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."
My dear Parishioner;
It is a great source of pleasure for me to know that the most usual topic of conversation in your gatherings, is the parish church. As the work goes on, the enthusiasm of the parishioners, I am Informed, increases, and each one of you views with an admiring interest, every shovel of cement and every stone that is being laid. And well you may, for this is your own accomplishment, you are the ones who are paying the men on the job, and the money which I will give them shall be that which comes from your tiresome labor and sacrifice, and from the Impulse of your generous hearts.
Every act has Its blueprint in the mind and contributions toward the building of a church are the natural fruits of a living active faith that is inspired by love.
The love that prompts Individuals or families to economize and scrape in order to keep up their weekly contributions to the church is the tenderest expression of devotion; out of such hearts come great ideals and fine principles, these are open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, and their good deeds are not confined to their church envelope, they go abroad like the gentle breeze and carry sympathy and good will into the lives of others.
There are two things that cannot be concealed, fire and love, where there is fire there is smoke and where there is love there is sacrifice. Love for Cod is not a coffined skeleton, like perfume it goes abroad and is not lost. like radium it energizes and is not diminished.
Enthusiasm and personal interest in church affairs, moral and financial support of ones parish, are the best assurance of a rugged healthy spiritual being that becomes more robust as it exercises its devotion.
The founders of our Christian faith were not timid, anemic stay-at-homes who feared to take a step or say a word lest it might evolve them in difficulties, they were big enthusiasts who were devoid of selfishness and counted it gain to sacrifice their all for God.
Where religious convictions are sufficiently strong or religious feeling sufficiently intense, donations toward a New Church are given with pleasure; nor does the effort cease with the gift, it continues to exert a helping hand in every phase of parish life. The parish worker, the parochial enthusiast is always watching for an opportunity to interest others in parish affairs. He knows what is going on and considers it a duty to get behind it, make It bigger and drive it faster. Parish loyalty is his watch word, and sacrifice and service are his ideals.
The parish picnic is a good Illustration of this sentiment. I was unable to be present because of a sprained foot. From my window I saw the parade of automobiles going to the grounds. The “Old Guard” were, with few exceptions, in line, their machines were decorated for the occasion, they were inspiring enthusiasm and advertising the event. Without their cooperation the affair would have started with a blistered heel. Of course there are many parishioners who of necessity must be pedestrians, the difficulty of getting to the grounds was somehow surmounted, and many of them were at hand when the picnic opened.
When Father Pohl returned at night, I asked how large was the crowd? Who were the best workers? Was so and so present? And the answers I received to these questions were so satisfactory I thanked God for the good people I have.
There is established a splendid parish organization; It has taken years of effort and is now automatic, I am not necessary to its function, it is self operating and efficient. As long as it continues its existence every difficulty will be surmounted, every obligation discharged.
I call your attention to these things because many of you undoubtedly have attached little importance to the various events under church auspices which are in the nature of social gatherings, you have been accustomed to measure them by a financial standard and say, “the church won’t lose by my absence, I will drop an additional dollar in the basket next Sunday, and I won’t be missed anyway.” This is all very kind and humble indeed, but your presence is worth more than your money, and as for being missed, the ones who are faithful, sympathetic and self sacrificing are always missed, The selfish generally pay for their own tombstones, and all their estate cannot purchase a sincere tear or a wish for their return. Unselfishness is the key to all the doors of love and Christ for this reason outlives the Centuries.
Yours in Christ,
PATRICK J. O’CONNOR, Adm.
We all have within us that vague and general idea of the religious life which enables us to recognize it when it is described as a life directed to personal perfection or a life seeking union with God. Under these twofold aspects it is met with in all ages and places; every soul possesses an inclination to good and inclination towards God. There are everywhere souls that willingly follow these inclinations, and consequently religious souls. Sometimes they attach more importance to the tendency to self-perfection, sometimes to the tendency towards God; in other words, the ascetic tendency or the mystical tendency; but since God is the end of man, the two tendencies are so similar as to be practically one.
