This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand -- People who do things move -- the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune -- "LET'S GO."
A news report states a series of burglaries in St. Louis were being solved by police with the shooting of a youth who was trapped in the robbery of Edw. D. Driscoll's drug store, 6910 Clayton Avenue, and the arrest of eight other youths with whom he associated.
These boys are all under twenty, most of them are local residents; one of them at least is a Catholic, and was a pupil in St. James Parochial School until five years ago when he was requested to leave because he "could not get along with the Sisters."
This is the first indication of a formation of a criminal gang in this community. It was our proud boast for the past twenty years that there was no criminal element in this locality. The people have been uniformly law abiding, industrious and God-fearlng; and the youth have been obedient, docile and without reproach.
We are sorry for these boys, and for their parents on whose heads they have brought humiliation and shame. They chose a path that leads to the penitentiary, and that now brands them with disgrace; they have come to an ugly part of the road and they are confronted with some of the consequences of a criminal career.
No one can undo the injury they have done themselves, undoubtedly they are sadly aware of their unenviable plight. They are in the limelight of the stage for criminals, and the full flood of publicity has swept away their reputation and has made them objects of pity, if not of contempt.
We repeat, we are sorry for them. They are victims of modern social conditions and the stigmatism of publicity, alone, makes them worse in our estimation than the thousands of others whose reputations are safe but whose wickedness in the violation of God's Law is crying to Heaven for punishment.
Our modern makers of morals have developed a fine contempt for old fashioned manners and traditions. An army of superficial philosophers and sensualists have developed a code that takes the sin out of all violations of God's Law except the part that refers to snatching their purse or clubbing their person. They write with elegant sarcasm of man's responsibility to God; they scoff at the Ten Commandments; they urge each one to live his own life, his own way; and recommend self-expression, which in ordinary interpretation means indulgence and intermittent passionate excitement. The self-denial and self-restraint which was the foundation of the Christian Code has been torn from its base and cast into the general wreckage of religious ideals and principles.
These boys became demoralized before they were thieves, and the demoralization process is going on throughout the whole country. Boys and girls are being brought up in an atmosphere of irreligion without compass or guiding star, and easily succumb to temptation.
Indulgent Mammas and Papas thoughtlessly share and approve of the passing theory that a child should be refused nothing except, perhaps, dynamite and arsenic. The child's nature becomes accustomed to coddling and rebels against denial. The opportunity to practice self-restraint and self-denial is rarely given the child; and God's Will is whatever the child wills.
I am of course considering the customs that prevail in all homes that take their standard of life from current literature, the movies and the modern mind. If we sow the wind, we must expect to reap the whirlwind. Thank God there are still many Christian homes in our midst.
The child that developes adolescence under the current code of unrestraint is usually lazy in school, selfish and adverse to discipline which is another word for restraint. He selects his own associates as impulse moves him. His prudence in this selection is not questioned by his parents. He is permitted to do his own thinking. His parents, if they ever heard of the Fourth Commandment, attach as little importance to it as does the child. Obedience to parents mostly refers to the matter of going to a dangerous swimming pool, or going out in Winter without putting on rubbers. The parental animal instinct to preservation of the offspring does not consider the soul, and as a consequence, there is no development of spiritual life and Christian character.
Without restraint the youth goes where he likes, comes when he likes, associates with whom he pleases. reads books that are an appeal to natural inclinations, sees pictures and shows that are lewd and often indecent.
His sex appetites are whetted with immodest images. His mother is unconscious of any sense of immodesty even though she dresses like the baby, as do his sisters and their associates. The summer garb for woman who even go to church is fast approaching the baby sun-suit style. Modesty has no meaning in modern life. Indecency is the. only limitation.
Adolescent youth has all the cards packed against him. He must be a wonder-boy if he escapes the bane of progressive petting parties which have become as popular as the Tom Thumb Golf Course. He finds himself approaching his twenties with a full developed appetite for all the sensual joys of life. He must have an automobile. or find himself dubbed a back number: he must come across on occasions which are quite frequent. with money, or, be dubbed a cheap-skate. As for a job - well, it is difficult to hold one it you happen to be tired and sleepy after having been the greater part of the previous night at a hootch party. Bosses demand too much and are hard to tolerate. In a moment of irritation the job is lost and the youth finds himself with lots of time on his hands. No money, no morals and no better companions than the poolroom or street corner supplies.
