THE THANKSGIVING REUNION

November 28, 1889,

at the House of

Charles F. Houghton

in Corning, N. Y.

(Press of The New York Printing Company 536-538 Pearl Street)

A REUNION OF THE HALLS OF AUBURN

THIS LITTLE BOOK is printed as a souvenir of the gathering of the family of Benjamin Franklin Hall, of Auburn, N. Y., on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1889, at the house of Charles F. Houghton, in Corning, N. Y., an affair interesting from the completeness of the reunion and the special cause which led to the same.

As a preface to the story, it may be proper to say that the family is descended from the most ancient Anglo-Saxon stock in America. Francis Hall, the ancestor of the Hall branch of the family, emigrated from England to America in 1639. He came, first to New Haven, Conn., and was afterward a resident of Stratford and Fairfield, with which quaint and ancient villages his name is chiefly identified. His descendants lived in the county of Fairfield for several generations, taking part in the colonial and Revolutionary wars, and in public civil life. Our branch of the family removed to Whitehall, N. Y. Our grand- father, Asbury Hall of Whitehall served in the War of 1812. Our father, Benjamin Franklin Hall, who is descended from soldiers of the Revolution both through his father and his mother, re- moved to Auburn, N. Y., in 1834, where he has ever since dwelt.

The Halls of Fairfield county took part in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of Stratford, Conn., on October 3d, 1889, the year being the 250th also of our family of Halls in America.

Our mother is a descendant of the Hagamans of New Amsterdam (now New York city), who also arrived in this country about 250 years ago, and who also served in various wars and have borne themselves well in the various stages of the country's history. On both sides of the family, the record has been one in which we all take pride.

For several years, our own immediate family had been plan- ning a meeting at which every member should be present, when Lucy, the daughter absent in India, should return to America after her ten years' stay among the Hindostanee. The distance from home and the dangers to which she had been exposed in a land so full of injurious climatic influences, noxious reptiles and beasts of prey, made her return in the summer of 1889, with her husband, and four children born in India, all in safety and good health, an event of sufficient importance in the family to be celebrated in some special manner. And, as marriage and the requirements of business had gradually scattered the other members of the family all over the United States, and the whole number had never been together at any one time for over fifteen years, it was felt by all that a complete reunion on Thanks- giving Day, 1889, would be the most appropriate and agreeable form of celebration that could be devised.

The old home at Auburn, N. Y., was too small for the pur- pose. But a place was found at the home of one of the daughters of the family, and there, on the day in question, the whole of our large family was gathered.

THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED.

That this record may be made in due order, let it be stated who took part in the assembly:

First, our parents, the Hon. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HALL and ABIGAIL FARNAM HAGAMAN HALL, from the old home of the family, at Auburn, N. Y.

EMILY HALL HAZEN her husband, JOHN CUNNINGHAM HAZEN and their daughter, EDITH HAZEN resident at Pelham Manor, N. Y., where they are conducting a large private school.

HENRY HALL [372], and his wife, VIRGINIA HOUGHTON HALL resident in New York city, where Henry has been for fourteen years connected with THE TRIBUNE, and for seven years its Business Superintendent.

MARY HALL TAFT her husband, CHARLES ELLIS TAFT and their daughter, GRACE ELLIS TAFT lately resident at Little Rock, Ark., where Charles was at the time employed as U. S. Engineer on river improvements, but now living in Washington, D. C., where Charles is the Special Agent of the U. S. Census of 1890 on Shipbuilding.

JAMES HALL resident in New York city one of the editorial force of THE TRIBUNE.

ELIZABETH HALL BURDICK her husband, EDWARD HAMILTON BURDICK and their three sons, EDWARD W., HARRY AND REGINALD resident in Syracuse, N. Y., where Edward is engaged in the practice of law.

LUCY HALL FERRIS her husband, THE REV. GEORGE H. FERRIS and their four children, born in India, CHAUNCY, RALPH, HERBERT AND PHOEBE RUTH resident formerly in Hillsdale, Mich., but for the past eleven years engaged in Presbyterian mission work in India.

HELEN HALL HOUGHTON her husband, the HON. CHARLES FRANCIS HOUGHTON and their two daughters, LAURA and MABELLE resident in Corning, N. Y., where Charles is partner in the ownership and management of a large manufactory of the finer qualities of glass.

