davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
German Lutheran Church.

There were elaborate and beautiful Christmas services at the German Lutheran church on Christmas eve, which were large ly attended. The decora tions were of especial interest, repre- seuting, as they did the birth place of Christ, with the manager and surroundings. Electric lights were used in Illuminating a large star hanging overhead and tn throwing the manager into relief. The effect was very pleasing and should be seen by all lovers ot the story of the birth of Christ. The decorations will remain until after the New Year.
 A pretty feature of the .exer- cises was a solo by little Helen Kirschke, ''When Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night, with three little girls represent ing angels joining in the chorus. The program was a double one, beng given in both English and German and lasting two hours.
 There were many presents re- ceived. the pastor, tbe Rev. George Kirschke, being nicely rembembered. All pupils re- ceived parcels of sweets and nuts.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
UNCLE ABE JONES DEAD
Stricken Suddenly With Heart Trouble While Attending Christmas Ser
 vices at Board Camp.

The merry Christmas crowd attending the exercises in which the old and the young gathered around the joy giving Christmas tree at the Methodist church at Board Camp, was thrown into sudden sorrow when one of the honored members of that com- munity suddenly sank down, stricken by the hand of death.
 A M. Jones known all over Polk County as Uncle Abe, was the victim.
 Mir. Jones has been in poor health for several months but was in Mena last week, and with his aged wife, went to the Christ mas services Wednesday and during the services was suddenly overcome by heart failure.
 Mr. Jones has lived long and honorable life. He was IS years of age and has spent nearly 30 years in Polk County. Most of this time the, deceased has been conducting a country store at Board Camp. His aged wife sur wives him, but they have no chil- dren CT near relatives iu the sec tiou. Friends were in from Board Camp this morning for a casket and the funeral was held this afternoon.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
DROWNED NEAR
 BLACK SPRINGS
The Body of Ali McGill of 0kmulgee Found in Small Stream---Was a Cousin of A. J. Davis of Mena
 Wife Here for Remains

A report was received at this place Thursday afternoon from Black Springs that Ali McGill, whose home was at Okmulgee, Ok, was drowned in Lick Creek, small stream near that place, last Monday night, and that his body was recovered Thurs day morning.
 Mir. McGill, who was cousin of A. J. Davis of this city, arrived in Mena Saturday afternoon and visited at the Davis home until Monday morning, when he left to visit rela- tives near Black Springs.
 Arriving at Black Springs late in the afternoon, Mir. McGill started to walk to the home of his aunt, Mrs. A. c. Briggs, 8 short distance from that place, the road leading over Lick Creek, which is spanned by a foot bridge.
 Failing to reach the home of Mrs. Briggs, as expected, a party went out to search for the missing man. On arrival at the creek bundle he had carried was found near a deer hole close to the bridge and it was decided that he had probably faller into the water and been drowned.
 After long search his body was recovered and will be brought to thi' city and prepared for shipment to his home at Okmulgee.
 It is said by some that MT. McGil was under the influence of whisky at the time of his death.
 He leaves a wife and three chil dren. Mrs. McGill was notified o1 her husbands death and arrived il Mena Friday to accompany tht remains home.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
At St. Agnes.

At St. Agnes church the Christmas scene was vividly DOT trayed, Passing from the dark ness of the. street into the dimly lighted church one was struck by the silence that pervaded the place, though many forms were bowed in prayer around grotto wherein lay life like representa- tion of the infant Savior. Not far from this grotto, in the taste fully decorated sanctuary, all was brig ghtuess and bloom, reminding one of the brilliant city that had mo room for Him."
 The early services at St. Agnes church were largely. attended as were also those at 10 o'clock. The music was most appropriate te the occasion and beantifully rendered by the young ladies .choir, assisted by Mrs. Roscoe Hooper of Kansas City.
 Father Gdllagher's sermons al both services were most interest. ing and instructive, lis theme being "The Mystery of the lucar nation.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
The Episcopal Church.

