k Yale University Library ('.^>'c4t--^ -^^ , .. •»i' ' ' ,. \ f v--. YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY A Sketch of the Origin and Growth Old Folks' Association, CHARLEMONT, MASS. Compiled by a Committee chosen at the Thirteenth A nnual Gathering of the Association, and consisting of R. W. Field of Buckland, Kate Upson Clark of Brpok- lyn, N. Y., and E. C. Hawks of Charlemont. GREENFIELD, MASS. Franklin Printing Office, Field & Hall. 1883. e A Sketch of the Origin and Growth Old Folks' Association, CHARLEMONT, MASS. Compiled by a Committee chosen at the Thirteenth Annual Gathering of the Association, and consisting of R. W. Field of Buckland, Kate Upson Clark of Brook lyn, N. Y., and E. C. Hawks of Charlemont. GREENFIELD, MASS. Franklin Printing Office, Field & Hall. 1883. PREFACE. When the first meeting of the Old Folks was held no prophet had arisen to predict to what proportions the Asso ciation then formed would grow. No one suspected that from so small a beginning so large and influential an organ ization could ever be evolved as that of which we have in this little book the recopds; accordingly no one took especial pains to keep the chronicles of the meetings as they occurred from j'ear to year, and in many cases bare generalties are all that we have been able to gather concerning them. Many valuable and interesting anecdotes, obituaries and other par ticulars have thus been lost, but in future everything of the sort will be carefully preserved. With this explanation of what to many who were present will seem a meager and inadequate account of some of the inspiring meetings held by the Old Folks' Association, we leave the record with you, hoping that its descriptions, even if incomplete, will serve to recall to your memories many happy hours spent at the'de- lightful Old Folks' Gatherings. K. U. C. A SKETCH OF THE ORIGIN Or THE Old Folks' Gatherings of Charlemont, Mass. Arranged for publication by a Committee chosen for that purpose at the Thirteenth Annual Gathering, held September 6th, 1882. During the autumn of 1870 Judson Booth of Charlemont, having in his family his wife's mother, Mrs. Thirza Wing, widow of the late Bani Wing, then in her 93d year, had an earnest desire that the aged women of his neighborhood ipight meet at his house and have a social tea party. He accordingly mentioned the subject to several of the elderly men, asking their cooperation, and offering to furnish refresh ments for the party. At his call upon Eugene Field for consultation, Samuel Potter, from the upper end of the town, being present, it was proposed to have a more public gathering ; and it was agreed to invite those of the age of seventy and above to meet in the Methodist Vestry, in Charlemont Village, on the i8th day of October, at 10 o'clock A. M. The notice was given verbally ; and also, a request made that the families represented would furnish food for a sub stantial dinner. Both the notice and the request met with a hearty response. At this first gathering R. E. Field, Esq. was chosen Presi dent and Dea. Phinehas Field, Clerk. Col. R. H. Leavitt read an address of welcome, written for the occasion. This address is given below. The other exercises consisted of prayer, reading of Scripture, singing from the old books, short addresses and social chat, with a good dinner sand wiched in at the proper time. At the request of Eugene Field the prayers and grace before and after dinner were offered while all were standing, after the custom of our fathers. This custom has generally been followed at subsequent gatherings. A goodly number of middle aged persons were present to assist at the tables, and see if it was possible for a company of Old Folks to have a good time. Both young and old were surprised to witness so cheerful a, gathering. The interest was kept up for more than five hours without flagging. In drawing the meeting to a close the clerji made a motion "That we adjourn to meet again in five years," when An son Barnard, whose aged father and mother were present, replied " We can't stand that." He then^moved that we ad journ for one year. This motion was adopted unanimously. No record was made of this first meeting, or of the number and names of those in attendance. Address of Welcome by Col. Leavitt. Venerable Friends : ' It becomes my duty, and you maybe assured it affords me the highest pleasure, to extend to you the hand of wel come on this interesting occasion. We are assembled here, a little remnant of a former generation. We are a few scat tered representatives of that by-gone generation which surged to and fro through these streets and avenues which are so fa miliar to our eyes, and which are now trodden by a new gen eration, while we are comparatively in the back ground. It is our prerogative to witness rather than to take part in the ever increasing activities of life. A very large majority of our generation have gone to their. final home, and left us to follow one by one to " that bourne from whence no traveler returns." But it is not my purpose to moralize. We are met for a different purpose ; our gath ering here to-day is to turn aside from the common avoca- , tions of life and devote a few hours to social intercourse and enjoyment. Our business then is to make the most of this opportunity to review the past, to enjoy the present and to look forward with joyful anticipation to the future. In extending to you the hand of welcome on this very in teresting occasion, I cannot resist the temptation to in dulge in a hasty and brief review of the period of earth's his- tory which it has fallen to ,our lot to witness; and in which we have each acted a part, more or less conspicuous. And, venerable friends, what an era has it been ! Events of most 'transcendent importance have crowded upon each other, the bare mention of which would require more time than you would allow me on an occasion like the present. Some are here to-day who were born before the close of the Revolution. The roar of revolutionary cannon had scarcely ceased to vi brate along the hills and vales of the Old Thirteen, when the rest of us came into being. It seems as but yesterday to look back to the French revolution, the death of Washington, the dark day of 1780, the total eclipse of 1806, and the down fall of Bonapart. Witness also the progress in inventions and improvements, calculated to ameliorate the condition of the hurhan race. What developements have taken place in all the sciences and arts ! The doctrine of the " divine right of kings " is exploded ; the doctrine that a portion of the human race were born to command another portion is also exploded ; and the right of the people to self government is fully estab lished. The recent attempt to renew that worn out doctrine of the infallibility of the Pope now, at the close of the nine teenth century, shows conclusively that all the old fogies are not dead, and confirms the old proverb that ''Whom the gods are about to destroy they first make mad." The -old hierarchies of Europe are compelled from time to time to let up in their oppressions, and the people of Europe to-day enjoy vastly more of the natural rights of man than they did at the time of our birth. The same may be said of a large portion of Asia and Africa. The slave trade is almost entirely extinguished, and slavery itself is almost driven from the- face of the earth. • Who does not recall the sufferings of American captives, men and women, among the Algerines and Arabs.? Is there anything like such barbarities practiced among the tiarbarous and half civilized nations of the present day .' Our flag floats everywhere, and is a sure protection to every citizen of our Republic wherever he may be. Another wonderful advance is seen in the overthrow of American slavery. This institutioh had worn itself into the warp of society, had complete control of our government in every department, had installed itself in our ecclesiastical organizations, our most prominent ministers claimed its di vine origin from the Sacred Scriptures, and the laws of our land declared that " black men had no rights which white men were bound to respect." Where is American slavery now .? The Emancipation Proclamation of Abraham Lincoln, the most transcendently important document in the archives of history, enforced by the bayonets of the North, has estab lished the truth embodied in the Declaration of Independence, that " all men are created free and equal." Now let us look for a moment at the change in the moral and religious aspect of the globe : Who does not remember the time when Harriet Newell and her devoted coadjutors went forth on their errand of mercy to proclaim the Gospel of Salvation to the benighted heathen world .? Three-fourths of the habitable globe had never been penetrated by a single ray of Gospel light. " Darkness covered the earth and gross darkness the people." The seaports of all the eastern world were closed against our missionaries, and this little band were compelled to retrace their steps and abandon for the time being all hope of preaching the Gospel of Salvation to those benighted souls. How is it to-day.? Every part of the earth's surface is freely open to the mis- sionar)' of the cross: Ethiopia is stretching out her hands to the Lord; and the Islands of the sea are fast becoming the abodes of civilization and Christianity. The use of machinery in farming,'by means of which one man can perform the labor of a number of men, thus mi.tiga- ting toil and economizing human nerve and muscle, affords much more time^nd opportunity than formerly for the cul tivation of the intellect and the heart. What a change in the show of fruit do our agricultural fairs present as compared with everything of the kind when , we were young. The electric telegraph is most wonderful ; the vehicles in which we ride are all changed for the better ; the very cloth ing for our bodies, all made by machinery instead of by those weary midnight stitches of former days, is very different and greatly improved. Finally, let us look for a moment at our own community, who would have believed when you were young that we should one day see that wonder of all inventions, the iron horse, running through the valley of the Deerfield river at the rate of thirty miles an hour, with the prospect that the Hoosac mountain will be bored and trains pass through it in three years .' A kind Providence has smiled upon, and given us one of the most beTiutiful mornings of the year for this meeting ; nature is dressed in her most gorgeous robes, and all of our surroundings betoken a day of unmixed pleasure. We have much to be thankful for, and may our last days be our best days. I87I. Early in October, 1871, the following call fc)r a second gathering of the Old Folks was printed in the Greenfield Ga zette and Courier: NOTICE. THE Old Folks of Charlemont will hold thei'r annual meeting at the Methodist Vestry in Charlemont village on the iSth of October, (Wednesday.) at ten o'clock A. M. A dinner will be furnished by the vol untary contributions of the families. The time will be occupied in devo tional e.xercises, short