In such circumstances a philosophy of life is developed and the wild dreams of irresponsible youth take shape and are approved for action. Where to get money is the urgent question to he solved. and idleness is all advantage that is not to be forfeited. Work interferes with the freedom of association of boys so congenial, and the conclusion forces itself upon them that monov must be had without labor and the only way to the cash register is the way of the gun.
Religion, law and and parental advice are all dropped for the moment, they don't fit into the scheme of things; it is money! money - pleasure and more of it. It requires courage to take a gun and hold up a store, it is pleasant to watch them tremble as they hand over their cash. The world is full of hypocrits, men and women in high position who are conventionally honest but who by manipulations and clever schemes grow rich quickly; boys are not ingenious enough to devise similar means, so they take the crude, straightforward way of shoving the gun into some body's ribs.
Most times they are selective and take only from those who are protected by insurance or can easily afford the loss. The shadows of the night as the shadow of the times, cover over the injustice of the deed. There are no qualms of conscience. It is the only way that these boys can get a rich world to open its purse. They don't think or themselves as being robbers, they are just doing things in a manner of which custom does not approve, and, superficial philosophers say that manners and morals are only standards of conduct approved by group consciousness.
The group consciousness of all who do not believe in a God-given code differs only in degree from polite to crude selfishness. The steps to success are rejected because they appeal to be the quickest and the easiest way. The veneer of moral conduct is preserved bv the one who thinks it is prudent to keep within the law, the other is not of such like manner, he's a rough and ready fellow who does not consider the approved means to the desired end,
I present to you, ladies and gentlemen, those eight young men - by-products of our modern social theories. They are not thieves, they are productions in the natural course of evolution.
Who amongst us sets value in the counsel "Blessed are the poor and Blessed are the pure in heart" in these days when everyone wants to he rich and share in the pleasures of life, when the family is coming to consist of Muriel, Junior, papa, mamma and the automobile?
Let us be candid with ourselves, the kids have been listening in to our conversation; they know what we think about life. We have as a people little or no respect for God's Law. We neither believe in nor practice self-denial or self-restraint. We want all the thrills that life can offer. We are too worldly wise to be on the road to the penitentiary; only unsophisticated youth are guilty of this timerity.
The bad example and lax ideals that prevail in our social environment is more than sufficient to explain the failure of youth to be virtuous. It is amazing that so many of them are as good as they are. We are on the kids' side, even when they are in the grip of the law. It is a bad proceedure to encourage youth to self-indulgence and order the police to fill them with lead when they steal. It's a contradiction to our humane custom of keeping the rod out of the school and the home to punish by imprisonment boys who break the law.
What is needed is return to old fashioned common sense and God's Ten Commandments and 'tis well to remember that the Savior of the world gave parents and children an example: "He went down to Nazareth and was subject to them."
The conscience of youth must be guided and directed by prudent God-fearing parents and teachers. There must be religion, restraint and discipline in the home, not only at intervals, but as a regular order of life. Work - any kind of useful work, should be encouraged and the discipline of submission to an irate boss is not to be discouraged. Man is in the making when he is subjected to unpleasantness, difficulties and restraint. The boy who is always losing his job is made of weak-fibred moral tissue.
The Catholic Church is the chief agency in the whole world that is maintaining a fight against the prevailing false principles of luxurious living, self-indulgence and sensuality. It is a voice crying in the wilderness. The advocates of easy divorce, companionate marriage, birth control and all the other escapes from self-restraint and self-denial are in the saddle. They appear to be winning the race, but what's the use. it's suicide and against the best interests of our country.
P.J. O'Connor. Pastor
Why Monday was selected for a picnic by St. Ann's Sodality is a dark secret to all except those ladies who were at the last meeting of St. Ann's Sodality when it was decided to set the date for the sodality outing for Monday. August 25th.
The committee in charge of arrangements are Mesdames Hugeback, Wiber, O'Hare, Gallaher and Reese.
They have decided to hold the picnic at Mrs. Wibers club house, Ravenwood on the Meramec River, in the neighborhood of Valley Park and intend spending the day bathing, card playing and partaking of goodies. Last year over 40 ladies participated in the outing and their enthusiastic comments after thetr return made everyone who stayed home green with envy.