The children of the Episcopal Sunday school were given a pleasant evening at the church Christmas eve by distribution of presents from a Christmas tree and by brief but beautiful ser vices. There were carols by the children and talk by Dr. De Longy, the rector, on the first Christmas.
 The services on Christmas day were beautiful and elaborate, the singing of the large cholr being an especial feature much enjoyed by all.
 The members of the local com mandery of the Knights Templar attended in body ID full uniform and Dr. DeLongy, being a mem- Der of that order, spoke feelingly of it's noble origin and of the work that Masonry had done back through the ages and is still doing for Christian civiliza- tion. He also spoke feelingly of the poor and unfortunate and ex. pressed the hope that they be not forgotten at this :ime or "peace on earth and good will towards men" The days offerings which were large, were given to the cause of chsEity.
 The little church was beauti. fully and most tastefully decor ated in greenery, composed most ly of pine boughs.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING.
Addition to Organization and Interest
 ing Session.

The following report was re- ceived by The Star Decem Der 25:
 The School Directors Associ- ation of Polk county met at the Odd Fellows halliu Mena, Ark, December 2l, 1907, at l o'clock, President J. H. Hamilton presid- ing.
 The following directors were received into the Association: w. E. Hnugate, J. E. Schooley and c. C. Brazil of district No. r.
 The following teachers were received as honorary members Professor G. W. Johnson of Gran. miss. Professor J. $. Covey ol Hatfisld, Professors J. B. Earle, L. N. Whisenhunt and E. A, Bremen of Mena.
 Very enthusiastic speeches were made along the line of edu cation by County Examiner w NJ. Pipkin, Professor CIV, John son and Professor J. s. Covey
 The present committee on pro gram was retained aud instructed to prepare a program for th' next meeting and have the same published in the county papers.
 Upon motion the secretary wa Instructed to furnish the proceed ings of this meeting to the county papers for publication.
 Adjourned to meet on the thirt Saturday in March, 1908, at 1a o'clock a. m. at the courthouse il Mena. J. F. Taylor, Sec.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
CHRISTMAS ACCIDENT
Two Little Boys Seriously Injured al Wickes By Explosion of
 Home-Made Gun.

A telephone message to The Star from Wickes tells of a serious Christmas accident by which two little boys were quite badly injured.
 It is said that some of the old. CT boys of the town thought to have little sport by the use oi an improvised cannon made from an old wagon spindle. A num- Der of little fellows got hold of another and went along. Both were loaded, but the small boys discharged their cannon first and big boys left their own to see what the other had done.
 It is supposed that at this time little Orbie Steel, son of J. T. Steel, thought to have some run and touched off the loaded cannon belonging to the big boys. H. was blown high in the air, and was badly cut up by the flying pieces of the gun" which exploded. Most of the injuries were about his legs and his pants were almost wholly torn off
 A little son of Mrs. Lorie Forgy, the postmistrcss at Wicks, was standing near, and a piece of the metal struck him or the upper arm, almost pletely severiug the large muscle.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
HOW MENA SPENT
 CHRISTMAS DAY
Special Services of Song and Praise at Several of the Churches Dance at Night Blessed With
 Ideal Weather.

Nature joined in with hearty good will to make Christmas day, 1907, one near to ideal in Mena.
 The observance began at day break with the explosion of fire crackers.
 Later the several church ser vices were we'll attended and there were many family gather ings around boards well provided with the good things that make up the Christmas feasts of which all enjoy to partake.
 In quiet way the poor of the city, especially the little folks, were remembered, and the spirit of ''peace on earth and good will towards men" was to be ob- served and felt on all sides.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02

and distribution of presents to the children of the Sunday school of the First M. E. Church on Christmas eve. Songs and recitations were well rendered by the children; the pastor made good talk on Christ mas and each pupil of the school re- ceived candy, nuts and fruit. There was a large attendance.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
At the Auditorium.

A dance in the Auditorium ia which about fifty couples in. dulged closed the Christmas cele- bration in Mena a little after the midnight hour. The conditions were most perfect for 4 good time for all lovers of the dance, and 1t was with regret that the beautiful strains of "Home Sweet Home" were heard.
 The music for most of the evening was furnished by two violins, guitar, double bass and piano, and was for the most part thoroughly enjoyable.
 Preparations are now being made for a similar dance for New Years, and II is possible an especial feature will be made of the gong out of the old and com ing in of the new year.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
BURGLARS STEAL
 CHILDREN'S MONEY
The Study Room of the Rev. J. L. Geeen Broken Into aud Robbed Thieves Were Thorough
 Only Wanted Cash.

