The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1904-06-23
FLOWER DAY.
w. c. T. U. Celebrates Occasion in a
@#rt Most Unique Way.

On the morning of June (FloweI
Day in the w. c. T. u, a party OF
ladies belonging to the local organiza
ton, met on the public square, equip
ped with flowers, literature and din
ner. baskets, ready for an eight-mile
drive "over the hills to the poor
house" The day was perfect, and as
we bowled over the smooth roads
drinking in great draughts of the
fiower-scented air and listened to the
melody of the birds as they fitted
from branch to branch, or called to
their mates from the meadows
thought of the Giver Of all good Who
is continually manifesting His love
and care towards the children OF
men" ....
Our ride had been deliberate, and
the noon hour had almost been reach
ed when we espied the place in the
distance.
Mrs. Kent, president of the loca,
organization, had previously informed
the management of our coming, and
hearty welcome awaited us as we
drove into the spacious grounds Of
the institution.
After a few minutes of rest and
conversation in the cosy parlor, we
were invited to witness the assem-
bling of the inmates in their large
commodious dining room upstairs
The room and tables were scrupulous
lxr O1n 1n rI,,11
some and abundant, willie good cheer
and contentment seemed to prevail
as they partook of their MONDAY
meal.
The ladies then repaired to the
smooth, grassy lawn to partake of the
contents of the dinner baskets
brought from home, and where sever
al surprises awaited them. One was
the delicious coffee prepared for the
ladies by Mrs. Williams, and which
was mucn appreciated and relished by
the hungry crowd. Another was a
freezer Of delicious ice cream pre-
pared and secretly conveyed by one
OF the party. To say we were sur
prised would be putting it mildly, but
we managed, however, 10 survive il
(the surprise 1 mean, not the cream)
and thank the lady for her kindness
and forethought in providing so de
licious a treat.
Our appetities having been appeas
ed, we proceeded to do" the house
! and grounds, led by our accommodate
ing hostess. Perfect order and clean
illness was in evidence, both indoors
and out, and the county is to be con
graduated upon it's wise choice in the
selection of Mr.. and Mrs. Williams
as stewards of the institution They
have, by their Christian influence and
tariff, both won the love and the re
spect of the inmates, as well as
brought the farm to a high state OF
cultivation, and deserve the sympathy
and support of all good citizens in
both city and county in their ardu
Gus work.
But the browning event of the day
was when the inmates were all assem-
bled in the large reception room fol
the prayer and song service conduct
ed by the ladies and assisted by W
H. Prime as leader of the singing. Il
was an hour which will not soon be
forgotten by those present, for hearts
We're there that day, hungry for jus,
such a service.
Tears flowed like rain down the
furrowed cheeks of aged men ane
women, countenances beamed WITT
Gods sunlight, and the fervid amen:
and hearty hand-clasps attested tt
the joy and gratitude of the hour.
One dear old lady said that cit wa:
just like church, while one and al
gave us hearty invitation to come
| again.
After the distribution of literature
and American Beauty roses, courte
ously provided by w. E. Kemble, We
returned home, happy, telling the re
fiex influence of an hour spent in the
Masters service.
"A Happy Participant.