartest, prettiest little towns in all creation, and strive by making improvements every year, te make it in all respects " the banner town " of the old "Granite State. But my weakness admonishes me that I must not talk at this time. Therefore, we will proceed with the order of exercises at once. Please give your attention to an invocation by a na- tive of Milford, Rev. Joseph C. Foster, D.D. : PRAYER BY REV. JOSEPH C. FOSTER, O Lord, our God, our God, our father's God ! we would acknowl- edge Thee in all our ways, so that our paths may be wisely and safely directed. Thou hast manifested Thyself to us in kindness and love, through the various ways in which Thou hast led us individually and collectively. We may confidently look to Thee as the God of nations, 26 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. states and towns, as well as of individuals. Humbly and devoutedly would we thank Thee for what Thou bast been to us as a nation, over the destinies of which Thou hast graciously presided ; and as a town, in all the history of which Thy guiding and helping hand has been sure. We thank Thee for the auspicious beginning of this town, and for its helpful progress, from year to year, till a full century has ended since it came into worthy existence. Thou hast been known in all the periods of the history which are reviewed with thankfulness and joyfulness to-day. Early was Thy name honored and Thy worship established here. Never has there failed to be the recognition of Thy supremacy afforded by a House of God, in which the inhabitants of the town might assemble as the worshippers of Him from whom all blessings come. Even has Thy, wisdom and goodness been seen in the inestimable provision Thou hast made, that with religious privileges educational advantages might be enjoyed. For the churches and the schools we would give Thee thanks. Unto Thee we would ascribe honor, and render praise for the virtue and intelligence, the piety and learning that have been developed in all the years embraced in the centennial period now commemorated. To these advantages and consequent blessings we reverently trace, through Thy good providence, the worthy citizenship with which the town has been favored, and the substantial prosperty which has prevailed from generation to generation, making the town honorable and commend- able in its record, attractive and delightful for residence, and of pleasant memory as a cherished native place. As Thou hast been favorable unto the dwellers here in all the hun- dred years that are past, so wilt contine to prosper and bless in all the affairs of the town, making the future better than the past to all that pertains to true prosperity and honorably successful endeavor. Let the best interests of the people be ensured ; let adversity and calamity be averted ; let industry and sobriety, temperance and morality, intelligence and religions have enlarged and ever enlarging development. May happy homes henceforth, be more and more numerous, and all classes and conditions of the inhabitants be virtuous and intelligent, moral and religious. And may this commemorative occasion be the beginning of the brightest and best period in the history of the town, hitherto, and may the next hundred years be crowned with the richest blessings of Thy kind providence and Thine abounding grace. These offerings of thanksgiving and supplication we now devoutly make in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. JUDGE R. M. WALLACE. Col. Crosby : I now have the honor and great pleasure of present- ing to you as President of the Day, our highly esteemed citizens, Judge Robert M. Wallace: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: One hundred years ago the good old town of Milford began its existence, and we have met to-day to celebrate the centennial anniver- 1 JUDGE ROBERT M. WALLACE, President of the Day. MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 27 sary of that important event, and to awaken in our minds the mem- ories and inspirations of the past. To those of the sons and daughters of Milford who do not now re- side here, but who in obedience to the ties of birth, or former residence, have returned to show your interest in and loyalty to the town, by participating in the exercises of this day, I bid you in the name of the town and people of Milford, a most hearty and cordial welcome. Your presence here in such numbers on this occasion gives us the greatest pleasure, and we trust you will find this day spent in re- visiting and recalling old and familiar scenes in this beautiful Souhe- gan valley, and in reviving and renewing old associations and friendships, both a pleasant and profitable one. It is a beautiful and instructive custom to properly commemorate an important event in the life of an individual, or in the history of a commu- nity. The one hundredth anniversary of the birth of a town which re- calls and keeps alive the memories of the labors and sacrifices of the fathers in founding a representative New England town like Milford, is an event which their descendants, who are in the slightest degree worthy to succeed them, will never suffer to pass unnoticed or unobserved, but will gratefully and loyally commemorate. Nowhere does the town hold so important a place in the affairs of the community as in New England. The town system not only furnishes to the people of New England, the most perfect form of free government in local affairs, but its influence in educating and training the people in the truest and highest ideas of democracy, and implanting in their minds those fundamental principles which are essential to any form of a Repub- lican government, is without a parallel anywhere else. And from this town system in its relation to the State, supreme in the control of local affairs, yet subordinate in state affairs, sprang the very idea upon which the republic was founded which, while allowing to the several states, su preme control in national affairs. Thus was discovered that great princi. pie which liberty loving people in all ages of the world sought for in vain which makes possible at the same time individual freedom and home rule in local affairs, and a strong, central, national government to preserve itself from internal strife and foreign aggression. The first settlers of this town, both before and after its incorporation, endured great hard- ships and privations. It is difficult for us at this time to thoroughly reaL ize the discomforts, difficulties and dangers of going into a wilderness, beset with savages and wild beasts, clearing and reclaiming the land, build- ing houses, making roads, and instituting a minature state, for such was the original New Hampshire town. Yet that is what the original settlers of Milford did, first, as inhabitants of the town of Dunstable in 1738, next of Monson, then of Amherst, and finally one hundred years ago feeling themselves too strong to remain longer in leading strings, formed them- selves into a separate town and secured the incorporation of Milford, in 1794. Strong character is only developed and produced by correspond- ingly great trials and difficulties. No hardy race was ever nourished in 28 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. the lap of luxury and ease. The privations and trials of these original proprietors of the town produced a strong and vigorous people. They recognized no difficulties except as something to be overcome, and they left the impress of their character upon their descendants and upon the people of this town, which inspired the people of New England in 1775 and many of them, were at the battle of Bunker Hill, under the com- mand of that brave old patriot Capt. Josiah Crosby of this place. The people of that town were imbued with the spirit of independence, they were also actuated by a strong religious sentiment. They were deeply impressed, not only with the importance, but with the imperative neces- sity of education for the highest development of the individual and of the community. This town in the first century of its existence has been what we should have a right to expect it would be, from a town thus founded and established. The religious