They intend using this occasion as a means or securing sodality recruits and invite all the ladies in the parish to accompany the members.
Trucks and automobiles will convey the party to the club and will assemble at 9 o'clock in front of the school. Reservations can be made through Mrs. Lawless, HIland 0631.
No, not a basket picnic, a charge of 50c will be made by the committee for each person who attends and this will cover the expense of the outing.
Don't be a stay-at-home. Get acquainted with your neighbors and fellow parishioners, so come to the picnic.
Unless you note carefully the following item yiu will undoubtedly become confused as to the time of Mass on August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption, which is a Holy Day of Obligation. Note: only 3 Masses, the first at 5:30. the last at 9 o'clock, and the second at 7:30.
The eve of the Assumntton is a Fast day and a day of abstinence, but as the Feast falls on a Friday, the general Law of the Church withdraws the Friday abstinence and permits meat at all meals. The idea being the Feast and not the Fast is celebrated.
Confessions on the eve of the Assumption will be from 3:30 to 5 and 7:30 to 9 p. m.
Condolence is extended Mrs. Wamhoff whose father, Mr. Farmer, recently died.
For information, BOB is a Republican candidate for constable in the 9th district, which includes all of the 24th ward and other wards. It is indeed gratifying to know we have such a candidate for this office, because Bob has been a voter in this ward since he was 21 years of age; he has been an urgent, conscientious, diligent worker for improvements which were asked for by voters in this ward as well as in other wards. Therefore the least we can do is to give Bob our hearty support and nominate him August 5th, 1930.
Albert E. Schweitzer,
6317 Wade Ave.
Albert E. Schweitzer, attorney and counselor-at-law, city and county practice, wishes to announce the removal of his office to Suite 808, Paul Brown BuIlding. Residence phone, HIland 6625; office phone, CEntral 8696. By appointment only
A letter. written by Mr. Kletzker, announcing Mr. Eberle's candidacy for Republican candidate in the 24th ward and published in the last issue of Let's Go, aroused so much criticism the whole editorial staff have entered a prolonged period of public penance. Uncle Henry eats nothing but a worm a day moistened by a few drops of vinegar. Mr. Boman has permitted his beard to grow and wears' an overall even on Sundays as an expression of abject misery; and Father O'Connor has given up his pipe, fishing pole and pinochle game and it is hinted he may retire to a Monastery and spend the rest of his life doing penance.
Our Catholic people are embarrassed and find it difficult to explain to their non-Catholic neighbors, that the Pope and Al Smith are not at the back of this deplorable intrusion to select a candidate for the Republican committeeman for the 24th ward.
Our American Catholic people are traditionally kind and considerate of their pastors; they are very tolerant of their infirmities; sympathetic, helpful and cooperative in their efforts. They are proud of their achievements and ready to fight in defense of their reputation. There is only one offense they discountenance with great determination and that is if the priest, the church or the church paper, even remotely enters into anything pertaining to politics. They won't stand for it, they have their minds made up about it. Many of them are almost insanely bigotted in this respect.
Opposition to the church entering politics is generally considered by Catholics a civic duty and a profession of Americanism. Whereas non-Catholics believe the Priest, the Bishop or Pope has only to send out a whisper, and over-night the whole body of Catholics in the country are in the lineup to carry out the command.
The hysteria aroused during the World War has been the storm on which the church has been riding these many years. The magnomania has affected nations differently and has left most of them morally infirm and unbalanced. People all over the world are doing wild things. Russia has gone the farthest in her demoralizing program, Mexico probably has claim to a good second and the United States has had her periods of delirium. Whilst her statesmen and citizens were clamoring for a wider union of Nations and world democracy, a number of her citizens, at home, were flaunting their 100 per cent Americanism and organizing a society of native Nordic Protestants, and added to the constitution an amendment that shrieked at Freedom. The mass of people give way periodically to most senseless impulses, and leaders arise to give impetuosity to their action. Trained propagandists whip their emotions into hysteria and urge them on to fury by playing on their fears. resentments, exultations, hate, or, any other passing emotion of the hour.