EDWARD HAGAMAN HALL resident in New York city, and now Manager of the New York Printing Company.

ABBE FRANKLIN HALL FERRIN her husband, CHARLES J. FERRIN, JR. and daughter, ABBE FRANCES resident in Rochester, N. Y., where Charles conducts a large grain and produce business.

AGNES CORNELIA HALL resident in Auburn, N. Y., at the time of the reunion, but subsequently married to IRA B. STEWART, a member of the New York bar, and now a resident of New York city.

SARAH HAGAMAN OWEN, our mother's only living sister, was to have been present also, but was detained by illness. Her hus- band, STEPHEN T. OWEN, was happily able to come. They are resident at Big Flats, N. Y., where Mr. Owen conducts a large farm.

So far as the immediate family was concerned, every living member was present. In that respect the circle was complete.

SCENE OF THE GATHERING.

The reunion took place in Corning. Five great, grim chimneys rise from the valley beside the lovely but impetuous Chemung river to mark the site of a beautiful and prosperous industry, the principal one of Corning. By means of the skill of hundreds of artists and artisans at this place, the most beautiful ware which adorns the dining tables of princes is wrought from molten crystal. One may search in vain the empori- ums of renown for creations more rare, more delicate, more dainty. Half a mile to the southward, on a picturesque slope of one of the high hills which surround the town, stands the home of Charles F. Houghton, one of the partners of the firm whose enterprise has established this manufactory upon a substantial basis, and there, November 28th, 1889, was gathered the happy, proud and grateful company described in these pages.

And what a success was made of the reunion by Helen and her husband! Warm hearts, thoughtfulness so thorough as to mask its own perfection, princely bounty and charming taste combined to render this undertaking not only a sweet and memorable occasion, but a brilliant and distinguished social event. "Eternal vigil- ance," says the philosopher, "is the price of liberty" and it certainly is also the price of success in social entertainment but vigilant attention to the pleasure of the guests was only a small part of the cost of this Thanksgiving achievement. Much else contributed to its triumph.

Commodious as was the Houghton residence, it could not shelter at night such a gathering as this and so at the Dickson House, the leading hotel of the place, there were quartered the Tafts, Burdicks, Ferrins, Edward H. Hall, Mr. Owen, Agnes Hall, Edith Hazen, and the Ferris and Houghton children. Up on the hillside, where all gathered during the day, Father and Mother Hall, John and Emily Hazen, Henry and Virginia Hall, James Hall, and George and Lucy Ferris were provided with rooms. But con- veyance back and forth was supplied so amply that the guests were able to visit freely with each other, as if under one roof. This incidental intercourse was all too limited, for lack of time but was a delightful phase in the day's doings.

A MAGIC LANTERN SHOW.

On Wednesday evening, the young folks who were present at the reunion were entertained with a magic lantern show, and thus enjoyed the first of the special pleasures of the occasion. Their host had obtained from New York an excellent lantern and an amusing variety of colored views, and the latter were exhib- ited to their wondering and delighted eye by him and by Mr. Ferris. Half a dozen of the friends of the children were present and the older people were there, too, and enjoyed the pretty and amusing pictures quite as much as did the little ones.

AT DINNER.

The dinner, of course, was the chief event of the festival. It was served twice, first to the children and then to the grown folks. There were eleven at the first table (which was laid, not in the main dining-room, but in the study), and a vacant chair was placed to keep fresh the memory of one more, little Florence Houghton, who was sadly missed from this gathering, and who was the only grandchild beside Edward Hazen whom death had taken from the Hall family. The merriment of the young people was witnessed by most of their elders, for a few minutes, at least, and a notable incident was the proposal of "Three cheers for Grandpa," and for "Grandma," by Edward Burdick, which were given with great enthusiasm.

When, at 3.30 p.m., the older guests entered the dining-room, a picture was presented to them which seemed the work of fairies. One gazed upon snowy linen, polished silver, glass which rivalled diamonds in the dazzling and countless gleams which it shot at the beholder, and a brilliant glow of color from fruit and flowers and pendant fern-wreaths on wall and chandelier. High-backed chairs of oak (which made their occupants feel like archbishops) surrounded the table, and a large oaken buffet was placed against the wall. A symmetry and rythm in the arrangement of the table suggested, as did also the beauty of the scene, a poem of Keats. Through a stained-glass window subdued daylight stole into the room at first. Candles were lighted later. Every-thing combined to make a fascinating scene, too lovely to disturb.

