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."
Help to build a convent for the Dominican Sisters who have been poorly housed for over twenty-five years whilst they have been giving without complaint their untiring efforts toward the education of the children of St. James Parish.
Yes! nuns are prisoners; they have lost their freedom and are under a rigid discipline; they shall never know again the pleasures of the world, of home, of family. Their wills make the prison walls, they live in voluntary captivity, prisoners in the Lord, a permanent example of self-restraint and self-denial, a rebuke to luxury, sensuality and worldliness.
The Love of God makes heroines of all of them, girls once, young ladies in their teens, women as women ever were with hearts of human flesh and the throbbing impulse of romance, beautiful souls who have sacrificed every natural inclination that they may devote their thoughts and deeds to the service of God and man. They are the spiritual mothers of your children and ask for nothing except an opportunity to serve -- clothes, sustenance and a place to live and love and work and pray are a necessity.
The present convent is too small, it was purchased 26 years ago for $2,800 and was a six-room private residence. The number of sisters has increased from four to seven. The building is entirely unsuited to so large a community, and is a menace to its health and happiness.
The school is constantly increasing, provision must be made to accommodate more teachers. Your children will be deprived of the opportunity of Catholic education unless you immediately set about raising funds to erect a convent.
Sentiment and sympathy will not pay contractors and mechanics, the nuns have given you an example of sacrifice and self-denial, were every wage-earner to sacrifice a few of the ordinary luxuries of life such as cigars, shows and unnecessary apparel for one year and devote the saving to this fund, a convent could be built.
You are asked to give 4 per cent of your earnings. Be a Volunteer.
A carton of 4 per cent envelopes for each wage-earner whose name is listed as supporter of the parish, was sent through the children to the parishioners on February the 1st.
There is an envelope for each Sunday for one year.
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, or look for a carton in the vestibule of the church.
The church is supported by voluntary contributions and every practical Catholic knows he is bound by a precept of the church to contribute his share to the support of the pastor and towards the erection of suitable parish buildings.
Should an individual parishioner find it impossible to contribute 4 per cent of his earnings to the church, he should confer with the pastors or at least contribute as much as he can afford. The smallest contribution in an envelope will assure you the honor of being listed amongst parish supporters.
--------------------------
Baptisms at St. James Church have been held for over a quarter of a century at 3:30 each Sunday. Please don't forget this fact. Sunday masses are 6, 7:30, 9 and 11. Ash Wednesday is a day of abstinence llke Friday. Saturday, February 23rd is also a day of abstinence as are all the Wednesdays in Lent.
At the recent examinations held in the parochial school it was gratifying to notice that all the pupils were above grade and many of them made a grade above 90. Class honors were won by the following:
Eighth grade -- Helen Hazelett, 96 10/11; Veronica Duggan, 96 2/11; Antonette Palumbo, 95 2/11; Eileen Houlihan. 95.
Seventh grade -- James Newport, 97; Mildred Sullivan, 95; Ruth Heil. 95.
Sixth grade --Agnes Duggan, 94 1/2: Mary L. Godfrey, 94 3/10; Mildred Saxton, 92.
Fifth grade -- James Kelly, 96; Hubert Ward, 93 9/10: Edward Corbett. 93 4/5; Margaret Rebman, 93 4/5.
Fourth grade -- Gertrude Foy, 96; Benedict Moynihan 94 8/9; Allen Baer, 94 4/9; Rita Ward 93 8/9.
Third grade -- Anna Marie Lafser, 97; Stella Bill, 95; Carmelita Kelly, 95.
Second grade -- Rosemary Hasty, 99; Anna Dempsey, 99; Helen Walsh, 98; Lucille Boyce, 96.
Patricia Houlihan, 6319 Clayton Ave.
Robert Edward O'Keefe, 6320a Oakland Ave.
Audrey Ann Knickel, 1371 Louisville Ave.
John Gerard Gallaher, 6452 Nashville Ave.
