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."
Dear Parishoner:
The sketch of the New Church which you will find in this issue of "Let's Go" was presented Wednesday, November 24th, to the Boosters’ Club and approved by them; and on the Saturday following to His Grace, the Archbishop.
The Archbishop was well pleased with the sketch and said we are going to have a beautiful church if we can build it of stone, and approved of our choice of architect. He inquired into the financial condition of the parish and expressed himself gratified that so large a fund has been established. ' -
The contract for plans has been awarded to the firm of O'Meara & Hill, the plans and general supervision to cost $7,0.00.
A professor of Washington University School of Architecture and Father Mannhardt of St. Louis University School of Arts have assisted me by offering valuable suggestions and criticizing a former sketch. I am assured the church that is proposed will be unusual because of its simplicity and correctness and shall, when completed, attract the attention and win the admiration of all who are qualified to render a judgment.
I am glad of this for your sakes; for many years the parish had little to point to with a finger of adulation except the school; the rest of the buildings suggested hardened financial arteries and general decay. You .were conscious of this and sensitive of criticism of people who did not understand the circumstances. Many of our young people became accustomed to this condition and accepted the verdict as being correct, and on getting married left the parish to extricate themselves from a situation which they regarded humiliating; even a few of the older folk, like the proverbial rats in the sinking ship, scampered off to other parishes on Sunday and ceased to be loyal to their own, but thank God there, always remained with us a goodly congregation of courageous self-sacrificing . individuals and families who had vision and determination to keep the old. ship afloat, and at last they have reached the harbor of their hopes, and after buffeting and battling for so long in the- storm, they can say of .the old ship: St.. James, "Her timbers yet are sound and she may float again."
These faithful ones have reason to be proud and are to be congratulated on their achievement Every brick and stone in the church will represent the labor and the sacrifice of someone, perhaps it will also represent a struggle to spare an offering made from one's necessities; a struggle too with the selfishness of nature which makes it so much easier to make excuses than to give.
I never encouraged you to give for a motive of vainglory or human respect. I have not published general lists of contributions or endeavored to shame .you into giving by competition with your neighbor, you gave for the honor and glory of God, and the church will be a prayer in the making and a treasury in which you will have placed some of your good works.
You will have reason to be proud when you will see a stately church standing in all its dignity and grandeur in the city block on Tamm Ave. between Wade and Nashville Aves. It shall represent labor equivalent to the total of your contributions. The parishioner who has given 4% of his earnings has given one day out of each of his 25 working days.
The $100,000, which I expect to have in the fund before the contracts are fulfilled will be equivalent to 20,000 days of labor of a man working at $5 a day.
Your labor and sacrifice is as real to me as if I were looking at you working on the site, your shoes begrimed with clay and plaster, your hands blistered and your faces wet with perspiration.
Your pastors have done little more than give you a word of encouragement and a nod of approval, we have noted the ones who have been the most faithful and who have labored longest and we cannot help having for them a special affection, we have seen the school children, the youths of the parish lending a helping hand to the older and more determined enthusiasts and we were gladdened till the work of church building has become the great pleasure of our lives. Now and then we felt it our duty to urge those who were standing idle with their hands in their pockets and watching the workers, to take off their coats and lend a helping hand.
Nor are we unmindful of those outside the parish who have given us substantial help and encouragement and especially Mr. and Mrs. Macken who donated the site and have already contributed $5,000 toward the main altar.
Our prospects at the approach of this Christmas are brighter and nearer fruition than on any former occasion. By Christmas, 1927, we hope to be worshiping in the New Church. We are grateful to God, Who gave the inspiration and the means to our parishioners to make the New Church possible and we pray God to reward you according to your work.
Wishing all a happy Christmas,
Your pastor in Christ,
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR.
CROATIANS, LITHUANIANS AND ITALIANS
John Blasic, Emil Manaster and Frank Manaster called on Father O'Connor, on Thanksgiving day, to say that the Catholic people of their race, in this community wanted to be known as parishioners and were willing .to help to build a church and to support a school.
They cannot help having an affection for St. Joseph's Church, in which their native tongue is spoken, but as they speak English, and desire to give their children a Catholic education and an opportunity of associating with the rest of the American boys and girls in the neighborhood they have transferred their allegiance to St. James.
Catholics of the Italian group have long since recognized the advantages their children have in St. James Church and School, and there are about ten families who have been regular contributors to, and enthusiastic boosters of the parish.
