Two large touring cars with 10 members of the Thornton Family left Young's Hotel at 8:30 a.m. on May 31, 1912. Although it rained at the start and poured as we passed through Lawrence, Mass., the good spirits of the party were not dampened.

The weather cleared and the party reached the historic town of Derry, N.H., for a mid-day dinner.

Mr.Frederick Sheperd, prominent citizen and courtly gentleman, welcomed the party with real New England hospitality, and escortedu s to the house built by Hon. Matthew Thornton, the Signer, which stood on Thornton Steet on a beautiful terrace overhung by stately elms. One still breathes the very atmosphere of Revolutionary days inthe splendid rooms, halls and staircases of the well-preserved and historic old home. Our attention was called to the hewn timbers in an old attic room and to a wide board used as a wainscoting which still preserved its original color, a warm apricot. The hinges on the many doors were hand-made and the carving and finish of the woodwork rich and Colonial in design. A broad fire-place and bake oven still stand in the wall back of the large living room.

We were graciously received by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. How, who told us that the place had been owned by the How family for more than 100 years.

The Daughters of the Revolutin have placed a bronze tablet on a large rock in the grounds, a respectful tribute to Hon. Matthew Thorton.

The visitors then sought out Forest HIlls Cemetery, East Derry, and the grave of their common ancestor, James Thornton.

Mr. Shepard then took us to his own beautiful home where we paid our respects to Mrs. Shepard. After a regretful parting with Mr. and Mrs. Shepard, we started on a glorious sixty-mile run to Boston, reaching Young's Hotel at 6 o'clock.

It was suggested and agreed upon by the party as follows:

1. That a record of this trip be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Shepard and Mr. and Mrs. How, as an expression of appreciation of their courtesy.

2. That the Thornton Family Association ought to take action to restore and preserve the headstone which marks the grave of James Thornton in Forest Hills Cemetery, East Derry, N.H.

That some of the postal card pictures of the Matthew Thornton home be sent to members of the family.

THE AUTOMOBILE PARTY