LET'S GO

February 5, 1928
Volume Four, Number Two

PARISH PUBLICATION: 1925-1932
Special thanks to Joe Boman and family for the loan of their bound copies of this rare publication.
Further thanks to Father Rauch for the loan of one issue which the Boman's didn't have
Without those loans this project could never have taken place.
Bob Corbett -- March 2004

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."

• Editorial Staff: Mr. William T. Boman and Mr. Robert Edward Pierce.
• Advertising Staff: Mr. Daniel J. Coad and Mrs. Sam Gittens
• DIRECTOR -- Rev. P. J. O'Connor

OUR PASTOR'S LETTER

My dear Parishioner;

The New Church is an important factor in the making of the parish, it is an evidence of parish unity, parochial pride and robust faith; but it is not a conclusive proof of genuine Christianity. This is to he sought for in the conduct. character and personal sanctity of each and every individual of the flock. The morals of a congregation are the pulse, the heartbeats, and the symptoms of spiritual disease or health, and unless a congregation can boast of sane living, honest dealing. reverence for God and His laws, the church edifice is no more than an highly ornamental shell encasing a decomposed kernel, and may he compared to the white sepulcher to which our Lord drew attention; 'Outside beautiful, inside full of dead men's bones.'

There are many indications of a healthy spiritual life in the parish, the church is crowded on Sundays, the contributions are generous, the number that goes to communion is edifying. the school is appreciated, but notwithstanding all these manifesations of practical Catholicity, there is forced upon me a suspicion that there is a breakdown in the moral standards of our homes, and that the old time vigorous Catholic atmosphere is disappearing. Too many young people are making light of the Sacramental character of marriage, it seems to matter little to them whether they are married in the Church or the City Hall. This levity of an elopement is smiled at by many and the congratulations are as fulsome after a civil ceremony as they are after a Nuptial Mass. The dignity of the new status that matrimony begets and obligations arising from the marriage bond are cheapened by the fact that the bride retains her position in the commercial world after she becomes a wife, offsprings are not apparently expected; home is only a name or a roosting perch for an ugly pair of sensualists.

Catholics are becoming too well acquainted with the path to the divorce court and the easy return with a new companion to married life. The harmony of immediate relatives seems to receive no shock at this disgraceful exhibition of contempt for God's Ordinance. "In the beginning it was not so." "What God has joined together let no man put asunder," is antiquated legislation for this modern generation. City ordinances are receiving more respect than the Creator's Commands, and repeal of a divine law is within the province of the conceit of every stripling scribbler and demagogue.

If St. James parish is to be built up spiritually and made attractive. the earnest members of the flock must look with no uncertain frowns of disgust at those nominal Catholics who would carry filth into our home life and are a scandal to the church. They ought to be refused admittance into Catholic circles, and ostracized by respectable Christian people. Their parents should be ashamed of them and shed tears of anguish for their spiritual bankruptcy, they are a disgrace to their relatives, their teachers and their pastors. On the occasion of their marriage their pastor instead of offering the votive mass pro sponso et sponsa might well take the next in the Roman Missal, votive mass contra paganos against paganism.

Levity, wholesome recreation and merriment are the natural outpourings of youthful hearts, the church does not endeavor to check or restrain these, joy and peace are marks of the presence of the Holy Spirit of God and children are perhaps more inclined to serve and reverence God than are adults, but inexperience and impulse require a sobering influence; parents have a big responsibility and cannot discharge their duties properly unless they have discipline and night prayers in the home and a solid virtue in themselves that will be instinctively copied by their offsprings.

Sincerely in Christ,
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR, Adm.

HOUSECLEANING IN THE RECTORY

The Rectory recently came under the critical inspection of the ladies of the parish. Mrs. Moore and a few of the neighbors who had been helping in the absence of a housekeeper decided that a housecleaning and renovation was sorely needed and they sent out calls for assistance. Mesdames Jones, Plengemeier, Cullen, Wiber. Irvin, White, Foley, Bersch, Meehan, Bisso, Cooper, Fieselman, Schuler and Margaret Flood responded and hoped to be able to complete the work in an afternoon. They began in Father O'Connor's sitting room to remove curtains, pictures, furniture, books, drawers and when darkness came they realized that they had undertaken a job that could not be accomplished in less than a week. They were not discouraged, and day after day they scrubbed, painted, moved rugs and furniture back and forward till the Rectory was shining and attractive.