Thelma Anna Scherman, 1441 Gregg Ave.
James Joseph Smith, 6478 Dale Ave.
Louise Donneberg Grempler, 6257 Famous Ave.
Rosemary Agnes Howard, 6131 Adeline Ave.
The people of St. James have a warm spot in their hearts for the Dominican Sisters. They have, like lilies in a garden, been a beautiful part of the parish life. Dressed in white habits they create the impression of stainless virtue and immaculate purity, and prepare one to reverence them as celestial visitors to this mundane sphere.
And their characters and conduct have been in keeping with their external appearance and beautiful spiritual faces, their constant association with children give them a motherly understanding of the desire that all people have for love. They speak in soothing, sympathetic tones and accommodate themselves to human eccentricities. In their big charitable hearts there is room for saint and sinner, they are bigger than the life that is around them. They judge with gentle mercy and make infinite allowance for human frailty.
Devoid of ambition, selfishness and vanity, or as nearly free from them as human beings can hope to be, they are refreshing reminders of the possibilities of human nature and of its grandeur when directed by the discipline of Divine Love, there is no ugly discrimination, no petty envy, jealousy or conceit, an earnest trustful demeanor marks their dealings with others, they give one the feeling of self-respect and reverence, that subconscious elation that is associated with refinement and virtue.
There is a human touch to each of them which is the more interesting because one who is even slightly acquainted with religious life knows that each order standardizes its members, and like soldiers in a regiment the discipline and training and spirit of the community is reflected in the individual and often results in monotonous sameness; not so with the Dominicans, the individual character seems to be developed and all that is innocent, vivacious, sprightly, is preserved though there is indeed a common spirit and ideal.
Sister Catherine and Sister Louis were admirable examples of this variety, attention is turned to them in preference to others because they were so long among us, and are now only pleasing memories. The Order has still its variety and individual members have each her peculiar attractiveness but it might be embarrassing to the living were names to be mentioned.
The traditional democratic spirit of the Community continues, though indeed, the Sisters in those days of special training for degrees have little time for contact with the parishioners, they however manifest their kindly consideration in errands of sympathy to the sick and dying and in their consoling visits to the bereaved.
Because of these and other things it will be a great source of pleasure to the congregation to manifest to the Sisters their appreciation and admiration and to build them a Convent. We can't say how soon it shall be erected but we know it shall not be very long if the wage-earners, the Alumni Association, and the parishioners generally say, "All Together."
The Lenten Season this year commences on February 13th, 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 1929 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 21st 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 8 ounces; at which collation the use of butter, cheese and eggs is allowed. The principal meal may be transferred from mid-day until evening.
Those engaged in hard labor, the sick, the convalescent and,those who may not 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.
The merchants in St. James Parish have invariably been generous to the church. They never refuse a solicitor for an ad or a prize. They are overworked in this respect. Now that the church is built, we wish the parishioners would let up on them for a while.
They have small profits and keen competition in these days of chain stores and big corporations. It is doubtful how long they can survive, and their passing would be a loss to the community, especially to the poor. The chain store has no heart and a big head. It is all very well to get a can of peaches a few cents cheaper, but how about the man that is out of work and needs credit? He will get nothing to eat at the chain store. The merchant has many bad debts and big overhead expense. He delivers the goods and has an ear for the family in distress.
We wish our merchants much prosperity
Those elected to office in the Holy Name Society for 1929 are R.E. Pierce, President; C.H. Gesell, Vice-President; Jos. A. Pieschel, Secretary; John J. Kelly, Treasurer; Henry Hugeback, Chas. Klaseck and Eddie Burke, Jr., delegates; Frank Strathman, George Jenneman and C.P. Thompson, marshals.
Mr. Pierce's efficient record of the past year Won for him the re-election to the president's chair. During the year 1928 he and his officers increased the membership from 285 to 550, and the success of the various activities is credited to them; however the officers contend that unless the members support them their efforts are in vain. It is expected the society will boast 700 members by 1930.
