The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1908-01-31
From Fridays Daily.

Mapleton opened her doors yester
day and last evening to a large num-
Der of Scots and their friends who
paid tribute to the memory of the poet
Robert Burns. The annual event
which has made Mapleton famous,
was iittingly observed and the cele-
bration was one equal to those which
have been held in the village in the
past. Every year for forty years the
sons and daughters of Scotland have
well observed the birthday of Burns.
The programs have always been pre-
pared with care and rendered in a
manner most pleasing to the large au
dienocs. Another feature that has
proved most acceptable is the banquet
at which the choicest edibles are spread
before the guests. The toast to the
''Haggis" is most interesting event.
The banquet served last evening was
no exception to those which have gone
before
The one hundred and forty ninth
anniversary of -"Bobbie" Burns was
celebrated in true Scottish style at
Mapleton last night. The annual ban
quet was spread in the dining room
of Masonic hall. Covers were laid for
three hundred people and the good
cooks of Mapleton out did themselves
in its preparation.
The traditional haggis was the
charmed dish of the banquet. William
l.. Mcqueen and William Morrow were
haggis bearers, they being the eldest
sons of the oldest Scotch settlers.
The guests repaired to the opera
house to listen to the program which
was pronounced by many as being the
best ever given by this famous society
which has met for forty years to cele-
brate the birthday of their beloved
poet Mr. A. J. Ellis presided.
The first number was an overature
by the orchestra which furnished eX
quisite music throughout the evening.
The address of welcome was given by
Mayor BOrchert in few well chosen
words who turned over the keys of the
village. The response by Hon. VIM. Hall
was an eloquent tribute to the stalwart
Scotchmen and their families who
settled that part of the country in
the early days.
David Will, one of the original pio-
neers. sang "Rantin' Rovin' Robin"
in his characteristic style. Mr. Will
has given this stunt at each success
sive gathering for forty years.
Major George Sinclair of Minnea-
polls. dressed in kits furnished the
bagpipe selections and delighted all
with his stirring music.
From literary standpoint the an
nual address which was given by Rev.
Donald Mckenzie of Excelsior was the
gem of the evening. He gave de-
tailed and most interesting history
OF the life of the hero whom his peo-
pie love to honor.
Our own Bessie Dodds delighted the
audience with her charming Scotch
ballads and was obliged to respond to
several eucores The recitation of w.
w. Taylor was also well received.
Mr.. James Ferguson of st. Paul,
sang several numbers during the even
ing and proved himself a splendid en-
tertainer. Mr.. Benz. F. McGreSor gave
Tam O. Shanter" in dialect and dem
onstrated his good Scotch blood. 1t is
said that this piece alone would have
made Burns famous had he written
nothing else.
The next number given did not APP
pear on the printed program and came
as delightful surprise to all. Mr..
John McGuckian of st. Paul, was in
troduced and sang GLOW Gently Sweet
Alton i'm voice and manner which
at once captivated the audience. Mr.. Me-
Gnckian came to st. Paul from bonny
Scotland only six months ago and eX-
pects to do concert work in this coun-
try. This was his first public appear
ance here and if he captivates his au-
diences so completely in other places
as he did last night his future success
is assured He responded to several
cncores and although the hour was
late the audience was loath to part
with his charming Scotch songs. lie
will appear at the Auditorium, st.
Paul Saturday evening.
Master Clarence Dodds, of Mankato
gave very nice recitation and Miss
Cassie Ellis rendered song in sweet
Scottish voice. Miss Mary Sinclair and
her young brother George danced the
Highland fling and several other pref
ty dances.
Mr.. c. S. Ellis gave a song, followed
with an original reading selection by
A. j. Ellis. The latter was addressed
to the Curling club and told of the
ioys and tribulations of the curler.
"Auld Lang Syne" was sung in true
Scotch style and the audience dis
missed. The younger people remained
and danced the night away, and their
seniors returned to Masonic hall where
the second edition of the program be-
gan at 1890. Mr.. Ellis presided in
the style of the car and none whom
he called upon were allowed to escape.
This imprompted program is the de-
light of the early settlers when all
are given a chance to relate reminis-