The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1899-03-16
A FESTAL OCCASION
Anniversary Dinner OF the L. V. /. s.
of Spring Park

the Spring Park Ladies Village
Improvement Society. We could
easily write column on the
pleasant and entertaining feat
ures of the occasion not because
we were the honored guest of the
society and wish to evince our
appreciation of the distinction
conferred, but because of the So
cial and educational features con-
nected with the evenings gather
ing.
That we feel deeply grateful to
the kind ladies for their hospital
ity and the pleasant manner in
which they entertained us, not
forgetting the courtesles shown
us by the sterner sex, goes with
out saying. In fact, it has left a
green spot in memory's garden
that will call forth a perennial
bloom, and as long as recollection
remains with US it will ever blos-
som in the fragrance Of reci-
procity.
The significance of such an as
sociation has it's compensation in
social recreation and the good
they do, as we'll as the impress
the acts of the society leave on
the minds of it's younger men,
bers, who by and by will follow
in the footsteps of their elders
and succeed them in the refining,
elevating and ennobling qualities
of their deeds: 1t is a great pity
there is not such a society in
every hamlet and village in the
country, to labor do the ladies'
of the Park IN unity and conge-
niality of purpose, 1t seemed to
us as though their highest aim
was to excel in good deeds, AID
their great pleasure to confer
gentle acts OF kindness on their
co-workers.
We must necessarily be brief,
as we must present the program,
which will tell more eloquently
and pleasingly than we can the
social features of the evening.
Historically, this society is
twelve years old 1t began its
existence in the cosy and pictur-
esque home of Miss Dowd, one Of
it's founders and promoters, lady
of beauty and refinement and an
artist from the Wooden Nutmeg
state, who since then has joined
the matrimonial ranks and graces
the home of an eminent attorney
of her native state.
A few of those whom we re-
member as among it's organizers
are Mrs. Mary Sears, whose
greatest pleasure seems to be to
present a beautifully designed
and wrought cushion at each
recurring anniversary; Mrs. j..
G. French, and a dozen or more
whose names we can not now re-
call.
1t has done a noble service, 1t
has kept in order the cemetery of
the place. 1t has assisted the
church and it's work. Its donation
of an iron bedStead to the Marion
County Surgical Hospital is am
, Pile evidence of it's humanitarian
| purpose. Its members meet once
a week. 1t has it's own hall and
sewing rooms, library and an ele-
CANT parlor. 1t takes an intelli-
gent interest in every worthy
purpose, and one of its great aims
is to be congenially social and
| learn the best side of it's members
and appreciate them, as we'll as
to accord a cheerful greeting to
every newcomer to the village.
The address Of welcome by Mr..
Packham was admirable. Its
wit and humor were really fine.
Its pathos was touching indeed
and brought moisture to many
eyes as he spoke of the presence
last year of Henry S. Chapman
of Springfield, Mass, and his
beautiful singing of the song
| Chow the Gates Came a iar."