On Sunday, February 10th the Communion Sunday of the Holy Name, the 7:30 Mass will be offered for recently deceased members, relatives to be notified in due time, and given special pews in church.
An annual report is sent to Rome of the number of communicants, and it is hoped that the number of last year, 2,789, with 32 members enjoying a perfect record for the year, can be improved upon.
The financial statement for the year 1928 shows receipts of $565.00 and expenses of $545. More than half of this amount in both receipts and expenses came through the Minstrel Show and the greater part of the balance from a surplus of 1927. There is now only $24 in the treasury and circular letters must be discontinued unless funds are forthcoming from the Shrove Tuesday Card Party.
Special Lenten Devotions will be held in the parish church during Lent beginning Ash Wednesday morning, Fehruary 13th at 6:30 Mass. and continuing until Easter Sunday.
0n week mornings Mass at 6:30 and also at 8:15 unless interfered with by a funeral, except on Saturdays when there will be but one Mass and that at 6:30.
On Wedesday evenings rosary, sermon and Benediction at 7:45, and Stations of the Cross on Friday at 3 p.m. and at night at 7:45.
Confessions Saturdays, 4:30 to 6, 7:30 to and on week mornings after Mass. On Sundays through the year from 7 to 7:30.
Whilst attendance at these devotions is not obligatory, one's presence is a manlfestation of a proper Lenten spirit, and is also a practical example to one's neighbor. There are many individuals in a congregation who are poorly instructed in the tenets of their faith. Every encouragement should be given to them to be present at the Wednesday night devotion. An invitation may also be extended to non-Catholics, assuring them that no attack shall be made on their beliefs nor shall any embarrassment be caused them.
The Catholic church has a message, it is an old church with a long memory and wide experience, its principles have been tested by time and have withstood many ferocious attacks. To the least observant it must be evident that the Catholic Church stands for clean living, obedient children. decent God-fearing home life and justice and charity to all. It has nothing to say for or against prohibition, but it encourages temperance of throat and tongue. It is unalterably opposed to double dealing, trickery, calumny, divorce and remarriage, and birth control.
By Divine ordinance it claims the right and the sole right to teach the gospel of Christ because this church alone goes back to the Apostles, was founded by Christ and organized through the Apostles and is the only church that can claim an unbroken line of succession from these early times.
This primal Christian Organization has maintained through the centuries unity of form and faith and was authorized by the Blessed Lord to teach all nations, teach all truths and whatsoever he hath commanded all days until the end of the world. He also promised to be with and to direct it by His Holy Spirit. As Gamaliel said, "If this work is from man it shall fail, take care lest in fighting this you are fighting God Himself."
Rise early and say your prayers. God who gave you life wants your first thoughts. The world tries to rob Him of this honor; the world makes big demands. You are not of the world.
If you have time go to Mass.
Too hard says nature! It fears the fight; you will gain will power by forcing the issue, you lose by indulging sloth.
The day's work is ahead! So it is. God wills it, you must earn your bread by the sweat of your brow. Work keeps us from wickedness. The idle mall tempts the devil. Hanging around hooch parlors never made a man a saint, and led not a few to disgrace and misery.
Sanctify your labor by offering each morning, every thought, word and action of the day to Almighty God. No matter for whom you work. God sees your will to serve and be a useful member of society. Others depend upon your labors you have a wife, a child, a home; a proper discharge of one's duty in life is a primary condition of a Christian life.
Watch your step, keep a double watch on your tongue, on your temper and on your thoughts.
They will betray you unless you are aware.
Man's mind is a battlefield, every wicked deed is incubated in the mind and born in the will.
God sees the will, man notes the action.
Civil law deals with overt action. God's Law regards the will. To will what is contrary to God's Law is sin though there be no external act. A good man has a good will, or no evil in his will.
