LET'S GO

January 1929
Volume Five, Number One

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."



OUR PASTOR'S LETTER -- A REVIEW

Dear Parishioners:

As I begin this issue I have figures in my brain. I have spent the past week sorting and selecting the details of parish revenue and expense so that I may be able to give you specific items as well as complete totals. A scientific bookkeeper's report would not be very interesting to a reader of LET'S GO. I have endeavored to make it human. I did very well until I came to balancing accounts, like Dora in Dickens' "David Copperfield," the figures would not add up, and I had to go over them again and again to detect the omission or error; for instance, the total payments on the new church for 1928 I find to be approximately $127,500, and in 1927 $89,000, or a total of $216,500, but in detailing the amounts paid to contractors over the two-year period it is difficult not to slip up on an item. I would have eliminated much trouble from my life had I employed, last year, a stenographer to attend to correspondence, accounts and telephones. There was more work forced upon me than one man could attend to. I did not fully realize what the building of a church meant until I was hitched to the load. There are so many demands for personal attention. It would be a happy consummation if a man could be in two places at one time; the miracle of Christ's presence in the Blessed Sacrament, and in so many places at the same time, is really a matter of Divine necessity. He could never satisfy the wants of humanity were He to be only present at one place.

I have lost touch with parishioners also and regret I could not find time to visit them oftener in sickness and impending death -- and the school -- I fear I have no place any more in the minds and hearts of the little ones. I must become acquainted with many of them in the near future. Of course. I knew I was well represented in all these pastoral duties by Father Pohl. This is, as the French say, the reason de etre for assistants; the pastor cannot attend to everything and he deputes the assistant to represent him in attending to the spiritual needs of the flock. I am confident there has been no neglect. Visiting among the parishioners is one of the pleasures I have missed very much during the past two years, and I hope to begin my calls again very soon.

The receipts for the year are astonishing. You will notice they were over $1000 a week. This is extraordinary revenue, and the incentive was the desire the parishioners had to erect a church they might be proud of. They have done it. The church is to me a constant source of pleasure. Every time I enter it I get a thrill of delight like one gets on seeing a pleasing landscape or anything in art or nature that is beautiful. Many St. Louisans don't know the pastors of the parish. It has frequently happened, on getting acquainted with someone, he says, "You are from that parish out there in Tamm avenue. where they have the beautiful church." Undoubtedly many of you have had similar experiences. The new church is something that one receives honor in being associated with, either as priest or parishioner, and we flatter ourselves that the non-Catholics in the community take a civic pride in this local improvement.

Reviewing the years we have spent talking of and preparing for the erection of this building I have a great deal of satlstactton in the knowledge that the total of the parishioners' contributions at the end of each year were greater than the amount I set for them in the beginning. The method of raising funds did not call for collectors or irritating interviews. Offerings were made in envelopes, with the exception of those for memorials, and placed in the collection basket each Sunday. Each wage earner was requested to give 4 per cent of his weekly pay as a basis of distribution of cost. Peculiar circumstances made it impossible for many to contribute this weekly sum. They gave, however, as much, and often we presume, more than they could afford. There were very few shirkers and, considering the little pressure that was brought to bear on the congregation, the offerings were a magnificent display of generosity, parish unity and faith. I have never humiliated anyone by publishing a list of individual donations, nor have I consciously referred from the altar in a personal way to anyone's niggardness. I rarely spoke about money. I mention this as a tribute to the congregation. They gave voluntarily, and, having urged them to give for God's honor and glory, I feel the church is a love gift to our Divine Savior, made in loving tribute to His infinite goodness by the priests and people of St. James in humble hope of His divine approval and gentle mercy,

Yours in Christ,
REVEREND P. J. O'CONNOR.