The greater part of the Rectory walls is covered with Sanitos or oil paint, an accretion of soot and dust had settled on them, this it was found could he removed by washing with a solution of Dutch Cleanser. The ladies climbed ladders and scrubbed every inch of ceiling and side walls: the window frames and floors as well as the furniture also were washed, and when clean, varnish was applied to the woodwork : the floor space outside the rugs was painted or polished and the dining room, pantry, toilets, kitchen were given a coat of paint; a paper hanger was called in to renew the paper in the visitors’ room and with the exception of a little assistance rendered by the janitor and George Higgins, everything was done by the women,

The pastors suffered a little discomfort whilst the housecleaning continued but after it was finished they were delighted with the fresh, clean appearance of everything. The Rectory is more like a home now than ever it has been and the priests feel an added pleasure in the thought that so many of the parishioners were willing to work so hard and so persistently to bring a little comfort into their lives. Recurring kindness and consideration of this kind shown to the priests and sisters by the parishioners is one of the most endearing features of St. James Parish it means more to them than gold or silver of pretentious environment. They feel assured they have a place in the hearts of those for whom they labor and in the same spirit of good-will they endeavor to give back to the flock the best that is in them. Ladies, we thank you!

A DEATH BED REPENTANCE

Mrs. Weber, an old and respected lady who resided at the junction of Manchester and McCausland avenues, was given the grace to return to the Church previous to her death. She had neglected the practice of her religion for many years and her children have not been brought up in the Faith, but she was kindly disposed and charitable to all who were in want and God was not unmerciful of her many good works, hence her death-bed conversion. She died at her home January 19th and was buried from a funeral parlor at Webster on the following Sunday. One of her sons is the Building Commissioner of Maplewood. Her funeral and wake were largely attended. May she rest in peace.

ANGELIC WARFARE SOCIETY FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 1927

ST. ANN'S SODALITY REPORT FOR 1927

Expenses

EXAMINATIONS IN THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL

Keen competition prevails amongst the children for the honors of the respective classes. In the annual examinations which took place last week the following were awarded first; second, third and fourth places in their respective grades.

Eight Grade - Agnes Frattini, Mary Kearney, William Hazelett, Gertrude Stoverink. 7th - Helen Hazelett, Eileen Houlihan, Veronica Duggan, Mary McGrath. 6th - Agnes Duggan, Mildred Sullivan. Florence Foy, Mary Louise Godfrey. 5th - Mildred Sullivan, Ruth Heil, Rosalind Reese, Veronica Brady. 4th - James Kelly, John McCauley, Arthur Lafser, Paul Pursley. 3rd - Edward Regan, Owen Lavin, Rita Ward, Gertrude Foy. 2nd - Carmelita Kelly, Charles Klasek, Anna M. Lafser, Mary Gioia.

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Mr. and Mrs. Evens, 6638 Wise avenue, decided to bring up their family in the Catholic faith and had three of them baptized before Christmas at St. James Church, John Vernon Evens, age 12. Ralph George 7, and Mary I. It is expected the children will attend parochial school in the Fall term.

LENTEN REGULATIONS

The Lenten Season this year commences on February 22, Ash Wednesday.

The time for the fulfilling of the Paschal Duty is extended by special concession from the first Sunday of Lent to Trinity Sunday both inclusive.

The Lenten regulations for the year 1928, for the Archdiocese of St. Louis are the same as for last year.

All days of Lent (Sundays excepted) are days of fasting.

The use of flesh meat is prohibited on Wednesdays and Fridays, the Saturday of Ember Week, and the forenoon of Holy Saturday.

On all other days of Lent meat may be partaken of only at the principal meal by those who must observe the fast; but may be used oftener by those who are not obliged to fast.

Those who have completed their twenty-first year and who have not reached their sixtieth year are obliged to observe the fast of Lent, unless for some reason they are legitimately dispensed.

All who have completed their seventh year are obliged to abstain.

