The Worcester spy., 1899-03-17
HlLARITY.
Song and O'ratory at
Their Best.
MILL MEN FEAST.
Banquet Of Whittall's Mills
Mutual Aid Society,

With song and eloquence, the Whit
tall Mills Mutual Aid Society, nearly a
hundred strong, around the festive
board at KesselPs last evening, cele-
brated its 18th anniversary. Until a
late hour wit and humor blending with
sweet music made the evening pass
merrily away. The occasion was
graced by Mr.. Matthew j. Whittall
from whom the society takes it's name,
and he entered into the spirit of the
occasion with all the good humor and
enthusiasm of the boys.
surprise of the evening was the
presence of ex-Councilman Harry Co.
ley from the far west, who has been
absent from his South Worcester home
for many months, and the hearty
srasps of the hand from the entire as
semblage brought vividly to his mind
the deep esteem and respect in which
he is held by all who have known his
sterling character and his unswerYing
fidelity to public interests.
The Whittall Mutual Aid Associati ton
is one of the most successful of the
city, and its success in carrying out the
aims for which it was organized has
been due in a large measure TO the per-
sonal interest which has been mani
rested in the organization by Mr.. Whit
i tall himself
An excellent repast was served by
Mine Host Kessell. AT the head table
was placed a beautiful bouquet Of
American and English roses. William
| GreaYes, POSTMASTER Of the occasion,
had at his left Albert Jones, president
Of the association, and at his right
Matthew j. Whittall Others at the
table were Alfred Thomas, ex-Council-
man Harry Coley William Coley, Jas.
Madden John Cox, William Ballou,
John Cotton and Uriah Hinsley.
i After two hours had been spent in q.
discussion of the courses, President Al
bert Jones called attention to the pres
ent Industrial prosperity and said that
at last after weary waiting. good times
are at hand. During this period of de-
preston of the past few years, the as
sociation has proved itself one of the
most successful of it's kind, and has
showed that while the one can not help
the many, the many are of inestimable
aid to the one.
An eloquent tribute was paid to the
i personal interest that Mr.. Whittall has
always displayed in the organization,
great generosity and kindliness. Every
man in the mill believed that in Mr..
Whittall he had a personal friend.
In a few happy words President
Jones introduced William Greaves, as
master of ceremonies, and Toastmaster
| Greaves was most felicitous in his in
PRODUCTION of the toasts of the occasion.
After the opening remarks by Toast
master Greaves, there ensued delight
full program of song and speech The
melodies of old England were sung with
tender feeling as many an old English
air was sent forth from the happy
throats of those present and many
thought was turned to tho land of for
mer joys.
Fred Ayers gave a piano solo with
rare effect, and was followed by Robert
Ryan, in one of his own inimitable dit
ties which won great applause. Jacob
| DObbins sang an old English ballad,
with beautiful expression which caught
the hearts of his hearers. W. Jones and
William Hodson gave selections which
brought forth encores, so hearty was
their reception, and the toastmaster in
troduced David Oldroyd, who spoke of
his pleasure in being present at these
banquets.
Fred R. Ayers was called upon for
another song, and was succeeded by
William Coley in one of his character
istic topical melodies. Toastmaster
/ Greaves then said that it was a great
delight to have present with the asso-
citation their employer and friend, Mat
thew j.. Whittall
When he arose to speak, Mr.. Whittall
was received with prolonged applause
and it was some seconds before ne could
make himself heard
Mr. Whittall said: I'm all the II years
which this association has been in
existence. l have not known of it's ever
having done more good than it has
during the past year. This organiza-
ton has carried out it's aim Of mutual
aid with success, and it is very nice to
gather here. In times of sickness, the
many help the one where the one may
not be able to help the many.
Band together and have a good So
cial time We will all remember the
story Of the bundle of sticks, the
strength which they were when to-
gether, and the weakness when apart
) For the coming year, l hope for good
health and more prosperity than we
, have enjoyed for the last few years
past"
Prolonged applause greeted Mr.. Whit
tails words, and when the noise had
subsidized. Toastmaster Greaves said
that the past year had indeed been
as bad as possible for sickness, but with
this condition before IT, the association
mas folIlt 'ul outNNSolu uls Win IL IdNOr-
able future before it, Mr.. Ryan sang.
"Oh then remember me-" and
W. V. Critchley was again heard
to advantage in one of his
pleasing selections John Cotton gave
a recitation with fine effect. and after
q song by William Coley, Charles J.
Thomas was called upon by the toast
master.
Mr.. Thomas said that he had met
the fellows many times. in his way, but
he had never enjoyed himself more.
The society was doing a great work
Every man at the mills should belong
TO It, for in union there is strength.
Mr.. Thomas recommended an innova-
ton In that the association employ a
medical man to look after the sick
members, both for the interest of the
sick themselves and for the interests
of the association as well. He present
ed strong reasons why this should be
adopted. and It received the approval
! Of those present
Albert Jones sang, There's a good
time comm" and was loudly applaud
ed Jesse b. Wolfenden said that he
was no speechmaker, when called upon
by the toastmaster. but his remarks
.tr,tcl a uOpular chord ana he took