The Newtown bee., 1904-08-19
TOWN TOPICS.
SOCIAL GATHERING

dEWlV.
 An informal reception was held at l the home of Mrs s. F. H. Hewitt by | Miss Elizabeth A. Hurd, Tuesday aft ernoon, August l6, from 2.30 to 5.3O. Many old friends were gathered to- dulged in until 4.30, when refresh | ments were served in the library. Old were exchanged and | among other old things were maps of | Newtown with illustrated homes of the old residents 100 years ago, show ing the grand old Newtown street, the same yesterday, to-day and forever. There were many stories told and general reminiscence by the old boys and girls. Mrs Hurd Hewitt read an able paper prepared by herself en- titled: 'Miss Hurd's Greeting to her old Newtown Friends" The house The paper follows: Then and Now, To the old Newtown friends of Miss Eliz- abeth Hurd, Greeting, Friends, old friends, always calling us to our best selves. What would life be without the comfort, the delight, the inspira- tion of our choice friends, and in the days when the shadows fall how the old, tried friends lead us so gently in- to the sunshine of their loving help and sympathy. Thirty-two years ago, on this old Street, many gay girls made the old homes bright, danced, coquet- ed, broke hearts and mended them, took care of the poor, worked for the. church, almost preached the sermons, with 1t all were amateur artists, mu- sicians, ,swrtters, and when necessary, state,women. Who were they and where are they to-day? AS we men, tally call the roll we think of one, Mrs Charles Platt, who from her hilltop home has sent out sons and daugh- ter who show the world that talents and their selfish use are unknown in
 their household. Her family from father to youngest child have given to NewtOwn voice, hand and brain. The church whose hymns they render, the library almost founded by their efforts,
 their talents made perfect, these but write her record without words from us. Another name, Miss Ann Black man, and we recall such quiet. pleas ant ways and cheery smiles, with Fanny, Fanny, Fanny," her chief thought and care. We wish "Fanny"
 would permit us to share with her the society tof her bright mistress, but ''Fanny" believes decidedly in monopo- lies. Mrs F. w. Barnett is the next
 name. We know that it's owner is the moving power in her home and com munity. The. word here, the smile there, the gentle reminder of the duty to church and rector, keeps the heart
 joyful lays. The name following, Miss Fanny Marble, all the girls and boys of Connecticut just adore. Who wouldn't, If ever woman helped the youthful climbers up Learning's rug ged steeps, take their steps, courage, ambition and delight, their leader in
 Wisdom's ways assuredly did and in our humble opinion she has never been excelled. AS we read on the memory sees Miss Annie Sanford. We hear childish voices call "Auntie, Auntie. '"
 Yes, 2 single life, but devoted to the doubling of others joys. Sister and never quite satisfied with any pleasure unless Aunties presence was it's added charm. Wise mothers, model home makers and examples of noble woman hood to all who know them are the names further down the roll, Mrs L.. c. Morris and Mrs Charles F. Boards ley and third, who is not present, Mrs Stella Beard, completes the trio of beautiful wOmanhOod, training her four daughters and son to the highest standard of development, in the do- nestle arts,. the fine arts and the meaning of true Christian culture. As the roll is almost finished we see two artists, Mrs M. F. Cheves and Mrs
 Williams, both in lovely homes, one
 with her handsome pets, ever faithful,
 and now in her girlhood hone cheer ing the declining years of an aged par ent, giving herself and her accom- plishments to the service of all who need them; the other Rracing far away home, bestowing her talents to aid the unfortunate and a source of pride and delight to her family and an extensive circle of friends. Is this the last name, Miss Elizabeth Hurd. Yes,
 but 1t comes with a strain of music Devotion to all and from all, including
 Easter" Her art the inspiration of many and the constant pleasure of a father to whom she gives 8 reverence and homage seldom enjoyed by par ent, but it is to one of the noblest types of fatherhood who is the loving recipient. As the roll call is finished
 we thank God for the sacred gift of friendship and we share the gift with others by being ourselves the trueSt of friends, so that those who claim us as !rlenuS may say, Uo0 never IOVeO me in so sweet way, as when He brought thee to me and called thee 'Friend.' <" ICora A. HaWes Hewitt, Newtown, Conn.,, August 16, 19O4.] Among the invited guests were: Miss Ann Black man, Mrs Barnett, Mrs Otis w. Bar ker, Miss Annie Sanford, Prof and
 Mrs Charles Platt, Miss Agnes Platt,
 Miss Francis Marble, Mrs Morris, Mrs Beardsley, Mrs Towner, Mrs Hubert Smith, Mrs Todd, Mrs Knox, Mrs Rey- po11c Mrc M E Hhovoc