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."
The minimum cost of operating St. James Parish is approximately $19,500. This can be done only with the greatest economy and watchfulness in every detail of parish expenditure, whether it be a repair in a roof or the turning on of an electric switch. Almost half of this sum, as might be seen from the statement below, goes to meet the principal and interest of indebtedness and the Diocesan collections; to be exact, there was paid on these demands in the past year $9,522.
The only criticism that we have heard about our administration of the parish revenue is the lighting of the church. On dark days the sunlight that comes through the art glass windows is not sufficient, for those whose sight is defective, to read with comfort. Artificial light is undoubtedly on those days a necessity. The turning on of a switch is a matter which depends to a great extent upon the judgment of the ushers, the altar boys and the officiating priest. The general instructions that have been given them is "make the Church pleasing to the congregation regardless of expense and avoid unnecessary waste." The same applies to the lighting, heating and ventilation of all the buildings; as a whole, both the school and church are agreeable the greater part of the time to the majority of the congregation, and, if occasionally there is a slip-up in some detail, allowance should be made for the human element both in the congregation and volunteer workers. A little suggestion will do more in relieving the condition than an irritable "can't-stand-it-any-longer" attitude. People who become indignant about trifles and make a mountain out of a molehill are prospective candidates for the divorce courts or red-flag parade; losing one's head is the poorest preparation for overcoming a trouble. As a matter of fact the electric bill for the church amounts to $227 or over $4 a week, and consideration has been given to make a change in a few of the upper windows so that more sunlight might enter; but the artist who takes a just pride in the beauty of the artglass has begged us almost in tears not to ruin the beauty of the church in the interest of a little economy. We have yielded to his entreaties, but if hard times continue we may be compelled to decide to forget about the esthetic value in favor of eliminating expense.
Though there is a deficit of approximately $650, we are grateful to the parishioners that it is not more. The big majority of them have proved their trustworthiness and fidelity. When building the Church and encouraging large expense, they said, "Go ahead!, we won't desert you," and truly, they haven't. The sacrifices that many are making in giving weekly contributions to the church is a source of great consolation to us in this trying period, and as long as we live will help us to retain a high opinion of the congregation. We are truly proud, especially of the old timers who remain in the parish; they have never taken their shoulder from the wheel. This does not imply that many of the new parishioners are neglectful, some of them are stepping into the broken ranks and taking the place of families who have moved, but others are keeping an aloofness which suggests a lack of interest. We would like them also to say "we're here because we're here and we will do our duty to St. James Parish, since it is the only parish which now has a claim on our allegiance." It is people who only think about themselves that say, "I give nothing to my parish church because I find it more convenient on Sunday to take a street car."
Paid on Principle ...... $ 5,000.00
Interest ............... 3,250.60
Electric Light ......... 227.40
Water Rates ............ 20.72
Making of Wade Avenue... 198.34
Hauling Ashes .......... 11.00
Coal Bill, in part...... 58.97
Altar Wine ............. 46.50
City Inspection of Boiler 3.00
Wax - Oil - Polishing Floors 71.00
Mr. Bisso for Plants ... 16.55
Door Spring ............ 7.25
Labor on Lawns ......... 32.00
Submitted by
Veronica Coad, Treasurer
Shirley May Maschmann, 6531 West Park Ave.
Elizabeth Lynn Foeller, 6650 Oakland Ave.
Marchia Ann Dill, 6141 West Park Ave.
Thomas Frederick Coad, 1240 Hampton Ave.
Robert Frederick Coad, 1240 Hampton Ave.
Ann Carol Baer, 1529 Tamm Ave.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is functioning in St. James Parish. There have been five meetings at which there was an average attendance of 16 members. Eleven families have been relieved and these include 66 individuals. There have been 51 visits made, 17 of which are credited to Father O'Connor.
The treasurer's report for the month
ending December 31st showed collections at
meetings ..................... $ 28.27
Archbishop's Emergency Fund .. 200.00
Sale of Sunday Visitors ...... 6.86
Total ........................ $235.13
Paid for provisions .. $ 36.84
Fuel ................. 4.50
Rent ................. 56.00
Cash ................. 15.61
Cash on hand ......... 122.18
Total ................ $235.13.