The Catholic Church knows no distinction of race; by baptism we become members of one body and have one spirit; and regardless of the country of our birth we give allegiance to only one land, the good old U. S. A.
A WEDDING GIFT
Mrs. Mayme Hayes was given a party by the choir, and presented with a neat silver coffee service; the presentation being made by Miss Carrerras, the organist.
THE NEW CHURCH
The style of the new church is English Gothic. It will face Tamm avenue and set back 30 feet from the sidewalk. The entrances will be at the sides close to the front gable, and will lead into side aisles that will run along the church to the altar railing. These ambulatories which will be ten feet wide, are separated from the nave by a number of transverse arches and lighted by large windows. The nave of the church will be 37 feet wide and will have a seating capacity of 600. This space will be free from pillars and the view of the altar will be unobstructed. The ambulatories also can be used for accommodating large crowds such as are present at missions and Christmas Masses, and will later be fitted with Cathedral chairs.
The space in front of the sanctuary will carry the tower, which from the interior of the church will not be evident. There will be a space directly in front of the altar railing 32 ˝ feet long and 57 feet wide that will be unobstructed by pillars and which shall be enclosed by four arches, those on the side running in line with the transverse arches in the side aisles. Opposite these larger arches on either side will be gables, a little lower than that in front which will be 50 feet thigh. The gable on the Nashville avenue side will have an entrance and a vortex that will extend outside the main wall which will give room for a confessional and a shrine.
The altar will be at the west side of the church and the choir loft and the Baptistery directly opposite and back of the main entrances to the church. There will be also windows in the clearstory smaller than the windows that light the aisles. In the front gable there will be a beautiful window 25x14, fashioned in artistic stone carving and one of the chief motifs in the building.
The roof will be incased with an oak-beamed ceiling and will harmonize in softness with the stained glass windows.
The exterior of the building, as the sketch shows, will have an outer wall 19 feet high, which will carry a roof to the wall in the clearstory which shall rise from the pillars within the building, and shall be elevated above the roof of the aisles 17 feet. This will break the appearance of a wall which would be otherwise 36 feet high.
The total length of the church will be 132 feet and the width, including the aisles, 57. There shall also be large windows in the gables to the north and south side of the church.
It is the intention of the architect to preserve the present contour of the site and to keep the church floor 16 feet above the sidewalk on Tamm avenue, To make admission easy, the entrances from Tamm avenue will be reached by walks that will make a half circle with Tamm avenue and on which the tiers of steps will be broken by intermediary landings. The Nashville avenue entrance will be only three feet above the sidewalk, as there is a decline along the church property from east to west of thirteen feet which does not appear evident to one looking up Nashville avenue. There shall be a driveway at the back of the church leading from Nashville to Wade avenues, from which one can enter the church at the Nashville entrance without having to climb any steps.
The church will be erected along the north side on the lot, leaving a sufficient space on the south for a rectory and lawn; as all the buildings will be a sufficient distance from the sidewalk to permit landscaping, retaining walls will not be necessary.
A final decision as to the material of which the walls will be constructed has not been reached. It is proposed if finances will permit to use sawed Bedford rock, backed by brick, both in the tower and in the walls, and to use carved stone in all the openings.
THE ARCHITECT
The architects for the new church, the firm of O'Meara & Hills, St. Louis, Mo., and St. Paul, Minn., are well recommended and have a large association of constructive engineers and skilled draftsmen. They shave erected buildings in thirteen states and work exclusively in the erection of ecclesiastical edifices. They have to their credit the chapel and buildings for the Laymen's Retreat, St. Louis; the Chapel of the Franciscan Seminary, St. Louis Province; the St. Louis University Gymnasium; the Franciscan School, St. Louis; the Monastery of the Crosier Father, Onamia, Minnesota; the Seminary for the Servite Fathers, Chicago, Ill.; the addition to the Passionate Monastery, Normandy; St. Ann's School, Normandy; new St. Wenceslaus Church, St. Louis, and several other churches, schools and seminaries.
Mr. O'Meara has already begun work on the plans for St. James Church and intends submitting them to contractors for an estimate as he proceeds, this and the innumerable details will require time, hence he does not promise to have the plans ready before the end of March. He understands that we are anxious to break ground as soon as possible and intends using all his work force to speed up the work.
The conditions of his contract demand an initiatory payment of $2,500 January 1st, $2,500 on the date the contract is let, $1;000 when the corner stone is laid and $1,000 when the key, of the completed church is turned over to Father O'Connor.