characteristics and development have always been an important feature from the days of the practical teachings of that vigorous Christian, Rev. Mr. Moore, the first settled minister of the town, to the present time, and something that had to be recognized and taken into account in the settlement of any important question in the community. The numerous strong religious societies in this town, with their large membership and handsome churches, show that this sen- timent still exists. This town has always ranked high in educational lines, her public schools being among the best. Her school houses have been a credit to the town, and the new school house about to be built, attests the fact that the spirit that has controlled the town in the past, in educational matters, still anmates her people. The large and well selected library in its convenient and commodious quarters, not presented to the town by some rich man, but which the town provided for itself, speaks well for the culture of the people. That spirit of freedom which actuated the fathers of the town, in the early days, has shown itself in a marked degree, in the agitation and earnest effort which many of- the best people made in the anti-slavery controversy. It was then that the Hutchinson Family did so much for the cause by their songs, and sang themselves into national fame. Later still, the same spirit manifested itself when in the war of the Rebellion, the town sent her noblest and bravest sons to the aid of the country in the hour of its peril. Their sacrifices and achievements in that struggle make a glorious record, honorable alike to themselves and the town. This community has been one of the foremost in the state in the cause of temperance. When the town was first established it was then thought proper for all, from the minister down, to drink, and that all important events, like trainings or raisings, could not be successfully car- ried on, except under the inspiration to be derived from frequent pota- tions of New England rum. But since the temperance question was recognized in this country as one of the great moral questions, Milford was not only quick to recognize the incalculable evils of intemperance to OOV. JOHN B. SMITH. MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 29 the individual and the community, but was equally prompt to do all in her power to remedy this evil. Milford has been, and is, one of the most progressive towns in the state, and her influence has been, and is felt in the state for good. Her business interests have prospered. No need to look for abandoned farms in this fertile valley where the agricultural interests are so well looked after by progressive farmers. Our growing manufacturing inter- ests, and our splendid granite quarries develop and add to the growth of the town. Our enterprising merchants minister so well to the wants of this and surrounding communities, that they add to the wealth and im- portance of the town. Our large and fine public buildings, our water works, sewers and electric lights, are evidences of the general prosperity. But after all the best product of the town is the many noble men and women it has given to the world, whose lives of usefulness and honor within the town, or wherever they may have wandered, have directly and indirectly made the town what it has been and is, and have added lustre to the pages of its history. It was for the founders of this town, and those who succeeded them in the first century of her existence thus to build, so that we to-day con- templating their work are proud of it, and have a right to be. It is ours to carry on and maintain this work thus splendidly begun, to keep the noble heritage they have bequeathed us free from crime, irreligion, intem- perance or any taint, and those tendencies to socialism and anarchy which threaten us to-day. And I close with this thought ; may we, and those who come after us in this second century of the existence of the town of Milford, so well perform their duty in this respect, that when the circling years shall have finally brought the second centennial of this town, our descendants shall then gratefully commemorate the deeds of the second century of the town as well as of the first. GOVERNOR JOHN B. SMITH. President Wallace : To-day is the birthday of the Town of Milford, and many of the distinguished men of the State have come to pay their respects to her and do her honor. Among them is one whom the loyal people of the town will especially delight to welcome, His Excellency, John B. Smith, Governor of the State, who will present the compli- ments of the State of New Hampshire to the Town of Milford on this occasion. MR. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, CITIZENS OF MILFORD : I esteem it a great pleasure as well as privilege to be present on this interesting occasion, and join with you in the observance of the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of your town. I shall not enter into the history of the town in detail. I shall leave that to others, to those who have made special study of the different features of its 30 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. settlement and its history. I shall content myself with only a brief generalization and some words of congratulation. You are to be con- gratulated, certainly, in having such unanimity of purpose from the beginning of this worthy enterprise ; such competent and painstaking committees whose work of preparation in every detail has been so enthusiastically undertaken and so well done. All your people seem to have entered earnestly into the work, and in such a manner as to make the occasion what it is, a perfect success, reflecting credit upon a town always noted for its intelligence and spirit of enterprise, for its push and energy. The glory of New England is not its great cities, although they are important factors in its social and natural development. But its glory is its rural towns and villages, for in them is developed the best and tmest type of our boasted civilization. Great cities are often politically and socially corrupt. The country towns are the conservators of what is best in our institutions. They represent the purest Americanism, and best preserve the character and traditions, the faith and principles of the fathers and founders of the Republic. Their healthy conservatism, intelligence and moral worth, must ever constitute our chief safe guard, and are the sheet anchor of our free institutions. We annually receive hundreds of thousands of emigrants from other lands. The thrifty and honest, from whatever land they come, of whatever race or creed, we welcome ; but whether we welcome them or not, they will come (unless some wholesome immigration legislation shall interpose, and may it not be long delayed), and they come with ideas and principles and customs as foreign as themselves. Much of this infusion tends to vitiate our political blood and to corrupt our morals, and overturn our social condi- tions and customs. It is too much the habit of our immigrants to tarry in the great cities, adding to the sum of corruption and ignorance, and aggravating the already too prevalent political disease. The continual healthy flow of rural blood into these cities will prove the only antidote and counteracting influence. To the country then we must look for the solution of our social and political problems. The in- fluences that reach out from our country towns with their simple virtues and sevant morals, are really the basis of our hopes ; but for these we might well despair. Such a typical model New England and New Hampshire town is Milford. I have already paid tribute to the moral worth, intelligence and enterprise of its people. Here, religious, educa- tional, and charitable institutions are, and have ever been liberally sus- tained. Sobriety and virtue have been characteristic of your people. Here business enterprises have flourished and successful industrial estab- lishments have furnished remunerative employment ; and where none need be, few have been disposed to l>e idle. Labor here has always been honorable and respected, because it is self-respecting and unusually