Outstanding orders for the early part of this month $145, which leaves the Society without a cent and $20 in the hole. If you. have an inclination to help the poor in this locality send an offering to Wm. E. McGann, 1201 Childress Ave., President, or W.J. Bosche, 6449 Nashville Ave. Small donations are best made at the door of the church on Sunday by purchasing the Sunday Visitor. This interesting Catholic paper costs the Society a penny a copy, and whatever is paid over and above a penny goes into the fund of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
The social side of the meeting has been taken care of by a pinochle. game; usually there are about ten players, some of who are veterans in the game and would rather miss 3 meals than one of these card games.
The Mothers' Club are sending out a call for volunteers for the St. Patrick's Night Minstrel Show. Mrs. Adele Conroy and Mrs. Sam Gittens are permanent members of the cast.
The Virgin Mother's Sodality have decided upon a schedule of Catholic action and intend visiting the Little Sisters of the Poor on S. Grand Avenue this month, and a different institution each succeeding month. They want to see life as it is lived by the poor and afflicted and hope to bring some solace into their lives. Helen Moellenbeck is chairman of the visiting committee for the month and is to decide the gifts that might prove to be the most suitable. She will be accompanied by Ruth Wynne, Elizabeth O'Keefe, Mary Lawless, Amelia Masperi, Theresa Gioia, Margaret McDonnell, Mary Hester Bovard, Mary Alice Saxton.
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception December 8, there was a Solemn Profession of members. Those professed were Margaret McDonnell, Helen Moeflenbeck, Mary Lawless, Mayme Saxton, Theresa Gioia. The Sodality was given a very interesting sermon on the Virtues of the Blessed Virgin, by Rev. N.E. Pohl, Assistant Pastor. After devotions a business meeting and social were held in the school hall and a report was made on the card party sponsored by these ladies. It was stated the net receipts amounted to $146.50. There was also election of officers with the following result:
Prefect, Margaret Irvin; First Assistant Prefect, Mary Hester Bovard; Second Assistant Prefect, Elizabeth O'Keefe. These appointed : Secretary, Genevieve Mahon, Assistant Secretary, Virginia Jones; Treasurer, Mary Smith; Medal and Book Bearer, Amelia Masperi.
Mary McGeehan, a relative of the Wm. Jones family, who frenquently resided with them, died during the past month.
Balance in Treasury Jan. 1 .. $ 48.27
Receipts from plays ......... 152.30
Dues ........................ 29.20
Basket Call. Triduum ........ 23.69
Total ....................... $253.46
Expenses of plays .........$ 63.17
Printing and stationery ...... 23.23
Refreshments and entertainment
at meetings .................. 30.40
Diocesan Union dues .......... 5.00
Payment all Triduum expense .. 25.00
Miscellaneous ................ 8.36
Total ....................... $157.16
Bal. in Treas. Dec. 31, 1931. $ 96.30
At the December meeting of the St. James branch of the Holy Name Society a fairly large and enthusiastic gathering of men and boys set about electing officers for the year 1932. Mr. R.E. Pierce and the outgoing officers were complimented by Father O'Connor on their faithfulness and many sacrifices. He especially recommended Mr. Pierce, who is, he said, a convert to Catholicity and a bundle of energy that has many outlets in parish activities.
President -- A.H. Mudd, 1228 Tamm Avenue, HIland 1832.
Vice -- President R.E. Pierce, 1223 Childress Avenue, HIland 4405.
Secretary -- Walter Lambert, 1455 Graham Street. STerling 2084.
Treasurer -- Wm. H. Henkel, 1040 Fairmount, HIland 5394.
Marshals -- Peter Walker, 1023 Louisville, HIland 5678; Richard Barry, 1321 Hampton.
Delegate, 1 yr.-- Henry Hugeback, 6I63 W. Park.
Delegate, 2 yr. -- Wm. Henne, 6916a Bruno.
Delegate, 3 yr. -- James E. McLaughlin, 6764 w. Park, HIland 2552.