The terms of this contract are not as will be seen, on the percentage basis, the amount agreed upon is stipulated on the basis that the church when completed will have cost about $160,000, and the architect has agreed to redraw plans free if the contract calls for a greater expenditure; but regardless of the cost the architect's fee will not exceed this amount, and he is bound to be on the job at least three times a week whilst the church is being constructed until all the furnishings are installed.
It will be seen from what is stated that the church is already begun since payments for services will have to be begun on the first day of the year.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is Christ's Birthday, and the world celebrates the event.
The celebration has had more than 1,900 anniversaries and customs have grown up around it and have become so permanent and universal, they influence the conduct and continue with many who are not keenly conscious of the spiritual urge which was responsible for these customs and the celebration.
Christmas has to a great extent become commercialized, materialized and popularized as a big feed day, a holiday and a period of dissipation; and the Christmas giver caught in the social net of custom, pays his greetings as he does his tax, with a feeling of restraint.
The tradition and the spirit of the Christian feast is much neglected and even good Christian people permit themselves too often to be carried away from the thoughts that the festival should inspire.
First honors are due to Him for whom the celebration was originally intended and our traditional customs were instituted to teach the lesson of His Life.
We give gifts because God so loved the world He gave His Son. Christmas is the Feast of pure, unselfish loves, and in Christ we hope to make them permanent. We join hands at Christmas with our relatives and our neighbors. We form a circle around Christ and into it we take His friends, the poor, the Hungry, the naked; his benign recommendation gives a divine approval to every gift that is given and to every suffering that is alleviated. He is much honored when we give in His Name He wishes us to make our biggest gifts to those who have least and our warmest attention to those who are most desolate. His favorite children are the children of the poor, and the widow and the orphan are his guest at our door.
"Well done my good and faithful servant, He says, "when I was hungry, you gave me to eat; when I was thirsty, you gave me to drink; when I was naked, you clothed me; when I was in prison, you visited me, And when," said the stranger, "were you hungry that I fed you etc., etc." "Amen," He replied, "when you did this to one of these the least of my little ones, you did it to me."
The Christmas Tree has its message when set up in the home, and the secret should not be kept from the children. "I am the vine and you are the branches." The tree is a symbol of Christ and his children, and, lights show where the tree is and the Master sits enthroned. The twinkling stars in Heaven throw their light in the dark caverns of the night and Christ the Light of the world has illumed the darkness that covered the, earth before the star of Bethlehem had shone.
Holy Night! Blessed Night that brought us such understanding and such Faith in God and gave this tree for a resting place to the birds of the air.
No Christian home has provided properly for the children's festivities when the emotions which the manger, the shepherds and the Wise Men would arouse, are neglected. Mechanical toys divert the child's mind from the spiritual unless they come through the hands of the Holy Child. Santa Claus, I fear, is a usurper. I would throw him out if I were sure he was robbing the Christ of the gratitude of the children's hearts.
Christmas cards and the Christmas letters may be associated with the Angel's tidings of Great joy, and they are when a mother's prayer is heard and an erring child writes home this glad news that the memories of his childhood are not forgotten and that in spirit he is again at the crib and mother is leading him on to high ideals and holy inspirations.
Christmas cards that have no reference to, or representation of Christ, are a misnomer; at least they are poor art and a concession to the spirit that robs Christmas of its Christ, and robs Christians of their faith. The Christian Christmas is a great spiritual event to which there is an Advent, a preparation, a conscience cleaning and a moral restoration. "The rough ways shall be made plain and all flesh shall see salvation." It reaches its climax when the priest clothed in the robes of his priestly calling offers sacrifice and praise to the Lord, when the organ peals its harmonious homage and the choir chants the Venite Adoremus; when mothers and their little ones kneel at the crib, when the spirit of repentance is in the heart of the sinner, when life without luxury seems sublime, and when God comes knocking at the citadel of worldly desires.
COMMUNION AT MIDNIGHT
Those who intend going to communion on Christmas night are not obligated to fast before midnight. Devotion and custom suggest the propriety of not eating or drinking for a few hours before receiving.
A SPECIAL CONFESSOR
A Jesuit Father will be invited to hear confessions with the parish priests on Christmas Eve. The children, their mothers and all who are free to do so, should go to confession in the afternoon and leave the period after supper for confessions of those who work.
Confessions will not be heard Christmas day. All who go to communion on Saturday should endeavor to go also on Sunday.
