"Old Home Week" at Bow, N. H.

Last week was "Old Home Week" in New Hampshire, and this very pleasant custom, which originated in the Granite State, was very generally observed.

Among the many observances, none were of more interest to Christian Scientists than those of the town of Bow, the birthplace of our revered Leader. The president of the day was Mrs. Eddy's cousin, the Hon. Henry M. Baker, one of New Hampshire's foremost citizens, who won an enviable reputation in Congress as representative from the Granite State. The orator of the day was the Hon. Sherman E. Burroughs, also of Mrs. Eddy's family. Of his able historical address the Concord Monitor says, "His paper was a valuable contribution to historical literature."

The following excerpts are from the Concord Daily Patriot's account of this interesting occasion.

The Old Home Day celebration of Bow was held at the beautiful Hammond's Grove on that sightly eminence, Wood Hill. There was a large attendance and the day was a success in every particular.

The morning hours were devoted to a happy reunion of old friends, and at eleven o'clock a fine concert was given by Runnell's band. A bountiful collation was provided by the ladies and served from twelve to half past one o'clock.

The following were the officers of the day: President, Hon. Henry M. Baker; vice presidents, Walter Putney, Charles B. Rogers; secretary, Edwin A. Colby; treasurer, Frank A. White. The efficient reception committee were as follows; Walter Putney, D. Waldo White, Edwin A. Colby, Byron W. Clough, Walter J. Gray, Samuel E. Elliott, Warren C. Saltmarsh, John B. Baker, Charles B. Rogers, Frank A. White, D. Norris Morgan, Frank E. Woodbury, Betton F. Smith, John H. Burroughs, Frank E. Colby.

The literary exercises of the day were held at 1.30 P.M. The addresses were of a high order and the program was as follows: Invocation; Welcome Song, the choir; remarks, the president; addresses, Rev. Mr. Larramour and Rev. Mr. Lawrence; selection, the band; historical address, Sherman E. Burroughs; poem, Mand Putney; selection, the band; address, Rev. C. L. Page; address by former residents of the town and others; election of officers, and miscellaneous business; "America," choir and band; national airs, etc., the band.

In addition to the very general attendance of the people of Bow, there were present a goodly number of former residents and visiting friends.

The president of the day, Hon. Henry M. Baker, said,—

Visiting daughters and sons of Bow and other invited guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen:—With pleasure I extend to you the greetings of the citizens of Bow, and in their behalf bid you a hearty welcome back to the old town which they confidently hope you still love.

Around the ancestral home many memories are entwined which are the dearest of all those which the heart loves.

There are no more sacred words than those of father and mother, and if perchance, from a neighbor's house is added the sweet word wife or husband, and children have prattled in the old home, the affections linger there, however we may roam. No later home can efface the dear memories of childhood and that early married life which brought heaven so near the earth that the song of the angels was distinctly heard.

Those of us who have remained in the old town have had our share of the world's prosperity and joys, and we do not envy you the greater experience and the broader horizon which have enriched your lives, and added grace and dignity to your demeanor. We rejoice in your prosperity and honors, and assure you we are proud of them. If you are seeking fitting objects for generosity, permit me to suggest that our town is yet without a free public library, and that our churches would not decline an addition to their special or invested funds.

But whether you are rich or poor, our welcome to you is the same. The bright sunlight, the gentle rain, and the pure air of our hills are yours as of old.

Our hearts are in the right place and of the same affectionate nature as those of our ancestors. They are no colder than in the years gone by when they beat the faster at the sound of your footsteps.

We thank you for your presence to-day and urge you to come again and again, and always when our loved town shall bid her children return to her. We shall be glad if you conclude to abide with us and renew for the remainder of your lives the old home ties. Again, in the name of the people, of Bow, I bid you welcome.

The principal duty of a presideing officer is to fill the hour with wise and witty words from others. To that duty I now turn with pleasure, and first of all will present to you the clergy of the town, who will briefly address you.

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