Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 August 1917 — BIG CROWD EXTENDS HONOR [ARTICLE]

BIG CROWD EXTENDS HONOR

To Company M in Reception Here Wednesday Evening. One of the largest crowds seen in Rensselaer in recent years, and perhaps the greatest number of automobiles ever herb at one time, turned out Wednesday evening to do homage to the members of Company M. At 6 o’clock the court house square was almost» entirely surrounded by automobiles, and in a short time all of the. downtown streets were parked so full of cars that it was almost impossible to get in or out. The size of the crowd was roughly estimated all the way from 5,0.00 to 8,000 people, but regardless of the exact number there was most certainly a mammoth crowd here. Preparations for the event had been made hurriedly but nothing was lacking. The primary purpose was to pay a tribute of respect to those who have joined Company M and offered their lives in defense of humanity and peace, and the second motive was to secure additional money for the company messfund. The success of the event is largely due to t,he efforts of Mrs. Laura B. Fate, Mrs. Ora T. Ross, Mrs. J. J. Montgomery and Harry Parker, each of whom devoted several days to the arrangements and details. Their untiring efforts enthused others and at the last there was no lack of help, seemingly the whole city uniting in an endeavor to make the affair one of note. The chief source of revenue was from the sale of ice cream, cake and lemonade, something over S3OO being realized thus. Mr. Gaffield, who conducts the depot restaurant, donated five gallons of ice cream, and other restaurants provided some for the affair without profit. The ladies of Rensselaer and vicinity donated ,a large number of choice and delicious cakes, and to do their part the following Wheatfield ladies furnished cakes: Mrs. George Luse, Mrs. Ernest Gosch, Mrs. Bernice M. Clark. Mrs. H. M. Clark, Mrs: Alex Jensen, Miss Tinkham, Mrs. Harry Remley, Miss Goldie Biggs, Mrs. Warren White, Mrs. Jack Smith and Mrs. John Bowie. Another source of revenue that added •’about S7O to the fund was the sale of the souvenirs compiled by Harry Parker. This souvenir contained the name of every member of Company M, alsrf the name of every other person from Jasper county Who is in the service of the country, together with the branch

of the service he is affiliated with. The booklet was appropriate and met with a ready sale. Those who did not get one Wednesday night and wish one may yet secure it by applying to Miss Ruth Wood or Mr. Parker. The money will be added to the fund already created.

Music for the occasion was provided by th® Rensselaer and Wolcott bands under the leadership of Prof. Charles Wolfe, and this feature of the program was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Following a few selections by the band the members of Company M assembled on the court house lawn and went through a number of drills and exercises, manual of arms, and other things of more than ordinary interest to the great crowd present The crowd was then called to order by E. P. Honan who, in a few well chosen words introduced George H. Healey. Mr. Healey made a short patriotic address that enthused his hearers with the seriousness and solemnity of the hour. Following Mr. Healey, Dr. Hillary A. Gobin, former president of De pauw university, was- presented, and made a very impressive talk. Dr. Gobin is now working in the interests of the Boys’ Reserve and his talk was along this line, emphasizing the great part the boys will have in the war. Harvey W. Wood, Jr., who has charge of the registration of the boys in this county, also made a short talk and sought to impress all with the importance of the move and urged all -boys between 16 and 21. to register at -once.- ■ ' Rev. J. Budman Fleming, who is at the head of the public morals committee, made a few remarks concerning this phase of the question. and asked for the hearty coojieration of all.

An account of the money received and expended for the Com-1 pany M benefit is given below: Receipts I Refreshments $336. • , Souvenirs ...... ....... .2,211 Contributions of 10 pct. of their evening’s trade from | Mr. McFarland ~.. .• , • 3-30 ’ Mr. Nevill 3-00 Mr. Sanders , . ... ...- .• - 130 Lafayette stand 3.O'J | Cash donations ......... - 31.4.« Total . - ■ §451.02 j Expenses Printing .......$ 2.501 Drayman ... .. . .-•■ •• * . -50 j Lemons ........ ....... ‘i Ice cream •3.< •' | Wooden plates, spoons, etc. 7.12; Total . § 93.67 | After, all bills were paid there remained $357.35, of which §3OO was turned over at once to Captain Garland for Company M, and $57.35 was given to Mrs. Ora T. Ross for the purchase of wool for “Socks for Soldiers.” An interesting incident near the close of the fete was the auctioneering by Col. Fred Phillips of eight beautiful cakes, which brought sl4, and Were immediately presented by their purchasers to members of Company M. We have always understood* that it was impossible to eat your cake and have it too, but Company M has nailed that proverb. The following acknowledgement •is received yesterday by the local Comforts committee: “Please accept the thanks of the Comforts committee of the Navy league for your finished work, which Was received by us today. Hoping that you will be able to do more work along these lines, -we are, very truly yours, COMFORTS COMMITTEE OF THE NAVY LEAGUE.”