intel- ligent. As a consequence very little autagonism between labor and capi- tal is found here and strikes are unknown. The intelligent working man appreciates the advantage of well managed and well directed capi- DKA. K. U. BOYIellion. One hundred and ninety-six of its noble citizens engaged in the conflict. They were the flower of its jxjpulatiou. Sixty of these lost their lives by the war, forty of whom were never brought home to be buried. Thirteen were slain in MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 41 battle. Their names are in Milford's Valhalla, and are embalmed in immortal fame with the heroes of the Republic. But courage and patriotism are not peculiar to man. Courage is graceful and dignified, and as woman excels in grace and dignity, shj is full of courage and self-sacrifice. "Woman is the blood royal of life " It has been said that wherever a human being is suffering, his sighs oj..ll a woman to his side. The women of Milford began patriotic work at home before even the sounds from the rebel cannon on Sumter's wails had died away. With the instinct, and the intelligence, native to then- sex, they early saw that the terrible ordeal through which the nation must pass, if saved, required their active sympathy and co-operation. And the record of what they did for the families of the soldiers at home ; and what they did for the sick and dying on the battle-fields of the war, are among the most precious facts connected with the history of the town. All honor to the memory of the splendid work of these noble women. This is but a glimpse of what Milford did in the mighty conflict. Her work in this behalf was not excelled by any community of its size in New England. In social reforms, in temperance, and in all good and great moral movements, the town has long been a shining light. In fraternal organ- izations it has done splendid work. Benevolent Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, is the oldest and most notable of these institutions. Its history stretches along the entire century, and its members have been and are among its foremost citizens. Its banners are still waving and its good work still going on. It is not in schools and churches, in moral agitation, and the strug- gle for freedom that Milford's record is alone resplendent with noble action. It may be said of these achievements that "time and chance happeneth to them all." But in those modest and essential pursuits, in the every day and practical affairs of life, in the home, in agriculture, manufactures and mining, trade and transportation, in men and women, who faithfully perform the duties of important and unpretentious citi- zenship, in which a vast majority of its people have been, and are en- gaged, and which form the groundwork of the Republic, comprising its active forces and power, our retrospect is equally delightful and satis- factory. All the way through the mazy past, for a hundred years, unmistak" able evidences of a substantial, vigorous, and industrious people are seen. Its inhabitants have been largely composed of rugged farmers, besoiled with honest labor, and graced with a rare intelligence ; of skillful, toil- worn craftsmen and manufacturers, equally enlightened ; of bright and enterprising tradesmen, successfully prosecuting a necessary business. They have been men of forethought, sagacity and industry, who have grown strong, standing by hearthstones, consecrated by the virtues of their fathers. These are the men who have made " the wheels go round." They have kept the old township steadily growing. It would be a pleas- 42 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. ure not within the limits of this occasion, to call their roll of honor. They are the heroes of the victories of Peace and Industry. Moreover tho.se who have wrought here in the so-called learned pro- fessions, have made the town their debtor, and contributed to the char- acter and reputation of this people. Among them have been men of mark and distinction, Livermore, Wadleigh, Lull, Averill. Their names are here recalled with pleasure and pride. It will be time to speak of others of her sons and citizens, who give high promise, whea their work is done. It has been said that the old New England home is now chiefly known, not by what it is, or what it retains, but by what it has sent forth into the world. And when we look abroad and see the sons and daughters who have gone from us, who are in positions of trust and dig- nity, and are leaders among the men and women of the land, our hearts swell with honest pride. Notwithstanding Milford has always had a good supply of doctors and lawers, her citizens have lived to a good old age, and been fairly prosperous. It is quite evident the people have refrained from taking much of the medicine of either class. Indeed, the town has had a remarkably peaceable career. It has never had any great law suit. It has had the usual agitation about the location of school-bouses, and town house, but it has rarely indulged in the services of the profession. When the station of the Wilton Railroad was located, eminent counsel, among whom were Mr. Atherton, at one time a Senator, and Mr. Pierce, at one time President of the United States, were employed. This was an exception. The town has always been at peace with its neighbors and all mankind. Of old-time customs and new-time foibles ; the husking bees, the finding of the red ear, the apple parings, spelling matches, blind man's buff, the military trainings, sham fights and musters, Sabbath school picnics, singing schools, and horse trots, chasing the greased pig, catch- ing suckers from the old Fish Rock, dancing in the old Buxton tavern, sliding down Daddy Hay's hill with pretty girls, boating by moonlight on the Souhegan, making cider, raising hops and hens, roller skating, bicycling, base ball crazes, foot ball cranks, and duplicate and drive whist maniacs, this is no time to speak. They aie all respectfully referred to Milford's Historical Surveyor. There is much in our history that is in common with many other New Hampshire towns. The early struggles were like those endured by all of the old settlements around us. The hardships and difficulties of the first white inhabitants can hardly be appreciated now. Life was a constant battle with the earth and the elements. Fear and uncertainty were stimulated by menace and massacre. Later, when the town was incorporated, it required strong arms and stout hearts, to extract from our common mother enough to sustain life, without social comforts or educational or religious blessings. The genius of invention had not then supplied machinery that will act and think. Steam had not been MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 43 heard in this valley. Electricity had not been employed in the trans- mission of thought and power. Ether, the destroyer of the terror and pain of the surgeon's knife, was an undiscovered friend of humanity. But without any of these helps, the builders of Milford have pushed on, and kept pace with the march of events. They have trained in the army of human progress, aud have always been abreast with the times. The result of this marvelous energy and enterprise is seen in one of the most iutelligent and thrifty communities to be fonnd anywhere. Its splendid farms, thriving manufactures, and newly developed quarries of granite, sufficient in quantity to build a dozen Londons, and of such ex- quisite quality as to be fit for the puaposes of art, are its material wealth, while its charming scenery and its beautiful location , give as- surance of continued growth and prosperity. And can we not felicitate ourselves, not only that our ancestral home is in New Hampshire, the good old Granite State, whose moun- tains almost touch the stars, and whose air and water are as pure as the light of heaven, but in New England, whose sons have fought in every " battle for God and humanity " for two hundred and seventy-five years, whose genius is guided by liberty, learning and law, and whose domain, though rough, and rugged, and bleak, is yet the garden of the world. The place of our birth is the beautiful vision of childhood. The old home, the