People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 November 1894 — The Catholic Fair. [ARTICLE]

The Catholic Fair.

One of the most pleasing and enjoyable events that have taken place in town for some time was the fair given by the members of St. Augustine's church Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week. The ladies Gs the congregation furnished an excellent line of refreshments in the dinners and suppers served, also in the grocery, ice cream and lemonade stand. The fancy store was well patronized by all. Even if the young ladies in charge did sell chewing gum somewhat high, the beautiful prizes they gave with their goods made the purchaser feel that it wasn't the worst store in town to patronize after all. The post office was a very pleasing feature of the entertainment. The letters received through it brought good cheer to the numerous recipients. The museum in the Gypsy tent was an amusing and novel feature, but for some reason or other, presumably lack of advertising, it did not receive the same recognition by the general public as did the other parts, and which from its own merits it deserved.

The evening entertainments on the stage were also highly appreciated by those who w’ere so fortunate as to be in the hall at the time they were given. Tuesday evening the young ladies gave the “Pets in Society.” Music was furnished by Healy’s orchestra and the College brass band. Wednesday evening the Boebner Columbian guards gave an exhibition drill and elicited much applause by the accuracy and precision with which they executed the commands of their captain, and by the handsome appearance they made in their neat uniforms. The boys of St. Augustine’S congregation then gave the play, “The Secretary,” and acted their parts very w r ell. This was followed by “Hans Van Smash,” a very humorous farce, which greatly pleased the audience and brought out round after round of applause. The young ladies and gentlemen who took part in it are to be congratulated on the able manner in which they presented this play. Miss Nina Hammond then recited that well known and touching piece, “The Son of a King For Me,” which was highly appreciated by the audience. The “Angels of Buenna Vista” was the title of a recitation given by Miss Annie Walters. The piece was well received and showed that Miss Walters possesses good elocutionary talent. The College quartette then sang “Nearer My God to Thee.” The College band furnished excellent music between the different parts of the programme. The most interesting feature of Thursday evening was the contests, most of which were very close. In the cane contest, between Messrs. Newels and Spitler, Mr. Nowels was the recipient of the prize. Miss Agnes Carlinwas the happy winner in the contest for the oil painting, which was an excellent piece of art by Rev. Prof. Trost, the art teacher at St. Joseph’s College. The other contestants, each of whom made good showing, were Miss Lizzie Keiper and Miss Emma Lane. John Eger was the winner in the Eger-Meyer w T atch contest, which was the closest of the evening. Misses Ura McGowen and Maggie Healy competed for a beautiful ring. Both ladies made a good canvass, but Miss Healy won the prize. Undoubtedly the most exciting contest of the evening was that between Mr. Michael Nagle and Mr. James Walters. Both gentlemen made laudable efforts to win, but victory declared in favor of Mr. Walters. When the contests were over the reverend pastor of the St. Augustine’s church brought the fair to a close by a few well chosen remarks, in which he heartily thanked the many

friends who had contributed to the success ®f the fair. The fair was indeed a success in every way. socially and financially. The gross receipts were about t 1,300 and the net proceeds about $l,lOO. For the benefit of those patrons who did not have the opportunity of witnessing all the parts of the three days entertainment, the following programme, embracing its most interesting features, will be rendered at Eger’s opera house, Friday evening, Nov. 9: “Hans Van Smash,” “The Secretary,” “Pets in Society.” Recitations by Miss Annie Walters and Miss Nina Hammond. Music by Healy’s orchestra and College glee club. Drill by the Boehner Columbian guards. This entertainment will be absolutely free. All are cordially invited to attend, but especially those who in any way contributed towards making the fair such a magnificent success.