The religious life of the nuns who teach in the parochial schools of our country is of its nature, active and self-effacing. The nun who is placed in a parish mission far from her mother house, and in circumstances where her bodily needs are with difficulty provided for has enough of asceticism without seeking any that is artificial. Her greatest sacrifices are not those called for by her vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, but by those unusual incidences and difficulties never contemplated or provided for by the rule of her Order.
In parochial life she will find opportunities of advancing the glory of God and promoting the interest of the church in many ways apart from her official work of teaching. She does not cease to be a woman when she becomes a nun, and her special training and womanly efficiency enables her to do many things which could not be attended to and would be neglected unless she took a religious Interest in promoting the welfare of the parish to which she is assigned.
Fortunately for St. James Parish, the nuns, who were first assigned to it, interpreted their obligation In accordance with the needs of the parish. On their arrival they not only devoutly assisted at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass but took a zealous interest in all that pertained to its proper solemnity. They began to make cassocks and surplices for the altar boys; to patch up vestments that were threadbare, to make Communion and Altar Breads and supervise the decorations and linens that were used in the Sanctuary; they drilled the children for parish plays and entertainments and incidentally by this means, made it possible for the parish to give them a sustenance.
Their interest in the children did not cease with the gong that called for the closing of the school, they took an interest in their home life and often out of their slim means, provided the poorest of them with shoes and clothes and books, sometimes going so far as even to fine work for those that were in the graduating class; they visited the sick, consoled the dying, and prayed for all, hence the names of Sisters Catherine, Louis and Loyola are held in benediction by the people of the parish.
The nuns at present in charge have continued the tradition and their willingness to co-operate in parish activities has not diminished, though, perhaps, the needs of the parish are not as great as they were in former years.
The school entertainment is not necessary to provide the school teachers salary, the parish treasury is sufficiently strong to defray the expense of the school, but the extraordinary work of the sisters has not ceased. Day after day their helpfulness in things parochial is noted by priests and parishioners, and their silent work goes on in their convent and chapel with the same zeal and fervour as if there were no parochial distractions; their salary has not been materially increased in many years, they have to practice economy in their home life and usually are necessitated to do the work of their kitchen. They never complain or get weary, their life is a sermon in work and in word. One of the greatest boons that has been conferred in St. James was given the day when the Dominican Sisters were given charge of the parochial school.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dolan and family. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Murphy and family, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pahl and family. Mrs. Frank Walsh and family went on a fishing trip with Father O’Connor to Gascondy Lodge on the Gasconade River where they had a very enjoyable time for a week. The fishing was excellent, they caught several strings of bass which were at an average of about a pound weight, even the ladies participated in the catch and have to their credit many big ones.
lona Maria Zundell, 6498 Dale Avenue.
Miss Delia Dowling, sister of Mrs. P. H. Murphy, 6219a Victoria Avenue, whose death had been expected for several weeks, died on Thursday, July 28th and was buried from St. James Church the following Saturday.
Miss Dowling’s preparation for death was most edifying, she knew that she was in her last illness and every day recited with the priest and the family the prayers for the dying. In the morning she would receive Holy Communion and speak of approaching the Judgment of God. She was humble and hopeful and Reconciled. She was a sister of Rev. M.J. Dowling, Tasmania, Australia, who it will be remembered, said Mass in St. James Church several times in 1923, whilst on a vacation, and preached excellent sermons. She resided with him in Tasmania a few years and was intensely attached to him. Her greatest struggle was to dispose herself to die without meeting him again.
When Father O’Connor was going on his fishing trip she had him promise that if she died he would come home for the funeral and recite the Rosary at her wake and on his return he found her condition apparently no worse than it was when he left. He regretted very much that he wasn’t able to be at the funeral.
Her intimate friends were very faithful to her during her Illness, each night a few of them watched at her bedside over a period of three weeks and her funeral was largely attended.
May she rest in peace.
The ideals of Columbianism have been given a practical interpretation by Mr. James A. Flaherty, Supreme Knight, which every pastor will applaud and of which every sincere K. C. will approve.