The Christmas Play given at Yale Hall drew a full house both at the matinee and evening performance. The scenic effect, owing to the efforts of Mr. Harry Brightly, Wm. Henne and Mr. Pierce, was truly marvelous considering the fact that all the scenerv was made by themselves and the lighting effect also planned. Mr. Brightly reproduced on muslin stained-glass windows ornamented with attractive pictures that gave the semblance of reality to the Drama. Virginia Coad took the part of the Virgin and Baby O'Donnell, 1200 Tamm Avenue, represented The Child. It fretted a bit in the afternoon, but was good at the evening show.
The play did not go over as well as was expected. The young people seemed to be taken by the unusualness of the Sheperds' dress and the ridiculousness of their associates in wearing it. The reverence that begets religious emotion was lacking and the choir on whom the weight of the play fell were handicapped by being at the back of the stage in a low room from which their voices did not carry to the audience.
Mr. Staab, the director, felt it was a flop and everyone who was responsible for the presentation was glad that there was at least one scene which went over big, that was the Follies directed by Frank Strathman and Virginia Pursley. They sang well a few modern songs and the rhythm of their dance must have been the result of skillful and lone training. '"
The Holy Name Society officers say it was a profitable show and they wish to compliment Mr. Staab, the Cast and those who were responsible for the scenery for their efforts.
Nobody felt bad about it and many were really enthused and their comment was, "It was very good but too short."
But briefness became a necessltv because of the lack of reverence and the difficulty the choir had in projecting their voices to the audience.
Receipts of Program .. $100.08
Sale of Tickets ...... 94.00
Total ................ $194.08
Expense of Play ...... $127.93
Net Receipts ......... $ 66.15
Carpenter work ....... $28.00
Plastering ........... 10.00
Mr. Jones ............ 15.00
Lehman _............. 18.00
Forest Park Lumber.... 11.54
Mr. Thompson ......... 2.50
Light Reflectors ..... 1.40
Lamps ................ 1.20
Lime ................. 1.45
Switch ............... .20
Total expense ........ $89.29
A treat to the Cast... 10.00
Deficit Dec, 31. 1931. $99.29
Tickets that were sold for the play many instances not yet paid for caused the officers some chagrin. They request no further delays in discharging this obligation.
Orders for candles to be donated to the Altar or kept for the home will be taken in the vestibule of the church the last Sunday in January.
On Candlemas day, February 2. the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, candles will be blessed at 8:30 Mass.
Blesaing of throats on Wednesday, February 4, feast of St. Blase, will take place in the morning after the Masses and at 4 and 8 p.m.
At a meeting held December 15, St. James Athletic Club was formally organized and it was agreed upon that only those who are members of one or other of the Parish Sodalities are eligible. Members who desire to use the Parish Hall must have a membership card. This can be procured through the official representative of each of the Sodalities or from Jack Houlihan or Woodrow Foley on Monday, Thursday or Saturday evenings in the Old Church, and from Josephine Nerviani, Mary O'Connell and Florence Wilsdon on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Members who have no desire to participate in Athletic events and want to be in on socials, hikes and picnics, can obtain social membership cards at half cost and half dues. Membership cost, registration fee $1, Dues 50c a month.-
Junior members, registration 25c, dues 10c. Junior members are children of school age.
The organization is to be governed by a board of directors made up of a representative of each of the 5 Sodalities and officers elected by the Club at an open meeting of all members. This to take place the third Tuesday of December every year. Mr. John Houlihan is made permanently honorary president.
The young men's division have a team entered in the St. Louis Catholic Basketball League and defeated St. Mary Magdalenes by a score of 20-19 at St. George's Hall, Gravois Road, on Wednesday, December 16. The game was fast and close, neither team having much advantage throughout the game.
This team on December 23 defeated Rosati Kain Squires of the Kane Council K.C., score 18-12.
On December 30. St. James team met its first defeat in a game with St. George, score 31-14.
Team - Woodrow Foley, Mathew McLaughlin, captain, Jack Houlihan, Ted Thiele, Churles Gallaher, Ray Buescher, Jack Coad, Joe Phelan, Bill Hefele, Jerry O'Shaughnessey, Artie Wack and Paschal Palumbo.
The team is strong and is forging ahead in the contest. They need a little encouragement when they are hard-pressed and in recent games there has scarcely been a voice heard saying, "Come on St. James."
Monday and Thursday, 6:30 - 8:30, Junior Holy Name.