fields, the lanes, the meadows and the brook, the school- house and the church, the town-house, the store-keeper, the shoe maker and the village blacksmith, the minister, the lawyer, the school-master and the old family physician, how good and true and noble they were. We have indeed a goodly patrimony. We have inherited a good name ; we must not only transmit it, which is infinitely better than to receive it, but, in the language of New England's greatest philosopher . " Let us shame the fathers by superior virtue in the sons." What is to be the fate of the country town is a much mooted ques- tion. Its destiny in New England has been the cause of anxiety on the part of those who believe that in the old country communities, which were settled and controlled by Puritan and Pilgrim influences, there has been almost perfection in government. The thought, that such grand old towns are to be drained and dwarfed by the enormous drafts made upon them by great cities, is not pleasant. It is not encouraging to see the bright young people, in whose hands lie so much power for good and growth, turn their backs upon the old homesteads and adorn other scenes. Landscapes are never quite perfect, unless touched and fringed with the flowers of civilization. They need humanity, the vigor of man and the grace of woman, to crown them. A house without an inmate, though artistically perfert, a forest untrodden by man, although full of nature's pictures, present few attractions. They must be frequented by man, the noblest work of God, to give them life, and to inspire them with a vital interest. The old town must be populated to be either use- ful or beautiful. It will be. The time will come when the tide will turn from the city to the country. 44 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. While youth is rootlooo, under the limitations of a retired neighbor- hood, and desires more active scenes, there comes a time in the lives of most people, when they long to go back to the old home and rest amidst rural beauties. Tacitus found the early English race a nation of farmers, cultivating the soil, each for himself, " as woodside, plain, or fresh spring attracts him," loving the country and hating the city. The love of land in the Saxon breast is as strong as the love of liberty. It seeks dominion over the soil. Its danger lies in its excessive gratification. It is disposed to grasp vast territories and to be monarch over immense tracts. Such a disposition should be discouraged. It bodes no good to the township. As the size of landed estates increases, population de- creases. This was true seventeen centuries ago' in Britain, Italy and Gaul. It is equally true to-day. A thousand acres, with fifty or one hundred owners, is far better for the community, than the same numl>er of acres with one owner. Small farms owned by their occupants, well tilled ; beautiful homes owned by their occupants, well filled ; a variety of industries thriftily pursued ; these, with cozy summer houses, dotting the hill-sides and their attendant churches and school houses, increase the l>eauty, the wealth, the population, and the intelligence of the coun- try town, and contribute to the strength, the power and safety of the nation. A town, thus constituted, is a desirable place in which to live. It will always be attractive and always grow. Burns, after he had fully tested the "vain pomp and glory of the world," said: "To a man who has a home, however humble and remote, if that home is, like mine, the scene of domestic comfort, the bustle of Edinburgh will soon be a busi- ness of sickening disgust." Moreover, the country town that is reached by the railroad, the tele- graph and the telephone, and most of them are, is no longer remote. Steam and electricity have annihilated time and distance, and made com- fort and convenience cosmopolitan. The news of the world reaches the farmer's door, almost as soon as it does the commercial centre, and knowledge is disseminated with marvelous equality. The luxuries of every clime are almost as near the cottage of the husbandman, as the palace of the city banker; and the city and the town are moving towards each other with astounding rapidity. And yet great men flee to great centres as whales to the deep sea. After Plutarch and Raphael discovered their ability they went to Rome as Burns did to Edinburgh. Large cities have always attracted genius and great minds, for in them is appreciation and scope. Herodatus went to Athens in search of educated men and an intelligent audience. Napoleon went to Paris, Webster to Boston. If the motive were praise, or gain or fame, it would l>e strong and all-powerful. But while genius is apt to seek the multitude it is frequently born in solitude. Goethe says: "Talent is perfected in solitude." An ancient philosopher has said : " That the first thing necessary for a per- fectly happy man is that he should be born a citizen of some famous city." Many are not thus privileged, if it is a privilege. Cicero, who has MiLFORfc CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 49 been doomed to an immortality, in this world, and who was the greatest of great orators, was born far back in the country, more than severity miles from Rome, afterwards the theatre of his matchless career. "Shakespeare, towering above all the poets of ancient and of modern times, as fresh to-day as he was three hundred years ago, the greatest miracle of intellect that perhaps has ever adorned the world," first saw heaven's light, at an almost unknown spot, called Stratford-on-Avon, now world-renowned as the place of his birth. Cromwell, who arrested the power of the House of Stuart, and changed the whole course of Eng- lish history, was bred to peaceful occupations, and lived for the most part in the country until forty years of age, but was buried with regal pomp among the ancient Kings of England. Washington and Lincoln, true students of nature, and noble sons of God, beginning life amidst rurul scenes and ending with the adoration of their country. A vast majority of the men and women who have made our country, who have fought our battles and won position and fame, have been blessed with a child- hood in the rural district, thus obtaining natural force and power. That the mind and body are more or less affected by the climate, atmosphere and scenery that surround early life, is an undoubted fact ; and while education begins in the cradle and the nursery, it does not end in the university. Life is a constant school. A large majority of active men and women acquire their vigor of mind from the unprinted literature to be found in forest, sky, street and field, as well as the count- ing room and business. "Nature educates, life educates, society edu- cates. Outward circumstances, inward experiences, and social influences, make up a large part of human culture." The country town and the populous city each possess special charms and marked advantages. The one supplements the other. Both are essential to the development of a great nation. The history of Milford, beginning but a few years after the United States had achieved independence, covers a hundred years of the most marvellous developments known to man. Ten such decades the world has never before seen. A comparison between then and now, reveals a most startling revolution in opinion, methods of thinking, and ways of living. Such an assemblage of new inventions, such an array of newly discovered facts, physical, moral and scientific, inspire the belief that there is scarcely no end to the possible accomplishments of the human race. The imperial and majestic power of man never was so obvious as now. Never before did human destiny'give promise of such splendid fruition. One hundred years ago ! Who can paint the wrongs that were then tolerated ? Millions of manacled slaves all through the civilized world ; the tortures of the Press-gang; the ghastly flogging of soldiers and sailors ; men aud women hung for stealing bread to defeat starvation ; debtors incarcerated in prison when overcome with the weight of obli- gations innocently and honestly incurred ; women executed as witches ; men burned at the stake by the command