Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-02-16
SIXTH ANNUAL.
Arbutus Circle Give Charming
Ball.
Was Social and Financial Success
Golden Wedding Anniversary in Ed
wards Opera House,

Southbridge, Feb. 15.--Another charm
ing social gathering has been added to
the many of this winter, and those who
attended the sixth annual ball of the
Arbutus Circle, C. of the F., tonight are
unanimous in proclaiming it one of the
most enjoyable for many days. Arbutus
Circle, No 1S9, was organized Feb 8,
1893, and had a charter membership of
over 20 members. They have prospered
during the years that have elapsed since
their organization. and their member
ship has run up to nearly half a hun
dred. Unlike many of the C. of the F.
circles, Arbutus Circle is composed
wholly of ladies, and their exquisite
taste has always been displayed in their
social successes.
In past years death has never entered
the ranks, and the interest of the char
ter members is as strong as at the or
ganization. The present officers are:
G. c., Mrs. j. j, Bowlen: p. c., Mrs,
Bernard Silk; c. D., Mrs. A. H. Gau-
dette; s. c. c., Mrs. Eugene Martel; r.
s. Julia Doyle; F. s., Mrs. Robert
Cough; T., Margaret Lee
The committee in charge of the con-
cert and ball were Mrs j. ]. Bowlen,
Mrs. Bernard Silk, Mrs. J, J. Delehanty,
Mrs. John W. Silk, Mrs. A. H. Dudley,
Misses Margaret Lee, Emma Giguere
and Lizzie Minis
The grand march, which started just
before 8 o'clock, led by Mr.. and Mrs.
John ]. Bowlen, and followed by about
70 couples, evoked very favorable
criticism from the lookers-on. Many did
not arrive until after the march, and the
number of dancers We're gradually in
creased as the evening progressed.
Blanchard's full orchestra furnished
music, and refreshments were served
during the entire evening from the al
cove in the hall
GOLDEN WEDDING.
Another golden wedding was cele-
brated tonight, in the Edwards Opera
House, and there was another happy
gathering of old people, who enjoyed
every moment of the evening. Mr.. and
Mrs. Luc Brousseau were married in
Sorel, Quebec, Feb. Is, 184S, and they
are now residents of this town and have
been for 80 years. They are vigorous,
healthy old people, despite the fact that
Mr. Brousseau first saw the light of
day 78 years ago, in st. Anne, Quebec
and Mrs. Brousseau, whose maiden
name was Mathilda Bibeau, is but a
few years his junior. Mr.. and Mrs.
Brousseau came to the states 48 years
ago, and since that time have been
blessed with four sons and one daughter
all of whom are now living.
There were present at the reception
tonight over 100 friends and relatives
among them being visitors from Ware
Worcester, Webster and Putnam, and a
royal good time was enjoyed by all
Many know the old people in this town
and their friends are always cordially
welcomed to their cozy home, on North
street. The reception was conducted
and arranged by sons of the host and
hostess who are residents of this town
LATE TRAIN SERVICE.
1t is stated on good authority that al
effort is being made by Webster and
Oxford people to have a late train put
on to Worcester and return. If such ar
effort is successful, the townspeople OF
Southbridge will Immediately petition
the railroad officials to have the trair
run to Southbridge also. 1t is under
| stood that the train is asked for. two
nights during the week.
TWO FRANCHISES GRANTED.
The Southbridge selectmen met today
and voted to grant the southbridge ant
Charlton Electric Railway Company q
conditional tranchlSe. 1t was stlpulat'
ed in the contract that work should
commence within 1S months
The Southbridge and Sturbridge Elec-
trio Railway Company were also grant
ed a franchise for a right to extend
their tracks through Mechanic street to
the spec shop" There has been much
interest in the matter locally.
OPTICAL TOWN NOTES.
at the home of Miss Genevieve Williams,
and charming time was enjoyed with
what was called a Mother Goose eve
ming"
James Holden, manufacturing opti-
clan of Syracuse, N. Y, formerly resi-
dent of Southbridge, spent today in
town.
Richard Childe of Woodstock Hill has
entered the employ of the American
Optical Company, in their shipping de-
partment.