The company was arranged at the table as follows:

Charles Francis Houghton.

Mrs. Benjamin F. Hall Mrs. John C. Hazen.

John C. Hazen. Charles E. Taft.

Mrs. Edward H. Burdick. Mrs. Henry Hall.

James Hall. Chas. J. Ferrin, Jr.

Miss Agnes C. Hall. Mrs. Geo. H. Ferris.

George H. Ferris. Stephen T. Owen.

(Mrs. Owen's place.) Miss Edith Hazen.

Edward H. Burdick. Edward H. Hall.

Mrs. Charles E. Taft. Mrs. Chas. J. Ferrin, Jr.

Henry Hall. Benjamin F. Hall.

Mrs. Charles F. Houghton

Mr. Ferris offered a brief thanksgiving to the Higher Power. The first murmur of conversation then burst forth, and at this moment the notes of a harp unexpectedly stole sweetly out from an adjacent room, to the surprise and delight of the company. A charming musical accompaniment added to the pleasure of the next three hours. Swift and silent, a number of sable servitors now plied the company with a sumptuous repast and the aesthetic and social distractions of the occasion did not inter- fere in the least with substantial justice to the feast. It is scarcely necessary to name the various courses. If posterity wishes to know what the stalwart grandsires and charming grand- mothers of 1889 were accustomed to enjoy on occasions like these, they can easily ascertain from the newspaper accounts of the grand banquets of the metropolis of the United States. The fashion of the day was strictly followed except that there was no wine.

AFTER DINNER.

After-dinner oratory was not intended or anticipated by any of the company but, in a manner entirely unforeseen, the guests were drawn into it, and a delightful hour was the result. This "flow of soul" was precipitated by a presentation. Henry Hall, having risen to his feet during a momentary lull in the conver- sation, called for order, and, addressing Mr. Owen, said:

"Uncle Stephen: When the preparations were in progress for this occasion, which, through the gracious and beautiful hospi- tality of Charles and Helen has proved so delightful to us all, our minds were awake to other anniversaries occuring within the circle of the family. We are all indebted to Lizzie, [applause] who is always thoughtful in such things, for the suggestion that we ought not to let the year go by without some recognition of your and Aunt Sarah's silver wedding. It was resolved, on the occasion of this gathering, to express in some form our love and affection for you and Aunt Sarah, and congratulate you on your silver wedding. This magnificent silver service has therefore been obtained and our mother's sons and daughters present it to you and Aunt Sarah with our love and best wishes. I will only say, concerning this silver service, that if it is not what you want, you are welcome to exchange any of the pieces you will find on the salver, or, indeed, the whole set, for any other silver object of more permanent value, which you may wish to preserve. I now present to you this service in behalf of your- self and Aunt Sarah." {Applause.}

Here, a toy service of pewter, upon the salver of which were arranged a spread of Silver Dollars, wherewith to procure some permanent token of good-will which Aunt Sarah and he might select at their own convenience, was placed in Uncle Stephen's hands. Though taken entirely by surprise, the recipient of this gift responded promptly and in good taste.

He said:

"I am placed somewhat in the position of the good bishop who, on one occasion, requested another to say it for him. If the loved and absent one were present, I would ask her to say it for me. Like the old soldier in one of Dickens's stories, I would turn to my wife and say, 'Old gal, give 'em my opinion.'

"Some years ago I received a letter from your Aunt Lue, in which she mentioned seeing the Hall family. One child, she said, is down with the mumps, another has a sore eye, and a third has congestion of the lungs. There is no one disease that could go through this whole family for there are so many of them that one variety would not hold out. But some things have been ample enough to go through the whole ten children love, kindly sympathy for each other, and fondness for art and litera- ture.

"I am glad that I am present at this reunion. We thank you for this remembrance of our twenty-fifth anniversary, and for the affection which prompted it. We give you all a cordial invitation to drink tea with us at Owen Farm from the solid 'Silver tea service.'" {Laughter and applause.}

Some one now proposed "Three cheers for Aunt Sarah," and they were given so vigorously that they might almost have reached her ear in Big Flats, a dozen miles away.