During the past few years while bands were playing "My Country 'Tis of Thee," demagogues played on the passions of the people. Fear of the Pope and Al Smith was aroused to feverish excitement and in the delirium they trembled less they should lose their liberty. Bishop Cannon, the Klu Klux Klan, and the Methodist Board of Temperance and Morals not only entered politics to keep the Pope and Al Smith out, but actually claimed to have elected the president and to have controlled the body of legislation.
They spread the propaganda so thick about the Pope and Al Smith that many of our Catholics became panickv and began flagwaving and apologizing for their existence.
They became fearful that their fellow citizens would believe that the church is in politics. and, whenever anyone questioned their Americanism many of them trembled like field mice. A course in civic rights and duties as guaranteed by the constitution would help to give them heart, and fortify them on occasions when there is reference made to the Encyclical on Catholtc education.
We therefore exculpate our critics for accusing Let's Go of being in politics. They have been listening so long to the hue and cry about the Pope and Al Smith that they are easily irritated by anything that gives a semblance of truth to the charge.
As to Mr. Kletzker's letter, referring to Mr. Eberle, there was no approval or disapproval of its contents expressed by Let's Go. It was published, as the Post-Dispatch might publish, in its column from the People, any expression of opinion without assuming responsibility for its composition or principles. As a matter of fact the criticism is unpatriotic, because, it assumes to run for office is a wicked thing, especially if one in this community runs as a Republican.
If it is not wrong to run for office, it is not wrong to advertise the same even in a Catholic Journal. We therefore have no apology to make for the appearanee of the letter. We notice the Catholic Herald and other Catholic papers have in their recent issues, pictures of candidates running for office and they are in accordance with the best principles of Catholic Journalism.
We also wish to add that we will advertise anything, anytime, that is not contrary to Faith or Morals or prejudicial to the Public good, as Let's Go is a journal that is maintained through the revenue that is obtained by the sale of advertising space
Mrs. Gus L. Huch of Seattle, Washington, and formerly a local resident, sent a beautiful King Salmon to Father O'Connor. It was the first he had seen out of a can since he left Ireland. Notwithstanding the long journey and the heat, it retained its pristine beauty and freshness. He enjoyed it immensely.
Thanks Mrs. Huch.
Mrs. Chas. Ralston. and children, of 6448 Nashville Avenue planned a trip to Pasadena, California, to visit her daughter Alice who had been residing there since her marriage. About the same time Alice decided on a visit to her family in St. Louis so they compromised and Alice came east and the mother went west until they met in Denver. It is doubtful which attraction will prevail, but we guess Alice is coming home with her mother.
Our attention has been called to a few of the omissions in the Carnival report. Mrs. Reese of Childress Avenue, and Mrs. Duggan of Victoria Avenue, each sold 2 cards, and Mrs. Geo. W. Meyer made many contributions of prizes and was an enthusiastic worker.
Stephan Boyer. DeSoto, Mo., father of our parishioner who bears the same name, was burled July 4th from St. Rose of Lima Church. May he rest in peace.
Mrs. Clarence Shy, sister of our parishioner Fire Captain James Foley, and mother of Mary Jane and Clarence, succumbed to an attack or spinal meningitis after an excruciating agony and was buried from St. Margaret's Church., July 19th. 1930. We viewed her remains at the Donnelly parlors and she impressed us as being a very young, handsome woman. May she rest in peace.
Mrs. Estelle Gusmus. sister of Mrs. Irene Mills. 6682 Oakland Avenue, died of a lingering disease on July 8th at her home, Sheffield, Alabama, and her remains were brought to St. Louis that she might be buried from St. James Church and in the Goodberlett Lot in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery.
Anticipating that her illness was fatal, she visited Mrs. Mills a few months ago and gave no intimation that she was depressed by the seriousness of her condition. Her personality, always attractive, was beautiful during her illness. She had great confidence in God's Love and Mercy and was completely resigned to His Holy Will. She believed that there is good hidden in every tribulation, and, hoped that in her illness there was in the mystery of God's ways some unusual favor. She liked to talk about Heaven and God and frequently meditated on the sufferings and death of Our Lord. The reception of Holy Communion was to her a source of strength and consolation and with vivid Faith she pictured to herself the Living Christ present under the Sacramental Veil. Her sufferings were edifying and the memory that we retain of her is of one who is, in the fulness of life, in a happy, Holy place where God reigns in Love and Peace and is the Fountain of Happiness for the Blessed.
