Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 January 1901 — A Twentieth Century Reception. [ARTICLE]

A Twentieth Century Reception.

The Ladies Literary Society, received yesterday, between the hours of 2:30 and 5:30 p m„ in honor of the new century, and at tended by a large number of the most refined and cultured of the town. It was held at Judge Thompson’s residence. .Elegance and luxury, in a markcharacterized the recep--1 features. . ~ committee, con1, g ° flt eßident > Mrs. S. P. Thompson, MW. P 1 son, Mrs. Carr^l|k^ I,IS 1O1 “ p ‘ R. W. Marshall. Mrß royally welcome to^W^^^ one while a bevy of ’ again welcomed the guests table.

The various gifted ones in music, gave entertaining instrumental .and vocal performances Judge Thompson read an original poem, and Rev. Royse gave an interesting and instructive talk. In point of enjoyment the whole entertainment one long to be remembered. During the reception Judge Thompson composeeband read the following poem very appropriate to the occasion. This dawn of the Century and first of the year Is the best day we’ve seen in our own Rensselaer One can walk over smooth pavement and ride our stone streets While in peace and tnj.e friendship, as neighbors now greet. We have a fine Court House and its help-mate the Jail, To keep peace between editors. Our banks never fail, Our schools are the best in all this broad land If a book we may want we have it at hand. We have fine churches almost half a score The pastors are helpful and true to the core The merchants are clever, our artists quite neat Our inns are capacious, there’s plenty to eat. Our ladies in literature now seem to lead Without hate of classes, or clashing of creed, They this day invite your aid by a word To review in memory what they have heard. That the New Year may show much better in store Than what in the past we may have passed o’er We want to move forward and push still ahead Kor ’tis our place to beckon and not wont to be lead.