of tyrants ; paupers sold at 46 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. auction to the lowest bidder; taxes mercilessly imposed, to support creeds and crime. What a transition the century has witnessed ! Then they relied on the zeal of the Parson to warm the church. Now the warmth of the church inspires the pastor. Then they employed a beadle to wake the sleeping congregations; now those who put them to sleep are expected to wake them again. Then they walked, carrying their shoes in their hands until in sight of the church door. Now they go by steam and electricity, in carriages, cars and bicycles. Then there was heard on every hand the injunction " he that hath ears to hear let him hear." Now the spirit of the age says, "he that hath brains to think let him think." Mental indolence, like physical, is regarded as a criminal neg- lect of the most magnificent opportunities of life. At the clubs, in the taverns, with the newspapers, the wits, the great men of action, the men of art, literature, science, and learning, with those in the so-called hum- bler walks of life, in the factory and the mine, the schools and universi- ties, the churches and society, in law and justice, morals and manners, there has been complete, thorough and radical improvement. In gov- ernment itself, which is the highest aspiration of worldly struggles, the progress has been marked and universal. And the chief interest of this glorious anniversary is not so much the past as the present. Not what our fathers were, but what we are. Not what they did as what we are doing. The adornments of the occa- sion are not relics of history, but the living tons and daughters of Milford, its cultivated citizens, its men and women of education, enlightenment and character : " here are to be found its true interest, its chief strength, its real power." Theae are the trophies of its centennial year. This is not our only cause of congratulation. We are holding our family reunion, not in a dilapidated old homestead grown up and dis- figured with briers and bushes, with the moss covered bucket that hangs in the well, tumbling to pieces, with the latch-string broken or gone, with open doors creaking on rusty hinges, with bare walls and empty larder, with mould and decay everywhere visible, but rather in a com- modious and beautiful spot, surrounded with every sign and equipment of modern civilization. We are welcomed to a model town, with physi- cal comfort and spiritual grace. Its picture to-day is one of thrift, enter- prise and beauty. Its farms were never greener ; its shops never more attractive; its quarries of immaculate granite never more promising^ ite printing press never brighter or more active ; its schools and churches never more prosperous ; its citizens never more enthusiastic and intelli- gent ; and its charming homes never more numerous and elegant ; and ao, with loyalty and filial reverence we say, " Let the dead past bury its dead," we are for the living present and for Milford as she is and will be. " And green forever be the graves, And bright the flowing sod. Where first the child's glad spirit loves Its country and its God." MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 47 JOHN W. HUTCHINSON. President Wallace: One of the moat remarkable and interesting productions of the town was the celebrated Hutchiuson family of sing- ers, whose songs have delighted and instructed thousands and whose fame was not confined to this country, all of whom have passed away except one, John W. Hutchinson, the sole survivor of the family, who will favor us with an original song appropriate to the occasion. "HOME OK MY BOYHOOD." " O, home of my boyhood, my own native home, I love it the better wherever I roam." COUNTRYMEN, CITIZENS, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS : We have reason to congratulate each other that we are privileged, under these favorable auspices, to assemble to celebrate an event like this the establishment of the municipality, our town government. More than a hundred years ago, our fathers settled in this beautiful valley of the Souhegan, fertilized from the waters that coursed along among these surrounding hills, by brooks and rivulets that are tributary to our beloved stream, gently flowing and flooding its banks, paying tribute by enriching its meadows and plains and insuring temporal bless- ings. " Friends we all loved dwelt by these banks, And made their margins dear." Blessed associations and thrilling memories of every event cluster about the century just past. One who for more than three-fourths of this time has personally taken cognizance of the eventful periods, finds his mind thrilled as memory presents to his view the scenes so connected with the locality. It fills my soul with gratitude, though mingled with sadness, that I have lived so much in this eventful century. " Where are the friends of my youth ? " Many are lost in the grave's unconscious womb yet fond memory brings to light the many pleasurable days with our associates ; the family circle, the common pub- lic school, so dear to every Yankee that it makes him revolt at every attempt to interrere with the plan of our fathers. The church in its primitive excellence, founded and established by the common demand of our spiritual and social nature, a factor in our relations in the bodv politic, and of consolation under affliction, linking the best of this tran- sitory existence to the real and the eternal, where the great majority re- side. " Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together." Music, the church's handmaid, plays an important part in its perpetuity. I ought to say a word in regard to the building of the Baptist now Methodist church. I have been en rapport with the three gener- ations extending back more than a century. Our ancestors built well and conscientiously. " Uncle " Jesse my father and Andrew Hutch- inson, two brothers, worked on the building, with my grandfather, An- 48 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. drew Leavitt, acting as master carpenter. Grandfather Leavitt was a soldier of the Revelation. He fought at the battle of Bunker Hill, and was one of the 300 who kept the British at bay. Afterward, he was detailed to build anew the waste places caused by the burning of Charles- town. This patriot received an honorable discharge at the end of seven years of conflict He earnestly and honestly labored with these two brothers, for he could handle his kit of tools like an expert, and erected the Baptist Church as he had previously aided in building the Con- gregational Church later converted into a hall for town purposes on the hill just by the north bank of our stream, subsequently removed to its present site. Grandfather Hutchinson was a member of this church, and served as clerk of the society. Here we were nurtured in the tenets of the Baptist persuasion. For years, our family formed the principal part of the choir, and here Grand- father Leavitt, with father and mother, listened to the first concert of the Hutchinson family tribe of Jesse, thirteen sons and daughters given in the building they had so recently helped to erect. Solomon K. Livermore, Esq., a worthy citizen, volunteered and gave a very fine dis- course on music. The concert -was a success, and compliments were most profuse. It was on the farm we disciplined our voices, and learned to chant songs of freedom and of praise to the God of our fathers. We em- braced, as we thought, a religion that welcomed all the race of man to a common plane of brotherhood; our hearts beat in sympathy for the oppressed of all nations, and our souls were fired with indignation by the wrongs of four millions of bondmen. So we sang through the land in their behalf " Pity kind gentlemen, friends of humanity, Cold is the world to the cries of God's poor ; Give us our freedom, ye friends of Christianity, Give us our rights, for we ask nothing more.' 1 As members of the quartette, Judson. John, Asa and Abby, the four youngest of the family, we early trained our voices to sing with spirit and understanding, and soon moved the hearts of the public and won its plaudits. Here we commenced our original style