The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1898-11-02
AUNT BINA'S QUILT.
A WARTIME EPISODE.

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office, out on the country roads and
beside the fences, while horses stood
still in the burrows, men gathered to
talk about the boys who were going to
the war. The village paper printed q
long list one week and as it was read
with tear -dimmed eyes, the people
said, ''it seems as though all Eden is
going"
Then, one bright June morning the
sun shone upon o company of eager
young soldiers in new blue suits with
shining brass buttons. 1t fell upon
the fathers and mothers aud friends,
who stood grouped near the long
wagons which were ready to take
Company T. to the nearest railroad
station. The white-haird old pastor
offered the last prayer, and with fut-
tering flags, beating drums, huzzas
and waving caps, the brave soldier
boys were borne away.
A strange hush fell upon the small
town. It had always bcen staid and
sober place; but now it almost seemed
as though life had gone out Of it.
Hard work became blessed necessity
to old and young.
The girls learned to drive horses
that were not STEADY" to ride now
ing g-machines, to help plan the farm
work, to do Everything but sing bass, "
which they would not learn to do. But
the reallife of the place depended upon
news from the boys after all; and the
coming of the old yellow stage twice
each day quickened heart-throbs as
did nothing else.
Two years passed, and the suspense
was not yet over. Some of the Eden
boys had gone beyond the sound of
bugle call, few were i'll hospitals,
but most Of them were in action that
dreadful spring of "a, when news of
battle after battle flashed over the
land.
Eden was at its height of anxiety as
the people gathered for worship in the
white church one Sunday morning the
last of May. Hymns, Scripture read
ing aud prayer were over, and the old
pastor arose, but instead Of beginning
his sermon he said:
'Late last night word came that
there is great need of everything for
use on battle fields and in hospitals.
The sanitary commission begs US to
send cotton and flannel garments,
socks, sheets, quilts, old cotton and
linen--everything we can gather, at
once. 1t would be cruel to keep you
women who can use needles here with
hands folded over your Bibles when
the need is SO great. You are invited
to gather Immediately at the home of
Mrs. Grow for work, and may Gods
blessing 60 with YOU"
There were children in that congre-
cation who still remember how, with
one impulse, all the women arose and
reverently left the church.
The law of Sabbath observance in
Eden was Puritanic, but those who
would not sew on missing button
under ordinary circumstances we're
soon seated, needles in hand, wearing
the exalted look which means great
emergency.
Mrs. Grow was president Of the
Soldiers Aid, and her husband kept
the village store. This was opened
and necessary materials were taken
from it. The only two sewing ma
chimes in the village were already
there, and were soon clicking an
accompaniment to the subdued voices
Of the busy workers.
A delegation, one Of whom was
Aunt Bina, was sent out to gather
whatever could be found ready for
use.
''I'm glad to get ont in the open
air." said she. ''It stiles me to sit
there like funeral in Mrs. Grows
parlor. Seems g if 1t would kill me
to see the look in Mis- Hastings eyes
since Harry was shot"
"They knew you could tell just
where to 60 for supplies" replied
Mrs. Kent. "We must get sheets and
quilts and old linen. Have you any
quilts to spare at your house, Aunt
Bina?"
'I'm sure sister has some. and
yes, I've got an extra blanket or two.
Come in"
While Mrs. Billings was collecting
her contribution, Aunt Bina was in
her room upon her knees. When she
entered the parlor again few minutes
later, she bore in her arms pair Of
soft, white blankets-and her love-
quilt.
"Bina Emerson!" exclaimed her
sister. "You don't mean that you're
going to send that quilt?"
"Yes, I ami" cried Aunt Bina, her
face quivering. "Nothing's too good
for our boys. 1 won't send 'em old
things don't want; they shall have
this"
It was useless to argue, nor in that
hour of supreme devotion did any one
care to do SO; but when it was known
that Auut Bina had sacrificed her
treasure, it aroused splendid rivalry
which brought together just such
stores as were needed.
All day the good work went on, and
at night the men, weary Of their
enforced idleness. packed barrels and