At its annual meeting in March, 1898, the town of Sumner voted to observe its Centennial Anniversáry, and made a small appropriation to defray the necessary expenses.

Former citizens of the town, with an inherent regard for the place of their nativity, generously added to the fund, with the result that when the Centennial was over and all expenses were paid, a small surplus was still left in the hands of the committee. The question arose as to the dispositon of this surplus, and this modest little volume is the answer.

While the limited sum at the disposal of the committee necessarily caused limitations in the volume, it is hoped that it will serve as a pleasant reminder of the day we celebrated, and at the same time perpetuate an important part of the early history of our town that might otherwise be lost to coming generations.

The thanks of the committee are especially due to Rev. Lucien M. Robinson of Philadelphia, who has rendered valuable assistance in the preparation and arrangement of the work, and to Mrs. L. B. Bisbee of Camden, Me., J. F. Cobb of Auburn, Prentiss Cummings of Boston, Mrs. J. L. Derby of South Weymouth, Mass., George R. Drake of West Medway, Mass., Mrs. Francetta Fletcher of South Paris, Mrs. George H. Hawes of Fall River, Mass., Hersey Heald of Sandwich, Mass., Lysander and A. C. Heald of South Weymouth, O. K. Gerrish of Lakeville, Mass., Freeland Howe of Norway, Mrs. Julia Pason of Medway, Mass., W. E. Pulsifer of New York, Wallace Ryerson of South Paris, J. H. Stetson of South Weymouth, Mass.,J. Walter Stetson of Auburn, Gilbert Tuell of Bethel, Hiram Tuell of Milton, Mass., whose cash contributions made its publication possible. Also to John and Horatio G. Turner of Boston, for the gift to the town of a large and beautiful flag.

SHARON ROBINSON,
W. H. EASTMAN,

G. M. SMALL,

Centennial Committee.

OF

SUMNER CENTENNIAL, JUNE 13, 1898.

Capt. G. M. SMALL, President of the Day.

6:00 A. M. Ringing of Bells. Salute of 100 Guns.

9:30, Presentation of Flag,

Acceptance,

10:00, Prayer,

JOIN TURNER.

Dr. J. BLAKE ROBINSON.

Rev. A. G. MURRAY.

Chorus, "Praise Ye the Father."

Address of Welcome, Mrs. ADALINE H. STETSON.

ADDRESS of WELCOME

BY

MRS. ADALINE H. STETSON.

It was a great surprise to me when informed that the committee of arrangements had assigned me this part in the exercises of the day. I said they would have to excuse me; most certainly they would till I remembered the littlest child in the family is always given the best place. Thanking them for this favor, I cheerfully accept my commission.

Thus, in behalf of the citizens of this town, I extend a cordial welcome to all visitors, and all who come to participate in the festivities and enjoyments of this Centennial Celebration. An especial welcome to the sons and daughters of old Sumner, those who have long been away and are come back to the scenes of their childhood, laden with precious memories of early years.

My heart speaks to you in words of another. "We. who are old and about to die, salute you, hail you, take your hand in ours, and crown you with our welcome, as with flowers."

The great interest in all family gatherings and reunions is in retrospection; who does not love to talk of old times, old friends, and associations? Some

times my old heart grows so warm even at the thought of them, ere I am aware I am singing: "Backward, turn backward, oh! Time, in your flight;

Make me a child again, just for tonight."

May we all, aroused by the spirit of the hour, enjoying so highly these ceremonies and pleasures, feel our youthful vigor renewed for a time, and look back with sweet remembrance to this festal day.

RESPONSE,

BY W. E. PULSIFER.

Mr. President, fellow-townsmen and friends:—

On behalf of the visitors and those who have come back to their old homes to help celebrate its centennial birthday, I extend to you our hearty thanks for this most beautiful and cordial welcome from one whom many of us have known as a mother in, Israel.

The heart can never find expression through vocabularies or books. Neither can it ever be fittingly represented by speech. And so we sons and daughters of this rock-ribbed town who have gone out into the busy world to do and dare in our chosen vocations, are called back to the scenes of our childhood to meet those who have remained to care for the interests of the home, and help them fittingly celebrate a centennial anniversary, words can hardly portray the emotions we feel.

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