Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-12-15
RUSSIAN FOLKLORE
Mrs. Emily Huntington Mason Speaks
on Subject in Lewiston.

Mrs. Emily Huntington Mason Of
this city. went to Lewiston, Friday. and
delivered an interesting paper on the
folk lore of Russia before the Women's
Clubs of that vicinity. The Lewiston
Sun OF Saturday had the following re-
port of the event:
Sorosis. Mt. David, Shakespeare and
many other invited guests were roy
ally entertained, yesterday afternoon,
at the home of Mrs. Wallace H. White
OF Main street. Ii was a Large gath
er;ng, numbering those who could
thoroughly appreciate such an after
moons program as Mrs. White had so
generously provided for it was though
her courtesy that the ladies were priv
LEGGED TO hear Mrs. Emily Hunting
ten Mason Of Augusta, speak on the
subject of Russian folk lore
Mrs. Mason is q very entertaining
speaker and carried her audience
along with her as she gave the story
of the origin OF the folk-tales and
folk-song of Russia which abound
III witty sayings. strong characteriza-
ton and romantic interest. She point
ed out the earlier moral significance of
some of those old myths which nave
now dcgenerated into apparently fool
ish nursery tales: and also described
the quaint, curious and interesting
national customs by which much OF
the folll-lorc of Russia has orally been
preserved from generation to genera
lion until the present day. The strong
hold which the supeIstitions of witch
craft has on the hearts of the Russian
en- Oh ~
citation of a most remarkable mean
tation of a mother separated from her
child. Mother love and love of coun-
Try being among the strongest passions
of the Russian peasantry.
The rich lyrical wealth of Southern
Russia and the songs Gf the Cosslcks
We're illustrated by several readings:
While an epic tale selected from the
mervelous cycle of Kief disclosed a
strong touch of human nature in those
old heroes of 2 thousand years ago
In connection with the Moscow cycle
Mrs. Mason read an original ballad en-
titled St. Olsa's Bell which shows
how the Russian peasants preserve and
cherish their legendary lore
Mrs. Mason is well known as a poet
and these beautiful verses read with
expression by the author were much
enjoyed.
Continuing Mrs. Mason showed the
powerful influence which the revival
Of all these old songs. legends and folk
tales has exerted during the last quar-
ter Of century ana is now producing
new school of national literature:
and in closing her lecture she read an
exquisite lyric by the poet Afana Sy-
eff as prophetic of the new dawn of
pottery in Russia.
AT the close of the lecture refresh
nents consisting of Russian tea, sand
Wiches, fancy crackers olives and con-
dictionary were served The candy
was made from n Russian receipe ard
WAS truly delicious. The dining room
WAS appropriately decorated with Rus
sian flags, the table being adorned
with candles and carnations. The sew
en- young ladies attractively gowneil,
who served the Gainties were the
Misses Maud PatlIin, Helen Arm
strong. Edith Lee, Edith Fuller. Fran
ces Penneli. Jane Hunt and Mrs. wal
ter Parmalee.
1t WAS an afternoon of rare pleasure
and many expressions of gratitude TO
MIS-. White were heard, as the ladies
took their departure about five o'clock.