Mrs. W.K. Cutler, the first woman in VC would occasionally stage benefits for the school system and she had been an actor back East and would join the show. The Glee Club sang ‘My Country Tis of Thee’ Charles Pope read ‘Washington’s Farewell Address’ and Thomas Fitch spoke “Ladies and Gentlemen … We are standing far above the level of two oceans, which beat upon either shore of a mighty republic … the progress of our country was not altogether marred or unmolested. There was a ledge of treason running through this mountain of shining ore. It cropped out in 1770 and developed Aaron Burr. It cropped out in 1803 and produced Aaron Burr. It cropped out in 1861 and gave us Jeff Davis (laughter and applause!) There was a Washington, Jefferson, and a Jackson, to deal with the first three traitors… only a Buchanan to deal with the latter. [ST pg 144] — There was a giant parade that led to the new Opera House – the youth cadets, the town guard, the fire companies, giant floats in the parade. Judge Morgan made a few remarks, a chaplain said a prayer. W.E. Mellville read The Declaration of Independence. Frank Mayo read a poem by Joseph T. Goodman called Washoe (ST p 143). Sam gave Mayo and Goodman great review. — July 6, 1863 —