The Delta independent., 1889-01-08
From Hotchkiss.

ED. INDEPENDENT: The holidays have
been celebrated with unusual jolity on the
North Fork A Christmas celebration was
held at the school house, where there was
speaking by the little ones. music by the
Hotchkiss choir and Christmas tree for all.
Santa Claus and his wife distributed the
presents, or rather, old Santa attempted to.
but Mrs. Santa, who is Of the strong minded
persuasion, got jealous, bumped the old man
under the table, gave short sermon on
woman's rights and then proceeded to dis
tribute the presents herself. The old fellow
protested vigorously against such treatment
and repeatedly attempted to crawl from un-
der the table. but every attempt was frustrat.
ed in the most summary manner by his argus
eyed spouse. 1t was funny.
The following night a grand dance was
held ut the school house. The main room,
thirty..wo feet square, WAS filed to over.
flowing, some sixty-two couples being pre-
sent. Dancing was kept up until the gray
fringe Of dawn appeared above ths eastern
submits. Everything passed off in the most
satisfactory manner.
On the following Friday eve. the school
exhibition was given. This was grand suc-
cess and all were surprised at the excellence
of the performance.
The opening address was given by Master
Tommy Rhoades, and was rendered in fine
style.
Next little Joe Rich showed the audience
how to "be polite" Joe had it down "pat."
Maggie Smith followed in nice little piece
called "Litt.le Daisy"
Next followed charade of four scenes.
Arthur Miller then made "a Boys Com
plant" 1t was cute. Ada Lee rehearssd
the troubles OF Moving" She too did finely.
Ella Gratley told US how things were "Sixty
Years Ago." Ella is not near 60 years old, yet
many people of that age could not do as we'll
a. she did. This was followed by another
charade OF three scenes.
Clair Hotchkiss then told us about the
"New Toy" and for SO small boy did ex-
ceedngly well. Minnie Metcalf then fol-
lowed with her trouble with "The Cat"
Miss Minnie isn't much larger than cat,
but she spoke like little woman.
A spectacular scene called North, East,
South and West, was next introduced by
four little girls aged twelve years, appropri-
ately attired. These were the Misses Blanche
Ross, Cora Rhoades, Mabel Wilmot and
Hattie Truesdale. 1t was decided hit.
Fredrika Minton made speech for her
doll. It was somewhat doubtful which was
the biggest Miss Freddri or the doll Fred
dri will make fine elocutionist one Of these
days.
Walter Ross then told US how he expected
to be elected President. Every boy should
have that ambition. Jacob Gown gave the
"stage.struck Blacksmith" and wound up
by getting married, in spite of darkey Fred
Hotchkiss' funny Interruptions. Master Joha
Rogers and wife rendered the hymn Of the
'Little Brown Jng" with becoming 'eclat'
"Dot- barbara Fretchie" was rendered by
the Professor in a manner that brought down
the house.
"The Ghost OF Crooked Lane then put in
an appearance and the audience were given
view genuine speok. Here that young
Coon" Fred Hotchkiss, bobbed up again
serenely. After the ghost had been laid and
the principle actors had been happily mar
begorra. 1t was laughsble farce and made
lots cf fun. as did also Tommy Rhoads. as
Doctor Pillbox aud his patient.
Uncle Peters troubles with yonng Peter,
was fine delineation Of negro character.
Mrs. Jarley's wax works were exhibited with
Mrs. Minton rs Mrs. farley. Such = set Of
wax "6sgers" was never seen before. It was
immense.
The various exercises were interspsrsed with
music, both vocal and instrumental, with
Miss Mamie ROBBERS at the organ, The sing.
ing by Messrs. will and Ed. Duke and Miss
Annie Sutton WAS excellent.
Both Mr.. and Mrs. Minton are to be com.
mended for the able manner In which they
conducted the exercises. They have histri-
onic talent Of high order and the effect of
their training was plainly seen in the credit
able performance Of all the participants.
HAYsEED.