The greatest organization in the Catholic Church is the Parish. It is of ancient establishment and of church institution. It is the unit that collects the sheep as in a fold and administers to the needs of the flock. In its center is the parish church, close to it the rectory, the parish school, the parish hail and the teachers home. These buildings represent the parish pride, parish prosperity and parish efficiency; without them the work of the church could not go on, they are the dynamic power house in which the church functions, and around which the parish forms.
In former times it was the ambition of every new formed organization to be national or diocesan before it became parochial, the trend of today is to build the Catholic movement on a more solid foundation, and to begin with the parish as the unit, and the parish to parish and diocese to diocese as cells are united in a honeycomb.
Hence Mr. Flahrty’s words are timely when he admonishes the Knights in the following terms.
“No matter.” he says, “how enthusiastically you engage in activities of your Council, or how helpful you are to your brother Knights or how zealous you are in promoting the growth of columbianism, you have not done all that a Knight should do. These things are good and these you are expected to do. But, if, along with these, you are not also active enthusiastic and zealous for the growth and prosperity of your parish, you are delinquent in one of the essentials of true Knighthood.
Pasteur, the great French scientist, attained eminence beyond that of most Catholic men. But he retained enough simplicity and enough humility to come back to the parish where he was horn to carry the canopy in a Corpus Christi procession.
So much for those who look upon parish world as something beneath them. I am sure that no Knight of Columbus will be found among them. There is danger, however, that a Knight of Columbus will become so altogether wrapped up in his Council and its projects that he will become neglectful of what is unquestionably his first obligation -- his obligation to his parish church. When your pastor wants work done, he has a right to look for your assistance. See that he has it. When he wants funds for the church or for the school, he has a right to expect help from you. When he wants preparations made for a carnival, a field day, a festival of any sort, he naturally calls upon you. Service is the purpose of the Order’s existence. And that service is not meant to be self-service. Most of the services we have opportunity to render are small. But they are important and they should be rendered generously and with good humor. Rescue a man from a rushing torrent and you are awarded a medal. Drive a tent peg for your parish field day and you may mash your thumb. It is my idea that the mashed thumb is as much a badge of honor as the medal. I am happy to say that I have heard many pastors highly praise the Knights of their Parish for work they have done in the interest of the parish. I know of no higher praise that could come to a Council. I know of no more certain Indication that the members of a Council are practicing the ideals upon which our Order is founded. I urge all Councils to take more than ordinary interest in parish activities, to do a little more, even, than they may be required to do. To do less would he shameful -- as shameful as the spectacle of “crack” troops throwing down their guns in the midst of battle.”
Mrs. Jim Gallagher, formerly Bessie O’Gorman, has been home on a visit and expects to rejoin her husband next week.
It Is taken for granted that you have been trained in your former parish to the duty of supporting the church, and that you wish to adapt yourself to your new parish.
Our method is a free and easy one and gives to the contributor an opportunity of expressing his generosity and practical Catholicity.
We do not charge for pews nor children In the parochial school and rarely solicit subscriptions in the homes or from individuals. We ask each wage earner to give on the Sunday after he receives his salary 4 pennies out of each dollar, to the support of parish institutions. This is enclosed in an envelope on which is the donor’s name to be recorded in the parish account books. A few times a year statements are mailed to contributors; and packages of envelopes are given in the beginning of the year or when requested.
This method has proved very satisfactory and has made it possible for us to undertake the erection of a parish church that will cost not less than $200,000.
It may be reasonably supposed that we are at this time very anxious to increase the parish funds and will deem it a great favor if you and your children fall In line and make the customary contributions.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred McKenna who resided, before leaving the parish, at Grandview visited the Rectory last week and donated a window for the new church.
Mr. Chas. F. Curtin, son of the late Dr. Henry Curtin, Clara and Easton Avenues, was married at St. James Church on Saturday morning. July 16th to Miss Selma Walberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abie Walberg, St. Barbara’s Parish.