THE VIRGIN MOTHER’S SODALITY
The young ladies of the parish who are members of the Virgin Mother's Sodality are learning to appreciate the fact that membership is conditioned on the inclination to work for the spiritual and temporal advancement of the church.
Every member is expected to be a worker and the activities of the Society are widespread and useful.
During the year the Sodality has specialized in finding children in the parish who have not received religious instruction, and teaching them at home or in the Sunday School, their prayers, and preparing them for First Communion and Confirmation.
Mary Devaney, the president, assisted by the other officers Virginia Jones, Margaret Oates, Margaret McDonnell have taken a great of interest in this work and Genevieve Mahon, Vera Bersch, Mary Harris and Margaret Irvin have been teaching in the Sunday School.
An entertainment also was given, the proceeds of which amounted to $115 and was turned over to Father O'Connor for new church purposes.
During the year the meetings have been well attended and attendance at communion was fairly regular.
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th, the Sodality will go to Communion at the 6 o'clock Mass. That evening a meeting will be held in the Parish Hall when there will be election of officers.
MOTHERS' CLUB EUCHRE
The Mothers' Club of St. James School will give a Euchre and Lotto at the School Hall, Tamm and Wade Avenues, Wednesday evening, December 8th. As at the last Euchre, they expect family parties and will be prepared for games of bridge and pinochle. They are preparing for a large attendance and will avail of all the play halls and the cafeteria. Many valuable prizes have already been donated and parishioners are requested if they have not already sent in a prize to do so at their earliest convenience. Prizes may be delivered to the Convent or will be called for on phoning Mrs. Thos. Duggan, 6156 Victoria Ave., whose telephone number is Hiland 0447-W.
CHURCH CLEANING
AND OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ladies of the parish are requested to help clean and decorate the church on Wednesday, December 22nd at 9 o'clock.
The children will be given a Christmas party by the Mothers' Club, Thursday, December 23rd, at 2 o'clock.
The Masses on New Year's will be as on Sundays. Confessions will be heard on New Year's Eve, from 7:30 to 8.30 P. M.
FAST AND ABSTINENCE
The Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is not a day of abstinence.
The Quarter Tense fast and abstinence is to be observed Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, December 15, 17, 18.
OFFICER PETER MANION'S FUNERAL
Officer Peter Manion had been convalescing after a serious operation which necessitated the amputation of a limb. On the eve of Thanksgiving he was expected to come home, but it was noticed that he began to run a temperature and that pleurisy had set in which later developed into pneumonia. He gradually weakened until Friday, when his condition became critical. Towards noon he received the Last Sacraments and an hour later it was evident he was dying. Mrs. Manion, who was present at his bedside, phoned the family to come immediately, but he was dead before they arrived.
His funeral took place from the parish church on Tuesday, Nov. 30. His remains were escorted to the church by a police guard and an unusual concourse of people.
Father English. Father Hedderman and Father John Lyons of St. Agnes assisted the celebrant, Father O'Connor, at Solemn Requiem Mass as Deacon, Subdeacon and Master of Ceremonies, and Mario Filonio and Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh assisted Miss Carreras in the choir.
When the remains were taken from the church, the Police Band assembled at the door and played "Nearer My God to Thee." Father Pohl, accompanied by the altar boys, led the funeral to the cemetery. The band played whilst the funeral went through the parish and a pause was made in the procession when the dead officer was taken past his home.
Officer Peter Manion was one of the rank and file, a plain man with few pretensions. He lived in a community that appreciates sturdy virtues and sterling worth. He was respected by all who knew him and won the appreciation of the people of Benton whom he served as a police officer for over thirty years. He was an officer who believed in the law, the highest and the holiest law, which is God's Law, and he performed his duty with a prudence that marked him out as a man of keen intelligence and broad sympathies. With him there was no middle course between right and wrong, and he conscientiously adhered to this standard all his life; he regarded himself as a protector of the citizen's rights, property and life, and whilst he was on his beat, the community had a confidence that they had proper protection. He was a small man, but his manner lacked nothing of that courage which is so necessary in a guardian of the law. He feared no consequences in the discharge of his duties, and the dark alley and the gunman's gat had no terror for him. He understood police duty and interpreted it correctly. He was slow to place incriminating fingers on a man's shoulder. When he made an arrest he knew what he was doing. The good man was his friend and he was feared by the criminal.