She was always deeply interested in St. James Parish and St. James Church and had an ambition that through the development of property which she possessed near Muscle Shoals that she would be able to donate sufficient funds to pay for the flesch in St. James Church.
We hope God will credit the intention for the work and award her for her spirit of self-sacrifice. Symnathy is extended to her bereaved husband, to Mrs. Mills and the other members of her family. May she rest in peace.
Miss Margaret Wiber, 6143 W. Park Avenue, also has had an attack of malaria.
Edward Stanton, superintendent of the electrlcal department and employee of the Laclede Gas Company over 38 years, brother to Mrs. A. Chevalier, 1029 Tamm Avenue, was found dead in his home and was buried on July 14th from St. Margaret's Church.
He was widely known and deeply loved by all who knew him intimately, but especially by those who worked in his department at the Laclede Gas Company. Comments have reached us from many sources and each was an eulogy on the beauty of his character. It appears he was a very big-hearted, kindly disposed man. Our sympathy is extended to his bereaved ones. May he rest in peace.
Shirley Anne Eckenfels. 1343 Sublette Ave.
Margaret Mary Guenther. 6149 Elizabeth.
Loretta Josephine Valli. 1507 W. Billon Ave.
Elizabeth Scherzinger. 6436 Wade Ave.
Richard Henry Sarfaty. 6730 Clayton Ave.
John Robert Koetting. 1448a Tamm Ave.
DeAngelo Vito. 1317 Hughes Pl.
Mary Catherine Dolan. 6418 Lloyd Ave.
LOST - Jacket of pale pink crepe de chine in front of 1034 Tamm Avenue, Friday, July 18th. Return same to Virginia Jones of that address.
We beg to acknowledge at this late date, invitations to the graduation exercises in the various High Schools where the following received their diplomas: William Talbot Murphy, St. Louis University; Chas, Hell, Jr., St. Louis U. High School; Theola Hugel and Catherine McKenna, St. Mark's High School; Ruth Bovard, Rosati-Kain High School; Henrietta Hodnett, Sisters of Loretta Academy; and Johanna Genevieve Leahy.
We congratulate these young people and wish them a great deal of success.
Dean Charles VanTourenhaut, pastor of St. Genevieve, Mo., accompanied by Rev, John P. Daly, Coffman. Mo., with the express purpose of making a critical examination of the characteristics of St. James Church, paid the parish a visit a few weeks ago and had dinner at the Rectory.
Father Van, as he is popularly termed, is considered the art critic of the archdiocese and a gentleman of fine culture who has traveled abroad considerably.
His opinion on art and church architecture has much weight with the clergy and in the coterie of elite. amongst whom he frequently moves, his decisions in such matters are received with the weight of consideration which such a gentleman deserves: hence, we were considerably interested in the impression which the church seemed to make upon him.
He remained in and around it for over 2 hours, and his face continually beamed with admiration. He was fulsome in his praise of everything. "The glass is wonderful," he said, " it reminds me of the Cathedrals of the Old World. such harmonies of colors and variety of hues. I am sure the parishioners are deeply appreciative of this rare magnificence in architecture, woodwork and general detail." But that picture behind the Altar and the Stations: these, he said, are a sufficient recompense for my visit: I want to get a picture for the church of St. Genevieve but I fear I could not afford to pay for anything so large and so artistically designed.
His counsel was requested as regards a change in one or two of the windows so that the church may not be so dark. He hesitated in encouraging a change. "It is a pity,'" he said, "to do anything with them, they are so beautiful, they are in keeping with the best traditions of the past, but the modern world is not sufficiently educated to appreciate the artistic appeal; perhaps it would be better if there was a little more light falling on the picture, it is, so very attractive under the artificial light it would be splendid if you could afford to have the electric light on in the sanctuary all the time: however, someone may come after you who might consider this a deplorable waste and he may ruthlessly destroy some of the windows. Yes. It might be as well that you with the assistance of the artist who designed the windows make some satisfactory alteration."
The evident sincerity of Dean VanTourenhaut's complimentary criticism is encouraging and gives us what we believe to be a justifiable pride which we hope will be shared in and appreciated by all the parishioners.