COST OF NEW CHURCH

Dodd's survey $75.00
Taxes on lot $493.10
Architects, O'Meara & Hills $7,000.00
Grading and excavating, Schaefer Bros. $3,369.44
Bond on contractor $2,018.00
Commission on loan, Franklin Avenue Bank $1,500.00
Gillespie & Daly, general contractors $134,749.00
Alteration in ceiling $1,536.13
Contingent insurance $104.23
Fire and tornado insurance $480.70
Plumbing, McNamara $1,607.00
Heating, St. Louis Engineering Co. $3,934.68
Wiring, Eclipse Electric $1,660.25
Coal $258.38
Lightning rod, Bayor Co. $278.00
Damproofing $695.00
Plastering, third coat, Craig $763.00
Windows, Mr. Gaytee $15,000.00
Fixtures, Gross Chandelier $3,175.38
Altar stones, Bayview Co $2,000.00
Organ, Kilgen $7,094.85
Pews, Kundtz Co $6,335.00
Prie-dieu and pulpit $1,000.00
Chairs, Butler Bros. $79.00
Janitor equipment, Clark Co $29.00
Landscape and sodding, Witte Bros. $525.00
Excavating and filling $439.90
Shrubs $500.00
Retaining wall and walk. M. Everart $128.00
Repairing statues, Coletta Co. $68.50
Dedication expense $94.75
Baptismal font lining, J. Clemens $128.50
Prie dleus for sanctuary $317.08
Making Wade Ave. -- first installment $177.01
New bell, Steckestede $175.00
Repairs. old bell $77.17
Safe, Bauman Co $115.00
Wall for safe $106.45
Vestment case -- Licatour Bros. $700.00
Cabinet for boys' sacristy $298.50
Doors for confessionals $178.95
Hooks for windows $52.00
Gutters for windows $46.50
Name on church $23.82
Resetting cornerstone $15.35
Ladder to attic $2.00
Moving old altar $8.53
Stations $2,000.00
Candlesticks, Thos. Gaytee $700.00
Crucifixes, Thos, Gaytee $300.00
Tabernacles, Thos. Gaytee $450.00
Sanctuary lamp, Thos. Gaytee $500.00
Tapestries, main altar, Thos. Gaytee 4.000.00
Tapestries, Virgin Mother chapel 1.000.00
Interior decorations, Thos. Gaytee $8,170.78
Hardware, over allowance $119.80

ST. JAMES PARISH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1928

RECEIPTS

Cash balance from 1927 $778.89
Four per cent $19,751.27
Pews $24.00
Basket collection $2,560.76
Lent and Holy·days $139.09
Special collections $1,880.20
Funerals $262.00
Interest $2,981.90
School children ACCOUNT $25.00
Refund on lnsurance $175.00
Refund on Improvements $35.60
Christmas collection, Seminary,Cathedraticurn, orphans, high scholl $990.73
Candelabra $273.00
Windows, parishioners $10,423.33
Windows, alumni $600.00
Windows, Father Casey Dramatic Club $450.44
Window, School Children Self-Denial Fund $550.56
Windows, Virgin Mother's Sodality $125.00
M. J. Macken. balance of altar $2,210.00
John A. Quinn, stations $2,000.00
Mrs. Irene Mills. sanctuary lamp $500.00
Baptismal font (a donation) $860.00
St. Ann's Sodality, balance on pulpit $500.00
Angelic Warfare Society $170.00
Other donations $200.67
School Improvement Fund $7,716.02
Catholic University $16.55
Holy Land $27.50
Refund on new church insurance on completion $1,256.55
Total Receipts $57,474.06
Total Expenditures $23,978.82
Surplus $34,495.24

EXPENSES

Salary of pastor $1,200.00
Salary of assistant $1,000.00
Salaries of assisting priests $120.00
Salaries of sisters $2,185.00
Salary of janitor and labor $1,444.80
Salary of organlst $525.00
Fuel and gas (part of this was for 1927) $1,032.06
Light $302.35
Water $121.17
Telephone $56.74
Stationery $159.09
Repairs $437.88
Improvements, school $7,716.02
Improvements, rectory and convent $276.33
Improvements, cottage $308.69
Miscellaneous $57.03
Taxes, school ground $4.80
Furnishings $81.92
Holy Father $300.00
Cathedraticum $273.00
Seminary $350.00
High school $180.00
Orphans $250.00
Catholic University $16.55
Indians and Negroes $25.00
Holy Land $25.00
Insurance (3 years) $1,845.19
Interest $2,685.20

THE PURGATORIAN LIST

The Purgatorian Society list necessarily was omitted from the December number of LET'S GO because of lack of space. The list herewith published may possibly have a member's name omitted; if so, the pastor should be notified immediately; otherwise the benefits of the society will not be granted

A memento is made in the Mass each morning of living and deceased members and a Mass is offered on the first Friday of each month as well as three Masses on the death of a member. Membership ceases unless renewed the first of November each year. On death of a living member, relatives are requested to notify the spiritual director.

