The first town meeting of which there is any record was a meeting of the proprietors held at the house of Sarah Priest in Portsmouth, January 26, 1748, and subsequent meetings were held by the proprietors at the house of James Walker in Bedford, Mrs. Sarah Priest in Portsmouth and Hannah Blaisdell in Portsmouth.

The first meeting of the proprietors held in Goffstown was holden on lot No. 7 in the 6th range of lots on the north side of Piscataquog River, on the 28th of August, 1750; the next year the proprietors met at the house of Caleb Emery in Goffstown; in 1754 a meeting was held at the house of John Goffe in Derryfield, and on the 8th of November, 1757, at the house of James Karr in Goffstown.

The first town meeting held after the incorporation was on the 6th of July, 1761, presumably at the house or barn of James Karr, and the annual March meetings were holden here in the springs of 1762, '63 and '64; in 1765 at Timothy Ferrings; in 1766, '67 and '68 at James Karr's; in 1769 the meeting was warned to meet at the meeting-house, where they continued to meet for nearly 100 years.

The meeting-house referred to was the first meeting-house in town, and stood where the schoolhouse stands at Grasmere. This building was used for a meeting-house and town house until about 1840, and for town house until 1869.

At the annual meeting March 9, 1841, the town "voted to choose a committee to appraise the pews in the old meeting-house, and confer with the owners thereof, and report at an adjournment of this meeting, also a plan and the cost of making the same into a town house; and the selectmen were elected said committee.

At the adjourned meeting held May 29 of the same year, the committee reported that the purchasing of the pews would cost $100, and the remodeling of the house $400; the town "voted to accept of that part of the report that pertained to the purchasing of the pew" and elected Enoch P. Sargent, Seth Woodbury, Joseph Sargent, George Poor and Robert Forsaith a committee to report a plan for finishing the house for a town house. Their report was accepted, and the selectmen were appointed a committee to finish said old meeting-house into a town house according to the plan furnished, the expense not to exceed $400, and the same should be paid out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

It will be seen that inasmuch as the town built the meeting-house, and subsequently to the time of building, sold the pew ground and the purchasers constructed their own pews, by purchasing the pews the building became the property of the town. The same was used for a town house until 1869, the last election having been held in 1868. It was taken down in 1869 and moved to Manchester and reconstructed at the corner of Elm and Auburn Streets.

This was probably the most historic building ever constructed in Goffstown; here was the place of rendezvous for the Goffstown Company when they departed for Cambridge in 1775; here the people met through those dark days of the Revolution, when clouds of war, discouragement and despondency hung over the colonies; here they "voted encouragement to fathers, brothers and sons, to go forth and help secure their independence"; here they "voted aid and encouragement to those who had lost their husbands in the Revolution"; here in 1814 was "voted that same support to the volunteers"; here from 1861 to 1865 war meetings were often held for the purpose of voting bounties to volunteers, and state aid to the families.

Some of these meetings were composed of those who, clad in a bright new uniform, were soon to be at the front; of those who were soon to enlist, of those in the prime of life, of those bowed with fourscore years, who fifty years before heeded their country's call. Here were enacted scenes of political strife, when man waxed warm with his brother man; here were often heard on town meeting day speeches for and against measures important and unimportant. From this building the aged voter looked across the way and beheld the last resting place of his relatives and friends, and perchance thought that he alone was left of all the once happy household. Here in this building many of the improvements in town were voted upon, and all of the important town business for one hundred years transacted, some of which has been preserved, and much as been swept away forever by the oblivious waves of time.

This old, stately, substantial structure was the work of our fathers, and like them it has passed away. This building should have been allowed to remain and used for a museum of historical collections; with little expense it could have been preserved, and future generations could have looked upon the enterprise of their earliest ancestors and said, "Thy work was well and nobly done."