addresses and free conversation. We hope many will unite with us on this occasion who are not accounted old. By order. P. FIELD, Secretary. t That this call was received gladly and responded to with great heartiness is indicated by the following report, publish ed in the Gazette and Courier, of October 23, 187 i. The Old Folks' Gathering in Charlemont, on the i8th instant, was one of great interest. Although the morning was lower)', with some rain, there was a general turnout. The meeting was called to order by Dea. P. Field, and Eu gene Field was chosen president, Nathan Ballard, statistical secretaryand Dea. Field, standing secretary. The president, on taking the chair, made a few appropriate remarks, and called on the venerable Dea. Horace Hawks to offer prayer. The prayer and the brief remarks with which it was prefaced by Dea. H. seemed to fill every heart vfith the spirit of devotion. After singing, Flora and Dora Davis, twin daughters of a deceased soldier, recited the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes in a clear and impressive tone and manner, keeping both time and tone as accurately as drilled soldiers keep step. After an adjournment of half an hour for chit chat, (which was well kept up), there was singing and short addresses until dinner was announced as ready in an adjoin ing building. Dea. John Porter of Buckland invoked the Divine blessing before, and R. E. Field, Esq., of Charlemont returned thanks after the repast. There were ninety seated at the first table and about the same number afterwards ; there was abundant and excellent food, with baskets of frat^ments left. The singing and, speaking were resumed after dinner and kept up until half past three o'clock. The spefikers, besides those mentioned at the opening, were Hon. John Porter and Dr. J. Trow of Buckland, Dea. Isaac Hawks of Shelburne Falls, Rev. J. Cadwell, R. E. Field, Esq , Dea. P. Field, Jonas Ballard and Lysander Hillman ot Charlemont. The address es were short, earnest, devout, charitable and cheerful. The statistical secretary reported names and ages of per sons present, and stated that of those who attended the gath ering last year, five of the number have passed away. There were present, between 60 and 70, twenty-six ; between 70 and 80, twenty-six ; between 80 and 90, twelve ; over 90, two. There were several of 'the old tunes sung during the meet ing, and as far as possible in the style they were sung seventy years ago; closing with the song of the Old Folks, from Fa ther Kemp's book. In all its pans this was a pleasant and profitable gathering, and the feeling seems general iliat a like gathering may be held annually. Following is a list of the names and ages of the Old Folks present at the gathering : [Residents of Charlemont where not otherwise designated.] Thirza Wing 93 Sela Hathaway 90 Elihu Smead >. 84 Judith Smc.ad 82 Abel Parker 83 Rhoda Parker. .'. 74 Susanna Mansfield, Hawley 83 Dea. John Porter, Buckland 80 Rhoda Porter, " ... .82 Job Warfield, " 79 Nancy Warfield, " 75 Albert Perkins, " 74 Jane P'e'-kins, " •-.•74 Dea. Isaac Hawks, Shelburne Falls, 76 Ichabod Hawks, Hawley 79 Ros well Rice 79 Ama Rice ....81 Rebecca Avery 81 Mary B. Hawks 82 Orick Packard....' 80 Allen Barnard 81 Almira Barnard .... 70 Charlotte Rice. .,. 81 Dea. Horace Hawks 79 Rachel Hawks 75 Mrs. A. D. Sevpard 74 Eunice Porter 79 Ama Williams 79 Dorothy Wells .'••¦74 Rebecca Upton 75 Thirza Houston 73 Eu nice Taylor 74 Dea. Phinehas Field 72 12 Chloe M. Field 67 Richard E. Field 75 Eugene Field 71 Abigail Field 73 Elizabeth Field 58 Judith Peirce 74 Zerriah A. Lyman 76 Jonas Ballard 75 Angeline Ballard 58 Wealthy Hunt 70 Dea. Edmund Hartwell 70 Electa Hartwell 66 Charles Wing 73 Sylvia Wing 73 Eli Todd 76 Mary R. Todd 75 Sarah M. Wood, Hawley 73 Martha Farley, Coleraine 62 Martha A. Pease 63 Richards 63 Capt. George Mayhewr 67 Rev. John Cadwell 66 Mrs. Cadwell 55 Dea. David Avery 66 Lucilla Marcj' 60 Roxana Albee. 69 Judson Booth ^7 Eliza Booth 64 John Rogers ^2 Patience Barber ^^ Maria L. Baldwin, New Milford, Ct., ^o Hon. Roger H. Leavitt 66 Eliza H. Leavitt 69 Hon. Hart Leavitt 62 Almira P. Leavitt 5° Sylvester Upton 65 Sarah Rice 62 Ansel Kendrick 58 Fanny Kendrick 51 Dr. Josiah Trow, Buckland 55 Mrs. Trow, " 56 Esther Hathawa)'. " 51 Sumner Houston 53 Lucinda Houston 51 Julia Elmer 64 Barnes Dudley 60 Wealthy Sherwin 69 Sarah Thatcher 58 Lysander Hillman 56 Mrs. Hillman 40 Henry A. Bissell 56 1872. Deacon Field's call for a third meeting appeared in the Gazette and Courier early in September, and read as follow^s : OLD FOLKS' GATHERING. The third annual gathering of the Old Folks of Charlemont and their friends from neighboring towns will beat Ciiarlemont village, on Friday, the twentieth of September, at ten o'clock A. M. Come with your baskets and boxes, with such good things in them as come to hand, and let us have a good time in friendly greetings, social chat and such addresses as may be prompted by the occasion ; and sing again some of the old tunes we love so well. PHINEHAS FIELD, Clerk. The report of the meeting indicates that this occasion was one of quite as much interest as any that had preceded it. Report. The Old Folks met Friday and had a good time. The stated clerk called the assembly to order, when Lysander Hillman of Charlemont was chosen president ; and L. B. Rice, Esq. and Moses Mantor recording scribes for the day. The Misses Davis, twin sisters, recited the Prayer of Habak- kuk, and Rev. John Eastman, of West Hawley, led in an appropriate prayer. The clerk reported that of the ninety registered as at our last annual meeting four had died — Job Warfield, Dea. John Porter and wife of Buckland, and Mrs. Sela Hathaway of Charlemont. Their aggregate age is 332 years. Next came singing — " How vain are all things here below" — lined by the clerk and sung to the tune New Durham. Dr. N. G. Trow, of Buckland, briefly delineated the character of those who had died from that town, and Col. R. H. Leavitt and the president followed in further reminiscences of the above and of Mrs. Hathaway. The cierk'tead from the Old Folks' Record as follows : " Died in Buckland, Oct. 28th, Job Warfield, aged 79. Mr. 14 W. had but just greeted his two daughters from the State of New York, as they arrived with his son from Charlemont, in front of his house, when he expired. Many will remember him as one of the singers at our gathering only ten days pre- _ vious, and with what animation he joined in the exercises of the occasion. In the family, in societ)', and in the Christian church he was accounted faithful." He added : '' These all died in faith, firmly believing in thc immutability of the oath and promise of God, and were kept by his power through faith unto salvation." The hymn commencing " Give me the wings of faith " was then lined, and sung to the tune of Mear, when we adjourned for social chat and dinner. The afternoon session opened by a poem, recited b)' Mrs. Mary F. Atkins, of Buckland, entitled " When we were young." After singing New Jerusalem, Rev. Messrs. Chap man, Marshall and Monroe, a'l of Charlemont, briefly and pertinently addressed the meeting; when Calvin Cooley, Dea. John Smead and L. B. Rice, Esq., were chosen a com mittee of arrangements for our next annual meeting. Old Folks registered at the gathering, eighty-four. The exercises were closed by singing Northfield. P F. The following names were added to the list of members at this meeting : Levi Smith 65 | Elijah Clark, PlainBeld 8i David Dunell, Coleraine 69 Erastus Mansfield, 'West Hawley, 74 Rev. John Eastman, " 70 Esther Crittenden, Shelburne Falls, 71 Clarissa L. Ware, Madison, Wis., 71 Capt. Dexter Atkins, Buckland, 60 Mary F. Atkins •• 60 Mary S. Legate 68 Ann Smith Roxana Smith 67 Orin Hawks. ¦79 Mary Montague 85 Sally Upton 74 Rev. David Todd 65 E.Flint Upton 70 Dorinda Upton 63 Eliza R. Gleason 66 1873. Dea. Field's Call OLD FOLKS' GATHERING. Iri Charlemont 'Village, at the Methodist 'Vestry, on Friday, the 19th inst.. by order of our committee of arrangements, at 10 o'clock A M., we propose to hold our fourth annual meeting. Let us come as heretofore, bringing ourboxes and baskets, filled for the table, and with warm hearts exchange friendl}' greetings. We hope old acquaintances from neighboring towns will meet with us on the occasion. Let strangers also come ; we will gladly make your acquaintance. Don't be particular in regard to age. PHINEHAS FIELD, Clerk. ' East Charlemont, Sept. 10, 1873. Two reports of this meeting, were published. We append below, first the official report, made up from several commu nications sent to the Gazette and Courier, and secondly, an ac count from another journal. Notwithstanding the rain, a goodly number of the old peo ple gathered in the vestry of the M. E. Church in Charlemont, in accordance with the call of their stated clerk. This is the fourth annual meeting, and with each year the interest seems to increase. Much of the time was passsd in social chat with friends and neighbors and strangers, of which latter there are a goodly number at each meeting. One meets more old people here than at any other one place, and those who see each other no other time in the year at this time shake hands and take a pinch of snuff together. We saw two of the oldest passing the snuff in the old way and were much amused at the unusual sight. Dea. E. C. Hawks was chosen president, and Lieut. L. B. Rice and R. E. Field, Esq., reg. secretaries; Lieut. Rice, Deacons John Smead and M. T. Carter, committee of ar rangements for the coming year. The president, on taking the chair, gave a brief and appro priate address, and read the 28th chapter of Job, after which prayer was offered by Rev. H. G. Marshall. After singing i6 " Come, Holy Spirit," to the tune of Turner, came the reading of last year's report as follows: Of those whose names are on our roll, (which was not commenced until our second )-ear), the following persons have died since we last met : Mrs. A. D. Seward, 75, of Charlemont; Roswell Rice, 82, Charlemont; Oren Hawks, 79, Charlemont; Sumner Hous ton, 54, Charlemont; Mrs. Sylvia Wing, 73, Charlemont; John Vincent, Esq., 70, West Hawley; Mrs. Clarissa Ware, 72, Madison, Wis. The following obituary from State Journal, Madison, Wis., by Rev. Mr. Richards, Mrs. Ware's pastor, was then read. — " Fell asleep in Jesus, at 3 o'clock, this morning, Aug. 22d, 1873, Mrs. Clarissa Ware, at the residence of her son-in-law, F. J. Lamb, Esq., at the age of 72 years. " Thus suddenly, yet not unprepared, after a brief but prob ably painless illness of 37 hours, another faithful servant of God has been summoned to enter into her rest. Mrs. Ware was born in Heath, Mass., in 1801, and passed her early years in the old Bay State. She married the Rev. Joseph K. Ware, a faithful and esteemed minister in the Congregational church, and shared with him the labors and cares of his work, in Massachusetts and Western New York. Since his death, in 1854, she has resided, for the most part, with her children, and for the past eleven years has lived in this city, where she has been widely known