The Farmer’s Institute of Marshfield

After short spicy speeches by Mr. Bradley of Charlottetown , Mr. Fred McRae of East Royalty and Mr. John Stetson, Marshfield, after votes of thanks had been extended to all those who contributed to the success of the evening, and after each one present had done ample justice to a table of good things prepared as only the ladies of Marshfield can prepare; another of those banquets for which the Marshfield Farmers Institute is famous, passed into history by singing “They Are Jolly Good Fellows.”

Submitted by Athol MacBeath

SOURCE The Guardian, Feb. 25 1927, p. 3

Celebration

There is a time to laugh ’tis said, A time for joy and song,

Yet in the halls of mirth, if wise We will not tarry long.

Lest we forget that life is short, And there is much to do 0f earnest work we cannot shirk, If to ourselves we’re true.

The Marshfield Farmers ’ Institute This day in royal state, With feast and song and speeches long Have met to celebrate.

A1n

Each member of the Institute, With wife and children too, Are there to taste the pie and cake, And hear the programme through.

And as they feasted long and well On dainties rich and rare, Sweet music from the violin And organ filled the air.

And laughing girls with bangs and curls And maidens fair to see Broke forth in song that filled all hearts With joy and ecstasy.

’Twould seem as if the land was searched From end to end to find What best would suit the appetite And fascinate the mind.

But speech and song and feasting failed Times onward march to stay, And e’re we knew it half the night Or more had passed away.

And as we all went from the hall, Each smiling face said plain, If we are here another year We’ll celebrate again.

Composed by William Irving Thompson for a banquet of the Marshfield Farmers’ Institute held in Marshfield Hall.