The study room of the Rev. J. l.. Green was broken into Christ mas eve and money belonging to the Sunday school, the donations of the children, to the amount of more than BPS was stolen; also a lot of stamped envelopes.
 It has been the custom of the children of the Sunday school, following each birthday, to give penny for each year, and this fund was placed in bank, and was to have been opened the first of the year. MT. Green says that it amounted 10 something more than $10. The bank, which MT. Green had placed in locked roll-top desk, the lock of which was sprung, was opened and contents taken. There was also $5 in other Sunday school money, which IS also gone, as well as the Christmas offering amount ing to Sl0 or SIP.
 The case containing the silver com nunion service was broken open, but nothing was taken, but bunch of stamped envelopes was taken, and sealed letters were found torn open, evidently in search of money or checks.
 Mir. Green says that 1t has not been his custom to leave money iu his study, but that the funds were to be largely used 10 pay the expenses of the Christmas celebration, and were, therefore lett iu his desk temporarily. It is his theory that the robbery was done by someone very famil- far with the conditions and sur roundings.
 There is at present no definite clew to the criminals.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
Needle in Her Hand.

Mrs. Hurd, who lives out near Big Fork, came in town Tuesday evening suffering from wound
 caused by a needle being acci- dentally stuck in one of her hands. While here Mrs. Hurd was the guest of Mir. and Mrs. A. K. Laswell, and Friday morning the operation of cutting out the needle was performed by Dr. Lee.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
Presbyterian Church.

Christmas was celebrated at the Presbyterian church with a Cnristmas tree and distribution of gifts by Santa Claus, the teachers making gift to each of the pupils and the Sunday School giving candy and oranges to each of it's members.
 Preceding the distribution of gifts there were recitations and songs by the children, inter- spersed by talks by the Rev. J. l.. Green, pastor, on the pleasures and joys of the Christmas season.
 There were no Christmas day services.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
A Fine Christmas Present.

MT. aad Mrs. Stevens Rose were made happy by the birth of a fine lO-pound baby boy at 1 o'clock Christmas morning, Mrs. F. F. DeLongy, M. D., off ciatiug.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
THREE MORE WEDDINGS.
Contractor w. M. Palmer and Miss Velma Hooks Married-The Rev.
 J. A. Henderson Kept Busy.

After-Christmas weddings were popular in Mena Thursday night and for a time the Rev. I. A. Henderson, pastor of the M. E.. church. South, was kept on the run uniting couples who signihed their willingness to take each other for better or for worse. When it was all over three pairs had been made supremely happy.
 The first was at the home of Mir. and Mrs. J. s. Hooks on West Port Arthur avenue, where there daughter, Miss Velma, was united in marriage to W. M. Palmer, the we'll known con- tractor and builder. This wedding was quiet affair, only the fam fly and few friends attending,
 After the wedding light re- treatments were served to the guests and a short time was spent iu pleasant visit and in the passing of the usual coogratula- tions incident to the happy event. Later Mir. and Mrs. Palmer were driven to his pretty home which had been prepared for them in South Meua.
 The bride is the only daughter of MT. and Mrs. Hooks and her many friends, with those of Mr. Palmer, wish they much happi. ness.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02
PARDON FOR HER
 5O-YEAR-OLD BOY
Governor PindalI, on Petition of His 80-Year-0ld Mother Grants J. Nj. Key of Washington
 His Pardon.