as a beloved member of the Congre gational church. Though of a quiet and retiring nature her earnest Christian character, her persistent fidelity, and her unobtrusive kindness, cause her memory to be cherished ten derly by a wide circle of friends. " She has been in the enjoyment of usual good health of late, and up to Wednesday noon was in the full activity of her powers. A paralytic stroke fell on her about two o'clock and she passed into a stupor and sleep from which she awak ed this morning on the 'Shining Shore.' Her sickness and death are similar to those of her distinguished brother, Rev. Dr. Joshua Leavitt, of New York, last winter." Next came singing " China," " Why do we mourn?" We now adjourned for a free chat until dinner time, and there was a most agreeable chattering kept up. At the tables Dea. Trowbridge invoked the Divine blessing, and Dea. Field re- 17 turned thanks, all rising, as was the custom with our fathers. Besides the usual variety found at modern pic nics, Mr. Albde had furnished a four quart pewter basin of nice baked pork and beans, and some pewter plates of the old London pattern. The first table was filled by the older people, the next by those of middle age, and next the little girls who were out of school for the afternoon recess were pressed in for a like ser vice. After all had eaten and were filled, we rallied by sing ing; then followed addresses from Dea. Silas Trowbridge, of Buckland ; Dea. Henry Taylor, of Cleveland, O., a native of Buckland ; Col. R. H. Leavitt, Wm. Elliot, of Greenfield ; R. E. Field, Esq., of Charlemont, and Warren Albee. The ad dresses were characterized by brevity, earnestness and adap tion to the occasion. Of the fifty-one present whose names are on our roll, fifteen are new names. The ages of the four oldest women present ranged from eighty-one to ninety-five. The speeches of several of the veterans carried us back in imagination to the times when they were boys, as one saidj his grandfather told him when a boy, of the deer park he used to have on the banks of the Deerfield, not far from where Buckland station now stands. It was surrounded by a high board fence on the plain by the river, but at the top of a very steep bank it was only two feet high. Over this part the deer would easily jump, but could not jump back. In the morning he would go in and shoot the bucks and open the gate and let out the does! who would flee to the w^oods only to come back with more of their lordly companions. One morning he went in and standing in his tracks shot down five bucks. That's the vi'ay our fathers took the deer. The same old gentleman told his grandson how he shot a bear on a huge rock on the side of Catamount, which he pointed out, and how became tumbling down the rocky cliff. The gentleman who told us these stories went West nearly forty years ago, to seek his fortune, and goes now by thq name of Dea. Henry Taylor, of Cleveland, Ohio. Then Col.' Leavitt had to tell how he taught sch.ool in Buckland forty years ago, and had this man for a pupil, and how he used to board with the aforesaid grand-father, and used to .see him i8 • dressed in short breeches with knee buckles and long hose, with wig and long peruke, and three-cornered hat, a regular gentleman of the old school, doubtless able to cast into shad ow any of Father Kemp's Troupe. Then Dea. Trowbridge^ of Buckland, told some of the experiences of a life never spent in loafing, but in honest industry, and a long life too, and still vigorous. Wm. Elliot, of Greenfield, R E. Field and Mr. Albee added something more to the chapter of expe riences. Our genial and ever ready clerk brought up the rear with closing remarks, as follows : " F(nir years ,ago, at the close of our first annual meeting, I moved to adjourn to meet again in five years. One of our grey-haired young men, whose father is still with us, signi fied that he could not stand that, and moved as an amendment that we adjourn for one year. The counsel of tne young men prevailed,- and we have met annually. Though they have borne the main burden of our entertainment they have cheer fully met it, and to our entire satisfaction, for all which they have our hearty thanks ; and our prayer is that when they shall be called to fill the record on Time's table now occu pied by us. their social gatherings may be as harmonious as that of our summer songsters now gathering around us, pre paratory to their departure for more genial climes. I now commence my fifth year as your stated clerk, and before your next meeting, in case my life is spared, shall have passed five years beyond man's alloted bound; and I hope you will then release me" from this responsibility by choosing a successor, in case I am not earlier released, to join the holy, happy company on high." OJd Hundred was then sung, and with the benediction we slowly took our departure, agreeing that, though we had had a rainy day without, within our spirits had not been dampen ed, and one of the most enjoyable days of the Old Folks' Gatherings had just passed away. As the day had gone nev er to return, so some of the aged ones who passed out over that threshold went out never again to gather with that com pany. Such gatherings are pleasant and profitable to old and young. To the old a cheer and comfort, to the young^a Ies- 19 son of reverence for old age, which in these days of irrever ence should not be neglected. Long live the Old Folks' Gatherings of Charlemont. M. Names added at the fourth annual gathering: Calista Stratton, Buckland 79 Christopher West, " 72 Gardner Wilder, " 66 Salina Dole, " 69 Dea. Henry Taylor, Cleveland, O. 64 Lucy Simonds, West Hawley. ..82 Samuel Williams, West Hawlej', 71 William Elliot, Greenfield 71 Dea. Milo T. Carter 1 . . .69 Mrs. J. Marshall 73 E. Dexter Hawks 64 Warren Albee 65 Mary Rudd, 62 Report No. 2. Old Folks' Meeting. Last Friday, the 19th, was the day set apart for the meeting of the old folks in Charlemont and vicinity. This was the fourth anniversary of this association. Four years ago a meeting of the old people was called as an experiment. It met with a hearty response, and then the association was permanently organized, and since that time we: have had very large and interesting meetings. Last Friday morning opened upon us with a heavy fall of rain, which con tinued through the day, giving very little promise of much of a meeting. But about ten o'clock good Deacon Trow bridge and daughter, from Buckland, drove up with goodly boxes and pails of provision, and from that time until one o'clock the old gray heads continued to arrive, manifesting a very great interest in the meeting. Many of the old ladies insisted that as they were neither sugar nor salt, go they must, and go they would, so there was a goodly number whose ages ranged from seven to ninety years. At about eleven o'clock our old antiquarian, Phinehas Field, called the meeting to order and read the call for the meeting. The meeting began, choosing E. C. Hawks, president; Belden Rice and R. E. Field, secretaries ; and the reading of the Scriptures and a short address by the president; and prayer by Rev. Mr. Mar shall, and the singing of several old-fashioned tunes, led by Mr. Bissell. The meeting took a recess of half an hour for social interviews with each other; at its close we were sum moned to the tables, which were loaded with an abundance of good things for thej inner naan.. The tables were set in beautiful style. The divine blessing was very appropriately invoked by brother Trowbridge, and all did justice to the feast before them, about one hundred, young and old, filling the tables a number of times. After the repast was over the president of the day called for order ; a hymn was sung and some appropriate remarks made by the president. Deacon Trowbridge was called upon for a speech. He took the stand and made a most eloquent historic speech, chaining the au dience while he gave a thrilling account of his experience through seventy-five years. He said he had always been a hard worker, and never lounged an hour in a bar-room in his life. Col. H. Leavitt, who is a ready speaker, made some per tinent remarks. Henry Taylor, of Cleveland, O., formerly of Buckland, gave us a good talk. The next speaker was Wil liam Elliot, of Greenfield, who thought old people ought to keep young hearts; he was much gratified in being present on the occasion. Mr. Albee gave a stirring address, and all seemed to think they had been richly paid for coming out in a rainy day. The untiring attention of the president, E. C. Hawks, added much to the enjoyment of all upon that occa sion. The secretary reported three deaths during the past year. How m^ny of us will be called to our great account be fore another meeting of the old people, of Charlemont, God only knows. f. 1874-. Great pains has been taken by the aged clerk of the Asso ciation, who is as witty as he is wise, to vary the calls for the annual gatherings, and make each succeeding one more attractive, if possible, than its predecessor. The following is the call for the fifth meeting : OLD FOLKS' GATHERING. At the Methodist 'Vestry, in Charlemont, on Thursday, the 3d of Septem ber, the old folks of Charlemont ¦will hold their fifth annual meeting for social greetings, short addresses, singing and other devotional exercises. Come friends ! fetch along such articles of food as come to hand for the long table. The younger ladies of the village will be on hand to set things in order, while we will show them how to grow old cheerfully and grace fully. 