Miss Walberg is a convert to Catholicity and was instructed by Father 0’Connor during Lent. For this reason permission was granted to her to be married at St. James; when Father O’Connor was an assistant priest at St. Edwards, Mr. Curtin was one of his little pals.
On the occasion of the wedding the church was crowded and a breakfast was served later at the Chase Hotel.
Phillip Chiaurro and Vincencia Grandinetti, both of St. James Parish were married on July 27th by Father Pohl.
Lawrence Besand, son of the late Adolph Besand of the Benton district was married from Nuptial Mass on July 11th to Miss Marie Weisler of St. Roch’s parish.
Layton Blank and Mida Besand were bride-groom and bridesmaid. Permission was granted by Father Spencer to have the marriage take place in St. James Church.
John McEvoy, Victoria Avenue was married on July 20th to Miss Genevieve Junge at St. James Church by Rev. J. P. Johnson of St. Teresa’s Parish.
Father Johnson is an old acquaintance of the McEvoy family and was instrumental in the conversion of the bride.
Hope you had a good time, but don’t forget those 4 per cent envelopes which are probably still in the dresser drawer. The church needs your back dues. The congregations on Sundays at the various Masses are becoming notably small, and as a consequence the Sunday collections are decreasing.
The work on the church is going on and the expense is increasing. Your best efforts are needed to cope with the situation.
Please examine your conscience and if you are delinquent begin next Sunday to make up your deficit.
Master Louis Schollmeyer and his sister Virginia discharged the promise that they made at the barbecue and paid towards the new church fund, $100 last Sunday.
Mr. Nicholas Nolan, a former parishioner, forwarded the church a check for $15 which he said he owed to the parish on the 4 per cent collection at the time of his departure.
The general contractor has intimated to us that he will in all probability submit a bill of $10,000 before the 10th of the month to meet the expense of his initial work on the building.
Sufficient bonds and securities are not maturing at this time to meet the obligation, and unless the current funds are sufficiently increased, we will be compelled to withdraw our money from interest and pay a commission on the sale of the bonds. It would facilitate matters if parishioners, whose payments on the promises made at the barbecue or whose 4 percent are not complete, were to make an effort to send in their biggest contributions at their earliest convenience.
Sister Raymunda was operated upon on Wednesday morning at St. John’s Hospital and had her tonsils removed.
Misses Ann and Frances Campbell sisters of Mrs. H. A. Brightly, 1039 Aberdeen Place, left Sunday. July 31st, on a trip to Colorado.
The Angelic Warfare Society are conceded to have the first place of honor among the societies that worked for the picnic. All the articles in their booth were donated and their returns were the greatest. They wish to call the attention of the parishioners to the following list of merchants who made generous donations of prizes.
Cedar Chest McNichols Furniture Co. Mrs. B. Quinn
Silver Set Hoyt Jewelry Co. Mrs. P. Dolan
Bridge Lamp Hellrung & Grimm Mrs. Jenneman
Table Lamp Langan Furniture Co. Mr. Killian
Silver Spoons Robbins Jewelry Co. Mr. Pieschel
5 gallon motor oil Mr. E. Ryan Mrs. Pieschel
5 gallon motor oil Standard Oil Co. Mr. Tom Dailey
Linen Luncheon Set Mrs. Scott Mrs. Kelly, (Lloyd Ave.)
lnner Tube Mr. E. Ryan Mrs. Burke
Picture B. Herder Co. Mr. Bersch
1 Ton Coal O'Connor Coal Co. Mr. M. Coad
Window Drapes Mrs. Ward Mrs. Lederle
Card Table Prufrock-Litton Co. Winner not known
Table Lammert Furniture Co. Angelic Warfare
Ferns Grimm & Gorly Winner not known
Ferns Schaeffer Floral Co. Winner not known
Coffee Nash-Smith Coffee Co. Winner not known
Silver Salt and Pepper Gradwohl Jewelry Co. Winner not known
Cakes Miss Kern Winner not known
Cakes Mrs. John Kelly Winner not known
Sign Murphy Truck and Auto Signs Winner not known
Articles received and retained for a Euchre the date of which will be announced later.
