The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-12-05

tuba patters enthused the dancers and encou ragged
the singers. Ginger was the star of the enter
tainers and made the corridors ring to the clatter
of his full-grown brogans. While this entertain
ment was in full blast rival was started in the
other end of the cell room. The voices of femi-
nine singers were heard, and even the best efforts
of Ginger could no longer hold the crowd The
Matron had brought in her female quartet and
they stood on an upper gallery and favored us
with several songs Now that the boys were called
together the Warden proposed an adjournment to
the chapel and taking the lead himself a large
number of the boys followed and took seats The
girls sung song after which the Warden invited
those who could sing, speak or do anything enter
tanning to step forward and favor us in their own
way. Several responded and we were treated to
solos, duets quartets. recitations and an exhibit
ton with the Indian clubs. all of which duly
applauded. Several of the cooks got up and left
the ROOM the Warden said, Ito catch the turkeys
for dinner" At IL m. the Deputy Warden APP
peared at the door and announced in distinct and
emphatic terms, Dinner is now ready" and we
being likewise, line of march was hastily formed
in the direction of the well-known location where
the meals are dispensed. On arriving at our cells
an examination of the dishes revealed the fact
that the mysterious looks of the cooks had been
full OF meaning. There turkey in abundance
with dressing and cranberry sauce, mashed pota-
toes and gravy, cheese, pudding and light buns.
Coffee was served at the cell doors. Everything
was prepared in the best manner and each man
received what would have been enough for two
meals on any day when feasting was not duty.
rest OF an hour and half was bad during which
cigars were served by the guards, and at 1850 the
doors were thrown open and we mingled together
again in the hall. About two o'clock it an
nounced throughout the cell room that Prof. Jo-
seph Wright Dickinson.o of Minneapolis, would give
an entertainment in the chapel Many of us had
heard the Professor on a former occasion and we
not long in finding seats in the chapel,and in
due time nearly all the boys were there. Warden
| Randall, V. c. Seward of the Messenger Peter
| Begg, of the Pioneer Press; Chaplain Albert and
Matron Walker occupied the platform with the
! Professor. Mrs. T. e. Powers, of ST. Paul; Miss
! Stella Mathews, of Breckenridge; Mrs. Westby,
Mrs. Brink, Miss Kotka, Misses Josie, Alma and
Rebecca Westby were also present. The Professor
prefaced his readings W it'll few remarks, stating
that he always took great pleasure in atTording
entertainment to persons in such place as this
to whom opportunities for enjoyment were few.
He then entertained us for an hour with recita-
tions and readings, sentimental patriotic and hu-
morous The following are a few of the peces
with which we were delighted: MISS Maloney on
the Chinese Question" 1.-The Creed of the Bells"
ASLEEP at the Switch" Buck Fanshaw.' John
MES Composition the Horse more delight
full hour never spent in the chapel. The Pro-
fessor's abilities too we'll known for us to at
! tempt to commend them and we can only extend
to him the sincere thanks of all who had the pleas
ure of listening to his eloquent voice. At the
close of the entertainment expressed our
| oh ti,o prOfas
| We the returned to the cell roo where the
mander of the afternoon spent in singing.
dancing and conversation. At four O'Clock the
gong sounded the close of the days freedom, and
after hasy farewels each returned to his cell and
the great cell room was soon in its usual quiet
But the festivities not yet over our host had
not yet exhausted his prepared bounty and it was
not long before the messrOom characters were
racing around the galleries dispensing cake and
sweet cider. Later there came to each man
paper bag containing fruit. nuts and CONNECTIONS
Thus ended the festival Of Thanksgiving Day in
the Minnesota state prison, and day of truer en-
joyment was never had within its walls. Not
singlesincident occurred to mar the history of the
day. And we believe that every man as he lay on
his cot that night in the solitude of his cell
breathed a silent thanksgiving to his God for hav-
ing put it in the heart of man to share thus his
bounty with his unfortunate fellow-creatures.
1t is the duty of THE MIRROR to speak for ali
and thank those who interested themselves in
making the day one as full of enjoyment as lay in
their power.
Oh, Woman!