Then it occurred to some one that three cheers for the host and hostess would be in order. That was the unanimous opinion, and the idea was immediately realized. Just how it came about, none clearly remembers but it was probably the host who called on James Hall to acknowledge the compliment of Mr. and Mrs. Houghton.

James was "replete with good things," to which he had been paying industrious attention for the last two hours, and was taken unawares by this disconcerting request. But he complied manfully. Instead of keeping to the point, however, he insisted upon speaking for himself and for the other guests. He was pro- foundly glad that he had been able to come, and cherished the conviction that he had never been in such good company before. His retreat was kindly covered with lively applause.

The order in which the entirely impromptu and informal remarks of the next hour were uttered, the historian will not attempt to fix precisely but it was about this time that Edward H. Hall observed that in some families it had been a serious question, "What shall we do with our girls?" This had not troubled the Halls, however the difficulty had been to keep theirs. This fact suggested the propriety of a word from the Brothers-in-law and Mr. Hazen was invited to speak for them. He said:

"I am deeply impressed with the changes that have occurred in this family since I first came into it, nearly 25 years ago. With two or three exceptions, it was then a family of little children, now all grown to mature and useful manhood and woman- hood. A glance down this table at these changed faces and forms, and at the new brothers and the one sister who have since joined the circle, makes me realize more than ever what a happy mortal I am to have succeeded in joining the circle myself."

Mother Hall, who in her charitable work during recent years has become quite a speechmaker, arose at this juncture, and said

"Few if any parents have the reason to be as proud and hap- py as your father and I on this occasion. Here are all our living children and grandchildren, all of noble lives and high aims and of each one we hope it may be truly said that the world is the better for their having lived. Into each life some dark days must come and in ours, we have been safely carried through, thanks to God, by these noble sons, and with the help of all, as each in turn has grown to maturity and we are come to a haven of rest, even in this life. Nor is there one black sheep in the flock. Six sons and one lovely daughter have come to us grown, whom we love and of whom we are as proud as of those born to us. We scarcely know the difference. I thank God for all these noble lives and may their children be all to them that they have been to us, and, if possible, an hundred fold more." {Grateful and hearty applause.}

Recognizing a strong popular desire to hear from the missionary-field, the host now called on the gentleman from "India's coral strand."

Mr., Ferris said:

Being a clergyman, it may not be out of place to tell a clerical story. Once a clergyman in baptising a child asked the mother the name to be given to the child. Understanding the reply to be, 'Lucifer,' he asked again and received, as he sup- posed, the same answer. Not willing to baptize the child with the name, Lucifer he baptized it Jonathan. Upon hearing this, the mother burst into tears, cried out,'I said, 'It is a girl, thir." But I know that I am but voicing the sentiments of all the sisters and of all the brothers-in-law, when I say that it is owing in a large measure to the brothers, that this reunion is possible to-day. We all feel deeply grateful for all that has been done by them, and would express our appreciation of their love and self-sacrifice for the family. {Applause.}

"There are some persons who never understand the right thing or when to do it. A man, running after his ox which had escaped from him, called out to a boy, farther up the street, "Head that ox!" "He is already headed," replied the boy. "Stop him!" "I have no stopper!" "Speak to him, you scoundrel!" "Good morning, Mr. Ox!" But we can all testify to the fact, that here there has been no misunderstanding, and that our host and hostess have understood the right thing and when to do it, and have done everything that loving hearts and intelligent minds could suggest to make this thanksgiving re-union memora- ble, an event to be looked back upon with pleasure all our lives." (Hearty applause.)

Our modest host acknowledged this by saying: "I will leave Helen to do the talking." Mrs. Houghton replied: "Charlie al- ways has the last word."

Mr. Ferris suggested: "It is true that Charlie always has the last word, but it is because Helen gives it to him."

Helen then responded to the description of Houghton hospitality, and to the hearty cheering which it had evoked, with the sentiment: "We have taken great pleasure in welcoming you all here, but we feel that the greatest honor and success of an occasion like this comes from the guests who attend." Whereupon the guests applauded heartily.