'We extend a cordial invitation to friends in neighboring towns. Ten o'clock A M. is the hour of meeting. Remember we old folks don't stop on account of rain. PHINEHAS FIELD, Clerk. Dea. Field says with reference to this gathering: Agreeable to notice, our fifth annual meeting was held on the third instant. The day was propitious, and all the ar rangements satisfactory. From humble beginnings we have grown to a stable institution. We have neither constitution, rules or by-laws; a record of names, age and residence of those who attend is kept, and the stated clerk gives at each meeting the names of those who have died since the last meeting, so far as he is informed. The first hour was spent in adjusting the contents of the boxes and baskets, hand shakings, &c., &c. The meeting was then called to order by the clerk, and the printed notice of the call was read, when the usual officers were chosen, viz. : Dea. E. C. Hawks, president ; Moses M. Mantor and Miss Abby Maxwell, recording secretaries; Lieut. L. B. Rice, M. M. Mantor, Dea. Milo Carter, Mrs. L. B. Rice, Mrs. Alonzo C. Thayer and Mrs. H. H. Mayhew, committee of arrange ments for the next meeting. The stated clerk, having held the office since the first meeting, tendered his resignation, but was unanimou.sly reelected. The president, on taking the chair, made brief remarks of congratulation, and when the organization was completed, lined off an appropriate introductory hymn, which was sung by the assembly. He then read the 13th chapter 1 Cor., and after prayer by the Rev. Ichabod Marcy, the clerk read the names of those who had died from our roll since our last meeting as follows: Miss Sarah Wood, of Hawley, aged 75 ; Mary R, wife of Eli Todd, Charlemont, 77 ; in Buckland, Se- lina R., wife of the late Salmon W. Dole, 69; Dea, Horace Hawks, of Charlemont, 81 ; Ichabod Hawks, of Hawley, 84; Mrs. Rebecca Uplon, of Charlemont, 78 ; Mrs. Thirza F. Wing> of Charlemont, 96. He also, read the obituary of Mrs. Wing, as published in the Gazette and Courier, in March last. OfirruARY OF Mrs. Wing. When in'extreme old age one is called from us who has honorably filled every position in life allotted her in the provi dence of God, it is suitable that some "memorial of her'' should be recorded. Such an one was Mrs. Bani Wing, who . died in Charlemont, March 7th, having just completed her 96th year. Thirza Flint (Mrs. Wing) was born in North Reading, Mass., March 10, 1778. She was the daughter of Benjamin Flint, who was a native of Reading. Her mother, Olive, was the daughter of Rev. Josiah Richardson, the first minister of Woburn. Her ancestors were remarkable for longevity. Both father and mother were born in 1746, were married in 1768, and both died in 1837, having lived in the marriage relation 69 years and were past 90 at their death. He was in the Continental Army at the time of Thirza's birth. Her grandfather, Ebenezer Flint, was killed in the Old French War, near No. 4, Charlestown, N. H. Her uncle, Daniel Flint, was killed in one of the early battles of the Revolu tion. Her brother, Benjamin, died in Norway, Me., in 1858, aged 87. Dea. Addison Flint, also a brother, died at the old homestead in Reading in 187 1, in his 90th year. A sister, Olive, married Ebenezer Graves of Ashfield and died in 1854, aged 83. Her youngest sister, Ruth, married Theodore In galls, of Haverhill, Mass., and was the grandmother of Hon. John J. Ingalls, U. S. Senator from Kansas. The subject of this sketch, in the year 1797, at the age of 19, 23 married Josiah Upto)a and settled in Charlemont. Mr. Upton died in i8i I, leaving her with six young children. These, with the exception of the youngest, Mrs. Bissell, who died in Wilmington, Vt., in 1870, aged 60, survive her. Her oldest daughter, Mrs. Houston, is now 75 years of age. A wid owed great-grand-daughter, whose hair is copiously sprinkled with gray, was at the funeral. There are several of the fifth generation: In 1S21 Widow Upton married Bani Wing, of Wilmington, Vt., where they lived 16 years. They then set tled in Charlemont, bringing with them their son, Lucius B. Wing, now of Newark, O. This was in 1837. She was again, in 1847, left a widow. This second husband, Bani Wing, when 17 years of age, in 1779, enlisted in the Revolutionary Army, at Conway, Mass, under Capt. Rice, in Col. Chapin's Regiment. He served two terms of enlistment. The token of recogni tion which the Government gave him for his services placed his name on the pension roll, and since his death the widow has been recognized as a pensioner of the war of the Revolu tion. Bani Wing died at the age of 84. He was a man true to his Country and his God. Mrs. Wing has, for the last 19 years, had a quiet and peaceful home with her daughter, Mrs. Judson Booth. Mrs. Wing at the age of 18 joined the Chris tian church, and in her removals transferred her church rela tions to other Congregational churches, but in social life read ily assimilated with all who love the Lord. She held the Sabbath and the public worship of God in like estimation as her pilgrim fathers, and when unable to attend Sabbath ser vices she ever manifested a desire to encourage the attend ance of those around her. There is something remarkable about this long life just closed besides the number of its years. While many, under the weight of years, labors and cares, be come unbalanced in mind, burdensome to themselves and their friends, she was blessed with the continued use of her sight, hearing and judgment — all her mental faculties. She was interested in the current news of the day, read the news papers as well as her Bible, and no trouble of the children. connected with the family failed to go as direct to her "moth er's heart" as at any time in her life. Her cheerfulness and contentment were complete and in the- words of her pastor 24 at her funeral : " Her presence was a continual benediction. It may truly be said that her adorning was." in that which is not corruptable, even the adornment of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price." .^fter the president had lined off another hymn, to the tune of Northfield, we adjourned for social chat until dinner time. The devotions at the table were led by Dea. Isaac Hawks of Shelburne Falls, and Rev. W. Newell of East Charlemont. After one hundred and fifty-eight persons had been bounti fully fed, a large quantity of food was left. After dinner the assembly joined in singing Coronation, and the rest of the time until four o'clock, P. M., was occupied in listening to short addresses by a number of individuals, introduced by a recitation from Miss Jennie Mantor, and the following poem by Mrs. Atkins of Buckland : Mrs. Atkins' Poem. It Didn't use to be so ; or. Then and now. [Read at the Old Folks' gathering in Charlemont, September 3, 1874.] My Friends, I am happy to meet you to-day ; We are nearer by twelve rnonths the end of the way Then when we last met, for converse and chat, To speak of by-gones, of this and of that. Here are some who have numbered their three score and ten. Here are women grown gray, here also are men. Who hail from the port of the long, long ago, With barks still afloat on the uncertain now. Supposing we take a short fancy trip back. To take in more ballast, — '(isn't sail that we lack,— To steady our craft, speeding on as we go. Through the rough, rolling surf, at the tide's fullest flow. For around the dead past cling memories dear. And oft in my musings bright visions appear ; Oft scenes well remembered, that bring to my mind A joy and a sorrow that's strangely combined. Our fathers and mothers, with Puritan zeal, Held fast to the Faith, were as true as the steel, Believed in a God to honor and fear. In commandments to keep and crosses to bear. 25 They studied God's word with reverent awe. Enforced, by example, each precept and law. And patiently taught us'the way to be good — Restrained and corrected, as all parents should. The broad bands of Hj'men were enduring and strong. Divorces for trifles were thought to be wrong ; 'Twas for better or worse, or whate'er might betide, To love and to cherish till Death should divide. They had something to do besides dress to look fine ; 'Twas a duty, they thought, to improve well their time ; Were truthful and honest, lived frugal and plain. Content vfiih their lot, and very small gain. ¦ They ate their corn bread, and their bean-porridge hot From a smooth wooden bowl that was scooped from a knot Then went to their toil in the old-fashioned way, 'When work was suspended on the blest Sabbath day. Sweet Sabbath of rest! to man it was given To soothe and to chasten and fit him for Heaven : Alas, and alas ! 'tis a holiday now ; But in the loved past it didn't use to be so. ¦Well, it is different now from what it was then ; The boys of to-day go ahead of the men ; And the girls, why, the girls must have their own way ; They must dress, and must flirt, and play at croquet. Now lovers pair off as they always have done. And two loving hearts are made into one : 'Tis my dear husband, dear, my dear, and my wife, But they don't seem to think 'tis a union for life. At first they're loving as loving can be. But ere you're aware, there'll be bickerings you'll see ; They'll grow sullen and pout, then off they will go ; I tell you, my friends, it didn't use to be so. They say we're progressing ; perhaps it is so ; Can any one tell us, does any one know, If some things are better, why others are worse, Deserving, I'm thinking, God's frown and His curse? I have watched with interest a little brown bug, Or a spider, perhaps, don't think 'twas a slug ; And I never could tell by seeing him go, 'Whether rapid his pace, or whether 'twas slow; 'Twas sideways, then crosswise, 'twas forward, then back ; 26 He din't seem careful to keep on the track ; And his object, so puzzling, I ne'er could define. Unless it was merely to have a " good time." And so, I am thinking, it is with this age — Storm-tossed and afloat, while the wild billows rage. Securely, 'tis drifting, never quite on the line. Pursuing that phantom — a coming good time; While we, who have stemmed the rough current of life. And are rapidly nearing the end of the strife. In our old, battered boat, careening as we row. Can consolingly think, it didnt use to be so. Q IN A Corner. Poet's Seat, Shady Lane, Sept. i8, 1874. The singing of '' New Jerusalem," and the benediction by Rev. Mr. Baker, of Charlemont, closed the meeting. The addresses were interesting and appropriate and were listened to with a stillness that was remarkable ; while the house dur ing the time appropriated for dinner and social chat was like a cotton factory and cutlery combined. It seemed to be the general sentiment that this was the most interesting and joy ous gathering we have held. Report No. 2. [From the Franklin County Times.] The third instant was a happy day in Charlemont vil- Ij^ge. Not me'rely the old folks assembled there, but the mid dle aged, and even the children entered heartily into the spirit of the occasion. I have never seen a more cheerful as semblage. The time appropriated to social greeting was ad mirably improved ; and at the tables all was as it should be, with a superabundance of choice food, and a social cup of tea. On call to the after dinner exercises of singing, recita tions and speeches, every ear was attentive, and a remarka ble degree of stillness pervaded the house, and the attention was held to the close, at four o'clock. The president, Dea. E. C. Hawks, though not on the old folks' register, opened the speaking by calling the attention of the young to the fate that befel the Jewish nation for their not following the counsel of the old men, and eloquently ex horted the young to venerate the aged ; and called upon the clerk (Dea. Field) to meet the clause in the notice of meeting 27 which relates to "growing old cheerfully and gracefully." The clerk responded by alluding to his grandfather (Capt, Seth Lyman of Northfield,) who at the age of eighty was erect in form, and cheerful and courteous in disposition and manner; and on visiting him in his boyhood, his grandfather would fetch out the bow and arrow, and the balls that many years before have served to amuse his own boys. He also earnestly entreated the young to take special care to preserve that erect posture, which adds so much to graceful motion, and to health likewise; and noticed a young man near his own age, who became permanently deformed through the habit of sitting and lying in a bent posture while he was growing. He also spoke of his father's mother, who was always cheerful ; who, marrying a second time at the age of seventy, lived with her second husband twenty years, and, although entirely blind for many years, her son-in-law said her support was no burden, for her influence in his family of children more than compensated the expense of her mainte nance. An aunt to everybody, aunt Christian, visiting at his grand-father's, sent the children out of the room because they made so much noise; that act created a prejudice in his father's mind that was permanent. He thanked the presi dent for reading that chapter which speaks of charity as " the hand of perfectness?' Although he had heard many good ser mons on the subject, he preferred Paul's own explanation of charity, as given in'the same chapter, ist Cor., chapter 13th. The fifteen qualities of mind and heart specified by him as the fruits of charity, show that though the " Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," it is not the end ; only the foun dation. Revs. Marcy, Newell and Baker, of Charlemont, each said this was the first meeting of the kind they had ever attended; and they cordially endorsed the whole idea, and the carrying out of it, and recommended that the same may be not only a permanent institution in this town, but that it be adopted in other towns. Mr. Albee, of Charlemont, spoke earnest words ¦ oi patriotism, and exhorted the young to guard well the liber ties of our nation, which have cost such a treasure of blood- The poems of Mrs. Atkins, of Buckland, added much to the interest of the occasion. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr. 28 Judson Booth, of Charlemont, as the originator of the Old Folks' Gathering ; to the young people for their generous as sistance in serving on the occasion ; to the president for his efficient service, and to the stated clerk for his five years' ser vice, with a renewal of his appointment for another term, and to Mrs. Atkins for acceptable production. Thus ended the well spent day. At their next gathering, " may I be there to see." Com. Obituaries. Died in Charlemont, April 29th, Mrs. Judith Smead, aged 85 years and 11 months, and on May 17th, Dea. Elihu Smead, aged 87 years and 3 months. Such is the simple record of the close of two lives which have been lovingly united for a little more than 63 years. In death they were scarcely divid ed, so nearly together were they called home from the earthly house they had called home for 55 years. For 55 years their names have stood together upon the records of the ist Con gregational church at Charlemont, .with the exception of the two or three years they connected with the separation which formed the East Charlemont church. Mr. Smead was one of the first deacons of that church. " Along the cool, sequestered vale of life, _ They kept the noiseless tenor of their way." Yet in so quiet a life they lived to see many changes ; to celebrate their golden and their diamond weddings ; to bury six of their nine children, and to survive all their brothers and sisters. Mr. S. was born at Deerfield, early removed to Belchertown, there united with the church of Christ on the same day he became a man in the legal sense, thus coming into his manhood in a double sense. Three years after, on his birthday, he married; living at B. five years, Chesterfield three years, from which place he removed to the home here, which he never left till he went to the heavenly home. For the year past they have been called to pass through much suffering, but through all they have been permitted to give good testimony to the power of a faith in Christ. They have been waiting God's good time. For the last few months each has been watching to see when the other should be released. Their strict integrity and faithful devotion to the teachings of God's word marked them as possessors of that old-fash- 29 ioned religion which leads where duty calls, however difficult or disagreeable. Their interest in the Redeemer's cause was deep and tender to the last, though they were greatly weak ened by pain and disease. To the bereaved children and to the church they have left a precious legacy of prayers and faithful work. Not long before her death when Mrs. S. was asked if the Lord gave her help ; she replied : " What, should I do without Him.?" And this expressed the feelings of both. Almost her last words were, '¦ Rejoice, for the gates are open for me." And now they rest together, and with Him whom they trusted so long. h. g. m. A tribute to the memory of Dea. Horace Hawks, of Charle mont, who departed this life Feb. 24th, 1874, in the 82d year of his age. Dea Hawks was unpretentious, but manly, loving and ge nial, sober-minded, discrete and judicious, faithful ever to his convictions of duty, and as some might think, cari-ied his conscientiousness to an extreme. He was a man of prayer, pre-eminently and greatly gifted ; the gift, however, being evidently not so much from natural endowment as an attain ment of his Christian life. Of him it might truly be said, he was a devout man and one that feared God with all his house. Unambitious of public life, he was a man of home and fatnily, finding his pleasure there, and religion had always a pleasing prominence in the household. She who was his loving com. panion for more than fifty-eight years, and who still lives to mourn his loss, was one with him in prayer and endeavor to train their children not only in the knowledge of the schools, but also in that which ever had with them the preference, viz.: The knowledge and love of God, and the blessing of God attended those prayers, and their accompanying faith ful efforts. For all of the children who lived to years of un derstanding had, and those still surviving have a good hope in Christ, and are following in the pious footsteps of their parents, 'vyho prayed and labored so faithfully for them. They rise up now and call them blessed. Five of them now re main, heads of their respective households, and seven have gone on before. Dea. Hawks' piety was not so much of the hopeful and joy- 30 ous kind as it was humble, reverent. God-fearing and loving. For some months during his last year, through the gradual weakening of his powers, he suffered from a degree of men tal gloom, but as the end drew near, as stated i,n the funeral discourse by his pastor, the Lord restored unto his servant the light of his countenance, and his last days were peace. Dea. Hawks was a member of the First Congregational church of Charlemont, between 57 and 58 years, and Deacon nearly 50 years. He loved the church and labored and pray ed for it. He was a worthy and beloved associate in succes sion of the Deacons Aaron and Josiah Lyman, father and son, and of others of like spirit, men of faith and fidelity, who have gone to their blessed reward on high, the memories of whom will long remain fresh and sweet among that beloved church and people. Names added in 1874. Jared Gragg, Shelburne Falls. . . . John Ballard, Athens, 0 84 John Jones, Lock Haven, Pa 67 Francis Mantor, Buckland 71 Elmira Mantor, J. H. Abbott, James King, Mrs. J. King, Mrs. Gardner Wilder, Freeman Atkins, West Hawley.. 68 Rev. W. Newell 58 Rhoda Parker. . . 62- R. C. Rev. Ichabod Marcy 63 Ephraim Leonard 69 Mary Coy 85 Mary Fuller 64 Henry Bassett 64 Hannah Bassett 57 Mrs. George Chapman, Dennis . . John Nelson, Bernardston 72 Sally Nelson, " 75 Oren Streeter, Buckland 63 Abel Parker 86 79 i875. A new feature was introduced into the clerk's call for 1875, as will be seen by reading it as given below : TO THE OLD FOLKS OF CHARLEMONT. With the advice and consent of your committee of arrangements, Thurs day, the gth of September, is designated as the time for your sixth annual social meeting. The Methodist vestry at Charlemont Center, at 10 o'clock, A. M., ai-e the hour and place of meeting. The younger folks who are accustomed to wait at the tables, will bear in mind that the aged ones never let the rain hinder them on such occasions. Arrangements are made to have a table set expressly for those couples who have lived in the marriage relation for fifty years and upwards. And in order to bring the two ex tremes of life together, the offer of a silver half-dollar is made to the boy or girl undertwelve years who will visit and report to us the names of the great est number of persons who are over seventy 3-ears of age, between the first of September and the time of the meeting. The tables will be supplied from the baskets and boxes brought for that purpose. Our friends from the neighboring towns, as heretofore, are cordially in vited to join us in social chat, short addresses, the report, singing the good old tunes, and such acknowledgement of God's mercies as are appropriate on the occasion. Phinehas Field, Clerk. East Charlemont, Aug. 31, 1875. Report. The gathering of the Old Folks of Charlemont and adjoin ing towns was held at the Methodist church vestry in that locality on Thursday of last week. Dea. E. C. Hawks was chosen president, and M. M. Mantor and Abby Maxwell a committee to take the names of those aged persons present who had not been enrolled. A. L. Barnard, M. M. Mantor, L. B. Rice, Phinehas Baldwin, Mrs. L. B. Rice, Mrs. H. H. Mayhew, Mrs. Dennis Baker and Mrs P. Baldwin was chosen as a committee of arrangements for the next meeting. Mary S., daughter of Ira Nichols of Charlemont, returned the names and ages of 40 persons visited by her who are over 70 years ; and Katie J., daughter of James Nichols of East Charle mont, reported 102 visited by her. The latter receiving the silver half-dollar offered as a prize for securing the largest number of names. The devotional exercises at the table before and after din- 32 ner, were led by Rev. Mr. Guild of Buckland, and Dea. Silas Trowbridge of Buckland. Fifty-one sat down at the first ta ble, fifty at the second, and fifty-six at the third, and at the fourth fifty-six. Total, 213. New Jerusalem and Sherburne were sung. Rev. Mr. Guild addressed the aged, and Rev. Mr. Marshall the young. They were followed by Dea. Trow bridge, who gave an address. Harvey Davis gave a short recitation. Wm. Elliot, Albert Perkins, Warren Albee, Jonas Ballard, and Dr. Trow gave short and interesting addresses. The tune Rainbow by Swan, was sung, and the clerk sung two stanzas of the hymn " When shall we meet 'again ", and after singing Coronation (all joining) Rev. Mr. Marcy' closed with the benediction. The total financial expense was $2.50. Persons of seventy years and over, visited by Katie J.Nich ols, of East Charlemont, (aged 9 years.) since Sept. first. Residents of Charlemont. Dea. Phinehas Field, 76, Chloe M. Field, 71, Col. R. H. Leavitt, 70, Eliza H. Leavitt, 73, Mrs. Charlotte Rice, 85, Mrs. Amy 'Williams, S3, Mrs. Dorothy Wells, 7S, Orrick Packard, 84, Lo- ring Merriam, 71, Jotham Whitnej', 74, Eugene Field, 75, Abigail S. Field, 77, Luther Pratt, 79, Dea. Milo B. Carter, 70, Mrs. Wealthy B. Hunt, 74, Allen Barnard, 85, Almira Barnard, 74, Mrs. Sylvester Upton, gr, Mr. Whitman, 84, Samuel Potter, 80, Mrs. Zeviah A. Lyman, 79, Mrs. Wealthy P. Sherwin, 73, Richard E. Field, 7g, L Raymond, 75, Miss Eunice Taylor, 76, Mrs. Thirza Houston, 77, Chas. Wing, 77, Judson Booth, 71, Thos. Cheney, 77, Daniel 'Warner,- 96, Mrs. Eunice Porter, 83, Benj. Albee, 72, Roxana