of concerts, and after entertaining the people in the vicinity, ventured to the larger cities, Boston and elsewhere. There came to our village in 1843 some radicals William Lloyd Garrison and H. P. Rogers, with others. Among them were Parker Pillsbury, Stephen Foster, Abby Kelley and Fred Douglass, all laboring in the cause of freedom to remove from our escutcheon the stains of slavery. They held an anti-slavery meeting in the Congregational church. This, with similar meetings, aroused attention and sympathy for the down-trodden. The sentiments promulgated were in accord with our own, and so we joined the army of the Lord, to battle against the mighty. Most of our townsfolk enjoyed the music, though some would deride. But we heeded not their opposition, for the "God bless you " that came from a true abolitionist outweighed and tipped the beam of MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 49 the scoffer or scornful, so we blessed them in return. All of the reform" era mentioned frequently visited and were entertained at our house. It might be profitable, if time would allow, to recite the names of hundreds of men and women, some few of whom survived the wreck of time and rounded out 100 years. Wo must recall Mrs. Towne, whose lights were not shadowed by cares and sorrows. Still the moment of demise came and her soul was wafted to the realms of eternal light. At our last call this centenarian held in her embrace the new family Bible just presented by Sister Abby and acknowledged the testimonial in sweet accented sentences, after which we sang : " My sister I wish you well ; When our IS. JK DK F. M. WETREKBEE. MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. If CENTENNIAL CONCERT AND BALL, Town Hall, June 26, i894. 78 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. UP o Ca) S -a I 3 i a 3 S - W U 2 O a 2 K x < o >j o S X a J s i I E E H K & o 1 ^ 1 10 g 2 . O t" S 2 in N JO M Pronjet)ZKl. BASKET, e were his steps, each kepi wit "But O, she dances such a No sun upon an Easter da Is half so fine a sight." Pron)en*? g | Qi *^ L V O ^ c n j? a 3 * n o- P en - i n M W M 00 * 0\ NEWPORT. QUADRILL: "By i GALOP. "A O O *fl *" W o HJ r< ^c? M CAPRICE. PORTLAND SCHOTTISC "Gude night, and EC. nagic numbers an pard-like spirit, b Pronje ANCIERS. here goes anothei ire's luck in odd u "As in a trance Prortj* FANCY. "Push on ke HE. Frisking light in i joy be wi-yov d persuasive eautiful and K * C"P A rtX 3 TO -*W P ^ X I float along. 1 3 = o <* < 5' P 'rolic measur 01 01 a n P i JC X 5 c o B 5. ' : VJ rt o *- MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELKI'-IIATK >N. * I c -J < - _: I ^ f OQ DL . 03 1> UJ OQ U p 3 Q (U X H UJ ! UJ z" F . z ^ S u o! ^ X o c/5 ^ X OQ U 40 Q x. u i I S < u 2 MORSE & KALEY MANUFACTURING CO. Established 1840. MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 81 Loan and Art Exhibition. The Loan and Art Exhibition, as held at Eagle Hall, was a very successful feature of the day's celebration. It reflected credit alike upon the committee who had it in charge and the generosity of the people, in contributing so liberally towards its success, by loaning so many ancient and interesting relics of by-gone days. It was unfortunate that; this exhibition could not have been continued longer, that the public might study it more carefully and thereby gain the information and instruc- tion that it contained. The committee organized by the choice of Mrs. J. E. Webster as President. The hall was arranged with tables on eitber side and in the centre, and their historical articles arranged upon them, with the names of the loaners and the historical significance plainly marked upon a card and attached to each article, thus enabling the visitors to examine and inspect them intelligently. By an unfortunate oversight, these cards, which contained so much interesting information, were early destroyed, otherwise we could describe this exhibit more minutely and comprehen- sively. We were enabled however, from some records that were pre- served, to give a partial list of those who contributed articles, and, although not perfect, furnishes some idea of the number and size of the exhibit. Mrs. Nancy Bennett, aged ninety-three years, was present during the day and gave an illustration of the method of spinning, with the old fashioned wheel. NAMES OF DONATORS. Mrs. E. L. Hodgman, Mary Thurston, E. P. Hutchinson, Mrs. Rhoda Parker, Mrs. Joel Gutterson, Rev. A. M. Pendleton, R. H. Pierce, Miss Christine Moore, Caleb Hutchinson, Charles Dodge, Mrs. Clarence Gut- terson. J. F. Boynton, Mrs. Henry Warren, Mrs. Henry Mason, William Coburn, Mrs. Gunison, Mrs. Stillman Hutchinson, Mrs. P. Russell, Mrs. Joel Duncklee, H. Carter Towne, Mrs. Jennie Towne, Mrs. Dola Thomp- 82 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. son, Mrs. Fred Sawyer, John Kenney, Mrs. H. Moore, Miss P. N. Love- joy, David Heald, William Burtt, Calvin A. Averill, Z. Mills, E. E, Hill, Mrs. Hannah Chase, Mrs. Mary A. Lull, Mrs. Langdell, Mrs. Solon Kim- ball, Mrs. Chas. Pinkham, Dr. Hinds, Miss Atalanta Knight, Mrs. A. French, E. G. Hamblett, Mrs. Kaley, O. H. Foster, G. H. Stevens, Mrs. Milo Burnham, Mrs. John Twiss, Mrs. Will Hutchinson, Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Thomas Winters, Mrs. J. W. Pillsbury, Mrs. D. S. Dearborn, C. H. Russell, Winfred Mansfield, W. R. Fitch, Hervey P. Putnam, Frank Wetherbee, A. M. Wilson, Mrs. J. E. Webster, Col. J. W. Crosby, Mrs. M. J. Gillpatrick, Mrs. F. T. Sawyer, Mrs. D. N. Goodwin, Mrs. Leroy Hutchinson, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Julia Hill, Mrs. J. P. Melzer, Mrs. Abel Crosby, Mrs. C. Wilkins, Mrs. F. W. Ordway, Mrs. J. M. Burns, Mrs. E. Wilkins, Mrs. Watkins, Mrs. A. J. Sargent, Mrs. H. P. Peck, Mrs. C. Dodge, Mrs. John Mills, Adison Heald, B. F. Foster, Jennie Merrill, Mrs. Frank Barker, Mrs. Stinson, Mrs. J. M. Laws, A. L. Keyes, Mrs. Kate Birney, Dr. A. W. Smith, Mrs. Nancy Sargent, Mrs. Kimball, Mrs. Brooks, William Burtt, E. A. Savage, Miss Ball, J. B. Heald, Mrs. James Anderson, L. N. Wright, Mrs. Geo. W. Burns, Mrs. Kendall, Mrs. R. M. Wallace, Mrs. Lawrence, Mary L. Tucker, Mrs. C. R. Crosby, C. B. Wil son, Mrs. J. R. Wilkins, Mrs. G. A. Ramsdell, Miss Trow, Miss Fannie Merrill, Mrs. J. C. Boutelle, Mrs. J. B. Fretts, J. W. Prince, H. P. Dar- racott, Mrs. Ford, B. F. Hutchinson, Henry Parkhurst, C. C. Shaw, Arthur R. Webster, Miss E. A. Livermore, Mrs. Prince, Gilman Harts- horn, D. L. Daniels. MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 83 FIREWORKS AT ENDICOTT PARK, Tuesday Evening. BY MASTON & WELLS, BOSTON. Twelve Exhibition Batteries. Seventy-five Exhibition Candles. Six Rocket Batteries. Forty-eight Exhibition Rockets. Twenty-four two pound Display Rockets. Twelve Balloon Rockets. Twenty-four Revolving Rockets, assorted. Twelve Golden Fountains. Twelve Exhibition Mines. Forty-eight Assorted Shells and Bombs. Fifty Colored Bengola Lights. SET PIECES. Exhibition wheel, colored. Colored Floral Piece. Meteoric Shower. Star of America. CENTENNIAL DESIGN. Within a circle of Silver flame is displayed the word " Milf ord " and " Centennial " in crimson fires, with the dates 1738 - 1794, and the scales of Justice between. A Scroll or Wreath below bears the motto of June 26th, 1894, and upon either side the design is supported by Batter- ies of Roman Candles and Detonating Shells, which throw sn arch of fire over the whole composition, and conclude with deafening reports. 84 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. LETTERS. UNITED STATES SENATE, WASHINGTON, D. C., June 9, 1894. Messrs. G. A. Worcester and E. C. Hutchinson, Committee, Milford. N.H.: GENTLEMEN: It 'gives me "pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your kind invitation to be present on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Incorporation of Milford, June 26. I regret to state that I cannot hope to attend, on account of the pressure of other duties. It occurs to me to say that I grow more and more in favor of anni- versary and memorial celebrations. The revival of reminiscences by the old, and their study by the youog, enter into the growth of character in both old and young, more, perhaps, than even individual experiences in life. The founders of our New England towns were noble men and women. The lapse of time has made great changes in society, but I believe not such as will diminish reverence for the virtues and the labors of our ancestors, who laid broad and deep the foundations of our repub- lic. No town is richer in historic memories than Milford. I trust the sentiments which will be aroused at your anniversary, will be fruitful of happiness and benefit to all your people. dfours truly, WM. E. CHANDLER. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U. S., WASHINGTON, June 28, 1894. Messri. G. A. Worcester and E. C. Hutchinson, Committee on Invitations: GENTLEMEN: I am in receipt of your polite invitation to join in the Centennial celebration of the incorporation of your beautiful town, and regret that my duties here will prevent my uniting with you upon that interesting occasion. A hundred years is a long time, and probably no one can remember when your ancestors became a " body politic," but in MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 86 the history of a New England town, whose organization and government are based upon the continuing will of the people, it is a brief period and one which we may readily believe will be celebrated again and again, until your coming anniversary will be so far in the past that it will exist only as a tradition or a record. Such I am confident will be the good fortune of your citizens, and I congratulate them upon the happy condi- tions under which life is enjoyed and dignified by them, and upon the certainty that through the coming centuries their descendants will per- petuate for themselves and their neighbors the blessings of civil and re- ligious liberty, that public education may be maintained, that self-gov- ernment may not perish, and that the right to worship according to the dictates of conscience may not be questioned, but may be recognized everywhere as an " inalienable right," Your program of celebration is an excellent one. It will be char- acterized by eloquent words of wisdom and patriotism, and by appro- priate festivities. I regret my inability to be with you. Very truly yours, H. M. BAKER. 91 CROSS STUKKT, SOMERVLLLE, June 7, 1894. Messrs. Worcester and Hutchinson : GENTLEMEN : I am in receipt of your invitation to attend the Cen- tennial Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Milford. It will give me pleasure to be present, if circumstances will admit. I retain very pleasant recollections of Milford, for some of the pleasantest years of my life were spent with the people of that community. I thank you most heartily for the invitation. Sincerely, R.B. MOODY. SUPERIOR COURT OF COOK COUNTY, JUDGE JONAS HUTCHINSON IN CHAMBERS. CHICAGO, June 18, 1894. George A. Worcester, Esq., Sec'y, etc., MY DEAR SIR : I regret that I cannot be present to participate in the rejoicing over the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Milford. My duties are so imperative that I cannot leave here until about the middle of July. That the celebration may be a glorious success, worthy of the noble men and women who laid the foundation of the town, and of those who have, by devotion to its wel- fare, made it the foremost town of its size in the state, for enterprise, virtue and intelligence, is the profound wish of the writer. Yours very truly, JONAS HUTCHINSON. 86 MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY. EDGERTON, Wis., June 21, 1894. Messrs. Worcester and Hutchinson, Committee, etc. : GENTLEMEN : I thank you, and through you, the good people of Milford for your very courteous invitation to join in celebrating the cen- tennial of Milford's incorjxjration, and greatly regret that ray duties forbid accepting such invitation. You have most abundaut material for an unusually happy centen- nial celebration. Mill-ford, the mill at the ford, was one key to the prosperity of the town. Her huge beds of granite and her dense forests were others, but better than all these was that intelligence, energy, thrift and virtue of her people that seized on these advantages, put them to a practical use and built up her her homes, schools, churches, libraries and other insti- tutions which have made a history that every son of that grand old town may well be proud of ; while at the same time you have abolished saloons, gaming houses and other places of immorality and dissipation. Her first hundred years is nobly secure, and it is most fitting that its completion should be suitably celebrated. Her past, so prosperous and patriotic, is full of promise of a most glorious future, therefore I bespeak for you a happy and successful cele- bration; one that shall arouse her people to still greater achievements and prosperity as the town enters on its second centennial. Very truly yours, J. P. TOWNE. SOUTH HAVEN, MICH., June 20, 1894. To G. A. Worcester and E. C. Hutchinson, Committee on Invitations: GENTLEMEN: Your kind invitation to be present upon the occa- sion of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Incorporation of Milford was duly received with thanks. To a native of the " Granite State," the mere reminder of an anni- versary occasion is sufficient to stir one's pride and cause one's blood to pulsate quicker. As I picture to myself the happy faces and imagine the " feast of reason and flow of soul," it is with regret that I cannot mingle with the joyous throng, and unite in eulogizing the grand old town, where more than thirty of the pleasautest years of my life were passed. As "distance lends enchantment to the view," so must 1 be content, and although in a distant State, surely shall I be present in spirit on that festal day, and ever be proud to claim Milford as the spot where my eyes for the first time beheld the light. Let me say to all friends who, perchance, may be present, that many years spent in the West only deepen my regard for the place of my birth, its beautiful homes, its grand history, and its intelligent people. EDWARD LOVEJOY. MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 87 CLEVELAND, OHIO, June 5, 1894. Gentlemen of the Centennial Committee : Your kind invitation to attend the Celebration of the One Hun- dredth Anniversary of the Incorporation of Milford, N. H., is received. Please accept thanks and regrets that I cannot be present. I would gladly meet once more the remnant of those who were boys and girls together fifty and sixty years ago. I learned my A, B, C.'s, and a few other rudiments, in a district school in the southwestern part of the town. My first teaching was also undertaken in this self-same district. I think Mr. and Mrs. Addison Peabody, and a few other of my old pupils, still survive. This was half a century ago, I vividly remem- ber the old landmarks, the rather hilly road, the spearmint, the wild roses and ferns, with the berries which grew by the roadside ; but espec- ially do I remember the school committee, "Priest" Moore and ''Squire" Livermore, with others whose names are less familiar. Also, the old Baptist meeting-house on the sandy hill, where Samuel Everett, Mark Carpenter, and others, before and after, preached the word as they un- derstood it, in all sincerity, and the Hutchinson Family, filled the sing- er's seats. And earlier than this T have a dim recollection of the time when Calvin Averill and Diamond Pearson played the bass viol and Luther Wallace blew the clarionet. But these times seem misty and far away, with now and then an event or a face distinct and real ; among these were the baptisms, which took place in old Souhegan, with the singing at the waterside, and old Dea. Hutchinson receiving the candi- dates as they came up out of the water ; these were impressive scenes, I wonder do they still occur in the old way? As I write scenes and indi- viduals almost forgotten come vividly to mind. I wonder do they still raise hops in Milford? We used to have great times picking hops. For more than a third of a century my home has been in the beautiful city of Cleveland, on the shore of Lake Erie. During these years I have many times revisited my Eastern home, and though Ohio seems a little more