On the 19th day of January, 1869, at a special meeting holden at the hall of H. J. Tirrell, it was "voted to build a new town house at Goffstown West Village, and raise the sum of $3,000 for that purpose." John M. Parker, David Steele, Alfred Poor, Benjamin Greer, David M. Taggart, Peter E. Hadley, John Greer, Horace Hazen and John Gilchrist were chosen a committee to locate the new town house; and George Warren, George P. Hadley, 1st, David A. Parker, John G. Dodge, Eliphalet Richards, 1st, were chose a committee to build said town house. The selectmen were authorized to borrow the sum of $3,000 for the purpose of building a new town house, and on the same day a petition was presented to the selectmen requesting them to call a town meeting to see if the town would vote to rescind and reconsider the vote passed on the 19th of January to raise money to build a new town house.

The selectmen called a meeting to be holden February 9, and the subject matter embraced in the warrant was the same as the petition. At this meeting those in favor of building a new town house were largely in the majority, and the article was dismissed.

On the 1st day of April, 1869, the town "voted to instruct the selectmen to sell the old town house and the underpinning at public auction, and also sell the land, if the town own the same."

On the 12th of June a special town meeting was holden at the hall of H. J. Tirrell, as were the March and April town meetings previous, the purpose of which was to see if the town would vote not to adopt the plan of the building committee or choose a new committee, and not to exceed the sum of $3,000 in constructing the building, and each article was very summarily dismissed. This was the last action taken by the town house opponents, and the building committee saw their way clear to proceed.

The locating committee decided to locate the new town house upon the westerly side of Main Street on land owned by heirs of the late Alfred Smith. In the summer of this year the building committee contracted with William H. H. Hart, a contractor and building in town, to construct the building which was raised August 30, and completed the following winter.

A special meeting was holden at the hall of G. Byron Moore on November 9, when $2,000 was "voted to finish the town house," and John M. Parker, David Steele and Calvin Wyman were chosen to settle with the building committee. This committee attended to the duty assigned them and reported the total cost of the town house $5,389.62.

The dedicatory exercises occurred February 3, 1870, which consisted of prayer by Rev. S. L. Gerould, addresses by Dr. Alonzo F. Carr, Rev. Samuel L. Gerould, and Dr. N. P. Clark of New Boston. Music was furnished by Manchester Cornet Band. as served in the lower hall, after which dancing was enjoyed in the upper hall until midnight.

In the warrant for the annual election in March, 1889, were the following articles: "To see what action the town will take to enlarge the town house and make appropriation for the same, and to see if the town will voted to build a town hall at Goffstown Center to be owned and controlled by the town." This latter vote to be of no effect unless the town school district shall vote to build a schoolhouse in conjunction with said hall. Election day a resolution was presented by James G. Taggart, and the same was adopted, which read as follows:

"Resolved that the town enlarge and repair the town house building at an expense not exceeding $4,000, and if the town school district shall erect a school building at the Center, the town shall finish a hall in said building at an expense not to exceed one third of the whole cost of said building, and not to exceed in any case the sum of $1,500, said hall to be the property of the town and under its control, also that the selectmen be authorized to use so much of the money now in the treasury as can be spared for that purpose and to hire the balance upon the credit of the town, and give the town notes therefor"; and James G. Taggart, Kendrick Kendall and Charles G. Barnard were elected a building committee, and Alfred Poor a committee to act in conjunction with the town school district committee in building the town hall at the Center.

And the town also "voted to construct a fireproof vault in the town house for the preservation of the records."

The contract for the construction of the schoolhouse and town hall combined was awarded William U. Carlton.

The members of the building committee, elected by the town school district to serve in conjunction with Alfred Poor, were Josiah Laselle and William D. Hopkins. The plans for the building were drawn by W. W. Ireland of Manchester, and the entire cost of the building was $4,498.

The dedicatory exercises occurred on Saturday, November, 9, of this year. During the day the building was open for inspection, and in the afternoon the literary exercises occurred. Alfred Poor, chairman of the building committee, delivered the address of welcome. Prayer was offered by Rev. James E. Odlin, pastor of the Congregational Church, Goffstown. Remarks were made by Rev. L. R. Danforth, pastor of Methodist Church, Edward T. Lyford, pastor of Baptist Church, James E. Odlin, Samuel Upton, Esq., Edwin Flanders and George P. Hadley; the last two were members of the school board. Music was furnished for the occasion by Stark's Orchestra of Goffstown.