Albee, 73, Mrs. Mary Cary, 85, Mrs. Alvah Wells, 90, Miss Sally Smith, 83, Miss Ann Smith, 72. Miss Roxana Smith, 70, Miss Rebecca Avery, 85 Dea. David Avery, 70, Jonas Ballard, 78, J. Flint Upton, 73, Abel Parker, 87, Rhoda Parker, 79. Total, 44 Residents of Buckland. .Mbert Perkins, 78, Jane W. Perkins,'78, Mrs. Mary L. Field, 85, Mrs. Lucinda Lazell, 78, Jason Tyrell, 71, Francis Man- tor, 72, Elmina Mantor, 73, Jonathan Howes, 7g, Clarissa Howe, 76, An drew Butler, 78, Sarah Butler, 70, 'Elmina E. Wood, 72, Eli K. Smith, 7g, Orpha Smith, 71, C. F. Cranson, 80, Mrs. C. F. Cranson, 72, Mrs. Nancy N. Bement, 78, Moses Nelson, 83, E. P. Sherwin, 70, Parna Brooks, 77, Ansel Taylor, 7g. Mrs. A. Taylor, 77, Mrs. Rebecca Clark, 87, Mrs. Sub mit Townsley, 78, Enoch Harris, 84, Zur Hitchcock, 78, Mrs. N. Hitchcock, 74, Alvan Dunham, 81, Mary Dunham, 77, Mrs. Nancy Warfield, 78, Mrs. Melinda Stone, 72, Mrs. Sarah Clark, 75, Christopher West, 74, Mrs. C. W. Stratton, 81, Silas Trowbridge, 77, Levi Stetson, 71, Merritt Stetson, 73, Mrs. Lorana Putnam, 86. Total, 38. Residents of Ashfield. Nelly W. Graves, 70, Francis Bassett, 7g, Me- hitable Bassett, 75, Joseph 'Vincent, 84, Chester Sanderson, 86. Olin Bard- well, 79, Mary H. Bardwell, 76, Mrs. Lydia B, Smith, 82, Mrs. T. F. Knowl- ton, 71, Jesse Edson, 76, Mrs. Abigail 'Warren, 62, John J. Brannan, 72, Zeveeah Brannan, 70, Elder David Pease, 91. Total, 14. Residents of Hawley. Hiram Holden, 72, Heman Hitchcock, 76, Crowell, 80. Total, 6. Names added in 1875 • Miss Rebecca Avery 89 Amy Williams. ... Eunice Porter 80 Dorothy WeUs 78 Rebecca Upton Mrs. Eunice Taylor Dea. Edmund Hartwell Sylvia Wing 75 Charles Richards Dodge, 76, Ira Holden, 77, Olive S. Elizabeth Hitchcock, 71, Mrs. Alpha Martha A. Pease, Manchester, la.. . Geo. Mayhew Judson Booth Eliza Leavitt Rev. David Todd 73 Samuel Potter 85 Priscilla Fox 85 Lydia Foster 79 Sophia Hawks 70 I ^Charlotte Rice ^6 1876. During the summer of 1876 the venerable clerk of the as sociation met ¦with the severest affliction of his life in the loss of his beloved wife. It was only through the help of God and the most determined exercise of the faith and hope, which had become a part of his nature by long practice, that he was sustained during his trial ; but, to the joy of his friends, his health and mind were preserved through everything, and he was able to issue his annual call to the Old Folks. Call. Ho I Old Folks. Our seventh annual gathering for social greetings, singing some of the good old tunes and such other exercises as the occa sion inspires, will be held on Thursday, the seventh da)' of September next, at lo o'clock A. M , at the usual place in Charlemont village. (No postponement on account of the weather.) While we exclude none of any age, we claim all within our circle who have arrived at six^y ; and those of eighty years and upwards will be regarded as honorary members, and, as such, will be excused from the trouble of bringing their own lunch-baskets ; and they will be furnished with a substantial dinner of" Pot-luck," baked lieans, &c. We extend the usual invitation to friends in neighboring towns, and to strangers who may be in the vicinity we would say, let us makej'our acquaintance on this glad occasion. By order of the Committee. Phinehas Field, Clerk. This meeting was very fully reported by The Springfield Daily Union, as follows: The seventh and most interesting of all the reunions of the old folks of western Franklin was held on Thursday, morn ing and afternoon, at the Methodist church in Charlemont. Deacon Phinehas Field, clerk of the Old Folks' Association, called the meeting to order, and Dr. Josiah Trow, of Buck- land, who has just turned 60, the requisite age for member ship, was chosen to preside. He made a few remarks appro priate to the occasion, and Dea. Trowbridge, of Buckland, offered prayer. Then everybody joined in singing " All hail the power of Jesus' name," to the good old tune of " Corona tion." Dinner followed, and 44 men and women, upwards of 70 years of age, were first served; those young people be tween 60 and 70 being compelled to take back seats till their 35 betters were fed, while the children of 5° and younger were made to wait on the tables. And it was not till the third and fourth tables that all those of three score were served. An appointed committee ascertained that there were just 99 per sons over 60 years of age present, of whom two were 88, with others 85, 83, and 82, and four just past 80. Others will, next year, be octogenarians, and Mr. Erastus. Mansfield is 78, ten years younger than his wife Susannah, who is a few months younger than Mrs. Rebecca Clark. The latter was the old est person present, and the Christian old lady, supported to her feet by two aged men, lifted up her voice in warning to impenitent people present (of whom, it is safe to say, there were but few), aird in praise to God for his mercies in length ening her days that she might attend this meeting. • It was ascertained that the united ages Naf all the 99 members of the society present, amounted to 6434 years. Speeches being in order. Dr. Trow called to the platform Rev. Henry Seymour, of Hawley, whose brief and appropri ate remarks were supplemented by words from Rev. Welling^ ton Newell, of Charlemont. Col. Roger H. Leavitt, that courteous and cheerful-hearted man of 71, read a letter from Secretary Joseph White, of the State board of education, a native of Charlemont, who had been invited to be present, but was prevented by official duties from attending. JJe re ferred touchingly to the scenes of his youth, and asked, " Is it possible that the little boy who but yesterday stood up to read and spell in the old brick school house, or played tag with the boys on the triangular green in front of it, or slid down hill from James Briggs' to the covered bridge, or fished for trout in Mill or Hoxie's brooks,^that ihis boy is, now, in so short a time, a gray-haired man, his life-work well nigh done and the evening shadows growing longer ? Yes, it is even so. How short the distance appears as the eye turns back upon it ! and how the forms and faces of our childhood scenes loom in the path and light up the past ! I am now, at 65 years of age, quite well and doing full work, and as yet feel no serious indication of the breaking up of that excellent health with which I halve been blessed during almost my entire life." The choir of youth and veterans who had~done musical ser- 36 vice at different times during the day, closed the exercises with several pieces of old-style music from the " Father Kemp" singing books, preserved by the association for use on these and lesser occasions, and the whole hundred veter ans present joined in such familiar melodies as "Invitation," "While shepherds watched their flocks by night," and "Before Jehovah's awful throne," the latter to the good pld tune ot " Denmark." Catching the suggestiveness of one line so full of meaning to them, in connection with the significance of the occasion, they rendered the repeat of" When rolling years shall cease to move," with a tenderness and effect that would have brought down the house with applause, but for the so lemnity that mingled with the festivities of the scene, and sobered the greetings of the participants. Suggestive re minders to these old people fhat their ranks are being rap idly thinned, were found in the annual mortuary record read by the silver-haired clerk. Deacon Field, who tremblingly announced that he could serve the society but two years more, even if spared so long. Since the last meeting ten meimbers of the association have died, Mrs. Hawks, aged 75, Judson Booth, 71, Mrs Eliza H. Leavitt, 74, Mrs. Charlotte Rice, 76, Mrs. Chloe M. Field, 76, Mrs. Lydia Foster, 79, Mrs. Eunice A. Porter, 83, Mrs. Mary B. Hawkes, 86, Mrs. Priscilla Fox, 85, Mrs. Judith Smead, 88. And while the meetirig was in progress, groups conversed of others that were sick and una ble to attend, and one, Jonathan M. Legate, an acquaintance of nearly all present, lay dead at his house not far away. And still, with all these sad reminders, those old people were happy, and, standing in the mellow autumn sunshine of tne late afternoon that came in at the windows of the church ves try, joined heartily in singing " Praise God from whom all blessings flow," tenderly, but jrjyfully, said "that sweet old word, good-bye," perhaps for the last time, 'and separated to their homes along the mountain roadways that divero-e from the village green made memorable by these occasions. Dr. Trow, the physician of the region, who, at 60, has hair " black as a crow's wing," and a face beaming with good nature, ac knowledges the joke of one of the speakers, that these reun ions, by the cheerfulness inspired, were greatly lessening- the doctor's business among the old folks and addino- ten ner cent, to their mortal span. 37 In Memoriam. In East Charlemont, July 4, Chloe Maxwell Leavett, wife of Dea. Phinehas Field, aged 73. To this erring world God has given many noble women, in whose characters are combined excellencies which elevate and enrich society. To some he has allotted spheres of ac tion, where their virtues are widely known. To others a retired life, where they beautify and ennoble a narrow circle. Of the latter class was Chloe Maxwell Leavitt, daughter of CoL Roger Leavitt, of Heath. She was grand-daughter of Rev. Jonathan Leavitt, first settled pastor of the Congrega tional church in Charlemont, and of Col. Hugh Maxwell, an officer of great worth and self-sacrifice all through our na tion's struggle for independence. Also, was she the younger sister of Rev. Joshua Leavitt, D. D., who won a high degree in publicesteem. Her husband, Dea. Phinehas Field, many years an officer of excellent wisdom and active strength in the Congregation al church, in East Charlemont, she justly loved and honored, and "did him good and not evil all the days of her life." Their home, on the beautiful balnks of the Deerfield river, was one of happy contentment, and cheerful hospitality. The most scrupulous neatness and good order made Mrs. Field a " pattern housekeeper." ^ Early in life she identified herself with the people of God, and became a member of the Congregational church in her native town. From that time she was ready to every good word and work. Fifty years she served as sabbath school teacher, efficiently, affectionately winning souls to Christ. Mental strength and culture gave Mrs. Field a ready appre ciation of the conceptions of the human intellect, which crowd our bookshelves. Especially was her mind adorned by faith ful study of the Divine word. The beauties of nature dilighted her taste and imagination, and the inventions of genius and works of art were to her themes of admiring praise. Perhaps gentleness was Mrs. Field's most felt characteris tic, which, united with sweet modesty, shed a lustre over her whole being. Joined with these, were firmness and uncom promising integrity. 