Little Rock, Dec. 26.-There was Christmas cheer in plenty around one Washington family table yesterday, because 50-year- old boy has been restored to home to celebrate the day, as he has been accustomed to do from child hood.
 An old woman, 80 years of age, feeble in health, unsteady in gait, with a face marked with care and sorrow, called at Acting Governor Pindall's office Tuesday and sobbingly requested a brief audience with the governor. tGoveruor Plndall," said the lady, tomorrow will be Christ mas. and I want my boy"
 The woman was Mrs. Key of Washington, Hampstead county, and the boy she wanted was her son, J. M. Key, 50 years of age, formerly cashier of the Bank of Washington, who began serving a term in the state penitentiary several months ago, after having been convicted in the Hempstead county circuit court ir October 1906, on the charge of receiving deposits in bank that was in- solvent. He was sentenced to imprisonment in the penitentiary tor term of three years, about nine months of which he has served.
 "Governor Pindall," said Mrs. Key, ''my boy has never missed spending Christmas at his home since he was boy. He is not criminal; he hasn't done anything wrong. Won't you give him to me?"
 Mrs. Key handed the governor lengthy petition signed by a great number of prominent and influential citizens of Hampstead county, and also letters from the trial judge and prosecuting attor- ney of the district in which her son was convicted, favoriug the extension of executive clemeucy in his case.
 Tie petitioners state that they did no. believe that Key received the deposits with any intention of swindling tue depositors, or that he believed the bank was in such condition that 1t would go to the wall. The petition con ciudes as follows: I've think Mir. Key has been sufficiently punished for any part he may have had in the affair; that we do not believe that he is a criminal; !; that he has the making of use ful citizen in him, and we most earnestly pray that your excel lency will grant him full and free pardon and restore him to his liberty as Christmas present to him, and to his old mother who awaits him here"
 Governor Pindall examined carefully the petition, and with out comment wrote upon its back the following endorsement:
 "This seems truly to be one of those unfortunate circumstances in which the party connected was only n instrument in the hands of others who dictated the banks policy. His mother makes such a showing and honest appeal for him that l am persuaded that the: punishment has been snffi- cient, Pardon granted this 24th day of December, 1907."
 Mrs. Key overwhelmed the governor with expressions of gratitude, and, receiving the par don, conveyed it in person to the l brickyard where she delivered it 10 the warden. He returned to her arms her 50.year.old s'boy." Last night the motherTand son returned to their home at Wash. ington, where the couple ate their Christmas dinner together.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02

With the Palmer-Hooks wed. ding just performed, and without time to enjoy the wedding supper, the Rev. Rev. MT. Henderson was called to the court house where he found Mir. l.. E. Griffin and Miss Dixie Dennison' await ing his services. The couple was promptly united.
 The bride is the daughter ot MT. and Mrs. T. J. Dennison. MT. Griffin is quite well known over the county. He was at one time connected with the city's police force.
 The third wedding, also at the court house, follow ed inn mediately. In this +. M. Pipkin and Miss Ozie Savers were made hus band and wife and sent on their way rejoicing. Mr.. Pipkin is the son of T. l.. Pipkin, who is employed at G. w. Petty's store. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. B. B. Hall of Potter and a sister of Mrs. Oscar Thacker of this city.
 The young folks are well known and have many friends in the county.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-01-02

Another Christmas Tree. There were appropriate exercises
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-09-14
FRANKLIN COUNTY,
State Committeeman Austin Predicts
Increased Plurality.

Phillips, Me, Sept. 13.-"Franlklin coun-
ty will give Republican plurality of 1000
for Governor, which is a little more than
their plurality in 1906" said State Com
mitteeman Harry E. Austin. In the
most of this county, in which there are no
cities or large towns, there is very little
of the resubmission sentiment Many of
the Democrats will vote with the Republi-
cans on this issue alone.
''Recently such speakers as Congress-
man Mckinley of California have been in
the county and have discussed the tariff
question. Farmers, lumbermen, quarry
men and every interest is awake to the
fact that Maine must stand by the pro-
tcctive policy, and that it is very impor-
tant that the Republicans of the State
give good account Of themselves on
Monday, for the influence it will have on
the rest of the country"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-09-14
A LARGE PLURALITY
Is the Expectation Of Hon. j. p.
Swasey for Today.