LIST OF MEMBERS

Abbott, E. J. Gibbons, Mrs. E. Moellenbeck, Mrs. A.J.
Arnold, Mrs. Glynn, Mrs. D. Moore, J.F.
Armstrong, Maurice and Mary Grosch, Mrs. B. Moore, Mrs. Margaret
Ashby, Agnes Godfrey, Mrs. Mary Moore, Martin P.
Aydt, G. Haley, Mrs. Dorothy Moore, Miss Mollie
Badendieck, Cecelia Hausman, Mrs. Moriarty, Mary
Barn, Angelo Hefele, Mrs. W.,Sr, Morrissey, Mrs. A.B.
Bannon, Ulary Heil, Cecelia Moss Mrs, J.
Begley, Mrs. Mary Hilton, Mrs. Florence Murphy, Mrs. Brent
Bersch, John D. Henkel, Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Eliza G.
Berger, Mary Henrietta, Sister Murphy, Mrs. P.H.
Bersch, Mrs. Lotto Hense, W.H. Murphy, Mrs. J. A.
Bersch, Mrs. G. Herman, Veronica Murphy, Mrs. B.
Bisso, John A. Hinderhan, Mrs. Mary Newport, Mrs. J.
Bisso, Mary A. Hodnett, W.H. Nixon, Mrs. Edw.
Bisso, Miss Ollie Hodnett, Ethel Oates, Mrs. J.
Boman, W.T. Houlihan, Mr. and Mrs. John G. O'Brien, Rose
Boman, Agnes Hugeback, Mrs. O'Connell, Mrs. J.J.
Brady, Mrs. P.B. Jeanette, Sister O'Hare, Mrs.
Brady, Mrs. H. Jirauch, Mrs. A. O'Shaughnessy, Mrs. J.
Brady, Mrs. Norman Jones, Delphina O'Shaughnessy, Mrs. W.
Briuglia, Mrs. A. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. W. O'Sullivan, Margaret
Brown, Mrs. Marie Jones, Mrs. M. O'Toole, Ellz.
Buckley, Mrs. Edw. Kelley, Mrs. J.J. Orner, Catherine
Byrne, William Kelly, Mrs. John J. Owmby, Mrs. Mary
Byrne, Margaret Kelly, Mrs. D. Pahl, Mrs. A.
Cadwallader, H. Kern, Agnes Palumbo, Mrs. M.
Cecchini, Mrs. John Kern, Emma Pate, Mrs. R.L.
Charleville, Mrs. A. Kern, Josie Poynter, Bessie Gaal
Chevaleir, A. Kern, Louise Pilla, Frank Rosa
Christy, Mrs. Annen A. King, Mrs. N. Placke, Mrs. T.
Clegg, Mrs. Kletzker, Mrs. Geo. Plengemeier, Mrs. B.
Coad, Mrs. M.C. Klasek, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Quirk, Mrs. Louise
Collins, W.T. Koncen, Mrs. J.J. Quirk, Mrs. Louise
Collins, Mrs. D.F. Kostelink, Mrs. S. Radin, Mrs. Ada
Collins, Nellie Leonhardt, Annie Radin, Mrs. Molly
Cook, Mary E. Lavelle, Antonette Raymunda, Sister
Cooper, Mrs. and Mrs. M.J. Lott, Mrs. J.H. Reese, Mrs. Dulaney
Connors, Mrs. Margaret Linkul, Mary Regan, Delia
Corcoran, Mrs. K. Loyet, J.L. Riegel, Mrs.
Crawford, Mrs. Lutz, Herbert Rigoni, ---
Cross, Mrs. E.F. Mayor, Mrs. Ed Rooney, Mary
Cullen, Mrs. T.F. Mayer, Miss Martha Regan, Mrs. P.J.
Cunningham, Mrs. A.E. Mahon, Genevieve Scherzinger, Mr. and Mrs. M.
Curry, ------ Maloney, Irene Schramm, Josephine
Dailey, Mrs. G. Manion, Mrs. P. Scully, Mrs.
DeRienzo, Nick and Mary Marion, Teresa Seifried, Mrs. M.
DeRuntz, Minnie Marshall, Clara Shea, Mrs.
Dietz, Mrs. Elizabeth McCauley, Mrs. H.J. Smith, Mrs. Mary
Devanney, James McDonnell, Mrs. M. Smith, Mrs. Sarah
Dolan, Mrs. Peter McGuire, Mrs. John Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. E.E.
Doering, Barbara McKenna, Mr. and Mrs. F.J. Strathman, Mrs. L.
Doering, Frances McKevit, Mary Stumpf, Mrs. Wm. A.
Doran, Mrs. J. Marshall, Mrs. T. Sullivan, Thos.
Doran, John McLaughlin, Mrs. M. Tracy, J.M.
Duggan, Mrs. Thos. E. McVey, Mrs. Sr. Vincentia, Sister
Dwyer, Mary Louise McVey, Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Kate
Estelle, Sister Maloney, Mrs. H.C. Walker, Mrs. P.
Fahey, Mrs. Margaret Maloney, Irene Walsh, Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Flanagan, Mrs. M. Moran, John Ward, Mrs.
Flynn, Mrs. T. Moran, Mrs. Jane Wehrle, Margaret
Ford, Mary Matreci, Mrs. M. Wiber, Mr. and Mrs.
Forrest, Nan Meier, Mrs. Wichmann, Mrs. C.
Gabriel, Sister Mergenthaler, Mrs. E.J. Wiss, Mrs. J.
Garthoeffner, Mary Mills, Irene Winters, Mrs. M.
Witte, Mrs. J.