Those obliged to fast may take but one full meal, and in addition thereto a small portion of bread with tea, coffee or such like in the morning; and in the evening a collation which may not exceed the fourth part of the usual meal, or about eight ounces; at which collation the use of butter, cheese and eggs is allowed. The principle meal may be transferred from mid-day until evening.

Those engaged in hard labor, the sick, the convalescent, and those who cannot fast without grave injury to their health are exempted from the obligation of fasting.

Sickness or physical inability also excuses from the law of abstinence.

When in doubt regarding these obligations the pastor or confessor may be consulted.

By Special Indult working men and their families may use flesh meat once a day on all days of the year, with the exception of Fridays, Ash Wednesday, the Wednesday and forenoon of Saturday of Holy Week and the Vigil of Christmas.

DIED YOUNG

John Murray, 1326 Louisville avenue, age twenty-eight, the father of two children died from an attack of pneumonia at his home on January. He was reared in this community and attended the parochial school for a few years. The day previous to his death he received the last Sacraments. May he rest in peace.

WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR LENT?

The first preparation for Lent, therefore, is taking enough of time to decide what you should do, what you will do and when you will do it. Here we offer a few practical suggestions. You will probably find that for one reason or another you are excused from a rigorous fast, your work may be too hard, your nerve condition not so secure, your general health too poor to stand the strain of living on one whole meal, but you have appetites to curb and passions to subdue and appetites and passions are only kept in restraint by the constant exercise of self-denial; the Christian who does not know self-denial is not a Christian, he is simply a libertine and indulges whims and fancies and delusions until he has departed far from the code of morals given him by Christ.

Suggestion No.1, fast from something that appeals to the appetite, be it cake, candy, tobacco or intoxicating liquids.

All deliberate actions are preceded by a mental process in which comparisons are made of what is most desirable or most enjoyable or most practical, as a result a course of action is presented to the will as being good. When the action is sinful there is presented to the will a good which is an insult to the Creator and which is contrary to His Will. The will of man is at variance with the Will of God and the action is rebellious. The proper apology for such an insult to God is repentance followed by atonement, and Lent is the time for taking on self- inflicted punishment.

Suggestion No.2, punish yourself for your sins as a means of pleasing God and proving to Him that you are truly penitent.

Christ who was sinless fasted and prayed for forty days to give us an example of how to enter into a spiritual life. Fasting is abhorrent to nature and prayer is difficult, yet God requires us to fast and pray that we might become less attached to the world and more united with Him. This is impossible unless we in some way seclude ourselves from the world and its pleasures and enter into closer communion with God.

Suggestion No.3, deny yourself some social pleasure or pastime such as card parties, theatres, picture shows and unnecessary waste of time reading about crime and criminals and apply yourself in the interval to prayer, medita- tion or spiritual reading.

Naked we came into the world and naked we shall go out of it, all we can take with us is the good or evil we have done, few can say "so far 1 have harvested well," in the sowing there has been more cockle than wheat, more evil than good, more sin than virtue; when God puts your works before the winnowing tan of his judgment there will be more chaff than wheat unless you do some cultivating during Lent.

Suggestion No.4, do one or two good works each day such as visiting the Blessed Sacrament, giving an alms, visiting the sick. assisting at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which is a work of infinite value, saying the beads, suppressing anger. criticism, self love or other sinful inclinations.

There is 110 merit to works that are performed by one who is in a state of mortal sin, in so far as God is concerned we can do nothing to please Him as long as we are unrepentant of an insult offered to Him: no resolution therefore is of avail as long as we are set in the habit of sin or continue in the state of mortal sin.

Resolution No.5, go to confession at the very beginning of Lent and pray for Grace that you will persevere in God's love and friendship.

The sufferings and death of Christ are the constant theme of the Church during Lent and frequently is it recalled that salvation has come to us through the sufferings and death of our Savior, frequently we are taken to Calvary and asked to watch that agonizing figure dying for us on the cross, we are reminded it is our sins that made Him suffer and that for the love of us He died, we too must show love and a keen sympathy for our Savior and there is no better way that we can do so than by meditating on the passion and death of Christ, and recalling His desire at the Last Supper to be perpetually remembered through the institution of the Eucharist.

Resolution No.6, make the Stations of the Cross at least six times in Lent and go to communion daily if possible.