38 Tn a social circle her sweet and unobtrusive way of noticing and assuring the consciously inferior was charming. During a familiar acquaintance of over twenty years I nev er heard from her an unkind^or impatient Word, and do not understand that any one did. These paragraphs are the overflowings of a heart, which would fain perpetuate the memory of rarest gentleness and sweet Christian fidelity. Names added in 1876 : Andrew Butler, Buckland 78 | Cordelia W. Doane, Hawley 62 Lovina BuUard, Rowe 60 1877. ^ NOTICE. The eighth annual meeting of The Old Folks will be held at the usual place in Charlemont village, on Tuesday, the nth of September, from 10 o'clock A. M. to 4 P. M. The picnic dinner will be at 12. A special table will be set for octogenarians, with " pot-luck," baked beans, &c. Our old friends from the neighboring towns, and strangers stopping in the region, without regard to age, are cordially invited to join us on the glad occasion. Phinehas Field, Stated Clerk. East Charlemont, Aug. 31, 1877. Eighth Annual Report of the Old Folks' Gathering AT Charlemont. The nth of September instant was a lovely autumn day, and at the appointed hour, 10 A. M., the company began to assemble, and the meeting was called to order by the clerk. E. C. Hawkes was chosen president, and Dr. Josiah Trow, of Buckland, vice president; Chas. Richards and Miss Abby Maxwell, a committee to take the number of the guests at the tables ; Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Rice, Mr. and Mrs. P, Baldwin, and Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Burnham, a committee to arrange for the next annual meeting. The choir, led by Roswell El- dridge, of Charlemont, next sang " Come Holy Spirit," to the ancient tune of Turner. The president read the first seven verses of the 78th Psalm, which sets forth the law as appointed by the Lord, enjoining on the parents to perpetuate by oral instruction through all succeeding generations, the " wonder ful works that he hath done, that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his com mandments." Prayer was offered by Rev. R. Taylor, D. D., the assembly standing, as was the custom at the beginning of this century. After singing, the meeting adjourned for so cial chat until dinner. Precisely at noon it was announced that dinner was ready. The head table, set for the octoge narians, was well loaded with substantials such as they were accustomed to in early life, and surrounded by the ven- 4° erable guests, Mrs. Olive F. Longley, well on in her ninety- first year, gracing the head of the table. A blessing was in voked before, and thanks returned after this repast by Dea. Silas Trowbridge, of Buckland, and Brother Orin Streeter, the guests standing in these devotions. The numbers at the tables at the several sittings was as follows, viz.: First table, 40 ; second, 44; third, 47 ; fourth, 43 ; fifth, 20 ; in all, 194- At the close of the second table, at half-past one, the exerci-, ses were resumed by singing Coronation, all joining, when the clerk read the record of deaths since our last meeting, as follows : Allen Barnard, 86 ; Miss Eunice Taylor, 79 ; Dea. Edmund Hartwell, 75 ; John B. Rogers, 68 ; Henry W. Bis sell, 61; Abel Parker, 89; Mrs. Elvira Richards, 68 ; Miss Ann Smith, 74, of Charlemont; Dea. Samuel Hall, West Hawley, 74 ; Mrs Calista W. Stratton, Buckland, 83. Mr. Bissell, mentioned above, has acceptably led us in sa cred song at each of our preceding meetings. After singing China short addresses were delivered by the following persons : Orin Streeter, Dea. Silas Trowbridge, Phinehas Field, Rev. R. Taylor, D. D., Mr. Greene of the Springfield Union, Dr. Josiah Trow, Abijah Thayer, E. P. Sherwin, Col. R. H. Leavitt, Rev. W. H. Parmalee, Lysander Hillman, John O. Merriam, Pres. Hawks and Warren Albee ; Col. Leavitt glowingly recited the poem " Whither goeth thou, Pilgrim Stranger.?" Along with these addresses the tunes of Bridgewater, Northfield, Majesty, Concord and Sher burne were sung, closing with " Father Kemp's Song of the Old Folks," " Auld Lang Syne," and the Doxology.. The meeting was closed at four o'clock, and was regarded by all as a day of pleasure and profit. We register as members in full those only who have arrived at sixty. Fourteen new names are added this season to our list. Phinehas Field, Clerk. 1878. Call. Ho I Old Folk. The ninth annual gathering of the old folks of Charle mont and vicinity will be held at the Methodist vestry in C, on Wednes day, the nth of September, at 10 A. M. The exercises will consist, as heretofore, in social chat, dinner, short ad dresses, singing the old tunes, devotional exercises, &c. As the interest at these meetings has grown year by year in the past, we expect to make advances the present year. PHINEHAS FIELD, Stated Cleric. Charlemont, Sept. 2, 1878. The Old Folks' Gathering. [From the Gazette and Courier.] The Old Folks' annual gathering was held on the nth of September, agreeable to notice. Order of exercises : Opened at II A. M., by the clerk's reading the call of the gathering from Gazette and Courier; singing Sherburne and Bridgewa ter, led by Roswell Eldredge ; reading of Scripture, Eccl. 3, I — 15, by clerk; prayer, Rev. H. Seymour, of Hawley. Chose officers for the day: Dr. J. Trow, of Buckland, presi dent ; Dea. E. C. Hawks, vice presideht ; M. M. Mantor and John Barnard, of Greenfield, committee on Registry. The clerk requested to be released from serving after the present year, holding that at the age of eighty, as an honorary mem ber, he should be released from all burdens, and a committee was nominated by the president to choose a successor as sta ted clerk, and a prudential committee for the next year; sang Turner and adjourned to 12 M., for social chat and dinner. C. H. Wells, the artist, from Orange, who was a Charlemont boy, invited us to take positional the south end of the Meth odist church, that he might take our picture. The result was satisfactory to the artist, and copies will be on exhibition at the Agricultural fair in Charlemont, next week, and all wish ing to purchase will have the opportunity. Dinner was«served at 12. A blessing was sought by Dea. Field, and thanks rendered after the repast by Dea. Trow- 42 bridge, the guests standing in all the devotional exercises, as did our forefathers. The tables set for those of eighty years and upwards, were well supplied with " pot luck," including the renowned succotash, corned beef, pork, etc., and many a platter of baked beans found admirers; cakes, cookies, pies and puddings were provided in abundance, with melons and apples. At the first two sittings one hundred and three per sons were fed. The tables were twice more cleaned and spread but were not quite as full ; there was no lack of eata bles, and all was washed down with a good cup of tea. Dol ly,- a Shakeress, of Mt. Lebanon, N. Y., sent by Mrs. Charles Peck, greetings, and some nice pears and plums "to the oldest person at our gathering." Mrs. Olive (Field) Longley was the happy recipient, she being in her ninety-second year. The presentation speech was by Dr. Trow, and was respond ed to by the Rev. Mr. Seymour, of Hawley. At 2 o'clock the assembly were called to order and joined in singing Coronation. The clerk reported the deaths of members residents of Charlemont, since our last meeting: September 15, 1877, Harvey Wright, aged 72 ; Mrs. Van- Ness, 64; Dec. 18, Mrs. Dorothy Wells, 80; March 19, 1878, Olive, wife of Lincoln Raymond, 71; June 15, Mrs. Mary Rudd, 71 ; July 10, Mrs. Mary Coy, 88 ; Aug. 2, Rhoda, widow of the late Abel Parker, 82. Mr. Oren Streeter made a brief but moving appeal to the living and said " Who of us will be of the next seven to make up the account of the departed ones for our next gathering ? " " Life is the time to serve the Lord," — three stanzas were lined off by the clerk and sung to the tune Wells. Dea. Hawks, for the committee on nominations, reported for pru dential committee, David Thayer and wife, Gideon Burnham and wife, Phinehas Baldwin and wife ; conductor of music, R. Eldredge; and for stated clerk, the old incumbent, Dea. Phinehas Field. His plea for release as having served out his day, and his claim for exemptions from beyond the age of 80 years was unavailing. Rev. Mr. Seymour addressed the young persons present, and Rev. Mr. Cole the aged ; Dea. E. C. Hawks spoke to cit izens of neighboring towns ; these embraced people from Florida, Rowe, Heath, Cojeraine, Shelburnt, Greenfield 43 Buckland, Hawley and Adams, besides visitors from North ern Vermont, Boston, Ohio and Illinois. D. O. Fisk felt at home with us, and gave us "good words, acceptable words;" Revs. Horton and Guild were also heard with interest ; Col. Leavitt briefiy related the origin of our gatherings, tracing it back to Judson Booth, in his solicitude to interest his mother, Mrs. Wing, then under his care. Mr. Booth died in 1875, aged 71, and Mrs. Wing in 1874, aged 96, having been present at our first five annual meetings. Dr. Trow, as president, seasoned the choice dishes as they were served up by the several speakers as one well skilled in such business. The tune Poland, by Swan, was sung, and tne clerk gave some brief reminiscences of his forty-one years' residence in Charlemont. A vote of thanks was passed to the Marthas and their com panions for servjng at the tables, and to the sons and daugh ters of " Asaph " for their assistance in sacred song. Closed by singing Pilgrim's farewell and the Doxology. P. F., Stated Clerk. [J^rom the Franklin County Times.] The Old Folks' Gathering at Charlemont on September eleventh, 1878, was held agreeable to notice in the Times. People came from Florida, Rowe, Heath, Coleraine, Shel burne, Buckland, Hawley, South Adams and Greenfield, be sides visitors from northern Vermont, Ohio, Illinois and Bos ton. The tellers reported sixty persons from seventy to eighty, nineteen in the eighties, and two that were past ninety. Dolly, a Shakeress of Mount Lebanon, N. Y., sent, with greetings, a present of pears and plums, to the oldest person in our assembly. Mrs. Olive Field Longley, of C, now in her ninety-second year, was the recipient. The donor's age is one hundred and two. Dr. Trow, of Buckland, in a neat speech made the presentation, and Rev. Mr. Seymour, of Hawley, responded in behalf of Mrs. Longley. The exercises opened at eleven, and closed at four P. M., with two hours interim for greetings, and dinner. During this time, Mr. C. H. Wells, of Orange, invited the assembly to take position south of the meeting house, that he might try on them his skill as an art^st. The result was a splendid 10 by 12 inch 44 picture. Mr. Wells announced that his pictures will be on exhibit and for sale at the agricultural fair in Charlemont this week. A bountiful supply of " pot-luck" graced the ta ble set for the nineties and the eighties, and baked beans, puddings, pies, cake, &c., with melons and fruit, with a good cup of tea, gave evidence that the " Marthas" and their com panions have well earned the " vote of thanks" given them at the close for their services. At the first two sittings one hundred and three persons were served. At the two succeed ing sittings the numbers were not as many. Near three hours of the five were spent