PRE-LENT EUCHRES THE LUNCH ROOM

The Mothers' Club will continue the Wednesday night card parties in school halls beginning January 22, and the proceeds will go to the School Fund.

January 23 -- Benton Sewing Circle, Miss Edna Willer.
January 30 -- West End Sewing Circle, Mrs. Irvin and Mrs. McDonnell.
February 7 -- Mrs. Michael W. O'Neill, 6236 Oakland avenue.
Shrove Tuesday night the Holy Name Society will entertain.

THE BEST PLAY EVER GIVEN

Second Performance January 17

That "Her Step-Husband," the play given on December 12 at Yale Hall by St. James Alumni Dramatic Club, was the best presented and most amusing comedy ever given in the parish and is the prevailing opinion of all who saw the performance.

The author injected into this composition a copiousness of ridiculous situations which can not fail -even when read- to provoke mirth. The comedy is a satire on pretentious living and foolish make-believe. This feature is so clearly depicted the audience seemed to be quite familiar with its expression and to be highly delighted with the humiliations and embarrassment it brings upon its devotees. It is as if one were watching a pretentious neighbor with a critical eye and a permanent disgust and rejoicing in their being exposed and made ridiculous.

Nor was any of the humor left hidden by the players. They squeezed out of the play its last drop and gave it the flavor of their experience and added a touch of their inate sense of ridiculousness and comedy.

Dan Murphy had the most important role, though the play was so balanced the time before the curtain was almost evenly distributed among the players, and each had an important role. So far as being given an opportunity of manifesting talent, Bernadine Quinn was the pivotal point of the whole performance. Around her the play revolved. She was the storm center and the manipulator of each succeeding scene, and her execution was without fault, except possibly when she found her lost child she lacked the emotionalism that belongs to motherhood, or possibly the mother she represented had so much social ambition she had not the proper instincts of motherhood. If this interpretation was intended, Bernadine was admirably successful even in this instance, and her playing was faultless, as indeed was that of all the players.

Mary McCauley was charming and natural. She suited her part and spoke clearly; her voice was musical and her manner impressive.

Mary Wack, the kitchen maid, is a talented actress, and were the writer to venture a selection of qualifications, he never saw among amateur players one who can play the part of the kitchen maid with so much cleverness as Miss Wack. I would risk being a second time present at the play in order to have an opportunity of seeing her perform. There is that indescribable quality we call "it" in her smallest action. She is just all "it" when she plays.

