Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 178, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 August 1918 — THE FIRST NIGHT WAS A HUMMER [ARTICLE]

THE FIRST NIGHT WAS A HUMMER

THE CHILDREN’S PAGEANT AT THE CHAUTAUQUA LAST EVE WAS WELL PRODUCED. Those who attended the Chautauqua last night had no reason in the least for any disappointment unless it was not as" hot in the tent as they expected it to be. At that it was hot enough for most folks. No one complained of being cold and that is quite a satisfaction. The large number of children who had been well trained and were handsomely costumed pulled off a pageant that was of a quality of any seen in Ringling’s circus or anywhere else. The detailed characterization was given in yesterday’s Republican and •should we attempt to comment on each character, as they deserve comment, it would occupy the entire front page of today’s paper. If (there was any one of the youngsters (that did not deserve praise for the manner of doing their part we do not know which one it was. The entire pageant was a story of (Columbia’s birthday, which time the good fairy Thrift, was discovered icrowned. During the play all the allied nations and some neutrals were introduced. Uncle Samuel and Columbia were conapicious characters. The tumbling stunts by the boys was a worthy achievement for such short preparation. The numbers by the Rita-Rich company were Irish songs and stories and were well done to the immense satisfaction and applause of the audience. - Mr. Lolan’s lecture was a well delivered and very timely address on “We, the People,” the text taken from the constitution. The chautauqua idea has so many good things (that somehow many folks always feel too full to really ten joy what at the time they realize is a great production of a good orator and statesman. Most of us are like (Sam Jones said of a fellow who left when he heard but half of Sam’s 35c lecture. Sam said: “Some folks •have only 15c capacity anyway.”