Devotions During Lent

Rosary and Benediction each Sunday night at 7:30, on Wednesday nights Rosary and Benediction and a sermon by a Jesuit Father, Friday afternoons, Stations of the Cross at 3:30 also at 8 p.m.

Mass on the week mornings, communion will be given at 6:25 immediately followed by Mass, Mass also at 8:30 except Saturdays.

Parents are reminded that it is a rule of the school that children must attend Mass during Lent at 8:30. On Saturdays there is only Mass at 6:30.

AN AD THAT BROUGHT TOO MANY CUSTOMERS

Joe Angeli, proprietor of the Highland Retreat had an ad, inserted in the December issue of Let's Go in which he advertised chicken dinners. It brought him more customers than he was able to take care of and he had to discontinue the ad. until he has made provisions for a bigger crowd and better service.

ENVELOPES FOR EACH WAGE EARNER

A carton of 4% envelopes for each wage earner whose name is listed as being a supporter of the parish was sent through the children to the parishioners on Friday afternoon. It is presumed there may be some errors in delivery and those who have not received envelopes are requested to notify the Rectory at their earliest convenience. Phone Hiland 0167. Every practical Catholic knows that the Church cannot function properly unless it has suitable parish buildings and the duty of erecting them and meeting the current expense of operation is an obligation that is distributive, and each one has a duty to give in proportion to his means. Good Catholics regardless of the length of time they are in the parish, discharge this obligation gladly and conscientiously, and do so in gratitude to God who has given them health, strength, earn- ing capacity and means.

That nothing may be wanting to the beautification and furnishing of the New Church, men, women and even children are asked to make special sacrifices this year and give every Sunday a small or large donation which they will enclose ill an .envelope. After the first contribution is made in February names need not be added as the number on the envelope will be an identification of contributor. It is expected that this method of contributing in an envelope every Sunday will stimulate the memories of the forgetful and the spirit of decency in the non-inclined, and increase the Offertory Collection.

WEDDING AND NUPTIAL MASS

On Wednesday January 25th Ed. P. Thiele, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Thiele, 6654 Villa avenue, an Alumnus of St. James Parochial School, was married from Nuptial Mass to Maria Herbeck, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Herbeck, also of Villa avenue. The young couple have known one another from childhood and are as high class a pair of Catholics as could be met with in this or any other congregation. They prepared for their marriage with Christian sobriety and were most zealous to comply with the laws of the Church. Banns were announced, baptismal records procured, confession made in anticipation of their Nuptial Mass and Communion. They knelt within the Sanctuary during the Mass and were given the Nuptial Blessing. Only a few of their relatives and intimate friends were present at the ceremony, it was a quiet affair but so religious it was edifying to witness.

John O'Connell and Josephine Nerviana were bridesmaid and best man. We wish Mr. and Mrs. Thiele all the happiness we hope for them in their blessed union.

TAKING INSTRUCTIONS

Mrs. Clara Jackson, 2063 Knox avenue, Mrs. Frances Mundi, 2538 Florient avenue, Maplewood, and Mrs. Mildred Hardweck, 6316 Isabelle avenue, Wellston, are taking instructions at the Rectory.

HOLY NAME SOCIETY NEW MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN

The well advertised effort to arouse interest in the Holy Name Society and get St. James branch thoroughly organized, met with splendid success on Monday, January 9th. The monthly meeting was held in the church and was addressed by Rev. Thomas Lloyd, Spiritual Director of the Archdiocesan Union and later in the hall downstairs by the rest of the Archdiocesan officers. It is estimated that over 220 men and boys were present in church and 100 new members were received into the Society.

Father Lloyd complimented the men of St. James on their faith and good works, saying the new church was the best proof that their faith was not dead. He encouraged the men and boys to have deep and earnest devotion to the person of our Lord Jesus Christ and to express their reverence for him not only by refraining from cursing but by their demeanor and good conduct and abiding faith in the goodness of God.

All present were well satisfied with the enthusiasm that was aroused by the meeting and the newly elected officers propose to perfect the organization and before the end of the year 1928 have every man and boy in the parish a member of the Society.

It was decided that the monthly meetings for some time would be attended only by the district organizers and the officers and would open at 8 o'clock sharp in church with recitation of the office as given in the manual.