Time and space necessitates only a brief reference to the other players. Mrs. Hefele, the visiting aunt, had a difficult role and revealed a character that perceived more than she cared to express until the time was ripe for a full expression. This was the difficulty in her part - she sustained the mystery. Nora O'Shaughnessy and the doctor, Fred McKenna, who, by the way, was the step-husband, had interludes and misunderstandings in their love affairs that were truly romantic. Theirs was the part most interesting to lovers and gave a good rendition of the adage, "The course of true love never did run smooth." Jerry O'Connell, popular in past performances, was as good as usual. Walter Strathman played the cop with much merit. His brother, Frank, sang between scenes. He has regained his excellent voice. And Mrs. Helen Walsh sang "Sonny Boy" even sweeter and with more emotion than Al Jolson in "The Singing Fool."

Second Production of Alumni Play

So many parishioners have requested a second performance of "Her Step-Husband" that the St. James Alumni Dramatic Club has decided to again present this play Thursday evening, January 17, at Yale Hall.

They are relying on the support of the parishioners to make the affair a financial success, as the friends and relatives of the cast and officers were present at the first production,

This is a real play, and one well worth seeing. It is highly recommended by all those who saw the first performance.

MALACHY REAGAN DIES

Malachy Reagen, who usually resided with Mr. McGuire, 1344 Graham avenue, had a heart stroke when returning from work and died suddenly at University City. Permission was granted by the pastor of All Saints Church to have his funeral from St. James. May he rest in peace.

TOTAL SURPLUS SAVINGS SINCE 1920

(Approximate Figurea)

1920 $3,000.00
1921 $6,800.00
1922 $10,000.00
1923 $12,500.00
1924 $14,000.00
1925 $16,000.00
1926 $28,000,000.00
1927 $19,700,000.00
1928 $34,500,000.00
--------------------- --------------------------
Total surplus $144,500.00
Paid on New Church $216,652.84
Savings since 1920 $144,500.00
----------------------- ---------------------------
Indebedness $72,152.00

It will be noticed that the surplus for the past nine years averaged $16,000 a year, and it will be remembered that in the year 1920 the balance to the amount of six or seven thousand dollars on indebtedness was paid. Since that time extensive improvements amounting to over $21,000 were made in the school, the convent was stuccoed and a piece of grounds almost an acre -- was purchased for the school, and a cottage for the use of a janitor adjoining the church grouds that cost the parish about $4300. This is a summary of your accomplishments and is highly creditable.

RECEIPTS ON CARD PARTIES GIVEN BY SEWING CIRCLES

Receipts

Benton Club, Mrs. Oates ..................... $ 90.00
Tamm Ave. Circle, Mrs. Wack ...................... 139.45
West End Ladies, Mrs. Wagner and Mrs. Cullen..... 142.20
Victoria Circle, Mrs. ,Engelhardt and Mrs. Murphy 183.75
Graham Ave. group, Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. LaGarce 208.00
Clayton Ave. Sewing Circle, Mrs John G. Houlihan.. 290.20
Hampton and Wade Ave. combination, Mrs. Larson 200.00
Crescent Ave. Sewing Circle,
Mrs. O'Shaughnessy and Mrs. Guerich............... 276.35
West Park Circle, Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Ready....... 228.10
Clifton Heights Circle, Mrs. Ritchel
and Mrs. Jackson................................. 207.08
-----------------------------------------------
$1,965.13

Expenses

Prizes and school children's Christmas party $197.10 ----------------------------------------------

Total

...........................................$1,768.03

.........................

There is a leak in the boiler in the school -- more expense ahead.

HOW DANNY MURPHY GOT OUT OF THE MARINES

Danny Murphy was ill at east as he stretched his feet and tried to recline in an upright chair in the rectory, where he is a quasi-official in parochial affairs since he became director of the Alumni Dramatic Club.

Danny has the dignity of being married and the responsibility of being the father of three children, though he is still in the early twenties. He associates with the youthful members of the flock and invariably espouses their cause when affairs concerning them have to be arranged with the rectory.

"About that play, Father. I just dropped in to know when we can put it on again?"

"Let me see" said the pastor, and he hesitated to scratch a match to light his pipe for the fifth time since the interview began. "The Mothers' Club are planning to give a series of euchres every Wednesday till Lent, and they net the parish about $200 a week. Your Dramatic Club won't make expenses."