For the improvement and remodeling of the town house at the village, the plans were drawn by William M. Butterfield, architect, of Manchester, and the contract was let to George W. Colby, contractor and builder of Goffstown.

The building was completed in November, 1889, and Mr. Colby received for his contract $4,177, and the total cost was $6,579. Upon its completion the citizens of the town were unanimous in the opinion that the dedication should be an unusual event in town. Accordingly it was decided that the occasion should be not only a dedication of the handsomest and most substantial building in town, but also in the nature of a home gathering of the absent sons and daughters of Goffstown.

The first preliminary meeting for the formation of plans looking toward the dedication was holden at the office of Judge Samuel Upton on the 9th of November; the building committee, selectmen and many other citizens were present. Judge Samuel Upton was chosen chairman of the meeting and George P. Hadley, secretary; Selwin T. Martin, committee on music; Samuel Upton, committee on speaking; James G. Taggart, committee on invitations; the selectmen, a committee on dinner; Col. E. C. Shirley and Kendrick Kendall, reception committee. December 10 was the date was the date selected for the dedication. Subsequent meetings were holden on November 16, 23 and 30. In the meantime lists of names were submitted to the secretary by members of the committee and others, of a large number of former residents of the town, to whom invitations were mailed.

The day was all that could be desired for such a celebration. The people gathered from all portions of the town, and many from neighboring towns. Dinner was served in the lower hall at noon to all who wished. The exercises took place in the upper hall in the afternoon, and all available space was filled. The program was as follows:

Rev. S. L. Gerould, who was expected to be present and offer prayer, was prevented from attending by the death of one of his parishioners at Hollis, and Rev. James E. Odlin, pastor of Congregation Church, offered prayer in his absence.

The keys of the building were formally presented by George W. Colby, the contractor, with appropriate words to James G. Taggart, chairman of the building committee who accepted the same in behalf of the committee, and delivered them to Charles Morgrage, chairman of Board of Selectmen.

Judge Upton then presented George P. Hadley, who delivered an address on former town houses. Dr. Charles F. George spoke of the physicians of the town, particularly mentioning Drs. John Cushing, Jonathan Gove, David L. Morrill, Silas Walker, Daniel Little, Alonzo F. Carr and John S. Little. Under the subject of town schools, Edwin Flanders traced their history for a number of years.

The history of the different churches of the town were presented by their respective pastors: Rev. James E. Odlin, Congregational; Rev. Edward T. Lyford, Baptist; Rev. L. R. Danforth, Methodist; and the history of the Episcopal Church, written by Miss Isadore Johnson, was read by the chairman.

After the music by the orchestra, Hon. D. Arthur Taggart was presented by Judge Upton, and delivered the oration.