Mrs. Kessler, grandmother to the Stoverinks, 6659a Garner Avenue. recently underwent a major operation at St. John's Hospital prior to which she received instructions and First Communion. Her condition is satisfactory.
Antonette and her sister Rosemary Newport, 6420 Wade Avenue, accompanied by Mary Harris, set out on a touring trip last Monday and intended Chicago to be their destination. They were very enthusiastic about their vacation and expected to spend a few days at the home of John J. Newport. Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Harris are also in Chicago.
Mr. McNamara, founder of the McNamara Plumbing Co., who did the plumbing for the new church, passed to his reward during the past month. He was a splendid type of Catholic contractor and gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Constant DeKeersgieter, 2803 Semple Ave., a charter member of St. Edward's Parish and father to Mrs. Mamie Hugeback, 6163 W. Park Avenue, was buried from St. Edward's Church July 19th. Father O'Connor was present in the Sanctuary at the Requiem Mass. Mr. DeKeersgieter reached the good age of 76 and had the respect of his neighbors and pastors. May he rest in peace.
A suggestion has been offered by J.P. O'Gorman that parishioners be requested to donate to the St. Vincent de Paul box in the church their unused Public Service tickets. In all probability there are many people, he said, who do not think it worth while to go to the trouble of getting a refund on them and if those tickets were donated to the church, during the course of a year an appreciable sum might be collected upon them. Thanks, Mr. O'Gorman, the suggestion seems, good to us, and our treasury for the poor is almost depleted.
Harry Hall, 6807 Wise Avenue, age 25, and brother to Mrs. Peter Duvall, met with a tragic death on July 10th at Willnar, Minn. He had been unemployed for several weeks and without funds. He rode from place to place stealing rides on freight cars. It appears on one of those occasions he slipped and fell under the wheels and had his two limbs amputated. Some good Samaritan took him to the General Hospital there, and fortunately, spiritual attention was given to him by a St. Joseph Nun whom he requested to call a priest. The Last Sacraments were administered to him by Father Kenny and a group of sympathetic Catholic women recited the Rosary at his bed-side when he was dying. One of them wrote to his father, Oscar Hall a very consoling letter in which she intimated that Harry faced death with fortitude and a splendid faith.
We are glad that this tragic ending of Harry is relieved by the consoling assurance that he died in the Faith. He was careless, his mother died when he was very young, and about 12 years ago he was coralled by Father O'Connor and induced to make his First Communion.
He soon lapsed into carelessness and did not prepare for confirmation. His sister, Mrs. Duvall, was fearful that he might associate with some criminal gang but he always assured her that he would rather beg than steal. Harry had many fine qualities and was a lovable fellow. We regret his tragic end and share in the general sympathy that the community have for his bereaved relatives. May he rest in peace.
Hubert Ward, 1041 Louisville Avenue, earned $9 caddying and indulged his spirit of adventure and curiosity by visiting and spending a week at the Catholic Boys' Camp Welldon Springs, Mo., on the Missouri Bottoms about 40 miles from St. Louis. He reports the boys are having a good time swimming, fishing, hiking and building camp fires around which they sit of an evening exchanging stories and camp lore. They also had target practice. Two Kenrick Seminary students are directors and arrangements to go to the camp are made at K. of C. Building each week-end and a group of boys can be seen at Union Station every Monday morning on their way to camp.
At the request of the Mothers' Club, the lunchroom in the school is being extended and the expense entailed is considerably more than had been anticipated.
The floor is being raised to the level of the outer halls, sewers, cupboards, gas heaters, tables benches will be installed if the plans proposed are followed. Father O'Connor is in a hesitattng mood because of the expense involved. The Mothers' Club, however, have assured him that if he will go ahead, they will meet the expense by a series of euchres and lottoes during the Fall Season. Mrs. Klasek, director of the lunchroom, is actively urging such an alteration as will make the lunchroom complete, a much needed facility for the children and a convenience for parish affairs.
The doors to the coal cellar in the school have been enlarged to permit the entrance of a truck and, a shelter is being provided at the back of the school where the school chlldren may get an airing during inclement weather.
The expense of these improvements wlll probably reach $1,000.
James J. O'Hearn. 6219 Victoria Avenue. left yesterday for a four week's vacation which he intends spending at the Sacred Heart Sanitarium, Milwaukee, Wis.