"Yes, we will; everyone wants to see the show. We owe $500 on the window, and you must give us a chance to pay you. The young people are being sidetracked all the time. They have a splendid show and we must encourage them to take an interest in parish affairs."

"How would the Wednesday before Lent do?"

"No good at all, Father. We have the tickets printed for January 16."

"Oh, it's all arranged, and now you come to ask my permission! How many more things are set for the year? Get out of here, you big hoax!"

"How is the hunting this year, Father? I heard you and Ray Dolan were out last week."

Dan knows the pastor's weakness and, having gained his point, he thought it was time to change the subject.

"It was fairly good, Dan. Take a cigar. Your father belongs to a millionaire hunting club. Do you ever go out with him?"

"No, I wouldn't know which end of a gun to put to my shoulder, though I had an army distinction and $1 more than the rest of the rookies ror rifle shooting."

"You were too young to be in the war. When were you in the army?"

"I wasn't in the army; I joined the marines. It happened like this: I was up at Scullin's plant one night. The whole crowd had gone to the war. I was too young, though I had asked Mary to marry me twenty times. I dropped in to see Jim Burke. He was sitting on a hunk of steel. 'Jim,' I said, 'let us do something.' Jim and myself played football together at the Christian Brothers. 'Alright,' said Jim. 'How about the marines?'

"Next morning we made application. Jim was rejected -- he had a running sore in the shin from a kick at a football game. I was sent to Seattle with a lot of other kids. It was there I made my mark as a rifle shot -- not that I was a good shot; I couldn't hit the State of Missouri at 100 yards. You see, it happened like this: Joe Flavin was my buddy and the signal corporal in the rifle range. When my turn came to shoot Joe was at the target. The Lord only knows what part of Seattle my bullet struck, but every time I fired Joe raised his hand to signal a bulls-eye.

"I think they didn't mind what we did; the war was about over, anyhow, and the flu was raging in the camp. The day the armistice was signed we all went wild and thought we would be sent home right away, but they held us on. We were signed up for three years or the duration of the war. One day an order came for ten carpenters to go to a camp in Florida. As soon as the men arrived they were mustered out. The news leaked out, and when the next order came for carpenters it was worse than the war. Nearly half the camp were killed rushing up to make application. I, being a forward in the Scullin team, got well to the front and was signed up. I tell you I felt big. I wrote a letter next day to Mary to set a date for the marriage."

"I didn't know, Dan," said Father, "you are a carpenter."

"I never drove a nail in my life," replied Dan, "and whenever I tried I smashed my finger."

"How did you get by in the camp at Florida ?"

"When they found I couldn't tell a saw from a pickaxe they sent me to the kitchen peeling potatoes, and as I cut my fingers the first day and smeared my blood over everything, they told me to go home for the good of the service.

"Don't forget. Father, to give us a big hand when you are announcing the show. Tell the parishioners and patriots we want to make good at Yale Hall January 17."

MICHAEL COAD

Michael Coad, an old citizen and father of Martin, Fred and Mrs. Kresnesky, parishioners, was buried from St. Margaret's Church on Saturday, December 29, and mourned deeply by relatives and acquaintances. His witty sayings and clever repartee will long be related in the community. He made a speech at a parish gathering a few years ago which was a masterpiece on local gossip; his immediate relatives and acquaintances wished they were home and the rest of the audience were convulsed in laughter. For these and like happy moments created by his genius for humor, an earnest "Lord have mercy on his soul" has been said by many. And for the infirmities of his character there is a tendency to be sympathetic. May he rest in peace.

OFFICER SULLIVAN DIES OF PNEUMONIA

Christmas was a sad day in the Sullivan home, 6108 West Park. where the stalwart young officer lay dead, mourned by his wife and three children. He succumbed to pneumonia in the Missouri Baptist Sanitarium Christmas Eve after a two weeks' struggle. His last days were a prolonged agony. He was unconscious the greater part of that time.

The funeral took place on Thursday, December 27, from St. James Church to Calvary Cemetery. A police band and a cortege of brother officers accompanied the remains to church, also a large gathering of parishioners. May he rest in peace.