Edward H. Hall remarked that a great deal had been said about the brothers, and it was now time to hear something about the sisters. He regarded Mr. Ferrin a good man to speak for them. Charles answered in this way:

"Only yesterday I asked Lucy whether she ever found it em- barrassing to address an audience, and she replied, "Yes, but the feeling soon passes away." I fear that my experience will differ from her's in that my embarrassment will continue as long as I remain standing. When I first entertained the desire to become a member of the Hall family, I was awe-stricken to discover that most of the men of the family (except one glass- blower) were either newspaper men or lawyers, and if there was anything unsavory to be discovered by an investigation into my record, no one could do it better than men in those professions. But, fortunately for me, I at length realized my ambitions to become one of their happy family, and my subsequent acquaintance with these gentlemen showed me that my fears were needless. Al- though I am the latest brother-in-law who joined this family circle, I consider my choice among the sisters the sweetest and most beautiful of all though I express this opinion with all due deference to the other sisters."

Mr. Ferris wished to say that he had become one of this family ahead of Mr. Ferrin, and he would like to know whether that gentleman classed him among the lawyers or glass-blowers?

Our host now also arose, with an anxious countenance, and asked why "glass-blowers" should be referred to in what seemed to be a contumelious manner, and also desired to have it under- stood that he came into the family at the same time as Mr. Ferris.

In the interests of historic accuracy, Mr. Ferris insisted that he was married first, but Mr. Houghton replied that: "You did not have much the start you had not gotten outside the church before we, too, were tied."

After the merriment had subsided, calls that had been made before for a few words from Mr. Taft on "Shipbuilding and the Shipbuilding City"(Bath, Maine), were now renewed. A deep sense of what was due Uncle Sam, whose agent he then was, restrained that gentleman from anticipating his report on the first of these topics and the second, he felt, had lost its chief charm when Henry had taken his wife away from Bath.

Henry responded briefly and pleasantly to the allusion to his wife.

Mrs. Henry Hall, who had never made a speech before in her life, astonished her husband and delighted everyone else by rising spontaneously to thank the company for the pleasant things which had been said about her, and to say that "she was proud to be one of such a distinguished family." This tribute was rewarded with hearty applause.

Mary, who was hampered by no official obligations, and, as she said, glad like most of her sex to get a word in edgewise, here alluded to the newer sister as "the fairest of us all," and then added that "if the 'coming man' should prove as much of a success as others who had joined our ranks, and especially one (each girl could decide which for herself), he would be very welcome."

This allusion to Ira B. Stewart, of New York, Agnes' fiance, was followed up by Mr. Ferrin, who thought that Agnes should tell the company something about "the coming man," whose health was drunk at this moment. Sly remarks were overheard about the "coming e(I)ra," and "Dies Irae," as Agnes arose. She said: "I thank you all for your warmth of expression, and would say that I have know the 'coming man' to be observant and appre- ciative and with such a noble example set him by those that have already come, he cannot fail to be a success."

Lucy, who had recently been making addresses in various parts of the country on her missionary work, was then asked to speak. She replied: "I do not care to indulge in any address but would like to say that eleven years ago, when we four (Mr. and Mrs. Houghton and Mr. and Mrs. Ferris) entered the married state together, there were those who said, 'You should beware of double weddings and you will see what will happen before the year is out.' I simply want to call the attention of those present to the success of our double wedding.

Mr. Burdick was now called on to tell, "What I know about Girls," his extensive social experience having afforded him every opportunity for a study of the subject. He had only a few moments before receiving, by telegraph, news of his mother's serious illness but in order not to mar the happiness of the banquet, he kept the fact to himself for the time being, and answered:

"It would be impossible for me to add anything new to what has been so happily said in regard to the many charming char- acteristics and sterling qualities of "the girls." My own experience was rather unlike that of Brother Ferrin upon be- coming a member of the family, in that, in my day of grace, the field was a large one, and I was profoundly impressed with the uncertainty of my chances with any particular one of the rose- buds in that garden. It suffices for me to say now that the fates were propitious, my happy lot was decided, and...here I am. (Applause.)

"As to any other girls, I can say little or nothing for want of sufficient experience (cries of 'oh,oh') and with me it goes without saying that the lack of such experience is neither to be regretted nor deplored."

Henry then called attention to an important, recent family achievement, the founding of an educational institution at Pelham Manor, an enterprise which had been so wisely managed as to have met, in this, its first year, with brilliant success. He called on Mrs. Hazen to respond.

Emily complied, cordially, though seriously, thanking all who had aided her in that undertaking by their counsel, interest, prayers and other resources. (Three cheers were proposed and given.)

