Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 February 1914 — “BILL BAT" PLEADS GUILTY TO 61 YEARS [ARTICLE]

“BILL BAT" PLEADS GUILTY TO 61 YEARS

Union Township Author Writes About Valentine Birthday—4o Relatives Present.

John E. Alter, whose literary name of “Bill Bat” sticks to him ever since he wrote “Hoosier Hunting Grounds,” has no intention of concealing his age, in which respect he differs from James Whitcomb Riley, who has never yet acknowledged his age. Mr. Alter has no false modesty, however, and writes about his 61 years with as great freedom as though the figures were reversed. Here is what he says? “On Saturday, Feb. 14th, forty relatives came in and assisted in the celebration of my sixty-first birthday, which, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, proved to be one of the great events of my life. “School hacks met the trains for those coming from a distance gnd all who drove teams found ample barn room andifeed for .their horses. The cellar, garret and eleven other rooms were thrown open and were heated by four stoves and a grate, a real old-time fire place, which sent the crackling flames up the chimney and shed a glow of warmth over the room, which carried with it an abundance of cheer and comfort “A special smoking room was arranged for the gentlemen of that persuasion. Another was kept for the juvenile class, where they romped and raved under the supervision of a director. “A literary and musical program was carried out at 3 p. m. and another at 9 p. m, The orchestra consisted of four violins, piano, snare drum, guitar| and harp. The choir rendered solos, duets, quartettes and choruses. Several special instrum entai selections were given on the piano. Some old-time comic and sentimental songs were given. “An old-time spelling match resulted in Miss Mary Iliff winning the cash prize in both day and evening exercises. Mrs. Lettie Alter took the second prize. - . “The table groaned under the weight of edibles of every conceivable kind from guinea hen to oysters, kraut, pumpkin, squash, potatoes, beets, olives, and other condiments toonumerous to mention. Forty took dinner, thirty took supper and seventeen remained over night and all the next day, thus starting me off on the sixty-second lap of life in the happiest fashion imaginable. “I was completely deluged with a shower of valentines, representing every character from maidens fair to devils on horseback. Cupid shot his arrows right and left with wonderful precision, but, of course, could not affect me, as a heart of sixty-one is as invulnerable as Achilles being -baptized in the river Styx. "There were many elegant and excellent presents for which I am exceedingly thankful. “In a vaudeville vein, the old settler’s double shuffle was given by B. D, McColly, the jig by Jipe Pullin and the buck and wing by Leslie Alter, all In perfect rythm to the Strains of “Sugar in the Gourd,” “The Devil’s Dream” and “Turkey In the Straw.” “No drinksr stronger" thanboffee were served. Everybody seemed to happily enjoy the event and many were the expressed wishes that I might be permitted to live through many more sieges like this. “Sincerely and truthfully yours, JOHN E. ALTER.”