Lewiston, Me. Sept. 1S-The Hon
John p. Swasey, Republican candidate
for Congress, says: Il have no doubt
whatever that the Republicans will
carry this State by 4 much large, plur-
atty than two years ago. ] have never
known the people to be moro Interested
III politics than they are this year Re
publican meetings have been large and
enthusiastic. The "a district is certain
10 Increase it's plurality over that OF
two Years ago, both for Governor and
congressman.
This year oxford will give a plural
ity of 2oo0, Franklin 1920, Lincoln and
Sagadahoc about 800 each. Knox will
-" about 700 or 800 Democratic and
from the best advices / can get An
droScoggin will again be Republican.
This Will give a Republican plurality
of over $500, three times what it was
in 1906"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-09-14
FERNALD SAYS 10000.
Republican Candidate Has Every
Faith in Naming That Figure.

Auburn. Me, Sept. 13.-"Basing my es-
Inmates on the reports which have come
to me from all parts Of the State with
in the past As hours. | expect a plurality
Of about 5000 in Mondays election. I"
said the Hon. Bert. NJ Fcrnald of Po-
land, Republican candidate for Cover
nor, when asked by Portland Times
reporter Saturday night for final state
ment.
Mr.. Fernald had just finished the last
ana most strenuous day of his whirl-
wind campaign with Commute speech
to d crowd which filed Auburn hall to
its last inch Of room. He apparently
finishes the most active campaign that
a Maine guhcrnatCrial candidate ever
made as fresh ana strong as when he
entered the race.
Notwit hstanding he had hustled across
the State from Bangor to Danvlle juno
ton. from there to Poland Spring, down
to Gray. talked for half an hour. sped to
Lisbon Falls, spoke for II mirutes, whiZ-
zcd up to New Auburn ana made anoth-
er speech he was in fine fcttle. He had
his audience with him from the first
and was applauded to the cCno.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-09-14
FIRST DISTRICT.
Congressman Allen Is Highly Pleased
With the Outlook.


Portland. Me-, Sept. 13.-Congressman
Amos L. Allen was seen at the Lafay-
cite hotel late yesterday afternoon and
expressed himself az highly pleased with
the outlook in the first district.
II expect that we shall have a ma
iority in Cumberland county of 800 to
10Oo,' he said, land over in York | am
looking for at least 20oo while I would
not be surprised if it reached 300. Mr..
Fernald will undoubtedly have a lead
of 12.oo0 over Mr.. Gardner and such a
victory will be a good thing for the
party throughout the nation
Mr. Allen said that he was pretty well
acquainted with the situation in York
county and despite little differences
among the Republicans in one. or two
of the towns, there is every prospect
Of a splendid majority. AS to Cumber-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-09-14
The Public Schools Begin Today.

| The public schools of this city will re-
sumo sessions for the winter season at
! 8 o'clock this morning except the Page
| street. the Vaughan and the Loudon hill
| schools, which will be closed because of
! the inability of the teacher to be in the
city. Tie following teachers will be in
charge of the several grades: Granite
! Hill, Annie r. Weber; Loudon Hill. Jes-
sic Wang of Farminsdale; Vaughan. Flor
ence Blake; Page street, Belle Hopkins:
Warren street, Eva E. Conant of East
Livermore, a graduate of Kent's Hill;
Bodwell school, Marietta Lowell AT the
Maria Clark building Miss Alice G.. Ring
principal and in charge of Grade TX: Lulu
M. Buier, Grades MI and VIII: Mary
Il. Leith, Grade. VI; Misses Bertha Har-
vey and Mary O'Connor, Grades " and
V; Georgia Norris, Grade III
After careful consideration the school
board is decided to adhere to the school
age as defined by State law. Age cannot
be improved, therefore it will preserve
friendly relations if no scholars are al
lowed to enter school before they reach
the school age. Should scholars pass u
fifth birthday during the school wear and
iof them to have such home training that
'heY can enter in the grades us they exist |
without forming Il new class
The High school building has during the
past summer undergone some decided |
improvements. The Easements have been
rcnlodeled., a. new and modern iayato,v
installed, the heating apparatus has becn |
properly overhauled and new radiators
put in, also a fine laboratory has been
bul!t in the basement large enough to
accommodate Il class of scholars. The
"id che was uncoanly as well as much
100 small to accommodate even a very
small class. Prin. III. H. Stuart viii lo
in Charge with Miss JesSica Haskell az rs
slStant and his brother us second assist
ant larSc entering cIass is oxpected
ana everything points to successful school
year.