Passion, desire, appetite, thought, is not will. I will or I won't makes an act good or bad. God holds you responsible for your "wills" and "wont's", the rest are not measured, they are functions of nature and not human acts.
The beast is not responsible because he has no will, neither has a lunatic or a madman.
Passion, appetite and desire are the infirmities of human nature, the weak part of man; they clamor for indulgence, the more a man indulces his appetites and passions, the stronger they become and the weaker he gets.
There are many slaves where passion rules.
A good general does not pamper rebels, he knows he must subdue them or be subdued.
In Lent Christian men fight for freedom. Could you set aside when hungry, a beefsteak and eat fish? Could you deprive yourself of a glass of wine and substitute a glass of water, or refrain from a smoke after meals? How about that angry retort that iritable curse -- restraint is the brakes that keep a man on the road to Heaven. You can't practice restraint when passion rises unless you have exercised yourself in restraint at other times and in other ways.
Every day in Lent is a fast day, a day given to you by God for practicing self-denial, that you may learn to be a soldier of the Cross, a follower of Jesus Christ. "Unless you deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple."
The question for you to decide is: What acts of self-denial will you practice during Lent.
Pampering one's self is weakening one's self spiritually, mentally and physically. To overcome difficulties you must accustom yourself to hard knocks. The letter carrier now at my door says: "I don't mind heat or cold, I am accustomed to them." Do a few hard things during Lent that you may develop the moral fibre of a Christian. Give till it hurts and when you give, well, give up something you cherish.
The bond between you and God is called religion -- religion in Latin means a bond. The bond should be strengthened during Lent and this can be done only by adding something to your daily religious practices; more devotion means more love. more zeal, more earnest desire to come closer to God. The oftener you think of God the nearer you will come to Him. When He knows you are waiting, He will come and reveal His will to you. If your ears are wide open to all the voices of the world you will not hear God when He speaks to you.
Separate yourself from the pleasures of the world that you may dispose yourself to pray.
Sin is God's enemy -- don't invite Him to sup with you and Sin. You must separate yourself from sin before you can entertain Him. Nay! turn from sin as you would from a mad dog; and do penance because you have sinned.
A frequent and humble confession of past sins is pleasing to the Lord, and sorrow for sins is essential to forgiveness.
Hell is paved with good intentions. A resolution holds a wavering will when temptations gather and allure.
Resolve: to make frequent visits to church, to devote a time each day to prayer, to read a good book, to attend devotions, to go to Communion each day or week and to meditate on the sufferings of our Saviour.
The Christian character is well defined and easily distinguished by gentle manners, self-restraint and love for God and man.
Nature is moulded to a pattern. Man himself is the moulder and Jesus is the mould.
Nature runs towards animal indulgence and the gratification of appetite and passion. Christianity puts on restraint.
The horror of the struuggle makes nature tremble, the hardest animal to subdue is the animal in one's self.
There are many wild animals on our city streets. Modern education trains them to think, act quickly and be efficient. They are efficient in everything except self-restraint.
He who fears not violating God's Law has little reverence for man's law.
Two young men went to the gallows last week, one was a truant in his school days, his father died when he was seven, the mother worked in a department store, the boy had no training, no discipline, no religious education. He killed a police officer; the police officer and the boy were both victims of a wrong system, it is the system that is denying the Christian ideal of self-restraint and that views with suspicion education that imparts religious training.
Yes, Catholics don't eat meat on Friday, why? Christian discipline, a weekly exercise in self-restraint.
And Lent-
A protracted training of the animal that the spiritual man may be developed.
Don't be afraid to tackle it, strength of will is better than strength of arm. To acquire a strong will you must play the game of self-denial.
--------------------------
Miss Thelma Gesell, 1101 Louisville avenue, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Gesell, has been appointed editor-in-chief at Webster College, Webster Groves, of the "Lauretanum," the college year book of 1929. Miss Gesell's father is a member of the parish choir. He and his family, though comparatively new parishioners, have become popular in parochial circles. They are talented in many ways and are excellent mixers and good entertainers.