Because a number of parishioners are on vacation, the attendance at church during the past few Sundays has been noticeably small and as a result the collections have fallen nearly $100 a Sunday. This inclines us to view vacation time with suspicion and distrust. We, however, hope that all who are away in their much needed recreation are having a good time and will look up on their return, that package of 4 per cent envelopes that are silently recording their failure to contribute to the support of the church and school.
A strong inclination on our part to play the good fellow and overlook the omission of contributions is counteracted by our recollection that a bill for $7,000 on church indebtedness has to be met on November 1st.
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Gittins, 6247 Clayton Avenue, send us a post card from Woodlock's Resort, Davisville. Mo., where they recently spent a few weeks on vacation. Written on the card was. "This is the place." We were not interested, they said nothing about the fishing, but we were glad they felt happy.
We also had a card from Walter Strathman from Mount Moran near Yellow Stone Park in which he said, "Father, you should see the wild duck and the fish out here,"
Mrs. Patterson, 6536 Clayton Avenue, has been in a critical condition at her home during the past few weeks as a result of the intense heat.
Jane Butler, 1033 Tamm Avenue, is on a visit to Victoria, Mo., in the Ozark section, where she is recuperating from an abscess of the lung.
Mrs. Albert Schweitzer, 6317 Wade Avenue, gave birth recently to twins who will be baptized today. This will help later to fill the vacant lots in the subdivision. Congratulations Mrs. Schweitzer. Keep a going and you will soon catch up with Mrs. Scherzinger who recently became the mother of her tenth child, and Mrs. Guenther who is, we believe, the mother of 13. Mrs. Burch, also a very young woman, is competing for the honor; she too is the mother of 10.
Mrs. Cooney who used to reside with her daughter, Mrs. LaGarce at 1309 Graham, is being cared for by the Sisters of Mercy at St. John's Hospital since Mrs. LaGarce's illness Her daughter, Sister Juliana, is a member of the Order.
Mrs. A.E. Cunningham, 6654 Mitchell Avenue, has been debilitated by the heat and is in a critical condition in her home.
Miss Margaret Hickey, sister to Mrs. O'Brien, 6423 Nashville Avenue, who recently arrived from Ireland, was not judicious in her outings in the unprecedented heat of this climate and became ill. When she became delirious a doctor was called and she was transferred at once to the City Hospital where she was given emergency treatment; later she was sent to St. John's Hospital, where she remained a few days. She is now recuperating at her sister's home.
Mrs. Pigott, an octogenarian and mother to Mrs. Woods. 6149 Crescent Avenue, fell and broke her hip. She is a patient at St. John's Hospital.
Mr. R.H. Frieman. 6319 Wade Avenue, recently underwent an operation for hernia and also had his appendix removed. He is convalescing at home.
Mrs. Jacobi, 1020 Oakview, is a patient in St. Anthony's Hospital. and has been in a critical condition during the past few weeks.
Mr. John Stamps, 1045 Tamm Avenue, was married recently in the Catholic Church Jenning's to Miss Helen Flottmann.
Sisters Gabriel and Jeanette, teachers in the Parochial School, have been permitted to go to New York on their vacation and expect to visit their relatives. They left St. James last Tuesday.
Banns have been announced for the marriage of John Moran of St. James Parish and Katherine Smith of St. Mathew's Parish.
John Lavin, 6438 Wade Avenue, has been a patient at St. John's Hospital during the past month. He is much improved since he received a transfusion of blood from his wife.
Mrs. Rose Corcoran. 2151 Esther Avenue, was seen in church last Sunday. She had been ill as the result of an acute heart attack.
Stephen Burch and family, 6509 Nashville Avenue, whilst picnicking at Kirkwood on the 4th of July were bitten by mosquitoes that infected them with malaria germs and as a consequence Mr. and Mrs. Burch, their oldest and youngest, children developed a severe ease of malaria which necessttated their being taken to St. John's Hospital where they were under medical treatment more than a week, They are now recuperating at home.
Everybody who esteems modesty wonders at the deplorable poor taste of ladies who go to church wearing steeveless gowns. The Holy Father says they should not be given Communion whilst thus attired. They are a menace to Catholic ideals - but many of them don't know it and don't want to be told it. They are promoters consciously or unconsciously of pagan ideals.