Mrs. Scott Linen Luncheon Set
Mr. Ed. Ryan Inner Tube
Standard Oil Co. 5 Gallon Motor Oil
Warfield Shoppe, Miss Forest Antique Vase
Curran Coal Co. Ton of Coal
Switzer Candy Co. Candy, (50 lbs.) -- Prize Bags
Schineckebier Candy Co. Candy
Many Hand Embroidered Articles
Burke Jewelry Co. Articles for Prize Bags
General Dry Goods Store, 6400 W. Park 1 Silk Undergarment and Fancy Aprons
Mrs. Plengemeier 1 Pair Pillow Cases
Receipts $14,143.96
Expense $ 291.46
The School Improvement Committee of which Mr. Wm. Hense, Sr. is an enthusiastic member has accomplished much since it was reorganized last March. It has purchased and paid for of an acre of ground to be used to extend the school yard; assisted the Sisters in successfully staging the school children’s entertainment and promoting the picnic that was recently held at Barthold’s Grove.
It reports having received the net receipts of the school children’s entertainment, the parish picnic, donations from the school children’s self-denial fund, from the Holy Name Society, Mothers’ Club and Mr. Hense; in the following amounts:
Mr. Hense $318.00
Mothers’ Club $183.00
Holy Name Society $148.50
School Children’s Sell-denial $184.72
School Children’s Entertainment $467.50
Picnic $753.50
Mr., John Blasitz $50.00
--------------
$2105.26
John Blasitz --- $50.00
Dominico Palumbo --- $277.50
Frank Pilla --- $318.00
Louis Martin --- $183.00
Mr. Thomure --- $148.50
Dodds Surveying Co --- $50.00
Evens & Howard Sewer Pipe --- $184.72
A. F. Ansbro, Installing Sewer --- $216.27
Engineers and Other Bills --- $ 50.00
-------------
Total --- $1477.99
Balance --- $ 627.27
The committee in charge of the administration and the formation of this fund comprises Mrs. Bovard, President of the Mothers’ Club, John J. Kelly, President of the Holy Name Society, Father O’Connor representing the School Children. Mrs. Plengemeier, representing the Angelic Warfare Society. Mr. Hense, representing the Boosters Club. Honorary members. Father Pohl, Mrs. Sam Gittens, Mr. Ed. Pierce, Mr. Joseph Pieschel.
This committee have invested $500 in the purchase of a bond bearing 6 per cent and intend increasing the fund by giving during the early fall and winter months dances, euchres and other entertainments in anticipation of further improvements including fencing, landscaping and decorating of school yard and partitioning of temporary church when vacated.
Miss Ruth Pierce, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Pierce, 1223 Childress Ave. was operated upon on July 5th at the Children’s Hospital to straighten one of her limbs which has been defective since birth. The cast was removed during the past week and the surgeons are very hopeful that the defect is removed. She has not whimpered once during her painful ordeal. She is a brave little lass.
Mr. Joseph Pieschel, chairman of the parish picnic is very pleased with the outing and wishes to give credit to the many parishioners who cooperated with him so earnestly among whom were, Mrs. Bovard, president of the Mothers’ Club, Mr. John J. Kelly, president of the Holy Name Society, Mrs. Irvin, vice-president of St. Ann’s, Miss Genevieve Mahon representing the Virgin Mothers Sodality, The Sisters and a large representation of the Angelic Warfare Society.
The old guard had many representatives, including Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Corbett, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wiber, Mr. Will Hense. Mrs. Wm. Hefele, Frank Walsh, Ray Dolan, Anthony Palumbo, Ollie Dolan, Arthur Pahl, Sr., Arthur Pahl, .Jr., Martin Coad, Henry Hugeback, James J. Kelly, P. J. Connors, Eddie Ryan, Mrs. Plengemeier, Dan Murphy, Mrs. Foley, Loretta Bisso, Mrs. Mary Bisso. Mrs. Bersch, Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. James Fahey, Mrs. Pierce, Geo. Jenneman, Capt. Foley, Sterling Rose, Mrs. Le Garce.