Mr. President and Fellow Citizens:
      It is with feelings of the deepest pleasure and gratification that I respond upon this memorable occasion, because I am cognizant of the fact that you--my neighbors and dearest friends--have assembled here with joyful hearts to congratulate yourselves upon the erection and completion of this splendid building, dedicated to the thrift, the prosperity, the happiness and the contentment of a people, who for public and progressive spirit rank second to none in the whole State of New Hampshire. As I approach the duty of the hour, I am forcibly impressed with my inability to satisfy your expectations in the performance of the task to which I have been assigned. Within our midst there are minds more able and less dependent on tradition and speculation than my own, who would have adorned their efforts with a richer lore of our people and institutions, garnered from a broader field of actual knowledge and personal observation.
      To-day I am to speak of my native land, a theme which by the very laws of nature must arouse within my breast those feelings of obligation, as endless as the horizon, which I owe to her as my benefactor and ever constant friend. All those associations from the time which I owe to her as my benefactor and ever constant friend. All those associations from the time when my memory commenced to make its first impress-of sadness and joy, of successes and reverses--crowd in upon me and pass by in review at this fraternal gathering.
      As we look back over the earliest chapters of our town history, fragmentary and incomplete as it is, we behold the pioneers of this town despoiling the primeval forests and substituting those rude devises of family shelter, embryos of those New England homes which are to-day the bulwark of this nation's virtue and integrity. With all their dangers, stern privations and tyrannous oppression from their mother country, they struggled on, organized our town, and, unrewarded themselves, devised to us the elements of a free government and a common school system unexampled in the history of the world; they were a people who fought and died rather than compromise their principles. It is meet and proper that the struggles and the sacrifices of our forefathers should, on all proper occasions, be brought home to the people to the end that we may better appreciate all these surrounding blessings and stimulate ourselves on to a grander destiny and a higher civilization than that enjoyed by our immediate predecessors. In the midst of those relentless persecutions waged against them by their Indian foes they did not despair; and when the shot was fired at Lexington, "heard round the world," telling them of the impending crisis, they rushed to the relief of their fellow colonists and helped swell that host which was contending for right, for principle and for independence.
      How proud we all should be to-day of the fact that in Col. John Stark's regiment, as it was drawn up in battle array, on the heights of Bunker hill, his ninth company was composed of Goffstown men in part, offered by Samuel Richards, Moses Little and Jesse Carr, all citizens of this town; they did their part, how well is imperishably recorded upon the pages of history. Their voices joined in the loud huzzas of victory which sent glad tidings to the thirteen colonies that taxation and representation must be reciprocal, and which reached across the mighty deep to George III that a new nation had been born, predestined in time to lead in the van of the whole civilized world. In this connection allow me to say that there is a sacred duty devolving upon the citizens of this town and of the State to religiously defend the honored record made by our men in that most famous battle against the presumptuous claims of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who would now rob New Hampshire of the well-earned laurels of her patriot sons. Never let it be forgotten that our State furnished one half to two thirds of the men and officers who fought on the 17th day of June, 1775, upon the American side. This town remained faithful to Stark and loyal to the cause till the British yoke was completely shattered. Again the men of Goffstown, as volunteers, upon the fields of Bennington, joined with their co-patriots in routing the royal army and in achieving a victory no less renowned and, to my mind, far more decisive than that of Bunker Hill. Goffstown has ever been true to her country's call in times of danger. When the dark clouds of war again burst upon us in 1861 and threatened our institutions, again did her sons go forth to live or die as God willed, that this nation might live on forever. In these halcyon days of our prosperity and rejoicing I would that we might implant the seed which, ere many years, would grow into a soldier's monument within our town to commemorate the deeds and the death of her valiant men in the Revolution and Rebellion.
