Waterbury Democrat., 1902-01-28
ST THOMAS CHURCH FAIR.

There Was An Immense Attendance at the Entertainment Last Evening.
 The attendance at the fair for the benefit of St Thomas church in the city hall last evening exceeded expec- tations. It was immense and there fore most encouraging. The attrac- tion was the minstrel performance by the young women of the parish who certainly gave a show well worth the great work of months of rehearsal. For some time this has been the talk of the parish and everyone was anx- ious to see it. The stage was very hastily dressed when the curtain went up on the semi-circle of black faces. disclosing a scene that was far be- were sure it would be well worth the seeing.
 The exercises opened with the song s'Tally-ho" by the entire troupe and was greatly applauded. There were about fifty voices on the stage. The end women were the Misses Hurley and Whalen and Mrs Bernard E. Reilly was interlocutor.
 Miss Gertrude Moran presided as musical director 1t was through her
  fermance proceeded without a break. Miss Annie Burns rendered a vocal solo, Caroline" Miss Anna Whalen made a decided hit with her rendition of "I've Got the Blues.,' and Miss Sa- die Gleeson received repeated encores for her work in sI Wants to be the Leading Lady" Miss Katie Smith sang "Mamie," and Miss Bessie Pagan Do r. Do1, Miss Mamie White sang Down Wher5 the Cotton Blossoms Grow" and Katie Dodds in her wonderfully clever foot work in an Irish jig was classed as one of the best things on the program It was assuredly an exceptionally fine minstrel show for a party of anna terrs.
 In the way of more solid attractions the supper was the best. About 400 were accommodated in this respect which was very large number. This attraction will prevail every evening. It is the only feature on the program that is unchangeable, which is good news to a great many.
 Every part of the hall is occupied with some novelty. If one desires to peep into the future Mrs Bossidy can accommodate you. The ice cream bower is in charge of Timothy Bahan and Miss Katherine Neville. The fancy work booth is also one of the centers of attraction and is presided over by Miss Nellie Burns and Miss Katherine Ward. Rhody Walsh is the contemplating s'hnckster'' in charge of the cane rack, Michael Delaney has control of the soda water counter and Frank Hollywood, the wheel of for tune.
 The suppers are in charge of Mrs Sarah Hayes, who is ably assisted by a large number of young ladies. It was intended to repeat the minstrel performance next Monday night, but popular demand may succeed in hay ing 1t earlier.
 The stage entertainment for this evening consists of vocal selections by Miss Annie Larkin of South Leonard street; soprano solos by Miss Kate Nassau; a drill by the children of the parish under the direction of Miss Elizabeth Burns: a solo by Miss Annie Stapleton of Washington avenue, and a tenor solo by NJ. F. Bowe.
 The drill by the children is q pretty feature and will be appreciated by everyone The competition for the bride doll has already aroused great interest. The friendly competition Is being watched by the friends of the little competitors. There Is no ques- tion now of the fair being a fine sue cess. The whole parish appears to be 5nfareafed