Harry Placke was marshal of the parade, Alan Baer, cashier and Father Pohl general director.
Mr. Eddie Ryan went on August 1st to Gascondy where he intends spending a few days fishing. The fish had better look out, if they are not taken by his line and hook they will surely be taken by his line and lingo. He may not bring back fish but It may be depended upon that he will have a bag full of fish stories. Wouldn’t be surprised if he has taken his grandson to row the boat.
Father O’Connor sprained his foot when passing over one of the walls in the basement of the new church and during the past few weeks has been under the care of Dr. Robert Brent Murphy. He was unable to go out of his room for several days and it was noticed when he said Mass last Sunday that he was still in a crippled condition. He anticipates no permanent injury and says he has had a splendid rest.
Work on the new church is progressing, the casement walls are now complete and are to the level of the floor. The floor space will be covered with a fireproof bed of concrete seven inches thick next week.
A sample of the stone masonry on the front wall gives a good idea how the church will look and makes a very favorable impression. The steel work is the next part of the construction to be undertaken.
Miss Romaine Trammell, 1325 Ripple Street, was recently operated upon by Dr. Robert Brent Murphy at the Deaconess Hospital for appendicitis and is now convalescing.
Mrs. M. O’Brien, 1228 Tamm Avenue, who was reported being in a critical condition, in the last issue, is now well and was seen in church last Sunday.
Mr. Stephen Boyer is still in a serious condition at his home, 6705 Garner.
Mrs. Dr. R. Brent Murphy is on a trip to Memphis visiting her sister.
Mr. John A. Mahoney has been granted permission to sell the Extension Magazine in St. James Parish during the month of August.
We take this occasion to warn the parishioners against bogus collectors for church funds and unauthorized agents for Catholic Magazines.
There are some who even solicit donations for causes which quickly arouse ones sympathies such as flood sufferers, orphan homes, missions in China and Japan, and girls homes in Honolulu.
Regardless of tire dress, or pious pretentions of the solicitor, or of the cause they say they represent, prudence and common sense makes it proper to refuse them donations unless their presence in the parish is advertised from the Altar or in an issue of Let’s Go.
We scarcely ever refuse recognition to official and legitimate collectors. Don’t be fooled with a Rosary or Crucifix in the hands of a thief, who will endeavor to arouse and to play on your religious emotions.
Mrs. Irene M. Mills, Miss Celeste M. Lynch, 6682 Oakland Avenue are touring the Pacific Coast and intend staying in Los Angeles during the month of August. The train on which they rode, they report, struck an automobile and killed the occupants, a man and woman.
Mrs. Herbert Lutz, Buck Avenue, fell when rescuing a pony and had her arm broken in two places. Notwithstanding her injury she was seen in church last Sunday.
We regret we did not take cognizance in our last issue of the fact that three of our young parishioners, Mary Harris, Adele Maria Hines and Rosemary M. Newport graduated from the Rosati-Kain High School and that Margaret A. Ludden was awarded a diploma at St Mark’s High School.
Should any of the parishioners visit one of the above stores it would be quite proper for him to express in behalf of the parish our appreciation of the donation.
Circulars were distributed in this Community during week on which was written “Do Not Patronize Walsh Cleaning -- unfair to Retail Cleaners Union.”
I wish my patrons to know I am an upholder of Union Labor and made application to register my store in the Union -- but was denied admission because my store is within three blocks of next the presser -- I was not aware of this objection when I rented it.
Advertisement.
FRANK WALSH.
Mr. Ray Dolan reports that Manchester Ave. is to widened 45 feet and made a thorough-fare like Kingshighway. The row of houses on the north side of the street will probably be torn down and property values in the adjoining blocks will increase.
St. James Parish Church and School will thus be located within three blocks of and between the two greatest thoroughfares leading into the city. Transients may be expected on seeing the church spire to join the Sunday congregations.
