Appleton Reunion 1909 - Conclusion

Concluded with an old-fashioned sociable in Academy Hall

Reunion Date: August 25, 1909

NEW IPSWICH - 1909 Appleton Academy Alumni. 

The first reunion was in 1861 during the regime of Principal E. T. Quimby. 

   Solo by Miss Harriette Whiting. "Fishing Song," encore, "To My First Love." 

   The nominations were then reported and elected: George A. Kimball, president; John W. Cummings, John L Hildreth, John Herbert, Myron Taylor, Philip F. Gordon, Herbert J. Taft, Charles C. Worthen, vice presidents; George O. Whiting, secretary and treasurer: Mrs. Lizzie Clark Crowell, Miss Nellie Mecuen, assistants secretaries: Miss Sarah F. Lee, Mrs. Hattie C. McKown, Edward M. Fox, George W. Barrett, Alfred H. Hildreth, Miss Caroline Lowe, William A. Preston, executive committee. These officers were elected. 

   William B. Hill of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., struck a vein of humor, and school-day reminiscences. His texts were two. Boarding self suggests the fact to eat up your cake as you go along. Secure the good times as you go. Don't have too many dishes. Things you eat afford a remarkable experience. The girl who is willing to be an older sister is a prize. Co-education was strongly favored. "I made a great deal better man on account of an older sister." 

   Miss Whiting then sang "Cradle Song"; encore, "Annie Laurie." 

   Prof. Charles H. Chandler, the historian, opened a series of reminiscences of his recollections which extended back over 52 years and the audience was soon in a hurricane of laughter. He recalled the tent in front of the Barrett mansion, when Samuel. Appleton's gift of $5000 to the academy was announced. The late Timothy Perry's poetic effusions were recalled. The years 1881-65 were hard times for Appleton. The strength and vigor of both men and women of that city was such as to find or make a way. That is the right kind. "Long life to Appleton academy." 

   The last speaker was John W. Cummings, who spoke in behalf of the general committee, expatiated upon the natural attractions of this hill-cradled town and finally broached the cost of the entertainment, gently appealing to those present to open their purses and contribute as they left the hall.

 A poem, "Auld Lang Syne," was contributed by Mrs. C. H. Obear, aged 89. the wife of an early alumnus and the mother of later alumni, and rendered at the close to the tune of Auld Lang Syne.

The exercises of the day closed with an old-fashioned sociable in Academy hall. Wright's orchestra furnished music for dancing and refreshments were served by Mr. and Mrs. Corbett. As the assemblage was dispersing the president announced that one of the speakers, William B. Hill, had just given a check of $500. This caused much joy. Other amounted to $50. contributions 

One Hundred Formulas -

George Carmichael donated a copy of Stephen A. Thayer’s “One Hundred Formulas” which was published in 1883. It contains recipes from everything from printing ink to pain killers. Today we will share the formula for another ink concoction with the fancy name of “Congressional Ink”. It it remarkably similar the the “Counting House” formulation. Maybe the book should be titled Ninety Nine Formulas.

This book sold for a dollar and was one of the many enterprises that Steven A, Thayer was involved with (He had a cigar factory too). He had some advice:

James Roger diary entry

October 10^th 1908 (Saturday)

Frost morning, dull cool day, wind S. to S.E.  David at Preston’s cabin till 11 o’clock.  Took sods and loam to Gordon lot in afternoon.  I burned potato vines in forenoon and worked on Gordon’s lot in afternoon.  Got letter from Roslin with pc also calendar from Alice, last night and letter today.  David going to depot to meet Hamish tonight.