Tuesday and Friday, 6:30 - 8:30, Angelic Warfare.
Wednesday, 6:30 - 9:00, Boy Scouts.
Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 - 11:30, Virgin Mother's Sodality and Children of Mary.
Monday, Thursday and Saturday, 8:30 - 11:30. Young Men's Holy Name.
Mr. Morgan P. Foley, 2063 Knox Avenue, scoutmaster of the local troop, was compelled by his doctor to retire from all active parish work, and the scouts deeply miss his leadership and are praying hard that he will soon recover.
James E. Pierce, son of Mrs. and Robt. E. Pierce, (Uncle Henry), 1223 Childress Avenue, when crossing Oakland Avenue New Year's morning was struck by an automobile said to be driven by Herman Levy of E. St. Louis and suffered an abrasion of the liver and kidney, fractured rib, laceration of the head and contusion of the body. He was taken to the Deaconess Hospital where he continues to be in a critical condition and has received the Last Sacraments.
Mr. W. Wise, driver for Pevely Dairy Co., and Mr. Francis Donegan witnessed the accident. Mr. Levy was arrested a day later and is accused of felonious wounding and a traffic violation. As might be expected, Uncle Henry and Mrs. Pierce are in great grief as James is the oldest and last of their 3 boys. Uncle Henry's letter will, we fear, have a touch of sorrow in this issue. He begged to be excused from writing, but as we recognize that life has tears as well as smiles, we thought that an expression of the thoughts that go with grief when expressed by Uncle Henry would be very human, though of necessity it must be personal. We can say without hesitation that Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have the deep sympathy of all who have had the pleasure of reading Uncle Henry's letters and of his appreciative associates and fellow-editors of Let's Go.
Donald Mataya, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mataya, 1927 Kraft Avenue, died in St. Mary's Hospital December 25. 1931, and was buried from St. James Church December 28.
The promoters of the Apostleship of Prayer are deeply interested in Catholic action in the way of distributing Catholic literature and organizing bands, each member of which will make a Communion of Reparation to the Sacred Heart once a week. Mary Menner reported at the last meeting that she had 2 bands organized and Frances Mergenthaler said she had 1. From time to time the names of the various bands will be published in Let's Go. New Promoters were registered, including Antonette Palumbo, Mauresette Lindauer, Gertrude Foy and Hermetta Burch.
Miss Rita Ward has charge of the circulating library and is interested in getting donations of good Catholic books and stories for boys and girls by Catholic authors. It isn't necessary that the books be new. Anyone who has a good book and desires to extend the influence that it might have on youth, should send it to Rita Ward in care of Ward's store, Tamm and Victoria Avenues.
Promoters of the Apostleship of Prayer in the Parochial School are: 8th Grade, Hermetta Burch; 7th Grade, Frances Mergenthaler: 5th and 6th Grade, Dorothy Morkoetter; 4th Grade, Mary Menner; 3rd Grade, Marion Mergenthaler and Gertrude Foy; 2nd Grade, Mauresette Lindauer.
Mr. Stephen L. Burch, 6509 Nashville Ave., father of 11 children, is anxious to get some relief in paying a part each month on a small mortgage of $1200 which he has on his 3 room brick bungalow and would be glad to break the present contract which goes over a period of 3 more years with the Public Service Building and Loan Company. He would find no difficulty in paying interest each half year and in the opinion of local residents a loan bearing 6% interest will be well secured.
Mrs. Anna Dolan Humphreys recently gave birth to a daughter.
A packet of 4% envelopes will be delivered by a school child to each known wage-earner in the parish for the year that will begin the first Sunday in February. Though you may be out of work, keep the envelopes until better times. Your weekly contribution is earnestly asked. If you don't give, who will?
If you intend contributing to the support of the Parish during the coming year, make a donation in an addressed envelope during the month of January. You may enclose even a penny. Your failure to do so will be interpreted that you do not intend giving a helping hand to the Parish during the year, even should you return to work.
Statements of contributions from February 1, 1931 to January 31, 1932, will be mailed to wage-earners the first week in February. This is the year covered by the carton of envelopes.