      Such in brief was the glorious record of her soldier citizens. But that record is rivalled by that roll of honor which contains the names of those who had shed lustre upon this their native or adopted town in state and nation. Among the earliest settlers, whose career as laymen we should regard to-day, shine out the names of Robert McGregor and Samuel Blodget.They both lived in what is now known as West Manchester. McGregor settled here in 1777, was an aid-de-camp to Gen. John Stark and a very active business man. He was foremost in building the old McGregor bridge in 1792, which received its name from him. Blodget, a settler in the colonial and revolutionary wars, judge of the court of common pleas, was the originator of the Amoskeag canal, completed in May, 1807. He was energetic in business and, as his epitaph reads, was "The pioneer of internal improvement in New Hampshire." In later years a resident of this town achieved great success in public service, and to my mind has left a record as remarkable as any in the history of our State. I refer to David L. Morril. He was born in Epping, June, 1772, graduated at Phillips-Exeter Academy, studied medicine and commenced the practice of his profession in Epsom in 1793; in 1800 he abandoned his medical profession and began the study of theology, and in 1802 was ordained the pastor of the church in Goffstown; in 1811 he returned to the practice of his profession; from 1808 to 1816, inclusive, he represented our town in the Legislature; at the June session of 1816 he was chosen speaker of the House of Representatives and during the same session was chosen United States senator for six years; in 1823 was a state senator and on the convening of that body was elected its president; in 1824 he was elected governor of the State by the Legislature; in 1831 he moved to Concord, where he lived a much respected citizen until his death in January, 1846.
      Did time permit, I would gladly mention the career of John Gove, Thomas Jameson, Jonathan Aiken, Josiah Forsaith, John H. Sack, David Steele, Charles F. Gove, George W. Morrison and John Steele, members of the legal profession in town, and some of them distinguished advocates.
      Such is the record of her dead; I allude not to her living. The possibility of invidious distinctions deters me in what would otherwise be a pleasing task. The history which each citizen or son of this town is making for himself at home or abroad is known to you, and you must be the judges of genuine merit; but let us sincerely hope that they will be ever mindful of the record and progress of this their present or former home. The earliest authentic account of settlers within this town is the year 1733, when the General Assembly of Massachusetts, by way of bounty to the soldiers who had fought in the Indian wars of 1675, distributed tracts of land in this vicinity and designated them as Narragansett Townships. What is now known as Goffstown was then called Narragansett No. 4, but it extended to the Merrimack river and included the valuable falls at Amoskeag. In 1748, the Masonian Proprietors exercised ownership over our territory and made a grant of it to Rev. Thomas Parker of Dracut, Mass., and others. On the 16th day of June, 1761, the governor and council incorporated our town and christened it with the name of Goffstown, in honor of Col. John Goffe of Derryfield, who called the first meeting of the inhabitants and bade the little municipality Godspeed in its hour of birth and independence. All honor to the name of John Goffe! a brave soldier, an upright citizen, an exemplar as a man and a Christian, may his name be ever cherished by every son of Goffstown in grateful remembrance. He represented the towns of Amherst and Bedford in the Provincial House of Representatives in 1767, and was appointed the first judge of probate for the county of Hillsborough when it was established in 1771, and held that honorable office till 1776.
      In 1822 a portion of our town with portions of Dunbarton and Chester were incorporated into the town of Hooksett. With this exception the territory remained practically the same from 1761 to July 1, 1853. On this last date the Legislature ceded to Manchester a considerable and valuable part of our town bordering on the Merrimack river, the dividing line being henceforth the line between the eleventh and twelfth ranges as laid out at that time, about two miles to the west of the river. Before this legislative grant the center of the town was at the lower village, and on account of its geographical location was called Goffstown Center. The center of the town now, as I am informed, is at the stump of the old basswood tree, just east of the residence of our first selectman, Mr. Chas. Morgrage. The principal business among the earlier inhabitants was the cutting of timber, which excelled in its quality and quantity, and of course the tilling of the soil. Throughout our town in those days could be heard the busy hum of many a saw and grist mill, and the felling of those mammoth trees, claimed by the king as his property, to be used for masts, the best in the royal navy.
      The health and longevity of our people rank among the foremost in the State, three centenarians having died within our limits--Widow McIntire, Mary Davidson and Lieut. Job Kidder.
      Time forbids that I should speak in detail of the industry of our earlier people; of the Goffstown musters around which cling legends of many a hard fought battle; of those social gatherings which call up such pleasant recollections to many a one with in the hearing of my voice, and of many other incidents in our early history which would be both instructive and interesting. Rather would I speak of the development of our resources and the material and undisputed advancement of our people, which have blessed that generation to which I belong. When we pause for a moment and look back over the panorama of the past, as it unrolls itself before us, I am surprised for one at the substantial, steady and ever onward strides of our village and town during the very few years within my own memory. The old red schoolhouse on the south side of the river and its rival on the north have consolidated in that large and modern structure which would be to-day a source of pride to towns and cities more populous than our unassuming village. Four teachers are now employed instead of two, giving instruction to 160 pupils during thirty-one full weeks each year. a record of which we ought to feel proud.