St. Louis with less than a million population has a jury list of 53,000 names, whereas, New York with five million people has only 60,000. Thus it would seem, it takes as many jurors to run a great big institution as it does to run a small one and the proportion might be extended down to the veriest hamlet in the land. In some cities, a blindfolded child picks out the panel. In others it is run like a raffle. Here the names are turned about in a huge wheel and the cards taken out one by one and then tabulated alphabetically. From canvassing for suitable jury timber, to the selection, Mr. Seaman pictured the way. Then he expressed the belief that women would some day be eligible to jury service and there then might be less shirking. But, in reply to questions, Mr. Seaman let it be understood that this shirking a plain duty which every citizen owes to his fellow citizen, is greatly due to the extremely poor pay here. Boston pays $5 a day. The State allows $3, but St. Louis, through its municipal assemble, the Board of Aldermen, allows but $1.50 a day. Fancy a mechanic in any of the crafts being forced to surrender $12 to $16 a day to serve as a juror at the paltry figure mentioned! Mr. Seaman's remarks may bear fruit in some action by our aldermen. All readers of "LET'S Go" are cordially invited to attend the meetings of the South Forest Park Improvement Association, these meetings being held the third Thursday of each month, in the Dewey School at 8 p. m.
Big Mike who died of blood poisoning at the City Hospital after a few days' illness, was for many years an enthusiastic member of the Holy Name Society. He rarely missed a meeting and jealously espoused the privilege of carrying the Parish Banner on all parades.
He was a bachelor, an emigrant and an Irishman who had no relatives in St. Louis. He resided in this community many years and was beloved by the children and all who knew him for his genial and kindly disposition, but more especially for his humor and inimitable laughter and practical sympathy for all who were in distress. On the day of his death his bank account showed $1 surplus.
When news of his being in a hospital was spread among his acquaintances, at least five volunteered to defray the expense of a private nurse and all were ready to befriend him. He claimed his pastors as his closest friends and trusted them to stick by him to the end. Father O'Connor was the only one at his bedside when he expired.
A few days before he died, he earnestly requested the priest to candidly tell him if there was much hope of recovery, and on being informed there was not, he bravely tried to face the final struggle with Christian fortitude. He was reminded of his zeal for the Holy Name of Jesus, it was a consoling thought, a reward for his fidelity. He was reconciled to his suffering and approaching death. He prayed with the priest for the greater part of an hour, made a final confession and with the Holy Name of Jesus on his lips he lapsed into unconsciousness. His was indeed a happy death and one worthy of a devoted member of the Holy Name Society. R.I.P.
The Choir was entertained by Mrs. Frank Walsh at her home, 6452 Lloyd avenue, on January 26th, and invitations were also extended to many of their immediate relatives.
A delightful buffet supper was served by the hostess and it was announced that the affair was given in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Stiff, two members of St. James Choir who were recently married. They were presented with a silver electric percolator, a gift from the choir.
Mr. George Hawkins. 1048 Forest avenue and his neighbor. Miss Anna Fahey were married on the afternoon of January 30th at St. James Church.
Though there was no home celebration, invitations were widely distributed and a large congreation assembled in the church.
Margaret Fahey, niece of the bride was maid and Joseph Hawkins, nephew of the groom, was best man.
Immediately after the marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins took a train, destination Land of Honeymoons. Congratulations are extended by LET'S GO.
Will O'Gorman recently deceased, and brother of Mr. J.P. O'Gorman of this parish, though residing in Maplewood these past few years, will be remembered as an old parishioner whose personality and character was in the smallest detail above reproach, a faithful and zealous parishioner and all enthusiastic organizer of the Holy Name Society.