Two generations had now been heard from. A representative of the third being present, Edward H. Hall remarked that "since President Harrison's candidacy and election, this appeared to be a great era for grandchildren," and he called on Edith Hazen to speak for them.

In behalf of the third generation, Edith rose, bowed a sweet little acknowledgment, and said that her sentiments could best be expressed in the familiar words, "Thanks Awfully," and she took her seat amid very great applause.

Father Hall was now asked to say a word, and was allowed to do so sitting. He said he believed in grandchildren. That idea had been expressed by him more than once during the last presidential campaign, which vividly recalled to his mind the election of our present President's grandfather. "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too" was one of the best remembered political war-cries of his day. He referred to his sense of growing infirmity, and to the chance that all now present might never meet again here on earth, and expressed his pride in and gratitude to his child- ren. (Cheers and applause.)

Our host brought the ceremonies to a close by saying:

"Good friends, before we part, I wish to thank you all for your trouble and goodness in coming here to-day. I hope that at the next assembly, the company will be so large that not even the opera glass which has been used here to-night (by Edward H. Hall) will suffice to give one a complete view, but that a telescope will be necessary."

After cheers had been heartily given and the song, "For He's a Jolly GoodFellow" (meaning the host), the table was reluctantly abandoned.

No printed record of this delightful hour of unpremeditated oratory and fun can express its charm for the participants. Suffice it to say, the tender affection, felicitous and effer- vescent wit and keen enjoyment which pervaded it will never fade from the memories of those who were present.

AUNT SARAH'S REMINISCENCES.

It was one of the compensations for Mrs. Owen's absence from this dinner that the family afterwards received from her a circular letter of acknowledgment, which recalled many incidents in the childhood of the second generation there present, which might not have been mentioned had she been there to speak for herself. These reminiscences had a peculiar interest, inasmuch as Aunt Sarah had been a member of the Hall household in Auburn for years before her marriage, while teaching "the young idea how to shoot" at old District School, No. 2. From this mis- sive is taken the following:

"Emily, once the awkward child whom her Grandmother Hagaman called a 'tumble bug,' as she seemed always to be falling flat, is now the elegant and accomplished matron.

"Harry, restless, and determined, with whom one morning early I had a 'wrastle' in which a broken hair brush left in my hand with the boy unconquered, placed me in a quandary, from which I escaped by reaching out from the bed to the wash-stand, when a dash of cold water in his face left me an easy victor. He may have forgotten this incident, but not the accidental burn with a hot flat-iron which was not as severe, though, as one which Helen gave herself, years afterwards, and which she bore with remarkable fortitude in silence.

"Mary appears to me as a little child, seated at table, where eight (four grown people and four children) were taking a meal, after the departure of Clara Ross (sister of Mother Hall and of Aunt Sarah), her children, Maria Hagaman (another sis- ter), and, I think, Geoffrey Farnam (a cousin) and her saying in a pathetic tone, 'Ma, I like a full family, don't you?' Besides us eight and the servants, there was at least one more child in the family then.

"I see Jamie in school, with his round, good-natured face and for a few days I thought I had a model pupil but he devel- oped into a most inveterate whisperer, but so goodhumored that it was a trial to punish the boy. I think I was especially attached to the 'little waskal,' as he said his uncle Rutsen (Mr. Howe) used to call him.

"Lizzie, to whom her Aunt Maria at Ingleside (Grandmother Hagaman's home on Seneca Lake) gave the name 'Lizzie Sunshine,' for her tears were chased away so soon by bright smiles, and her face left shining with cheerfulness.

"Who would expect that Lucy, who at the same place (Grand- mother Hagaman's), when writing of having a jolly time spelled it 'golly,' would after such apparent demoralization develop into the zealous and devoted missionary?

"Helen, like her Aunt Sarah, astonished the family by her somnambulistic feats, but was less timid and shy than the indi- vidual when awake. At the age of ten or twelve she surprised and pleased here Aunt Clara (Mrs. John Ross), by giving orders to the table waiters as if she had had one back of her chair from babyhood, thus showing perhaps some of the Russell and other blue blood in the family.