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
August 3, 1930
dear Charlie:
The Pastor sez: "There don't seem to be any cure for children gone wrong. Prevention, however, is usually the reward of parents who teach industry and self-denial, and who co-operate with the parochial schools to give their children a religious education."
if the hot weather we have been having would have kept up a wile longer I am afraid that quite a number of otherwise rational peeple would have to be put away for the general good of society. they has been several queer things happen, and the heat is gettin the blame from all sides!
a lot of the villagers are soar at Eddie Ryan on acount of sum cheap thermometers he put out as souvenirs wen he had the old stand, an most of em is broke on acount of they only register as high as 120. he ought to be run out of town for kiddin people like that.
bill Meyers showed signs of bein affected by the heat one afternoon last week wen one of his best customers come into the shop and asked him for a couple of steaks off wot looked like a nice piece of beef, an bill said "well lady, my meat aint so good lately, an i think you could do better at one of the chain stores," an so his friends is very much worried about him.
the Pastor is showing dangerous signs too, from wot 1 hear. mrs. Klasek was telling him that the school lunch room would have to be fixed up a little, but she didn't want him to spend much money on it, "on acount of him having so many other expenses." when he turned to her an said, "mrs, Klasek, we are going to fix this lunch room the way it should be, no matter wot it costs," she got scared and told Charlie he ought to try and persuade Father to go to sum cool, quiet place for a good rest. an since he decided to build a room on Thompson's house, a lot of other folks are thinking the same way.
Geo. Kletzker held 7 good hearts an 2 outside aces the other evening when his opponent bid 3 hearts, an geo. passed without doubling. the funny part of it was that Marge was his partner an she didn't even call him on the blunder, an wen he started apologizing for his oversight she said "oh, that's all right dear; everyone makes mistakes." now, george an marge are trying to persuade each other to see a doctor.
lou Riegel was hanging around the Church, waitin for time for ten o'clock Mass, one hot Sunday and the Pastor said "Louis, it is too hot to be in town at this time of day; why aint you out on the river"? an Lou said "oh, that's all right Father, the Choir is short-handed, an i don't care nuthing about the river enyway". We are watching lou pretty close on acount of he is a powerful feller an could do a lot of damage if he was to become violent.
i was passin the Jones place the other evenin an Will was sitting on the porch an he looked awful bad an i said "mr. Jones, this heat is terrible don't you think you ought to lie down an rest"? and he said "it aint the heat that is botherin me Henry, i am just heart-broke at the thought of Phoney leaving us". then i knowed he was "crazy with the heat". just imagine a father grievin over his daughter gettin married to a swell feller like ed. Riedelberger? he is a fine young feller, an will make a good addition to the Jones family. Phoney may find that last name of his a trifle clumsy to carry around, but i must say for him, he used rare judgment in pickin his sir-name; i know so many nice fellers by name of Ed.
i was worried about the mrs. for a few days, specially after i got home one hot evening an asked her wot i could do to help with supper, an she said "not a thing dear, you just sit down an read your paper, an 1 will have everything ready in a few minutes". i thought sum thing was wrong, an was sure of it later on wen she wouldn't let me dry the dishes on acount of i "had worked hard all day an must be very tired". i was real alarmed an watched close for sum further symptoms an then one evening she made a pass at one of the kids, an threatened to throw sum thing at me if i didn't "quit pestering her, and help a little", an so i knowed they was nuthin more to worry about; she was herself again.
charlie Schatzle handed the Pastor a check one day, an said "Father, here is $25.00 which i wish you would add to the Convent Fund". i asked the Pastor if he thought charle had been affected by the heat an he said "no, charlie is all right; quite a number of parishioners are making special donations to the Convent Fund because they were not able to give much help with the Carnival.
an so, Charlie, we are all prayin for relief from this "110-degree-in-the-shade-weather". maybe you have got sum influence with the weather department an could persuade em to accept an order for about a four-inch snowfall. if you can do this, an have a reel good "drag", see if you can get em to book the order for immediate delivery
your pertickler friend & uncle
HENRY
Erysipelas after an operation caused death at Isolation Hospital of Mrs. George Diehl, 1435 Hampton Ave., July 13, 1930.
She is the last of the line of the Loftus family, charter members of St. James Parish. R.I.P.
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1930
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932
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