familiar and real to me than New Hampshire, I still feel interested in all that concerns Milford, and am always proud of being a New Eng- lander. Milford is a good place to come from, and I doubt not an equally good place to stay in. I send greeting to the remnant of the old days* and God speed to the present and coming generation. Mav they be true to their motto of " Equal and exact justice to all," and wiser and better than we of the past. Very respectfully, ABBY L. O. AVERILL STONE. VALRICO, FLA., June 4, 1894. To the Town of Milford, through your Committee on Invitations : I am pleased to say that I have received your very polite invitation to be present on the occasion of your Centennial Celebration, but regret that I shall not be able to attend. Please receive my best wishes that MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. the day may be all that you desire, and that the future prosperity of Milford may be assured by the sterling virtue of the people. My first recollections of Milford were when riding into the town from the north with my father on a load of goods, at the age of seven years. The first thing that took my attention was the red painted roofs of some of the buildings. I had never seen a painted roof before. I think it was the spring of 1823 that my father bought a farm of Michael Hartshorn, situated in the western part of the town, between the farms of B. Shedd and E. Smith, and moved there from New Bos- ton. It was called the Melser place ; probably Mr. Melser cut it out from the primitive forest. At present it is owned by Mr. E. S. Burns. Yon have a good motto, "Equal and exact justice to all." But do you dispense equal justice to all ? Do the women share equally in the government? All governments should be instituted by the consent of the governed, but they are not. Women are governed by laws that men have made, and are not permitted to have a voice in making the laws of the State. Thas is a great injustice. I am really under no obligations to obey any human laws, to which I have never given my consent. But, thank heaven, there is one path of freedom open to all, through the press. Woman can speak her mind there as freely as man, and I rejoice to know that many have availed themselves of this liberty. Miss Wil- lard says that when she speaks on the platform she can reach thousands, But when she speaks through the press she can reach millions. Let us ever maintain a free press. With the public schools and free expression of thought we can defy all the powers of tyranny and oppression. CLEMENTINE AVERILL. CHICAGO, June 22, 1894. To G. A. Worcester and E. C. Hutchinson, Committee of Invitations: GENTLEMKX: Your latter of invitation to me from the Town of Milford, for my presence the 26th of June next, upon the occasion of the celebrarion of the One Hundredth Anniversary of its Incorporation, June 26, 1894, is received. Please give my thanks to the Town of Mil- ford for the kiud invitation to be present at the celebration. It would give me great pleasure and enjoyment to be there to see the beautiful Town of Milford and its people, where I was born and lived thirty-three years. Although it would be very sad to me, after nearly forty years since I left the town, to see the great changes that have taken place, and death's great harvest among my dear relatives and my good old neigh- bors; not one left, all gone and joined the great majority. I always liked Milford. It is a smart progressive go a-head town. Its citizens have always stood in the front rank in advocating good morals, patriot- ism, human liberty, free speech, religious liberty, temperanca, music and the arts. Also, industry, public improvements and advancement upon all lines, for the benefit and happiness of the people, hospitable to all MILFORD CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 89 that come within her gates. In short, Milford has some of the spirit of Chicago's push, and get there. I send my regrets that it will be impossible for me to be present at the celebration; nevertheless, my heart and soul will be with you just the same. My wish is that the citizens of Milford may realize all of their expectations and happiness in the celebration, on the 26th of .June next, and hope the next one hundred years will bring forth great advance- ment in knowledge, improvements and prosperity to the Town of Mil- ford, and may God bless all the mothers and daughters, is the wish of your humble servant. Yours truly, GEORGE HOLT. AMHERST, July 2d, 1894. Mr. Worcester: DEAR SIR: In behalf of the delegates from Amherst, I wish to express our thanks for the cordial invitation to visit you, and the very pleasant manner in which we were entertained on the 26th. With the best wishes for the progressive Town of Milford. Respct'y yours, JAMES F. WESTON, Chairman Board of Selectmen. ADVERTISEHENTS. HISTORY OP THE Townoffiilford, NEW HAHPSHIRE, From its earliest settlement, with a genealogical record of flilford families, by Q-eorgre PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN COMMITTEE. TOWW COfVAITTEE G. A. WORCESTER, Chairman, J. E. FOSTER, Secre- tary, W. H. W. HINDS, Treasurer, W. P. COLBURN, J. W. CROSBY. HE committee would announce that the forthcoming his- tory of the town is now well under way and will ap- pear at the earliest date consistent with its careful prep- aration. The volume will be of the usual octavo size and contain not less than eight hundred pages, printed on extra heavy rag paper, made in Henniker especially for this work. The presswork and binding will be by the Republican Press Association, of Concord, N. H., and will .recommend itself. The work will be embellished with two maps, thirty-six or more steel plate portraits of persons prominently connected with the town, ;and many views of public and private buildings, residences, etc. The edition is limited to seven hundred copies, and the committee guarantee copies only to advance subscribers. The price has been fixed at $3.00 (three dollars) per copy, bound in the best cloth, or $4.00 (four dollars) bound in half leather. Special bindings will be provided at special prices. Any in- formation desired will be furnished by the committee. W. P. Colburn has the especial charge of the genealog- ical matter, J. E. Foster the subscriptions and religious soci- eties, G. A. Worcester the illustrations, J. W. Crosby milli. tary matters, W. H. W. Hinds physicians and secret societies. D. L. Daniels, 7WKNURKCTURBR OF> JJonamental and Cemetery Work OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. Granite and Marble of the finest quality used in the production of my work, in large variety, including, Monuments, Headstones, Markers, Tab- lets, Posts and Curbing. THE CEbEBRATED_^ ^BM* Milford Granite used especially for Monuments. I employ none but the most reliable and skilled work- men. Should be pleased to give you reference from former patrons. Correspondence solicited. Salesroom, South St., near Baptist Church, MILKORD, N. H. Wm. H. Young. J. T. Young. Young & Son, Blue New Westerly Granite, The Strongest Granite Worked. Quarries and Works. , Office and Show Yard, Hilford, on the Souhegan, V Cor. 3rd and Liberty Sts., New Hampshire. Troy, N. Y. Crushing Tests Made by Prof. Ricketts of The Rerisse- laer Polytechnic Institute: "24,950 Ibs. to the cubic inch ; tested one cube 1 1-2 inches, unable to crush it, capac- ity of machine 50,000 Ibs." Bane, Quincy and Westerly granite crush be- tween 17,000 Ibs. and 18,000 Ibs. to the cubic inch. The Milford4~ -f Granite Co. INCORPORATED, MAY 18O4. MANUFACTURKRS OF Artistic Monuments A1H) THE HIGHEST GRADE OF Monumental Granite Work, Phenomenal Success. The beauty of the Milford Gran- ite and our very high class of work is attracting the attention of every one interested in fine monumental work. Low Prices and the Finest Workmanship, Send to us for estimates and we will surprise you with low figures consistent with the quality of Granite and Workmanship. The JBilfoFd Granite Co., UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-50m-4,'61(B8994i4)444 I Mil^r-H, W.H- - M59M5 Celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of Milford F 44 M59M5 001 337499 6