      In the year 1873 it was the misfortune of my family to have our home licked up in flames and wafted away upon the clouds of night. At that time you were dependent upon the efforts of willing but unorganized hands to save your property and lives from this fiery fiend. To-day you have a fire department composed of seventy-five well-uniformed and energetic men, and supplied with the best of machines and apparatus. It was a prudent investment and has already proved its efficiency and usefulness to such as extent as to command the fullest confidence and interest of this people. May that interest never cease and may that good feeling rivalry between the two companies never wane till sweet oil and choked nozzles become a matter of the past.
      Our railroad facilities have changed from the old brown painted depot, the dingy cars and the wheezy locomotive, from the snail-like pace of the "huckleberry" train and from our inability to visit the centers of trade and return in a single day to the present accommodations which must surely in time be still farther extended. The telegraph and telephone have been established within our midst, affording us that communication which a progressive community demands. Many new streets have been laid out or extended, on either side of which have been built substantial dwellings, so well preserved as to invariably excite the favorable comment of those who come to make our town a visit. And when I think of the increase of these dwellings within the village during the last twenty years, I am almost convinced that the old adage of figures never lying has found its only exception. You have stretching up and down these streets two hundred and one habitations, and of that number I have seen at least one hundred and forty-one framed and completed, an increase of two hundred and twenty-nine per cent. Scarcely is there a vacant house. All are filled with happy families; industrious, prosperous and contented. But far better still, those homes are almost invariably owned by their respective occupants, a fact which, according to experience and observation, must inspire more public spirit, arouse more permanent interest in our institutions and redound to the greater benefit of our people.
      While we retrograded in population from 1870 to 1880, caused by the destruction and removal of certain industries, from 1880 to the present time these industries have been duplicated and others have been added, until to-day they are more extensive and diversified than ever. In 1890 the census will tell us that there are 2,200 people within our town, as large if not a larger increase proportionately than in the city of Manchester during that same period of time.
      The business houses and firms have multiplied from a half-dozen to twenty-three, and of this last number fully seventeen have been launched within the last two decades. We have a well-stocked public library. Of the five churches three have been entirely built and one enlarged. Our river is fed by a substantial and expensive reservoir lately constructed, which now baffles the drouths and affords our citizens unexceptional water power. We have a system of street lamps and concrete sidewalks, improvements for which the people are truely grateful. At the Center a manufacturing plant has been established at an expense of one hundred thousand dollars, and in constant operation, equalizing the evidences of growth and prosperity throughout our town. Nor would I neglect a reference to our farming community. Although there is a commissioner of immigration to invite to our State tenants for abandoned farms, in Goffstown his services will never be required, as no such commodity, I am happy to say, is offered for sale in the list which is now being sent broadcast in pursuance of legislative act.
      It is an indisputable fact that millions of dollars are annually left in the commonwealth by those who are seeking the much needed rest and respite from business cares during the months of summer. The people of the town are embracing their opportunity, and within the last very few years have increased their facilities in this direction until to-day we have fourteen different houses or hotels that entertain 450 guests each summer. And why should this not be so? With our most beautiful drives, enchanting scenery, purest air and accessibility to the great cities, you have a stock in trade which cannot be excelled in the State. Bear in mind that this business is second only to our great manufacturing industries and is destined to outstrip all others in the race of the commercial world of New Hampshire.
      From an economical point of view, statistical evidence is furnished of this people's prosperity to such an extent as must challenge our admiration. In this spring of 1866, after the drain of an expensive war, we were burdened with a town debt of $29,081, our people had only $41,500 in the savings banks, the valuation of our town was about $700,000, and the rate of taxation was $22.80 on a thousand, certainly not a very auspicious outlook; but what have we done in the last twenty-three years? First, as to our town debt: Commencing with a debt of $29,081, it has gradually diminished each year until 1878, when it was completely wiped out, and a balance of $342 shown in favor of our town, and from 1878 to 1889 we have had balances in our treasury ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. That I may not be criticised, I will add that in 1871 the State assumed $10,000 of our war debt, but more than offsetting this relief, was the increased indebtedness which came to this town in 1869, when we built the new town house at a cost of $6000 more, which had been destroyed in that year by that never-to-be-forgotten freshet. Second, as to accumulations in savings banks: In the spring of 1866 there was credited to the people of this town the small deposit of $41,500; each year that sum has increased, till the year 1888 shows $430,000, and the year 1889 the enormous sum of $449,600. It scarcely seems possible. Third, as to valuation of town: In 1866 it was about $700,000, in 1889 it is $1,210,000, including $175,000 money at interest; so that to-day our people have $625,000 bearing interest to them, to say nothing about other thousands of dollars invested in banks and other property not taxable in this town. Fourth, as to the rate of taxation: In the spring of 1866 it was $22.80 on a thousand, but each year it has decreased till it was only $5 in 1887--among the smallest in the State, and so small an amount as to justify us in the belief that within a few years we might dispense with all assessments in meeting the public demands!