UNCLE HENRY CELEBRATED TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF WEDDING

On Wednesday, January 2, Mrs. Pierce and her husband, Uncle Henry of LET'S Go, celebrated the twentieth anniversary of their marriage at their home on Childress avenue. The guests, among whom were Father O'Connor, Mr. and Mrs. Brightly, Mr. and Mrs. A. Pahl, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Heil, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dolan, Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh, and Mrs. Lillian R. Huch of Seattle, Wash., who is visiting the Pierce family, offered the customary felicitations and added extras. Mrs. Pierce was complimented on her good looks and youthful appearance and Uncle Henry on his antiquity and venerable demeanor. He said he attributed it to Mrs. Pierce's cooking. When asked to explain how he won so beautiful a woman, he replied he did not win her; he simply found her calling him husband after a New Year's celebration. We wish them many more happy years.

MR. ARTHUR DONNELLY A FRIEND OF LET'S GO

Mr. Arthur Donnelly and son, the popular undertakers whose picture has appeared in the last page of LET' GO since its first issue, have been paying for their ad an average of $200 a year, or about one-third of the printing cost of each issue. He never refuses a parish solicitor, and the ladies who gave the card parties to benefit the school say he treated them with courtesy and big-handed generosity. We take this opportunity of expressing an appreciation of his generosity.

FRANCIS MANION MARRIED

Thomas Francis Manion, 6452 West Park avenue, and Miss Amelia Koch of St. Matthew's Parish were, by concession of her pastor, married at St. James Church Saturday, January 5, from Nuptial Mass at 7:30.

The marriage, long expected. came as a surprise and, though it was public in so far as the bell rang for the Mass, only a few were present in church.

Francis does not like notoriety and, as his mother has been ill, he did not want to impose upon her the burden of entertaining. Invitations were not given even to the closest relatives, and a practical proof was made that a marriage can be kept a quiet affair even with a church ceremony.

Father O'Connor, when congratulating the young couple in the sacristy, said he hoped they would have offsprings of the character of the late Peter Manion, a man who had courage, faith and a big heart.

PARISH EXPENSE; THE SISTERS GET A RAISE

The expense of the parish has increased with the building of the new church. The insurance on this building is nearly $1000 a year. The lighting is costing at an average $40 a month. An estimate cannot yet be reached on the cost of coal, though most of the parishioners agree it would be more agreeable to have bigger fires. The upkeep and heating of five additional school rooms is also an increased expense, and the Sisters have been stinted these many years because the parish was too poor to give them more than a bare sustenance. It is impossible to support and clothe an adult at $30 a month, with two months without pay. Hence, it has been decided to allow the community $400 a year for each Sister.

PARISH REVENUE

The only source of revenue left the parish for 1929 is the 4 per cent and basket collection, which last year amounted to about $22,000.

It is absolutely essential that this fund increase if parish obligations are to be met. The interest and first installment on debt will amount each year to not less than $8750, and the ordinary running expense will be about $14,000. Every wage earner is asked to give 4 per-cent.

New parishioners will oblige by making and enclosing their donations during January in an addressed envelope, and will be forwarded, as well as all the older parishioners who donate, a carton of envelopes by February 1.

BAPTISMS IN DECEMBER

Rita Jeanette Schmalz, 1623 Gregg Ave.
Janet Hahn, 6436 Nashville.
Patricia Anne Rooney, 1361 Childress.
James Whitcomb Lederle, 2023 Schaffer Pl.
Joseph Robt. W. Schuler, 2425 Ecott.
Robt. C. Francis Kaiser, 1538 Buck Ave.
Raymond Russell Bond, 6445 Nashville Ave.

THE COTTAGE

A final decision has been reached that the cottage become a home for the janitor. Mr. Thomson is giving satisfaction to priests and parishioners. His salary has been raised to $14,000 a year and free residence. His family w1ll assist him in his work.

--------------------------

In all the dealings we bad with contractors there was not one who tried to beat us. The Franklin American Bank gave service.

UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
January 13, 1929.

dear Charlie:

"Naugh but memory remains of the year twenty-eight,
And we're starting anew, with an unblemished slate,
Full resovled to correct all mistakes of the past;
These intentions deserve better fate than the last."