The Holy Name Society intend giving their annual Shrove Tuesday entertainment in the School Hall, Tuesday, February 21st. Ed Pierce, Frank Walsh and George Jenneman are planning an interesting program which will be later announced from the altar.

HOLY NAME FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 1927

Receipts

Expenses

Further expenses

CONVENT ON FIRE

Whilst the janitor and Father O'Connor were cleaning a smoke stack in the convent, papers near the ceiling were ignited and the basement went on fire. They immediately endeavored to extinguish it by applying the hose, but failing to do so, Father O'Connor ran into the street and requested the passers-by to turn in the alarm. The workmen rushed in from the new church and before the firemen had arrived the flames were well under control. The school children, many of whom were grieving lest the Sisters have no home, removed a considerable share of the furniture, and later gave way to a hilarious spirit of excitement and triumph. A part of the kitchen floor was burned. The loss which amounted to about $50.00 was covered by insurance.

THE NEW CHURCH

Miss Eleanor Lott has endeavored to get a good picture of the new church as it is at the present time. The dark days and inclement weather made it difficult for her to take a picture that was entirely satisfactory.

The new church it will he seen is entirely under roof. A delay in the completion of the Hesche has arisen owing to the fact that an alteration is being made ill its height; better proportions and neater appearance is expected by lowering the cross 10 feet. The heating plant is operating and the plastering in the church is well under way. The arches and general design of the interior are now taking form and present a neat appearance. It has been decided to convert the store rooms in the basement into a week-day chapel and an alteration is made so that it can be heated from a separate line, this will eliminate the cost of heating the whole church for week-day Masses.

Mr. Gaytee the interior decorator is well pleased with the art glass production and says he will begin to install the windows before the end of the month.

MOTHERS' CLUB REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1927

Receipts

Cost of Operating Lunch Room

Miscellaneous Expenses

Summary of expenses

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Mr. and Mrs. Crotty have taken a trip to Florida and intend remaining there about six weeks. Mr. Crotty took his shot gun along and expects good hunting.

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Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh, a member of the parish choir is scheduled to sing over KMOX Tuesday evening, February 7tb, 6:30 p.m.

A CARD GAME TO GET ACQUAINTED

Mrs. Ray Dolan, Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh and Mrs. Mary Boerckel brought together a number of comparatively new parishioners who have rarely been seen before at parish gatherings and gave them a pleasant time at a Bridge and other card party in the school hall, January 31st. A prize was given to each table and with the exception of eight tables of progressive Euchre, each group were allowed to regulate their own game.

The hall was filled comfortably and everyone seemed to be in a mood to get acquainted, especially the parishioners who live north of Clayton avenue, many of whom were anxious to be introduced to one another: they have been meeting going and coming to church and not being acquainted they did not converse.

Coffee and cake were served free to all by the hostesses assisted by Miss Celeste Lynch and Roma Fisher, Mrs. Murphy, Ray Dolan, Arthur Pahl, Mesdames McDonnell, Bovard. Irvin, Wiber directed the game. Mesdames Stephen Burch, White, Loretto and Mrs. Bisso and Mrs. Plengemeier assisted in the kitchen.

MRS. McKEVITT'S FUNERAL

Mrs. Jane McKevitt, 6122 Crescent avenue, after a long and painful illness, died at her home on Saturday, January 21st. For several weeks her death was expected and she frequently received Viaticum. During her illness she was given affectionate care by her daughters, Mrs. Martineau and Mary McKevitt. She was seventy years old and thirty-five years a widow. For many years her life was a struggle and she had to work hard to rear and educate her large family, but she had the consolation that they appreciated her many sacrifices. She was much beloved especially by her grand-children, the young Martineaus and was given the greatest consideration by her son-in-law, Sergeant Martineau with whom she has long resided. She was a patient kindly woman and always a practical Catholic.

Her funeral took place from St. James Church on January 24th and was accompanied by many of her neighbors. May she rest in peace.

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Heating conditions in the Convent have been considerably improved by the purchase of a cabinet-stove which is set up in the dining room. The Sisters say it is a very great improvement and they are now comfortable.