Masses on Sundays: 6, 7:30, 9 and a High Mass at 10:30. Baptism at 3:30 each Sunday. Confessions on Saturday: 4:30 to 6, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Weekday Masses: 6:30 and 8:30.
HOUSE CLEANING in all its branches by day or contract. Wallpaper cleaned 50c per room and up. "Woodwork, windows and floor of average room washed for $1.50. Inside and outside painting and general repairs, paperhanging. W.T. Boman, HIland 2031.
The weather had a touch of spring and the temperature of Florida. The ladies felt it difficult to decide whether they should wear their furs or picnic dresses. There was a lack of uniformity in style, but the Lord seemed to have suited the wind to the shorn lamb and the poor got a "break" in this and in coal bills. There has been little sickness in the parish and not any extreme distress; charitable organizations are taking good care of those who are in need. It is a good time for St. Vincent de Paul Society to introduce itself to the community.
The Masses at Christmas were well attended, probably it was the largest congregation we have yet seen in the Church - wonder why it thins down on Sundays! Are there so many Catholics who go to Mass only at Christmas and Easter? Everyone in Church down to a few in the back pews went to Communion. It was great to see them line up. Catholicity makes a big appeal. There is no Christmas without Christ. Fat turkeys do not fill the soul of man and though wine gladdens, the heart it frequently leaves a headache. Men and women are at their best when expressing the finer emotions that religion excites. How charming is that young lady who kneels like a Madonna before the crib. She has something of that heavenly beauty that gives a divine appeal to the virgin's face - and there are those big men, fine honest fellows - big shepherds if you will - but clean as the mountain heather and more faithful than the shepherd's dog.
What a crib there was at St. James this year! Ed Pierce, Bill Henne and Charley Thompson made the cave for the Christmas play and Father O'Connor thought it a pity to destroy it when the show was over - and purchased the beautiful figures. It is said it cost a hundred dollars - bet he gets someone to donate it! The children looked in at it and reverently knelt - they felt there was something real live in the Church this year. The altars also were attractive, a new antependium that has gold bars running parallel. It must have cost a good deal, the strips are cloth of gold. Agnes Keon helped Sister Sacristan to make it. They are very proud of it and intend getting other antependiums to which these strips can be attached which front, both the color of the vestments for the celebrant wears at the Altar. Father O'Connor says the Rubrics call for a veil around the tabernacle -- silk and an antependlurn in front, both the color of the vestments for the feast of that day.
The Choir sang and the organ played at all the Masses, the 7:30 Mass was a Solemn High. Tony Palumbo was Deacon for the first time in the church - those in the congregation who knew him since he was a kid were delighted to see him at the altar and hear him sing the gospel and Ite-missa-est. He is very earnest and good. God bless him and keep him so.
These and many other things about the church made Christmas at St. James one that has left memories - memories that please and come back whenever the heart is touched by religious emotions and that remind one of Home and Heaven.
A nucleus for an organization that will be known as St. James Lay Apostolate was organized during the past year and is being promoted by the Pastors, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert, Mr. and Mrs. Mudd, Genevieve Mahon and Mr. Fredrich. These have been meeting monthly and studying practical activities for the society. Amongst other things they have been visiting new parishioners, keeping a record of those who move and interesting themselves in shows and pictures that the children in their locality have been attending. Their report is not yet complete but they hope in a short time to have a list of pictures which can be recommended to Catholic parents so that whenever an opportunity offers of seeing them in a local theatre the parents may have no hesitation about permitting their children to attend. There are great possibilities for usefulness in this Society. The branch that is now organized operates only in the territory between Tamm and Hampton Avenues from Manchester to the Park. Should it succeed other branches will be organized in the Parish.
Nineteen ladies witnessed the installation of new officers of St. Ann's Sodality at the December meeting.
President, Mrs. Plengemeier; Vice-President, Mrs. Foley; Secretary, Mrs. Griffin, Assistant, Mrs. Wack; Treasurer, Mrs. Nixon; Medal Bearer, Mrs. McDonald; Assistant, Mrs. Cooper.
Following this was a Bunco game and Christmas Party. In future there will be a card game after Sodality meetings and it is hoped that ladies of the parish who desire to extend their acquaintanceship will be present.
