The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-03
ENTERTAINMENT GIVEN BY
EXCHANGE FOR WOMEN'S WORK

Mrs. Spink's assembly rooms on Woy-
bosset street were filled with an assem-
balge of society folk yesterday after
noon, who had gathered there TO enjoy
an entertainment of a distinctly refined
type, which had been arranged under the
auspices OF the Rhode Island Exchange
for Womans work, for the benefit of the
organization.
The entertainment was characterized as
"An Afternoon with Eugene Field aud
consisted of "A lecture on the life, char
acteristics and works of the poet, illus
trated by recitations from his poetry and
prose. by Mrs. Walter Stokes Irons.
Mrs. Irons was assisted by Mr.. Irving
=. Irons, baritone, who interpreted several
of Fields beautiful songs I'm thoroughly
sympathetic and artistic way. Mrs. lrv-
| ing +. Irons filled the role of accompanist
| I'm a most satisfactory manner.
The entertainment opened at shortly
after . O'Clock and at this hour the large
bail room was well filled with willing
listeners. Mr. Irons sang first the sweet
song "Nightfal In Dordrecht," and as
the last notes of the song died away Mrs
Irons arose and plunged at once into her
subject.
1--WE have I'm this song" she said, "the
very spirit of Fields work. and IL gives
US a glimpse of the man, an imagination
easily enkindled by the common things
OF life, heart quick to respond to the
prattle of children and the power TO make
us folk, OF duller clay. to see the poetry
that underlies all life. These are Eugene
Fields greatest gifts"
Continuing, Mrs Irons dwet briefly
upon the delightful personality OF the
poet and the entire absence OF conven-
tionalty i'm his life.
"He was. always n philosopher she
said, "and hence the most unconventional
of men, and this very unconventionality
has led to a general public interest in
his sayings and doings.
Following this general resume of the
characteristics of the poet Mrs. Irons IL
lustrated another side of his character by
relating a number of anecdotes given her
by personal friends who had also been
personal friends of Eugene Field.
These anecdotes were of peculiar in
terest since they had never before been
heard, not having appeared in print.
Leaving the story of the personal char
acteristcs OF the poet the speaker next
turned TO "A consideration of his works,
speaking first of the fact that his pencil
has touched and glorihed many themes.
In this connection she called attention To-
a striking element which one finds re-
vealed In many Of Fields poems, viz:
"The love of parents fer their offspring
This characteristic of the poets verso
was Illustrated by the poems "Booh, and
pity Pat and Tippy Toe" charmingly
recited by Mrs. Irons, and also by the
song "The orkney Lullaby" most ar
tlstically rendered by Mr.. Irons.
Continuing Mrs. Irons called attention
to Fields pictures OF child life, showing
with what rare sympathy he entered into
their joys and sorrows. This portion or
the lecture was illustrated by the songs
"Rock-a-bye Lady" and "Flddle-de-dee."
by Mr. Irons and the recitation, Limit
ations of Youth" by the speaker.
In conclusion Mrs. Irons dwelt most
int restingly OF Fields power OF pathos.
I'm illustration OF this she read. with
charming elocutionary effect. the sweet
story OF "Fido's Little Friend" and as
she read the touching lines at the close
of the story the notes of Little Boy Blue
arose upon the air The refrain was at
once taken up by Mr.. Irons and the song
was rendered with exquisite effect
Mrs. Irons closed with reference TO
the poets place I'm the realm or pure
sentiment and magination. illustrating
this characteristic by the poem WAN
derer."
Another song by Mr.. Irons. 'IIush-a-by.
sweet Nv own" brought 20 close a
most finished and artistic piece OF literary
work.
THE Measure of the audience In Mrs
appreciation and applause throughout her
lecture
Mr. Irons also gave much pleasure by
his artistic rendering Of the songs OF
Field
At the close OF tho entertsiument both
Mrs Walter Stokes Irons and Mr. Irving
y. Irons were presented with boquets OF
flowers by Miss Louise Hoppin.
Following the formal program many
remained TO patronize the several tables
which had been arranged with various
articles on sale. In the rooms adjoining
the ball room.
Hero tea and lemonade was dispensed
by Mrs. Benjamin r. Vaughan.
An attractive table containing great
varity ~ cake. was presided over by Mrs.
James II. Arnold. assisted by Mrs. Charles
NJ I,ongley, Mrs. James A. Potter and
Mrs George W. Carr.
Nearby was the candy table I'm charge
OF Miss Harriet q. Balch. assisted by
Mrs. Jack Lewis.
The fancy table. containing a beautiful
array of fancy articles OF all sorts was
7 N 4.