"Do you, Ned, remember a blue-eyed ringletted boy, standing by his Grandmother Hagaman's chair, and asking her if she 'Saw anything green?' The Grandmother replied, 'Yes, I see a little boy standing by me,' and was amused to get the rejoinder, 'Any relation of yours, Grandma?'

"Abbie Franklin, that winter that Jamie was so ill (1863-4,) hearing the wind crying with a very human voice, asked what it was and on being told, inquired further, 'What does it want? Does it want to come in?'

"Agnes, when two or three years old, was here at Owen farm with her mother, and one evening was bidding a roomful 'Good night.' 'Good night, Aunt Sarah,' she said 'Good night, Cousin Clara,' and so on around until she came to Stephen. 'Good night, Uncle Stephen,' said her mother, prompting two or three times but Agnes only said,'Goodnight.' Finally, when her mother reiterated, decidedly, 'Good night, Uncle Stephen,' Agnes responded, 'I can't say "Uncle Stephen,"' and amid the shouts of the crowd, she was carried off to bed."

AN EVENING OF SONG.

After an evening of quiet visiting (the young people having been stowed away in bed), there was an old-time hour of music, mostly songs. "Auld Land Syne," "There's Music in the Air," "Down Upon the Suwanee Ribber," "Hard Times Come Again No More," "America," The Doxology, and other familiar melodies were sung with enjoyment, Edward H. Hall presiding at the piano. For "Listen to My Tale of Woe," Edith Hazen played and for "The Owl and the Pussy-Cat" and :The Nightingale" solos, Helen accom- panied herself.

At an early stage of this programme, Mother Hall recited "John Anderson, My Jo."

It was close upon midnight when the company dispersed, Messrs. Burdick and Edward H. Hall leaving town by train, and then Emily and John. Others enjoyed the Houghton hospitality overnight, while some were fortunate enough to be able to remain a few days longer.

A GERMAN.

A "German," given on the following evening, in honor of Edith, the oldest grandchild and now a debutante in society made a pleasant ending to the gathering. Eleven couples took part, and the dancing lasted from about 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., with one interruption for a repast, dainty and lavish as the Houghton bounty could provide.

In the German Mr. Percy A. Clisdell and Miss Hazen were the first couple, and Mr. Charles Blood, of Ithaca, and Miss Sadie Wellington were the second. Eight fancy figures were danced, as follows: "Garden Wall," "Double Circle,""Spinning Wheel,""Weighing Hearts,""Ball Throwing," "Chariot Driving" (with colored scarfs), "Paper Bag" and "Candle." Among these were interspersed the prize and five favor figures.

The ladies' prize was a diamond ring, drawn by Miss Clara Houghton and the gentlemen's, a solid silver pocket-knife, won by Mr. Willard Way. The favors were: First, ladies, silk workbags gentlemen, decorated pipes (both made by Miss Wellington). Second, ladies, small palm-leaf fans, decorated with ribbons and bells gentlemen, ribbon rosettes with bells. Third, ladies,Japanese ornaments gentlemen, tinsel butterflies bearing purses filled with cachous. Fourth, ladies, large paper roses gentlemen, paper sweet-pea boutonnieres. Fifth, ladies and gentlemen, motto caps, that were donned and worn the rest of the evening.

Later there were square dance, waltz, polka, caprice schottische and Virginia reel. Music was furnished by a string band from Rochester.

The new hard-wood floors, polished like glass, and with rugs and furniture removed, made dancing an irresistible temptation. A notable decoration was a new bamboo grill, put up between the two parlors, adorned with long rosecolored ribbons and bearing the legend: "The Ornaments of a House are the Guests Who Frequent It."

Here are some of the toilets worn on this occasion: Helen Houghton, white challie with black figures and ribbon trimming Lizzie Burdick, pink cashmere and white lace, cut decollete Abbe Ferrin, old rose silk with Indian thread lace Lucy Ferris, black silk Mary Taft, lavendar cashmere and purple velvet Edith Hazen, white tulle, decollete, with white moire ribbon Agnes Hall, black lace and silk brocade with yellow, decollete Miss Wellington, pink silk and white lace, decollete.

The German was witnessed by Mr. and Mrs. Houghton, Mr. and Mrs. Ferrin, Mr. and Mrs. Taft, Mr. and Mrs. Ferris, Mrs. Burdick and Judge Hall. Mother Hall had gone over to Big Flats.

Thus ended our memorable reunion of 1889.