The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-11-30
From Seneca.
SENECA. Nov. %. 1873.

| SENECA, NOV. ~, 1873.
This is the day set apart for national thanks
giving. We ponder over the meaning of the
word. If it means public assembling of
ourselves" for the purpose of offering prayers
and thanks to the Oliver of all good for the
mcrcies of the past year, then there is here no
observance-no respect shown to the Presl-
dents proclamation. No sound of church
bells breaks upon the clear morning air, so
flooded with bright sunshine that just to be
able to be out and breathe it is enough to fill
the heart with psalm of thanksgiving If,
on the other hand, it means extra good dinners,
dyspepsia Neutrality-suspicious." dances, sur
prise parties and ratfles, the most of our towns
people will have strictly o. observed it. We
cannot help contrasting this with the oldfash.
Toned Thanksgiv ing,day of our Puritan faith
crs. In their times it meant great deal
Then every member of the family, from the
aged Srandsre down to the little one' in
long clothes, went to meeting. Not to listen
to short, flowery discourse, that would not
weary even the most impatient, but a Sermon
beginning with firstly" and perhaps short
enough to end with "tenthy,' After such u
service, what grand family reunions were held,
aud the merits of turkey, chicken pie mince
pie and a whole host of good things were dis
cussed by the great parties that not untrc
quently represented four generations, who were
assembled in those ample New England klch-
ems. Not then, as now, was it considered nee
cssary to have diningroomS
On Tuesday evening of this week the first
sociabe of the season was held at the residence
of the pastor, Rev r. Chippertield. The at
tendance was good, and the evening passed
very pleasantly. Mr. Strong, of Dwight, u
brother of Mrs. +. NJ Robinson, favored the
company with music both vocal and instru-
mental. That it was appreciated by all was
shown by by the interested attention given it.
Mrs. Chlppcrticld resurrected "NicodemuS"
from the old war days, awakening in some
minds memories both pleasant and painful.
Some singing by the general company helped
to beguile the time. We think church affairs
will regain their former ilourishing condition,
for Mr.. and Mrs. {. are both real workers.
Both being good speakers and vocalists, they
cannot fail to arouse anew the interest in re-
llgion which was SO clearly demonstrated two
years ago. We wish them God speed.
The president of the juvenile club resigned
his position last week, and Mrs. G. was imme-
dately elected in his place. Those juveniles
are doing well. This week they gave an en-
tertainmcnt, consisting OF music, Rotations
dialogues, &c. Mr.. Strong being present, com
piled with Il request of the audience, and gave
some very fine musical selections. Miss Nc
Knley, who may be termed the Lolita" OF
Seneca rendered some sentimental pieces.
On last Friday evening" at the II. X Club, Il
debate on "Prohibtion" was had, Messrs Crot-
ty and Transeau being the disputants. The
debate is "to be continued" at this weeks
meeting when quite a number will take part,
We expect Il fine display of rhetoric, oratory,
wit &c The result will be decided by the
people.
To Signor "Sancho PanZa' we would say,
we man have become Disguised" with our ef-
forts but never have we been jealous OF any
body. We are glad to know that there is some
one who has learned the literary tastes of the
people here and can cater to them. UNA