The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1901-04-26
Hannah Richards
MinCe Pies.
And How She Electioneered to Have
Her Husband Voted In as
First Selectman of the
Town of Avon.
BY HARRY A. HEMINwAY.
: Copyright, 1901, by Harry A. Heminway.

! Copyright, 1901, by Harry A. Heminway. =
Hannah Richards was certainly eccen-
trio; her most intimate friends admitted
the fact There were some people who
limited that she was queer" but the gen
eral verdict was that Hannah was sec
centric" and her eccentricties took such
various and startling shapes that no one
could foretell with any degree of accuracy
when, how or where the next mental
eruption would manifest itself.
Even Martin, the husband and partner
Of her joys and sorrows, used to say that
he never saw such woman in my life:
been married nigh on to 40 years, and
don't understand her yet" So it may be
inferred that he recognized her peculiar
tiles as well as those who might reasona-
bly, be supposed to know less of her
whimsical disposition than he her lawful
spouse.
An example of Hannah's eccentricity
came to light in the following manner:
Elder Pratt. who expounded the word"
at the injecting house." had gently re-
buked 'Sister" Richards for absenting
herself from divine services, reminding
her that salvation was of more impor-
tance than wedding out an onion bed.
She had taken the good mans reproof
with becoming humility, and the Elder Z.
rejoiced in his heart at her apparent sor-
row for the transgression. a month or
rH or,,it, 81
worthy man was in dire need of "tab-
by to drive away an invading army OF
mice, the pentent Hannah graciouslv
volunteered to provide that necessity. for
which act of kindness she received the
profuse thanks of the clergyman.
y few mornings later, on opening the
front door of the parsonage, sure enough,
the holy man found the cat securely
tied to the knob. But inasmuch as this
one in particular belonged to the "poie"
species, the joy of Elder Pratt was some
what modified
BY these tokens it will readily be seen
that the adjective eccentric fitted Hannah
aminently well. But it must be under
stood with all her curious and at times in
scrutable ways she had many good points
also. and chiefly noted and held in high
esteem by the entire population of Avon
Corners was she for her supreme ability
n preparing that astronomical delicacy
known as mince pie.
The name and fame of Hannah Rich
ards mince pies were extensive, and the
exquisite delight experienced in eating a
quarter section of her toothsome pastry
was equaled by one thing only, to wit
partaking of a second Q. S. Certain it
was that she realized her worth as ap-
piled to pie construction in all its branches
and was proud of the reputation she had
acquired, as in fact she had very good
reason to be. An adept in the various
stages of piemaking. from the iudicious
selection of the crude, raw materials to
the finished. delicious product of her skill
and wholesome ingredients used. Hannah
was, as before stated, fully aware of her
culinary accomplishments and gloried in
hem.
And Hannah was generous, too: every
lime she baked "meSs o. pies" those in
The neighhorhood who were less pro-
icent in the art were afforded an oppor-
tunty of determining by the taste whether
,hese 'wuS better er wuss N t'othor
batch" With these Al traits to offset
ler one failing, if being eccentric can be
'alled a failing we can add that Hannah
a will of her own, and. having
maze up her mind to do Il certain thing.
he usually succeeded in doing it.
AT the time of this writing she had re-
oIved that Mt the fall election her hus-
,and should be elected "first seectman."
Ic had already served two years as oiIi-
ial fence viewer" for the town of Avon.
md now to round ont his career as a pun
ic man he coveted still higher honors.
md in this instance Martin had the
hearty cooperation of his wife. He had
previously been nominated at the caucus.
mt the chances Of his getting the ncccs-
ary number of votes were 10y no means
IRE. In fact, the constituents Of Jones.
Who headed the opposite ticket, took il for
.ranted that Martin Richards "stood no
how at all"
There were but fcw doubtful ones"
nd as there was no third party" in the
ed, Jones' followers claimed his election
foregone conclusion. A careful can
ASS of the eligible voters had brought out
he fact that, barring a miracle. Jones
ro1ld win 10y small majority. Nc votes
ould be spared, still he would "get
here" Hannah had decided that Mar
in should be the "chosen one" but how
he thing was to be engineered she could
ot at that time say. If she had any plans
or the coming campaign. she kept her
wn counsel.
Hannah had figured it out that ms there
we're but S6 voters in the town of Avon.
md as at least IS would cast their ballots
or Jones, it would be seen that that no
ess than ten votes must be won from the
ther side TO assure victory; but. again,
low? Hannah was no electioneer. and
90. Martin had told her to 'let things
lone. Guess If the people want me TO be
lead man Of this town they'll vote for me:
10 use in you're fooin round" The
onger Hannah studied the situation the
PISS confidence she had in her ability to
help her husband. There was vet a weeK