St. Ann's Sodality is interested in everything that pertains to Catholic action and parish improvement. They frequently embroider articles for the Altar and in the past have donated the pulpit and the ornamental priedieu that faces the Sanctuary from the Sacristy.
Albert G'Sell, 4426 Swan Avenue, father of Mrs. Joseph Bigney, 6740 Garner Avenue, died on Sunday, December 6, and was buried from St. Cronin's Church.
The soccer team of the parochial school played eight times with teams from St. Luke's, St. Cronin's, St. Margaret's and the New Cathedral parochial schools in the Municipal Contest and have won the pennant in the Forest Park division. They hope to make a good showing in the elimination contests which are to come off some time this month. In the games played Eddie Corbett scored 5 goals, Jimmy Kelley 5, Harold Meier 3, Gene Barry 2, Billy Wack 1, Bob Wack 1. Unfortunately Gene Barry is now ill and has been in a critical condition since Christmas. Other members of the team are Jack Kelly, Jim Brady, Pete Palumbo, Hubert Ward, John McCauley, Francis McLaughlin and Thos. Marshall.
Those who scored are among the forwards but there are good men in the back also and it is said that there is none better than Thos. Marshall.
Mrs. Georginski, 6438 Lloyd Avenue, had many irritating moments from the numerous children who live in her block. At first she reprimanded them and later complained of them to their parents. This only increased their inclination to tantalize her. She struck on a happy scheme which we heartily recommend to all others who may be having trouble with neighboring children. She invited them to a children's party and gave them so good a time they decided that there had been in the past a great deal of misunderstanding. Mrs. Georginski, they said, is a swell lady and each of the culprits showed so much repentance it was decided that other entertainments would be had. She is now the "big shot" amongst the children and a practical exponent of the doctrine, "when every thing else fails with children, call in love."
FOR RENT: 6315 W. Park Ave., 4 rooms all modern $35, HIland 4023.
FOn RENT: 6421 Lloyd Ave., 1, 2, or 3 rooms modernly equipped, garage and phone, reasonable. HIland 4760.
FOn HENT: 6219 Victoria Ave., 4 rooms, bath, furnace, hardwood fioors, garage. Reasonable rent. Close to church and school.
St. Ann's Sodality have determined on a program that will increase the Convent fund and intend giving quarterly euchres and lottos for that purpose. Father O'Connor, who is the custodian of the Carnival Fund, says he has invested for the various societies $9,500 in First Mortgage Real Estate that is well secured and which bears interest at 6%. He suggested to the Sodality that if there were $500 more added to the fund the annual interest would be $600, and this would probably cover the deficit from parish accounts and leave the principle intact. The ladies have promised their active co-operation and will give the first card party of the series on Tuesday, January 19, in the School Hall at 8 o'clock.
Members of St. Ann's Sodality and parishioners generally are requested to send in prizes to any of the following:
Ladies in charge of Lotto: Mesdames Foley, Wiber, Schuler and Thompson.
Bridge: Mrs. Lawless.
Euchre: Mrs. Cooper, Nixon and Engelhardt.
Lunch: Mrs. McDonald, Wack and Griffin.
A special committee for the collection of prizes was also appointed. These are: Mrs. Schuler, 6733 Garner, from Benton; Mrs. Nixon, 1513 Fairmount, Clifton Heights; Mrs. McDonald, Clayton Avenue, west end; Mrs. Wack, 1546 Tamm Avenue, and Mrs. Plengemeier, 1316 Tamm Avenue, east end.
Tickets 35c, 3 for $1.00. Donations of cakes are also requested.
Names omitted from Purgutorian List last issue of Let's Go: Mrs. Catherine Orner, Mrs. E. Gibbons, Miss Margaret Byrne. Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Crotty.
Father O'Connor furnished lunch for the ladies who cleaned the Church for Christmas, and it was cooked and served by Mrs. Moore who received many compliments especially on her hot biscuits.
Thirteen ladies worked one day and some of them came again the second day. They were Mesdames J.J Kelly, Plengemeier, Moore, Heady, Doering, Newport, Jr., Mary Pilla, Engelhardt, Wiber, Foley, Mary Jones, Wagner, Bovard.