Though he was a comparatively poor man, Father Casey's records show that he was one of the biggest contributors towards the fund for a parochial school. He was the father of eight children and was for many years the local blacksmith on Manchester avenue. Mass was offered on Sunday, February 3rd in presence of a large congregation at St. James Church for his repose and in appreciation of his long and devoted fidelity and labor for the parish. May he rest in Peace
The Holy Name Society will hold their semi-annual affair on Shrove Tuesday evening, February 12th, in the school halls.
The form of entertainment will be a mammoth card and lotto party known as a Tacky Card Party and those who attend are requested to dress as tacky as possible. Prizes will be offered for the tackiest lady's and gentleman's costume as well as a large assortment of beautiful prizes for the lucky card players.
As this society assesses no dues, they use this method of raising revenue and expect the members as well as the rest of the parishoners to support them in thus raising' funds.
Mr. Frank Clark of 6807 Nashville Ave., died in St. John's Hospital, Monday, and his funeral was held from St. James Church Thursday morning, February the seventh. May he rest in peace.
.............................
The Sisters are authorized to take donations for a Convent Fund, but the regular method will be the 4 per cent contribution to the church. This amount covers all your donations to the Parish.
.............................
Permission has been given the Rosary Magazine to solicit subscriptions in the parish.
.............................
No one has been given authority to collect for any Hospital nor has permission been requested.
Our Holy Name Society Club is reviving the traditional triumphant career of former parochial soccer teams.
They have organized a fine team of independent buccaneers and have no connection with other municipal soccer associations. Their challenges go out to every team in the city -- their aggressive attacks few have been found capable of withstanding.
In the past 8 weeks they have shown their prowess by crushing the Mohawks twice by the decisive scores of 8-1 and 7-4, the Wabash Black Cats a score of 7-3 and the St. Louis A.C. by a score of 9-2. They also won games of the Excelsior Cleaners, Kayos, and the St. Louis Cubs.
Their only defeat has come from the Doehr Barbers on February 3rd. when they were set aside by the close margin of 2-1. The score should have been tied on an error and an appeal has been made on this ground.
The Doehr Barbers are an outstanding team, they won 17 straight games this season and are claimants for the independent championship.
The showing made by St. James Holy Name Club indicates that with proper training, coaching and a few auxiliaries they are capable of being the first in the city.
Tom Mahon stars as a goal keeper, and Phelan, Wack, Mahon and O'Hare are competent and aggressive players. There is scarcely a weak man on the team, but in all probability there are soccer players in the parish who so far have not been affiliated with the Holy Name Club, and they are requested in the spirit of parish unity and pride to come under the colors and do their bit for St. James Young Men Holy Name Club
God builds no churches! By His plan
That labor has been left to man.
No spires miraculously rise,
No little mission from the skies
Falls on a bleak and barren place
To be a source of strength and grace.
The humblest church demands its price
In human toil and sacrifice.
Men call the church the House of God
Towards which the toil-stained pilgrims plod
In search of strength and rest and hope
As blindly through life's mists they grope,
And there God dwells, but it is man
Who builds that house and draws its plan;
Pays for the mortar and the stone
That none need seek for God alone.
There is no church but what proclaims
The gifts of countless generous names
Ages before us spires were raised
'Neath which Almighty God was praised
As proof that He was then, as now.
Those sacred altars where men bow
Their heads in prayer and sorrow lifts
Its heavy weight, are Christian gifts!
The humblest spire in mortal ken
Where God abides, was built by men,
And if the church is still to grow,
Is still the light of hope to throw
Across the valleys of despair,
Men still must build God's house of prayer.
God sends no. churches from the skies,
Out of our hearts must they arise!
Edgar A. Guest
.............................
Mr. Ed Cody, his daughter, Mrs. Bruce, and her husband have moved from Famous avenue to their new bungalow, 6451 Lloyd avenue. Mrs. Bruce and Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh have been old friends, and it is evident that these women had some influence with Mr. Cody in selecting the site of his home.