In civilian life he was simple and unassuming. He loved his home, his family and his church. He was among the oldest parishioners and found time to be present at parish meetings and to take an interest in parish affairs. His name was on every list of parish collections and he was held in high respect by the priests of the parish. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and went to the sacraments every month of his life. He was blameless and God-fearing and bequeathed to his children an honored name. May he rest in peace.
A SUDDEN DEATH
Michael Brady, 1325 Ripple Ave., a veteran of over eighty years, was found dead in the yard, on Tuesday, November 29th, by his brother. ,
His funeral took place from St. James Church, Friday, December 3rd, at eight-thirty in the morning.
He was an honest industrious man, who was charitably inclined and well disposed to his neighbors. Being unable to go to church for many years, the priests of the parish visited him at regular intervals and administered to him the Sacraments.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
A collection is ordered in every church in the Diocese on Christmas Day for the support of the Seminary.
Priests for the Diocese are not made in a day, students are required to make at least eleven years preparation. They give all this time for nothing and are under a good deal of expense, their parents have to supply their clothes, books and pocket money, the parishes are called on to defray the expense of their education through burses and the church collection.
Every Catholic is requested to give a liberal donation at this time and make it possible for boys from the ranks of the medium classes to study for the priesthood.
In St. James Parish this collection includes also Cathedraticum (tax for the support of the Bishop) and a tax of $250 for the support of the orphans.
Last year the collection amounted to $830. An envelope and a card announcing the hours of the masses will be mailed to all who are listed in the Parish account books.
ONE MEMBER OF ST. ANN'S SOLD 105 TICKETS AND OBTAINED 78 PRIZES FOR THE PAST EUCHRE
The new officers of St. Ann's Sodality were installed at the regular monthly meeting and Mrs. Bisso, the president, thanked the members for her election, expressing the wish that all would co-operate with her. "This is the first office I have ever held," she said, "and unless you give me your support, I feel I cannot fulfill its obligations."
Mrs. Nixon, the new treasurer, said a good many things but lest you think she is all play, it is well to remember that she is the St. Ann's member who collected 78 prizes and sold 105 tickets for the last Euchre. The chairman of the Euchre Committee, Mrs. Marshall, made a final report of $205 cleared that evening. When turning over the money to Father Pohl, she handed him $5 too much and it was returned.
Father Pohl announced that part of the Refreshment Committee was ill all day, ill this evening and expected to be ill part of tomorrow, so could not be on duty for the evening. One member of the committee appeared with two cakes, but said. "What is that among so many, a miracle must be performed."
Then Father Pohl remembered the $5 he had returned to Mrs. Marshall.
"How many bricks would that buy?" he asked.
"Let the new officers buy the ice cream" was suggested.
"I should say not" from the officers.
Father Pohl: "Who said anything about ice cream? I spoke of cheese."
Protest from everyone.
Finally Mrs. Marshall and two others were delegated to go out to buy enough ice cream and cake to feed the crowd.
The question now puzzling the members is, "where do you go for ice cream when it takes one hour?" Mrs. Cavanaugh knows.
It is whispered that chicken salad is on the menu for the coming meeting and when members were suggesting what to bring. Father Pohl said, "I'll bring a couple friends."
MIDNIGHT MASS CHRISTMAS
An elaborate musical program has been arranged by Miss Minnie Carreras, organist, and the choir of St. James Church for the solemn midnight mass at Christmas. The following is the program
During the year membership in the choir has increased considerably. The members are Helen Dolan Walsh, Margaret Centiempo, Bernadine Quinn, Mayme .Brady Hayes, Velma Trammel, Corine Gittins, Kathryn Moran Hefele, John Lawrence, Francis Collins, Louis Riegel, George Wiber, Charles Heil, Mr. Pieschel, John Kelly, William Koncen, Charles Brady.
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Edward Anthony Pilla and Dollie Kelly were married in the Rectory, November 19th. Mrs. Pilla who is a non-Catholic, is taking instructions.
The Dolan Real Estate reports a sale to Henry McCauley of the Hawkins residence, 1522 Tamm Ave.
ST. JAMES PAROCHIAL SCHOOL ALUMNI NEWS
Miss Hildegard Kriegshauser, daughter of Mr. George Kriegshauser the popular undertaker, was married on October 28th, to Edwin Walker Buchanan.
Father O'Connor of Our Lady of Lourdes, in whose parish the bride lived, officiated, and Marie, sister of the bride and Ernest Eggler were bridesmaid and best man.
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Edna Cleary of Chelsea, Kansas, who, when she was at school, in St. James, in 1907, resided in Wade Avenue wrote for her baptismal certificate, and announced she was about to enter the Dominican Convent, Sparkill.
