Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 14.

[p. 77]
     A hundred years went by, and the house still stood,
When up from the tropics a nabob came,
     With his wealth and rich wines and a roll call of slaves;
And a world of work and a glorious fame
     Awaited the house and the ancient town.
There were long years of pleasure and laughter and mirth
     From the maids so merry who thronged the stair,
With the courteous lads who sought their love,
     And the stately dames so gracious and fair.
Then came rumors of war, and the cannons' peal,
     Every window pane rattled, the timbers shook
With the boom of the guns at Bunker Hill;
     And the house was filled with fighting men
Who fought for their homes and to do God's will,
     And time went on.

Nearly a century more rolled by,
     The house was filled with peace and love,
A home with loyal hearts and true,
     And the quiet rest, as of brooding dove.
Then came a day when all was changed,
     Deserted and lonely the old house stood;
Sad and neglected the roses bloomed,
     And the wild winds whistled a requiem rude,
And time went on.

The house appealed to many a heart,
     And willing hands and workers of skill
Each vied with the other to do a part,
     And bring beauty and grace to the house on the hill.
So now we are gladdened, our hearts are gay,
     We have wrought the good work, our task is done;
We welcome our friends who are with us to-day,
     And cordially thank them every one.

Clara E. Gowing. April 1, 1911.