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
January 13, 1929.
dear Charlie:
i hav worn out a pr of shus running up and doun to the furnis. it is costlier than playin golf and not so exileratin. The mrs ses my score is rotten but i no our home thermomtr doesnt funcxion well till summer wen them ice men maks it nervos hollring, ICE
the wimen find it hard to stay at home an risky to mak the rounds of there nabors cabins. mrs foley who has not been watching her kallories riskt goin to the store without skates or other assistance and mite hav gone thru the ice but that the sidewak wus ther. she is sloer now dan she ust to be befor the fall. they say the urth almost trembled. i suspekt that wuz the reazon why the ice sprung wide open nere Byrd's ship and nerely swallered up thim supplys and wales an things. Mrs. McDonnell also got a turn, i don no whether she was goin or comin, it wuz in Irvins ford and mrs. Irvin fortunately broke the fall and 3 ribs, the Doctor attributes her truble to the roten climat we hav witch is bad enuf with out the ground hog coming along and givin 6 wks more of it.
the old timers are pastne Charlie, yure old frends Mike Maloney and Bill O'Gorman were buried las wk. Fortunately Mike Maloney had no wif but I suppos that would cut no ice after the funeral wuz over, she wuld probably soon join the band of merrie widdows we hav in this parish and be all spruse up lookin aroun to see if them bachelors and widowers were watching her. i tel you them wimen are gettin all the brakes with insurance an everthin; seems to me "Till deth do us part" meens Till this here gentleman croaks and fur that reason i suspekt wimen got the vote and there cookin gets worse and barbers are openin up rest rooms, buty parlors and pitcher shows so everthing be nice and plesent for the ladies before and after the undertaker dessolves the man's illusions of married bliss.
the kafateria in the lunch room in the parochial skule wuld remin you, charlie, of the good ole days at Coynes. charlie Heil, who is always on the lookout for somethin for the parish or the heil packin co. prokured a fine relick of the pre-Volstead Xmas spirit in the form of a mahagony bar and mirror attachments, if ther were any hogs he kep them hisself. its an admirable piece of antiquity and is a sad reminder of our many ancient priveleges, the sword has not yet becom the plow share and the millenium is movin backwards but who wuld ever hav thot a few yrs back that a bar counter wuld soon be an encumbrance and a homeless wanderer.
the muthers klub are saying nothing about the St, patriks nite show. i expekted Adele McVey and her bunch of dirty spoken wimen wuld giv up entertaining after they had seen what a neet cleen show our holy name society gave. we put it over and tho we didn' mak expense we meent the best as we wanted to krush the annual conceet of them Bovardites.
i understan 55 of them went a day recently to taste things at Pevely Dairy and way themselves, ther wuz more over than under, so Pevely has decided to remove more fat from the milk. mrs, Foley wasn't the big lop of the bunch ether. she only got 5th or 6th plase, tis her laugh that makes her so heavy when she shakes all over, mrs. O'Connell and mrs. lawless are the big cheese, but mrs, lawless carrys her load so well no one wuld suspekt her of it.
arthur Pall! is going into reel estate and has a desk at Dolans. it will be nice for ray, he and dan Sheehan and Arthy can hav a gam of penukle whenever bizness is dull and they'll hav no arguments if they take there figgers from Bill Byrne.
Father o'connor was away on Sunday, it seems he wanted to fin out for a long time where them ducks and geese go and he foun them in a swamp doun neer the gulf at a plase called lake Charles. Father McKeon went with him and they wuz almos eaten up by moskitoes and them other fiies that tak there winter vacation in the south. They foun peeple cuttin hay a days run from St. louie. can you beet than. charlie? and we heer wishin we were polar bears or some other of them fur bareing animals. i had anuther feller write this letter to u as i myself am away in new york and dont expekt to be home for 1 month. in my next issue i will give u a full & compleet acct of me wanderings amung the pagans.
hopin this letter be the kause of no misunderstandings or other displeasure among them ladys
Yours perticuler frirn and unkle,
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 |