Mrs. James Hasty. 1549 Tamm Avenue who it was reported was operated upon for cancer of the breast, is again stricken with cancer of the tongue.
Mr. Dan Sheehan and the Dolan Real Estate Co. attended to the transfer of property for the School Yard free of charge, also to the purchase of the Cottage by the Church site.
Mr. Edward Cody furnished a man and superintended the connecting of the School Yard and other sewers with the main and sent in no bill.
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
July 3, 1927.
dear Charlie:
wel, Father pohl finely done it. yes sir, he has got a new machine, but if you got a proposhion like he got, maby you wood trade in your old rattel-trap too. it seam Ilk he decide to get a nue machine, an he asket a salsman wot he wood alow for the oakland an he study quit a wile an then he said “I will give you a nue machine an 2 qts. of oil for the old 1. wel father didnt feint till after he said yes and got outside but he kep thinkin about why shud they give him such a good offer an finely his curosity got the bes of him an he went down to find out about it, and there, was the oakland in the winder an a big crowd around an a sign on the winder wich said, “1/2 a million miles and still goin good.”
1 of the ladies of the naborhood wus complainin the other day becaus she did not have enuf nurishment for her baby wich is a cupple weeks old, an the doctor told her she shud drink sum beer an she kicked becus it is again the law and she dont like beer anyhow. A day or 2 later I overherd Eddie Ryan tellin about the swel beer he wus getting sumwares and he said “yesterday I put away 7 qts. of it
without no help.” an I wus thinkin, with ‘a capacity like that, wot a wonderful we nurse Eddie wud make.
the pastor Is been laid up for a cupple of weaks with a sprain ankel an he is worryin his-self gray for fears the men workin on the nue church wil try to put acros a fas I wile he is away, an probably after he gets out they wil have to tare out a lot of the work an do it over. he got a bad sprain an I dont no how it happen but I herd 1 feller say that the pastor saw sumone drop a nickle wot they wus going to put in the basket, and he got hurt runnin after it, but i dont put much stock in that yarn on acount of i dont think he wood get hisseif hurt that bad for less than a quarter at least, do you charlie?
father Oconnor went on a fishin trip with the Pahl an Dolan an Murphy famlys an i understan all of the wimen had a exelint time but the men did not enjoy therseif so much on account of they tuk along a lot of flies an reels an lines and wus braggin about how much they nowed about fishin and how much the wimen didnt no, and they fished thereself tired and didnt get nuthin, an then the wimen tried there luck an they ketch so meny bass that they showed the men up an it cost the fellers about 8 dollars to buy enuf fish to beat the record the wimen hung up. they ought
to have better sense than think they no anything about fishin becaus them wimen is got lots of experence and each of them has alredy mak a sucker out of sum man, and has land herself a big fish.
you certinly mis it by not bein at the picnick wot we had the 24th of the mo. becaus it wus sum picnick. Father pohl made up for missin the school picnlck, an him an Joe pieschel manage the whole thing an they made a lot of money for the school groun an eveiebodie had a good time an so I gess they aint no dout that it was a big sucess. frank Walsh turn in a big profit on a game wich sum of the folks thot they cud beet, an the way frank tak the money away from that crowd it seem lik he is makin a mistake by tryin to earn his livin honest, an he had tony Polumbo, in the booth with him, and tony is studyln to be a priest, an I gess he was gettin sum pinters on how to get the peeples money an mak ‘em lik it.
Bartolds home-spun made a big hit with sum of the boys an they spent a lot of time in the big place at the bottom of the hill, an It wasent long befor they wus harmonizing to the strains of “Sweet Adeline,” with “geets” Gittens singing tenor, but Esther didut think so much of it and broke up the harmony with a few bars of discard, but “geets” is got altogether the rong idear about thinkin he can leave his wife at the picknic wile he goes sumwares to blow foam in the face of old acquaintances, aint he Charlie? Eddie Ryan wus in the party an I gess that acount for why he entered in everie race, and never got his foot off the starin line.
Your particlar friend and uncle,
HENRY
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1927
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932
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