"HENRY" Shakespeer.

i guess this is the open seazon on good resolutions up your way the same as it is down here an there is plenty of 'em makin' the rounds of this naborhood. for instance, francis Manion decided to start the yr. right by gettin' married, an' the folks around here has been expectin it so long, that wen it finally happen, it was a complete surprise, an they wasnt hardly enybody in the church to see the seriomny, 1 understan arangements is bein made for a cupple more weddings which will be a big surprise to you wen you here about 'em, but i can't give you the details now, because "they are not for publication."

the John P Dolan Realty Co. made a resolution to start the new yr. by expandin into larger quarters. it is just 20 yrs. since "long John" establish the business, an its prosperous growth is due entirely to the efficient methods of Ray and his right-hand man, Dan Sheehan, an there reputation for "fair dealing," we all wish them great success.

the new yr. started out in grand style for another Dolan also, as I herd that "011ie" was apointed a deputy clerk on account of the election of Franklin Miller to the office of circuit attorney. Ollie has been a hard workin democrat, an deserves the reward, and his apointment will help a lot of us to get over the sting of the defeat of our "happy warrior,"

the pastor is pretty much worked up on acount of he is faced with the necesity of increasing the salary of sum of the parish personnel, on acount of the audit of the parish books shows that the receits for 1928 broke all of the records, an was a supprise, even to the pastor. i am sure though, that nobody begrude them the pittance they get, an everyone i spoke to said they are glad that we are in a position to grant the small increases, specily to the sisters, on acount of it is hard to understan how they have been able to exist on the salaries they have been receiving.

i dont no if you herd that joe Houlihan is a proud father again, on acount of santy clause brought them another baby an it looks like joe is about as ambitious to decorate the naborhood with little Houlihans as he is to beautify it with shrubs an green lawns. they is no doubt about joes ability to raise plants, an he is well on the way towards getting a lot of experience in raising a family.

wel charlie, i was wishin you was here last mo. when the Dramatic Club give there play, wich was called "Her Step-husband", on acount of it was, without a doubt, the best thing of its kind i have ever saw. the plot was rather trite, on acount of it was about a woman gettin her husband into a peck of trubble, an of course, they is nuthin new or unusual about that because it is be in done in almost eny family every day in the weak. the play was funny though an the actin was perfeck.

in the play, Bernadine Quinn was married to Dan Murphy, an of course that is redickerlus becaus Bernadine is not married to anybody an Dan is married to Mary; thoroughly and completely and conclusively, an they aint nobody got eny doubts about that. well enyway, it seem like Dan was a good enuff husband, only he was a flop as a bread winner, but Bernadine didnt want to tell her folks back in Podunk, or sum wares, so she started te111n lies about wot a wonderful home she had. in other words, she tried to paint a beautiful picture with a bill-posters brush.

after Bernadine had laid it on pretty thick, her rich aunt, wich was Cath Hefele, decide to visit the young folks, an of course that throwed em into a fit to make good on the lies that had been told, an so she borrowed a bunch of finery from her friend Mae McCouley, an got Mary Wack to serve as maid, an appointed Dan to act as butler. it wasnt long before Mary was makin eyes at Dan, an that was embarasin to the poor feller, on acount of he had a imaginary wife in the play, an a real 1 sittin in the first row.

after Bernadine made Dan the butler she had to press Fred McKenna into service to act as husband pro tem. Fred was too enthusiastick about the part an kept lovin and kissin his suppos-to-be wife, an that made Dan nervous on acount of he being an experienced husband knowed that reel husbands just dont act that way; not with there own wife, enyhow.

it didn't take Cath long to size up the sitteration, on acount of being a detectives wife, an wen she seen she had everybody in a stew she turned up the fire, and it wasnt long till they was brown on all sides.

1 understan that Artie Pahl comes in for a lot of credit, an he deserves all the credit he gets, he attained wot all strive for, none of the actors seemed to be playin a part. they was so natural an unconcerned that they give the show a unusual touch of realty.

they are giving the show again on the 17th of this mo. and i wish you could see it.

Yours truly,
UNCLE HENRY

BACK TO LET'S GO, 1929

BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932


HOME DOGTOWN

Bibliography Oral history Recorded history Photos
YOUR page External links Walking Tour

Bob Corbett corbetre@webster.edu