THE SICK AND CONVALESCENT

Mrs. James Fahey, 1030a Forest avenue has been in a critical condition owing to an attack of pneumonia. It is believed the crisis is passed and that she is convalescing. In the early stages she presumed she was suffering from an ordinary cold and continued her household activities until a severe pain developed in her side when a doctor was called and ordered her to bed. She has been nursed in her home day and night by her daughter, Margaret.

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Mrs. P. ]. Mullarkey, 6402 West Park avenue, a new parishioner, whose little boy was reported in last issue of Let's Go to be suffering from pneumonia, became weakened from the strain of giving him constant attention and fell herself a victim to the disease. Her husband and relatives have been very fearful that she could not survive owing to her low vitality, and are earnest in their prayers that she be spared to her children. Her condition is hopeful.

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William Schmitz, 1304 Graham avenue has returned from St. John's Hospital to his home and is grateful for his improved condition. He had a severe attack of rheumatism of the heart.

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Patrick McGuire, Sr., an honest old settler, who has resided in this vicinity over forty years, was hit by an automobile near the Municipal Theater when going to work in the park January 9th. His two ankles were broken and he sustained a severe shock. Five of his ribs also were fractured. He was taken to the City Hospital and later transferred to St. Mary's. For several days he suffered excruciating torture, he had a cold which necessitated his coughing a great deal. It was feared that pneumonia would develop but the worst is over and it is hoped he shall be able to return home in a few weeks.

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Mrs. Fox. 1320 Tarnm avenue, is home from St. Anthony's Hospital. She is somewhat improved.

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Mr. Charles Heil, Sr., who owing to the infirmity of age, went to reside with his daughter, Mrs. Joseph Muehling, 6916 Cabanne avenue finding his condition improved decided he would be happier in his old neighborhood and has returned to his home. His daughter, Mrs. Kencen and family have come to reside with him.

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Mr. George Gagan, 6124a Victoria avenue, is a patient at Alexian Brothers Hospital.

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Mr. Emil Bujewski, 6144 West Park avenue, when going to work on Saturday, January 28th was struck by a street car at the corner of Hampton and Oakland avenues and narrowly escaped serious injury. He was taken to the car sheds where he was treated for laceration of the head. .

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Mrs. Domas, whilst on a visit to her daughter, Mrs. Hazelett, 1100 Louisville avenue, was threatened with pneumonia and is in a critical condition. She has been the mother of eleven children, nine of whom are living. One of her daughters is a Poor Claire Nun and the rest of her children are practicing Catholics, two of her sons recently moved in to St. James parish, one Mr. L. A. Domas resides at 1020a Forest avenue and Mr. O. E. Domas at 1003 Central avenue. Finding herself seriously ill, she could not rest happily until the priest came and annointed her.

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Mrs. Harold Kern, Central and West Park avenues, underwent a slight operation on January 28th. Her condition is not serious.

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Mr. John J. Brady, Lloyd avenue, developed pneumonia after his attack of pleurisy and was in a critical condition for several days. He is now convalescing.

AN INVALID SEVENTEENYEARS

Bernard Kenneth Birtley, when a little chap three years old, playing on the porch of his home fell from a balustrade and fractured his spine causing complete paralysis of limbs and partial paralysis of the brain. During all these years he was nursed by his mother, Mrs. William Birtley, until he died from pneumonia on January 10th and was mourned by her at his funeral as deeply as if he had attained perfect manhood.

He was buried from St. James Church, January 12th and his remains were interred in Sts. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

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Mr. John Smith, uncle of Michael J. and Margaret Smith, died at his home, Central and West Park avenues, January 21st at a very advanced age. Permission for the funeral was granted to the Immaculate Conception Church, St. Louis, in which parish he resided the greater part of his life. R. 1. P.

BAPTISMS

Joseph De Angelo, 1317 Hughes place.
Gloria Jean Cunningham, 1110a Tamm avenue.
John Louis Nolte, 6812 West Park avenue.

UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
February 5, 1928.

dear Charlie:

i have been watchin the progres of the new church wich is gradualy bein finished on the outside an i must say that st. james is goin to have a church to be proud of wen it is finish, but i wasn't so very enthuse about the tower wot they wus puttin on it, on aconut of it look more like a flag pole. Other natives must of found fault with it an so the Pastor put a article in Let's go explainin that it is not a spire, but it is a "f1eche," - wotever that is, -an so i guess if it is a fleche it is all right. but if it is a spire it would be 2 skinnie.

i figger the reason the Paster explain so careful that it was a "feche" an not a "spire" was cause he was afraid we might sumtinic have a lawsute on a count of maybe Lindy or sumone might be flyin over the church an if they would fall on this spire an get stabbed by it, they might sue the parish for buildin such a sharp spire, but if it is a fleche, wich is suppose to be skinny, then they would be flyin at there own risk, an wouldn't' have no recouse on the parish, an it just go to show how careful the Pastor figgers everything out.

i noticed 1 thing about the new church wich i bet is goin to worry the Pastor a lot an that is the 2 entrance at the front an 1 at the rear. he still likes to stand at the door an check up on all the customers wot miss mass, so he can tell em about it nex time he sees them, an he is going to have a busy time coverin all three of them exists, unless he closes 2 of em like he did in the old church.

billy Sunday has been hear for sum time holdin a revival meetin an tryin to reform all of the old soaks, an so the other evenin i was listen to him over the radio an he was rippin everybody up like he thought he was only 1 rightous person left in the world. As i sat their listen to him recount all of the sins of hunianity, it just seem like he knowed everything i ever done an wus throwin em up to me, an i begun to wonder if he wus superhuman an could reed peeples mind, an finely i couldn't stand it no longer, an i, got up an empty my glass in the sink, and didn't have no apetit for enything.

the mothers club is start in to reherse for there minstrel show, which usuallv makes st. Patricks day the biggest day of the yr. in this naborhood, an i under stand that they are developin a "pony ballet." an i wus telling the mrs. she ought to get in it on acount of she would fit in well with such robus wimen as mrs. Folcv and adele Conroy an mrs, mvDonnel and mrs. Cullen and mrs, Plengemeir. they ought to go well, pervided the stage is large enuff an strong enuff, an everone will think that Billy Watson is puttin all on the show.

frank Walsh is got a electric store on Tamm Ave., an is makin hisself disagreeable to all of the men in the naborhood hy using his dizzy line to talk the women into buying washing machines and electric irons anel mangles an radios and everything to "make there work a pleasure" as he puts it. he still talks so fast that he has to stop now an then to let his voice ketch up with him, an the other day i herd him tellin 1 woman that "if vou buv this washing machine, it won't be long 'till you will be beggin your nabors to let you do there washin for them," so you see he is the same old Frank.

charlie McVey is gone into the cleaning business with another jewish person by the name of H. Silk, an it seams to be charlies ambishun to make the naborhood more presenable. i herd him tellin a feller the other day, "it don't make no difference if you fall down an tare the seet of your pants if you juht get em dirty, Silk and McVey fix you up."

the Holy Name society had a big meetin this month, an i was elcted to office on acount of they was a bunch of fellers like ray Dolan an Walsh an sum others which "did not care to run." the Pastor wanted clvde Stiff to take the job, but he must of got wind of it, an he found hisself sum very important bisness sumwares else, so he couldn't atend the meetin. it is goin to be a big job an lots of work. but the boys all say they are goin to help all they can, so i guess i aint got no kick coming.

Your pertickler friend an uncle,
HENRY

WADE AVENUE CONSTRUCTION

Wade avenue was an alley until recently and the people on it were constantly agitating for a street. A city ordinance providing for its construction has been passed and the street will he made this year unless it is defeated by unnccessary litigation. It appears an ambulance chasing lawyer has advised the property owners to sue for damages for the ground that is necessary to the opening of the street; and unless every property owner signs a release, the matter will have to he taken to the court for adjustment, and the making of the street will be delayed a few years causing unnecessary expenses that will have to be met by the property owners. Our suggestion is, should one property owner apply for damages, every property owner should do so and thereby thwart the selfishness of the individuals who hope to take advantage of the general distress. The lawyer is looking for dupes.

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Ray Dolan's son, Ray, Jr. when making a fire in the pasture Saturday January 28th set his clothes afire and would probahly have been burned to death were it not that his little companion Roderoc Baalman, cleverly wrapped his overcoat around him. His limb around the region of his knee was burned very deeply. He is under doctor's care and not expected to he able to get around for three or four weeks.

BACK TO LET'S GO, 1928

BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932