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Leola Shaffrey, Corine Witt and Catherine White, whose names in religion are Sisters Domitilla, Michael and Ligori, made their final vows at the Good Shepherd Convent, November 21st. Father O'Connor paid them a visit and reports they are splendid religious women. Catherine and Leola have been working among the negroes. They are now stationed in Chicago. Corine has had considerable trouble with an infection in the ear and remains for a time in St. Louis.
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Sister Irene Barr is on a visit to St. Louis. The northern climate was not agreeing with her.
FARMERS PARTY
St. James Alumni Dramatic Club
St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will entertain members and their husbands and wives, on Thursday evening, December 9th, at .St. James School Hall and give a Farmers Party, at which everyone will be dressed in good old farmer style. Anyone coming in metropolitan dress will be considered out of keeping with the spirit of the occasion. The arrangement committee have planned to have an orchestra present and will serve refreshments. If there is a large crowd and a great variety of costumes a prize will be given to the one who has the most becoming dress.
To defray the expense, a nominal charge of 25c will be made for admission.
Preceding the party, a short business meeting will be held which will over at 8 o'clock sharp.
The Farmers Party this year is expected to surpass the one given last year, which many of the alumni members will recall was one of the pleasantest events of 1925.
BAPTISMS IN NOVEMBER
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James Loftus, brother of Mrs. George Diehl, 1437 Hampton Ave., who had been an inmate of a Sanitarium for several years, was buried from St. James Church, on Friday, November 26th. May he rest in peace.
MRS. WIBER INJURED
A steam-operated cooking oven exploded last Sunday at the home of Mr. George Wiber, 1318 Tamm Ave. Mrs. Wiber was struck in the face by a fragment and knocked unconscious. Her mother, Mrs. Placke, who was by her side escaped injury.
After much difficulty, Fred Placke secured the services of a doctor, who decided Mrs. Wiber should be rushed to St. Mary's Hospital. On examination it was found that there was a deep gash over her eye which inclined the doctor to fear there was a fracture of the skull and possibly a hemorrhage of the brain. After an x-ray picture was made of the injury the diagnostician was more optimistic and on Monday he felt confident Mrs. Wiber would be able to go home in a few days.
"Let's Go" congratulates Mrs. Wiber that her case was not more serious. The Wiber family have for many years been untiring church workers.
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
Dear Charlie
i guess you hav herd that we are goin to bild a nue Church in st. James. the Pastor has finely consent to lussen up and let go of the cash wot he has been holden out on us for the pas few years, an spend it for a swel bilding wot we already hav the plans made for an they tel me it is going to be grand altho of corse dont no much about plans. the Paster says he is goin to bild the church nex year so i will let you no wen the corner stone layin takes place an you can come out an join us.
Mrs. Bovard is stil presidun of the mothers Club an Chief boss of the school lunch rum. looks like she has estoblish a dinastey out of that job. stil i gess that job needs some one wot can talk a lot an Mrs. Bovard is the longes an fastes talkin woman i ever herd.
Mike Maloney is stil single an i cant understan wether that guy is to smart for the wimen or if he has got a charm life, but i think some of them has ther eye on him an now that he is drivin a ford i imigin it wont be long til lie is hook by some wise fisher-womin.
i dont gess you herd that Mrs. Conroy has anuther baby boy an frum wot i understan he is a chip off frum the old block. i herd that wen he was six weakes old he told Adele a bunch of nue joks an entertain her for two hours. some kid.
the Ryans is stil operatin there filin stashun at Clayton an crescent avenues onley it is not eddie any more but now it is eddie an joe. i herd two fellers disgusting that an one of them said that as long as eddie uset to be a blacksmith he probably had plenty of brawn an tuck joe in so that they woud hav som brains in the bisiness.
Bill 'Menner is operatin a barbur shop at Central an Clayton avenues wick he calls the Dewey Shop on account of the close shave george give the spaniards in Manile in 1898 or mayby he expecks to get the job of bobbin the Dewey School teachers an kids. in that case the shavin bisness wont be so good.
Martin Coad tuk a few of the boys to his hous the other evening for a sochibel game an wen i say tuk i mean it. he tuk up there time an he tuk mos of there jack and i gess the Coads had turky for Thankgiven as a rezult.
wel Charlie, i dont no any more nuws so i will clos with bes regard,
Your freind,
Henry.
St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 30, 1926.
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