The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-31
SoroSis Welcomes the Author and
Playwright Back to Cal
ifornia.
MANY OLD FRIENDS PRESENT.
Extracts From "Chimmie Fadden and
Other Works Were Read by
the Rising Author.

Edward w. Townsend, the author of
"Chimmie Fadden,'' "a Daughter of the
Tenement" major Max" and other
interesting books on the subjects he has
mastered, was rendered a reception by the
members of the Sorosis Club at their
rooms on Pine street yesterday afternoon.
When the Sorosis attempts anything in
that line it is always done we'll. Nearly
every member of the organization was
present, aside from a great many invited
guests, among whom were Mrs. George
Prescott, Mrs. J. A. Fillmore, Mrs. Horace
Hill Mrs. Charles Webb Howard, Mrs.
Edward Poulson, Miss Skidmore, Mrs.
Dean, Mrs. Lowenberg, Miss Eleanor
Wood, Mrs. John F. Swift president of the
Century Club Mrs. A. P. Whittell, Mrs.
Sather, Mrs. kittredge, Mrs. Al Redding,
Mr.. and Mrs. Wendell, Judge Young, Mrs
F rank Powers, Miss Moody, Mrs. George
Mcguire and others.
About 3 clock Mr.. Townsend arrived
with Mrs. Townsend and Mrs. William
Towns end, the wife of brother of the
successful New York writer. He had the
extreme pleasure of renewing a great
many old acquaintance that he had
made when he was a resident of San Fran
cisco in the early days Of his journalistic
and Ii terary career. All these things
seemed to be encouraging to the author,
and when he took the platform to read
selections from his books his manner indi-
Gated that he felt perfectly at home.
He began by giving three selections from
his last book, "a Daughter of the Tene-
ment," these being "a Glimpse of Tene-
ment Hades, "a Description of the Bow
cry" and ''Oh, What Fools Men Are"
which was a study made at society vau-
deville attended by Mr.. Townsend in New
York.
These three fragments were dainty word
paintings and descriptions of what he had
seen and heard and had no particular sig
nificance aside from their being extracts
from what is destined to become a very
widely read book. They were carefully pre-
pared bits of English, and in part indicated
what character of literature could be found
in the volume.
After reading these selections he an
nounced in light, dry voice that he would
read from his first book "Chimmie Fad
den" taking for the subject that portion
pertaining to Z" 'Er Grace, de Duchess of
Fsdden." This announcement had the
effect that nothing else could have aroused,
and decided tiutter of satisfaction passed
over the assembly. All wanted to hear
something from Chimmie just as it should
be read, and by the man who wrote it.
This reading was more of a surprise to
them than they expected, for the reason
that many of the ladies were under the
impression that they were to hear some
thing really violent and full of gesticula-
ton, accompanied by a protruding lower
lip and bad swagger. 1t did not occur,
however. Mr.. Townsend read in a quiet
tone of voice, but the pure Bowery vernac-
ular was in every syllable. 1t was not
strained nor accumulated with toughness.
Rather inclined to be extremely decent,
notwithstanding the fragrant errors made
by Chm annie. 1t was a sketch of real life
taken from its native heath and set down
in the West, where the imitation Bowery
boy proves his title by singing ribald songs
and throwing beer glasses at his girl.
After hearing Mr.. Townsend lead from
his book and further listening to him dis
cuss the same, one is willing to admit that
the author has not created, but simply
discovered a type of humanity that is
something more than hoodlum and not
mnch less than philosopher. He demon.
strated that the resident of the East Side
is cunning, observing, calculating and
pretty thoroughly familiar with the world,
the flesh and the devil, combining all
three when occasion offers and separating
them when it pays.
Mr.. Townsend took absolute possession
of his audience with his "Chimmie Fad
den" reading, and after he had concluded
an informal reception was held, where the
writer made many new acquaintance,
who were anxious to meet both himself
and Mrs. Townsend, who is daughter of
Delos Lake, one of CALIFORNIA; best
known attorneys and Judges.
The piano playing of Miss Hilda Neu-
man and the solo by Miss Eyalyn Henry
were excellent and added to the interest of
the reception.
Later IN the afternoon tea was served
and light luncheon INDUCED in by those
who cared to remain, the whole affair con-
Guiding with happy expressions for Mr..
Townsends future in the world of letters.