The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1909-03-04
The Travellers Club
Delightfully."- Entertained by Mrs. Edward
Sbley, the President.

The meeting of the Travellers Club, held
February 23d with the President, Mrs. Edward
Sibley, was made the occasion of much that
was entertaining and enjoyable outside of the
routine work. Following so closely the 117th
birthday of Washington many of the details
were of patriotic nature. The rooms of the
handsome old colonial home were artstically
decorated with flowers, flags, and bunting In
the spacious hall the railing of the stairs was
completely hidden by the graceful folds of
rich old flag, and everywhere the national color
scheme was attractively carried out.
Mrs. Sibley in calling the meeting to order
addressed the members briefly, and no one
could doubt the genuine heartness of the well
come given by this most gracious hostess to
her club friends
The business meeting encompasSed the choice
of Spain and Portugal as a general study topic
for the coming club year and the endorsement
of several lines of work drawn by the State
Federation.
The literary program followed, as given in
the year book, the interest centering upon the
paper of the day by Miss Margaret A. Dunton
aPoLi piHpeil anu IleTCuIdnSufn, winch was
exceptionally we'll written and instructive,
with the many pictures shown in connection.
Intent upon discussion to which the business
and program had given rise, few of the mem
bers realized the very pleasant surprise the
hostess had prepared until from the music
room beyond came the inspiring notes of the
Star Spangled Banner" sung most charmingly
H. IL n
Mrs. E. S. Pitcher gave in her sweet, cultivated
voice the beautiful old Scotch ballad "Annie
Laurie" Both responded to encores, Miss
Quimby giving "Ben Bolt and Mrs. Pitcher
"Auld Lang Syne." Miss Amy E. Stoddard &C
companied them. 1t was a rich treat and deep
ly appreciated by every member of the club
At six o'clock the members and guests, twenty
one in number, were invited to the large north
parlor, which had been converted into a veri-
table colonial tea-room. From the chandelier
to the four corners were streamers of red
white and blue, and an easel at one side,
draped with the Stars and Stripes was a fine
portrait of Washington. The tables were
decorated with red and white carnations, beau
tiful candeabra with red shades, and in the
center a cherry tree. The place cards were
appropriate to the day and upon each was writ
ten conundrum. The dainty spread which
was served included among the many delica-
cies, grape fruit with marachino cherries and
portion of the cake bore out the Washing
tonian feature.
Yet another treat of different nature follow
ed the refreshments, and before the regularly
has acquired well-earned reputation as a
reader, introduced and gave very credit
ably that gem from Longfellow, Sandalphon.
Twice recalled she recited a patriotic selection,
also "a Chld's Advice" and was warmly APP
plauded. Mrs. Sibley, in charge of the post
prandial, then in a very happy manner, and
bringing from her extended visit in the west
something of the atmosphere of broader club
life, outlined a path for the individual club
members and emphasized the advantages of
club association.
Mrs A. J. Knowlton followed with an elo-
quent disquisition on club work generally, end
ing with prettily worded toast for 1.-The
Travellers"
Mrs. F. w. Brown gave next, in an easy,
graceful way, w dSIliIiS CO dS d loVcI anu III
troduced interesting bits from his life not
usually included in public observances.
Many other members told anecdotes pat and
entertaining and Miss Caroline W. Field recited
in her accustomed finished style particularly
appropriate poem.
But to Mrs Walter C. Shaw and Mrs. C. A.
Pilsbury belong the credit of toasts in original
bo1io Of tboca
who were not present to hear will be glad to
share in this way the pleasure and benefit.
Mrs Shaw's toast: AS George Washington,
whose birth we celebrate today, was first in
war first in peace, and first in the hearts of
his countrymen; so let the Travellers Club be
first in giving aid and encouragement to every
advanced for the uplifting of the
citizens of Belfast, first in offering help and
sympathy to the poor and unfortunate, and
first, of Clubs in the hearts of its members.
We cannot hope to win renoWn,
By cutting trees of cherry down,
But this we can like George do,
Forbear to tell what isn't true,
Winning thus reputation,
Like his, who once lead the nation.
Mrs Pilsbury followed
Safe in the shelter of our homes
We've travelled wide, DER sea and land,
No partings sad, no NAL de mer
To mar the pleasure of our band.
In company we "Merre England did
Without the aid of "a man from Cooks"
And Germany, from modern days
Back to the fables in the books.
The Netherlands, too, we visited
Where reigns supreme the girlish queen,
And sunny Frances famed chateaux,
Her palaces. pictures-all we've seem.
On Italy's fascinating shores
We've spent two pleasant fleeing years,
And much have learned from her array,
Of artists, sculptors kings and seers.
And now, whichever way we take,
And whether we go by train or ship,
On foot, or horseback, motor or fly,
Here's to our next years trip!
The meeting was success in every particu,,
lar and reflects credit upon the president and
hostess, who has ever been untiring in her ef-
forts to create and maintain high standard IN