The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1902-12-23


Society has been very quiet during
the past week. The rush and hustle
of Christmas time is here, and with
the exception of a few very pleasant,
but informal gatherings, nothing
worthy of note has taken place.
Mrs. R. E. Hardness held a recep-
ton at her home in North Thirty
second street Wednesday afternoon
to give the Billings ladies an oppor-
tunity to meet her friend of school
girl days, Miss Grace Estelle Clark,
the leading lady in the Hearts of
Oak" company. The affair was de-
lightfully informal. Conversation was
general and all were attracted by the
bright and winning manner, and al
together charming personality of
Miss Clark. She declared that the
affair was a rare treat to her, as ow-
ing to the strenuous life she leads,
though she often longs for a little time
to devote to social intercourse with
her friends, hat pleasure is some
thing which she generally must fore
go. She spoke of her joyful surprise
in finding here her friend of bygone
days, and told how they used to at
tend the matinee togther at a time
when she longed to study for the
stage, but before her family had con-
scented to her doing SO. Refresh
ments consisting of sherbet, cake and
coffee, were served.
The pupils of Miss Viva Daniels
gave a piano recital in the Gruwell
block Tuesday evening. They acquit-
ted themselves in a manne which
reflected much credit upon their
teacher. Miss Daniels added to the
pleasure of the entertainment by play
ing several selections herself. After
the program was completed she pre-
scented each of her pupils with a pref
ty locket containing her picture. A
number of the friends and parents
of her pupils were present. Those
who took part in the program were the
Misses Della O'Donnell, Fife Nc
Query, Della Gilsdorf, Bessie ant
Vera Bishop, Nellie Reed, Minnie Nc
Query, Miriam Morris, Jennie Reed
Martha Hogue, Willie Clanton, Rutf
Cushman, Edna Gilsdorf, Rose Clark
Francis Frady and Grace McQuery.
Miss Laura Reed was the hostess
Tuesday evening, when the Ragtimt
Whist club met at the home Of Mr.
and Mrs. J. w. Fish in North Twenty
ninth street. The little gatherin,
might be called a housewarming, as
was the first entertainment given b!
Mr.. and Mrs. Fish since they have
taken up their abode in their hand
some new residence. The highes'
score was made by Miss Georgia Nc
Cornell and the prize which she re
ceived was Anthony Hopes much talk
GU VI lC" UOOh, II AACA uSAoAAo "
Peggy Refreshments consisting @
oyster cocktails, saratoga flakes, cak'
and coffee were served. Miss Grac'
Church and Mr.. Orrin Mickey wer'
guests on the occasion. The mex
meeting Of the club will be at tn
! home Of Miss Georgia Mcconnell.
- X i X
; During the past week Mrs. ]. E
Elliot had as her guest Mrs. Berg o
California. Hers is q very Interest
ing story. A few years ago her hus
! band, who was a county surveyor il
, Minnesota, became insane. He wa
confined in an asylum and his wifi
came west in search of employment
Three years ago she was engage
by Mrs. J. B. Elliot of this city a
housekeeper. After living in tn
s west for a while she was called t
New York by the severe illness of a
uncle. IIe lived only a few days afte
her arrival. He was a physician an
q had been so successful in his profes
: sion and in various speculations tina
8 he died a millionaire. He left tn
! bulk of his property to an only sol
but to Mrs. Berg he left money an
property to the value of $15O,OO(
This included the beautiful fru'
ranch and dwelling where she live
= near Los Angeles. Not long ago al
4 other relative died and left her