Phillip Harris, 40 years old, son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Harris, Milltown, County Kerry, Ireland, and brother of James P. Harris, 6217 W. Park Avenue, died December 24 as the result of an auto accident that occurred on December 17 when he was taken to the City Hospital. His funeral was delayed until December 28 to give his brothers and sisters and other relatives time to come from distant cities. One came from California, one from Detroit and several from Chicago. The wake and funeral was well attended. He was buried from Requiem Mass in St. James Church. May he rest in peace.
Mr. Robert Scott, father of Mrs. Wm. Henkel, 1040 Fairmount Avenue, died on December 5. Among those present at his funeral were the greater number of the residents in the block. R.I.P.
Mr. P.J. O'Neil, 6315 W. Park Avenue, has come home after spending a few weeks at St. Mary's Hospital where he was treated for stomach trouble.
Mrs. Adele Jirauch, 1111 Central Avenue. was attacked by her dog in the cellar of her home when removing bones that he had gathered, and fell and broke her limb. She is a patient at the old St. Mary's Hospital.
Mrs. Catherine Cullen spent her Christmas in Chicago.
Margaret O'Keefe and her brother John, niece and nephew of Mr. P.H. Murphy, 6219 Victoria Avenue, whose home is in Cleveland. Ohio, spent Christmas as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy and found some solace in the bereavement which they recently suffered in the loss of their parents. Mr. Richard Murphy, member of the School Board, also a relative, was among the guests for a day.
Mrs. Evelyn Rose Dapron, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard Rose, have returned to St. James Parish and reside at 6458 Lloyd Avenue.
Dennis O'Brien, brother to Andrew, 6423 Nashville Avenue, recently purchased Mr. France's residence at 6443 Lloyd Avenue and is expected to move into the parish in a few weeks.
While Mr. and Mrs. Chas, Klasek, 6212 Victoria. were visiting Mr. and Mrs. Frank Walsh of Lloyd Avenue, their automobile was taken and was found a few hours later badly damaged at Dale and Lloyd Avenues. The damage was covered by insurance.
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
January 1, 1932.
dear Charlie:
"Daffy New Year," charlie, but I dont wish you the same. i am not ordinarily given to pessimism, but i am growing kinda sour on this New year stuff; to me it is just the first day of "jinx." i am beginnin to think that the best thing for me to do at this time of year is take my "brood" an go into hiding till "old man disaster" has made his rounds.
i sorta looked forward to the new year on acount of the last one was so full of disappointment i was sure that the new one would bring sum measure of compensation. but when on the first day of the year our Jimmie was singled out by a crazy driver an bumped into the general direction of eternity, i all but lost faith in the justice of things an begun to wonder what you have to do to "live right".
after spending a very pleasant evening and ushering in the new year with a congenial crowd in charlie Heil's new "rathskeller," we hadn't much more than got to sleep when the phone rang, and called us to the hospital. at first he didn't seem to be so badly hurt. but his past sick spells had left him in poor shape to fight off such a severe shock. and he grew steadily weaker. Saturday evening the nurses and doctors held out little hope, and when Jimmie asked for a priest, i realized we was in the "zero" hour.
father O'Connor felt his pulse and shook his head, - it was so weak and rapid he couldn't get a count. Father motioned us from the room as he heard Jimmie's confession, and all hope vanished. - we prayed only for the preservation of his soul. when we returned to serve at the anointing he seemed somewhat brighter. but we dared not let our hopes mount.
as the Holy Oils were applied however, we watched a change which was unmistakable, and as Father again felt the pulse before leaving, his kindly face lighted up and he said "Jimmie is better, I am sure he will win his fight," he has improved steadily ever since.
it is just about a year since we lost Eddie, and i had been looking forward to the coming weeks with dread, as i knew that the anniversary of those terrible days would bring memories difficult to face. the mrs. especially was destined to days of haunting spectres from the past, as her's was the greatest loss.
jimmie's suffering therefore may be disguised blessings for the rest of us. we had to be given more pressing worries to counteract the projected ones, and Jimmie was the sacrifice. now that he promises to recover, our happiness overshadows the anticipated grief: itching liniment to cure the bruise. we feel like you did the time the judge gave you a reprimand instead of the sentence you expected.
yours
HENRY.
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1932
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932
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