in singing the old tunes, and in short addresses from O. Streeter, Revs. Seymour, Cole, Harlow and Guild, Dr. Trow, Col. R. H. Leavitt, Dea. E. C. Hawks, D. O. Fisk, Hon. G. Crittenden, F. Perkins and Dea. P Field. It was computed that more than 300 persons were present, and that the last exceeded in interest an)- of the preceding gatherings. Names added in 1878. John W. Richards 72 Charles Lusly 6g John Whitman .87 Amy Rice Sally Smith 86 Deborah Blodget 76 Amy Williams 87 1879.. Call. HO! OLD FOLK. The tenth annual gathering of the old folks of Charlemont and the neigh boring towns will be held at the hall of the Deerfield "Valley Agricultural Society in Charlemont, on Wednesday, the third of September next. The hall will be open at ten A. M. for the reception of contributions for the repast, and the exercises will commence at eleven, by singing old Den mark ; then will follow the business, devotional and social exercises, as has been our custom in past years. As in the past, year by year, the interest in these gatherings has steadilj' increased, we expect the next will be in advance of the past. N. B. — No postponement on account of the weather. By order of the Committee. PHINEHAS FIELD. Stated Clerk. Charlemont, Aug. 18, 1879. Report. The tenth annual gathering of the old folks of Charlemont and vicinity was held on the third of September, at the Agri cultural hall, in Charlemont, agreeable to the published notice. The weather was favorable, and the gathering ex ceeded in numbers, and in interest, any of our former meet ings. Several persons were with us from the neighboring towns, and joyfully lent their aid. The meeting was opened at II A. M. by reading the notice by the Clerk. The singing of Denmark was next in order. (We are under special obli gations of gratitude to singers from Shelburne Falls and Hawley, for their free and efficient aid, with the musicians of Charlemont, both vocal and instrumental, in rehearsing seve ral of the old tunes we lov« so well.) Deacon James Cain of Savoy, led in an appropriate prayer, the assembly standing. As officers of the day, Dea. E. C. Hawks was chosen presi dent ; Dr. Josiah Trow of Buckland, vice president ; D. Thay er and E. Field, registering committee. The stated clerk, (Dea. Field) announced the object of the meeting, by stating that " there are three cardinal principles which embody all human obligations, viz. : Homage and obedience toourCrea- 46 tor, our social, and our industrial duties. The second of these constitutes the main object of these gatherings, and on ly one branch of this grand theme is appropriate on this occasion; the interchange of friendly greeting, and social converse. (As iron sharpeneth iron, so a man the counte nance of his friend by hearty counsels.) I move that we now adjourn until after dinner, and I hope there will be no cold shoulder, or hand or heart among us." The adjournment was at 11:45. Then followed such a good time as none but we old folks know how to enjoy. A table was spread the whole length of agricultural hall, and at the first four sittings more than two hundred were fed ; and at the fifth sitting some twent}'-five or more found an abundance. At the first table at which the oldest were seated, a blessing was asked and thanks returned by Rev. Jacob Davis, of Rowe, and Deacon Field of Charlemont, the guests rising, as in days of yore. Mrs. H. H. Rice of Charlemont, had prepared a gorgeous bouquet for the oldest person present ; this fell to Mrs. Olive Longley, now well on in her ninety-third year. The presen tation speech was by Dr. Trow. Mrs. Eliza Booth had a like present for Mrs. Erastus Mansfield, of Hawley, now in her ninety-second year. At 3 P. M. the meeting was called to order, and an anthem was sung. Next, the clerk read what he called " Christ's Inaugural Address," Matthew v. 1-9, and vii. 24-27. In the first part, he said man is recognized as a sinner. Then follows, in the order in which the mind and heart work, such exercises as change the character and lay the foundation on which alone moral action is successfully ¦ built ; for we learn by the last clause read, that the test is applied to the foundation. Mortuary record read by the clerk, since our last meeting, of persons belonging to Charlemont who have met with us heretofore, and have died since then : John N. Richards, 72, Cephas Rogers, 81, James Whitman, 87, Mrs. Deborah Blodg- ett, 71, Miss Sally Smith, 86, Mrs. Amy Williams, 87, Mrs. Amy Rice, 89, John A. Winslow, Esq., 70, Ephraim Leonard, 74- Rev. James Ballard, of Grand Rapids, a native of Charle mont, made the opening address in the afternoon. He de picted in eloquent language the changes and the progress 47 that he had witnessed in his day, and said " We were older than Methuselah" — in the arts of life. Brief and pertinent addresses were made by Rev. Mr. Davis, Orin Streeter, of Buckland, Capt. Stephen Fellows, of Shelburne, Dr. Willis, of Shelburne Falls, and Deacon Cain, of Savoy. As it was now near 4 o'clock, the remaining business of the meeting was disposed of by re-electing Mr. Roswell Eldredge, " Mas ter of Song," and the old committee to make arrangements for the coming year, with power to call in needed assistance. It was voted unanimously, that hereafter the tables be filled but once, and for the oldest, the others taking their lunch as best they may, having only tea furnished them. This arrange ment will save much needed time for speaking, etc. A hearty vote of thanks was given to the singers, and to the committees for their efficient services. Com. Names added in 1879 : Olive Longley 93 Sarah Emerson, Amherst 76 Aaron Smith, Heath 7g Martha Purington, Buckland. . . .67* Sophrona "Veber 68 John A. Rathburn 61 Priscilla B. Smith, Buckland 65 E. P. Sherwin, " ... .73 J.G.Carroll 60 Patience Barber 74 Zerviah A. Lyman 84 Salinda W. Leonard 65 i88o. Call. HO! OLD FOLK. _ The eleventh annual gathering of the old folks of Charlemont and vicin ity will be held in the hall of the Deerfield "Valley Agricultural Society in Charlemont, on Wednesday, the first day of September next. The exercises wil! begin punctually at ii A. M., and it is desired that provisions for the table be deposited in the dining room in the basement previous to that hour. The rooms will be open at lo. Conformably to the vote of last year, the public tables will be set but once, for the graduates of "threescore years and ten " up to the nineties, the rest accommodating themselves as best they may. This arrangement will give us more time for the exercises that are to follow, and greatly relieve those who are to serve at the tables. Tea will be furnished to all as heretofore. We cordially invite visitors from abroad, and transient boarders in this vicinity, to join us on this glad occasion. llt^"No postponement on account of the weather. PHINEHAS FIELD, Stated Clerk. Charlemont, Aug. 20, 1880. " Report. [From the Gazette and Courier.] A perfect day permitted an unusually large and happy at tendance upon the now firmly established institution of the place. At an early hour vehicles full of old and young folks, all bearing suggestive baskets, began to move toward the Agricultural grounds, where the meeting was to be held, and at the usual hour for opening the exercises the clerk, Dea. Phinehas Field, called the assembly to order and read the published notice announcing the meeting. He then read an -appropriate portion of the Scripture and prayer was offered by Dea. Silas Trowbridge, of Buckland. Dea. E. C. Hawks, of Charlemont, then rose and gave a pleasant address of wel come, in which he paid a graceful tribute to the aged, but wonderfully efficient, clerk of the association, Dea. Field, and spoke in affecting terms of those who a year ago had gathered here with the rest, but who to-day were absent never to re turn. Dea. Field's response was, as usual, appropriate and felicitous. He remarked in closing that when at the first an nual gathering of this sort he had made a motion that the 49 meeting adjourn to assemble again in five years, it was a young man who had protested, " We can't stand that," and by Dea. Hawks' suggestion the meeting became an annual one. Dr. Josiah Trow, of Buckland, was made president of the day and Messrs. Charles E. Cooley and Roland Bassett and Miss Alice C. Bissell were appointed recording secretaries. Dea. E. C. Hawks, of Charlemont, was elected the president for the next year in order to lighten the burdens so long and pa tiently borne by Dea. Field. Singing followed, the audience rising, and a spirited address was made by Dr. Trow, the president of the day. An hour was then spent pleasantly in social intercourse, and the audience, with considerable merriment, were classi fied so that the oldest had the place of honor and the juve niles of sixt}' and thereabouts were forced to take back seats. Nobody under seventy was of the slightest importance, and to be under sixty was felt to be almost a disgrace, while the two smart and bright old ladies over ninety were the belles of the day. These were Mrs. Susanna Mansfield, of Hawley, and Mrs. Cynthia Hathaway, of Savoy. Wonderful stories were tojd of the spinning and weaving done by these accom plished women and some interesting anecdotes were related concerning Mrs. Hathaway, who met with "the old folks" to-day for the first time. She remembers distinctly the death of Washington, the universal grief which prevailed and the badges of crape which many wore to indicate their sorrow. Pictures of Washington were worn on the handkerchiefs and all kinds of devices employed to show the veneration in which he was held. She remembers well how in the year 1800 the boys used to cut the rather odd-looking date in the tops of their wooden desks at school and fill the figures with ink, and her memory is full of interesting stories about the early years of the centur)'. This remarkable old lady keeps house by herself, though under the same roof with another family, and does her work still with her own hands, although she has had thirteen children and was one of thirteen children herself The dinner was served in the basement of the hall and was bountiful and excellent. At its close a box of grapes was presented by Mr. Rogers, of North Adams, to the two oldest present. ; Cake was also given them and numerous bouquets 5° were distributed, Dea. Field getting, perhaps,".the most gor geous. After dinner all adjourned to the hall and most hearty and delightful addresses were delivered by Dr. Trow, Mr. Rogers, of North Adams, the Rev. Mr. Davis, of Rowe, and others. All the speakers alluded in glowing terms to the extraordinary beauty of Charlemont and to its hospitable people. A poem was read, songs were sung, the band played with grand effect, and the company departed, declaring that it had been good to be there. Too much cannot be said in honor of the good Deacon Phinehas Field, to whose execu tive ability and happy faculty of making all feel at home, the association owes the greater part of its success. There were present forty-eight people over seventy years of -> *i''f < *V2« '^.tV I'lS^ " . ^41^ 1-.V x'S- I ^J F y •^\