st of the town land. The opposition put in one final
blow in this way. It was designed to have the house face directly "down
street" and the underpinning was laid with a view to this, but the
opposition party mustered enough strength to change the plan so that it
should face the south and "stand cornerwise to the street."

So the momentous question was finally settled, and early in the summer
of 1796 the raising occurred. This was of course an event of great
importance, and extensive preparations were made to celebrate it. On May
9, 1796, a town meeting was called "to see if the town will make any
provision for the refreshment of the Raisers and also the Spectators
that shall attend upon the raising of the new meeting-house." It was
then and there voted most amicably and unanimously "that the town
provide one barrill W. I. Rum and Loaf Sugar sufficient to make it into
Toddy for refreshment for the Raisers and Spectators that shall attend
the raising of the new meeting-house." A committee was also chosen,
consisting of _Deacon_ Daniel Putman, _Deacon_ Ephraim Kimball, _Deacon_
Kendall Boutelle, Reuben Smith, Joseph Polley, Dr. Jonas Marshall, and
Asa Perry, "to deal out the Liquor to the Raisers and Spectators on
Raising Day." It would seem as if a barrel of rum would suffice to make
enough toddy to satisfy the cravings of all that would gather to witness
this raising, but the people were evidently overflowing with
hospitality, and bound to have a rousing time after waiting for it so
long, for before the adjournment of the meeting it was voted "that the
committee to deal out the Liquor and Sugar sufficient for the Raisers
and Spectators, in case the barrill of W. I. Rum and Sugar already voted
should be insufficient, procure more and bring in their account to the
town for allowance."

This was the only meeting in ten years where there was no contention or
bitterness of feeling. For once these good people were all of the same
mind, and a "barrill of W. I. Rum," which in these days gives rise to
such excited controversy, in the presumably degenerate days of 1796
acted like oil upon the troubled waters.

The raising came off successfully, but it is not definitely stated how
much rum was consumed thereat. However here is a copy of the order to
reimburse Deacon Boutelle for the refreshment expenses.

"Fitchburg, May y'e 12: 1796.

"To Ebenezer Thurston Town treasurer you are here