On the others are two shields, engraved with the names of those in honor of whom this memorial was erected.  The shaft bears the following inscriptions.  On the west face: 

  “For the dead, A tribute—­for
  the living, A memory—­for
  posterity, an emblem
  of Loyalty to the
  flag of their country.”

On the east face: 

  “With grateful recognition
  of the services of all
  her sons who upheld the
  honor and integrity of
  our beloved country in
  her hour of peril, the
  town of Pittsfield erects
  this monument in loving
  memory of those who died
  that the nation might
  live.”

At the dedication the national flags of the two political parties were removed from the streets and with them the statue was draped.  The town was crowded with visitors, and a long procession marched through the streets.  A prayer by Rev. Dr. Todd, speeches by General Bartlett and Honorable Thomas Colt, President of the day, and an oration by George William Curtis accompanied the unveiling.

The four principal streets of the town, named from the points of the compass, meet at the Park.  North street contains the bulk of the stores and business places.  On the corner of West street is the building of the Berkshire Life Insurance Company, which was incorporated in 1851, and has always included among its Directors and Managers the best business men in the town and county, who naturally take great pride in it as one of the soundest Life Insurance Companies of the country.

In the same building are three national and one savings bank, besides the town and other offices.  Immediately beyond is Mr. Atwood’s drug store, an establishment of long standing, which would bear favorable comparison with any similar store as regards either attention or knowledge of a druggist’s duties.  Farther along the same street are Central Block and the Academy of Music.  In other parts of Pittsfield broad streets, lined with tall elms and shady horse-chestnut trees, invite our footsteps.  The dwelling-houses are mostly of wood, built in the cottage and villa styles of architecture; many are stately edifices; many are hospitable mansions; all show unmistakable evidence of being comfortable homes.  Scattered over the township, each springing up around a mill or two, are miniature villages.  Their population is largely made up of foreigners, Irish and Germans, whose condition appears to be somewhat better than that of the same class in cities.  Both sexes are