      Allow me, fellow citizens, to invite your earnest attention to these important facts. Your public debt has disappeared gradually, your accumulations have increased wonderfully, your town's valuation has grown proportionately, and still your rate of taxation all that time has persistently diminished to a nominal sum. What a glorious record, due to the industry of our people and the economical administration of our public affairs!
      It is an acknowledged fact the character and genius of a people are measured very largely by the architecture displayed in the public buildings erected in the age in which they live; thus was it in the days of Athens and Rome, so it is to-day in our State and nation; so it is within our town. This edifice which we are assembled to dedicate exemplifies the progress, the education and the public spirit which characterize our inhabitants. For six or seven years after the incorporation of the town in 1761 the people met in public gatherings, probably in private dwellings and in barns, then in the old meeting-house at Goffstown Center till 1869--a full century--and then the new town house was occupied on the present site till this year, when we have this structure with all its beauty and modern appointments. And this building speaks for itself; none better in the State that I have visited unless built by private enterprise. I am proud that a young man, that I have visited unless built by private enterprise. I am proud that a young man, one of my contemporaries, has the ability to design such a structure, but prouder still am I that a fellow townsman can carry into execution such grand results as we see before us. I know that the work, the faithful adherence to contract and the solidity of this building will wear just as well and prove just as honest as George W. Colby.
      To my mind the stability of any place must be preserved and perpetuated, when its native born young men engage themselves in the different avocations of life in its limits and become its permanent citizens. Look over the circle of those in this town who constitute its business men to-day. Fully fifty per cent are native born, and in this fact lies a tower of strength which augers well for our future. Young men of Goffstown, the responsibilities and duties of public and private life will soon be intrusted to that generation to which you and I belong. Soon will it be for us to improve those grand opportunities and to solve those problems of life which are our heirlooms in the vast resources of the future; soon will it be for us to shape and adorn that unfathomed time and to realize those rich possibilities, ever opening up before us. Let us meet the situation like men and emulate the good examples of our predecessors, so that history will accord to us an honorable record.
      While our town has a past that is replete in patriotism and progress; while she has both mental and financial ability, still, to-day, she is guilty of negligence in allowing her early traditions to pass away forever as the lips of generation after generation become closed in death. I sincerely hope that this subject may be favorably entertained by her citizens and that in the near future we may thereby have a town history, to perpetuate a record in which we all are so deeply interested. And what of its future? With all these facts capable of proof, with its present and possible railroad facilities, with its low rate of taxation and with its natural resources, why should we be retarded in our onward course? But it behooves every citizen to contribute his share toward its advance. Why would it not be practicable for Goffstown to have her board of trade, to invite others to improve and expand those possibilities which exist among this people?
      To us have returned those sons and daughters who long since left this, their ancestral home. They have lived and made their record of citizenship. Goffstown does not regret the maternity, and welcomes them back with open arms. Soon will the ceremonies of this occasion be concluded, but before we separate let us not be unmindful that there are absent children to whom we send greetings and Godspeeds as they are struggling on in the race of life. We know that the present and absent ones will ever cherish these associations and love their native home; we know to-day that each is inspired with that sentiment of the poet,

"Where'er I roam, whatever realms to see, My heart untraveled fondly turns to thee."

      Goffstown: Land of my nativity, land of my home, land of my nearest and dearest friends,--nestling beneath the sentinel watch of the Uncanooonucs,--may her march onward be as grand, as triumphant, as patriotic as in the past. God bless her citizens; may they prosper; may no adversity visit their homes, and may this beautiful building continue to stand as a fitting and suggestive memorial of that generation in which we live.

After the closing of the exercises, it was well-nigh dark, and the audience retired to their homes feeling that the day was a complete success.