The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-01-15
FROM CONTEST TO CONQUEST.

The second Demorest gold medal contest
with which Wichita has been honored
came off at the First NJ Z. church last
night, and, as was predicted by those who
knew something of what was coming,
proved to be the event of the season. The
spacious church was filled TO its utmost
seating capacity with as fine an array OF
intelligence as ever assembled in this city.
The notices and decorations on the
stage were the first ATTRACTION that en-
gagged the attention of the people. On the
railing in front of the rostrum was the
word "Demorest" in larged bronzed letters
while in the rear was the bold and attract
i've motto, From Contest to Conquest,
and overhead was Suspended representa-
ton of the Demorest medal bearing the
inscription, "Demorest Prohibition Prize. "
Promptly at o'clock, Rev. J. VI. Mon
roe, who had been chosen TO preside. step
ped upon the rostrum and stated that the
audience had assembl on this occasion to
witness the second Demorest gold medal
contest, and that the six young ladies who
would compete for the gold medal all wore
silver medals won in the Demorest series,
as none other could compete for the gold
medal He also paid high compliment
TO Mrs J. e. Trotter, the general manager
Of these contests, TO whom the
people of this city are indebt-
ed for these excellent entertain
ments, she having projected and con-
Quoted twelve of them since they were IN
PRODUCED in this city about two years ago.
The program opened with an invocation
by Rev. R. I. Savin, pastor Of the First
NJ E. church, followed by piano solo by
Miss Anna Geissinger. The first contest
ant to step upon the stage was Miss Lottie
Parsons. who recited The Cry of Today. "
This was followed by vocal duet. Two
Little Birds are We" by Horace Pickard
and Goldie Evans, two little folks who
won great favor with the audience.
Miss Mabel Moore followed with reci-
tation, Rum the Worst Enemy of the
Working Class" which was simply grand
and perfect, and proved to be the winner
Of the prize.
Miss Anna c. Reel rendered a vocal solo,
new version Of Nearer Ny God to
Thee" which was perhaps the best musical
rendition of the evening.
Miss Anna Boyd's recitation, Memorial
day" was received with great applause,
which it well deserved.
Mrs. DR.. Noble rendered a fine solo on the
great pipe organ, which was followed by
recitation, 1.-The New Declaration of INDIE
pendence," by Miss Mary Mccullough,
who did the subject justice and won hearty
applause.
The vocal solo by Mr.. E. B. Walden was
a treat as was expected.
The recitations by Miss Ella Miller and
Miss Nora Boyd, and another solo by Miss
Reel, all excellent, completed the regular
program, and the judges-Rev. S. Weir,
Rev Milligan and Geo. c. Str ong-retired
to make up their decision.
In the meantime the audience was
highly entertained with recitations by
Miss Emma Hayes. Mrs. DR.. Furley and
Mr.. J. H. Purdy, each Of which was
good entertainment of itself, and'proved
rich treat. SucL talent would be an honor
to any city, and even to professionals
themselves.
The judges returning, Mr.. Weir stepped
to the front and requ ested Miss Mable
Moore to step upon the platform, whom
he declared the victor, and to whom he
presented the gold medal in a speech that
is seldom equaled on such occasions. He
congratulated not only the victorious one,
but each member of the class, for the high
merit of their efforts.
All these young ladies deserve credit for
the manner in which they have persisted
in their preparations for this important
event, and acquitted themselves in this
great contest