Norwich bulletin., 1913-03-29
Surprise Party at Maine Lovers


 It was a pretty cold day in March. I sat by the fire eating popcorn and apples, toasting my shins, wishing for some excite1nent to stir me up, when her coming on 8 run to the door knew there must be something in the wind, to get her all out of breath.
 Don't stop to knock I said. walk In and share my treat. It 1Sn Johnny cake, but almost as good"
 To my surprise, Becey said she had Just got word from the sisters that surprise party was on in Connecticut whom, so let, that part slide for the present.
 She said must hurry and dress, as she had sent word to Balsam Fir to be ready when we called
 I never had my clothes thrown on me in such a way before. My cap wouldn't seem to it my head; the visor appeared to want to stay on one ear. And my coat Couldn't seem to get my arms into the sleeves; but after awhile we got started for Balsam F1rss.
 She was upset: afraid her plants might get chilled and that would never do; so we helped her to cover them
 She guessed a little balsam put up would relieve our speech, in case the change of climate affected us.
 I replied Yes, make us croak like the Windham frogs
 Balsam Fir said there were no such croakers up her way
 Beccy turned to her and said: T meant the Windham, Conn, frogs Then we had te tell her what a noise they made.
 Our sail was very pleasant from Portland, Me, to Boston When we arrived at the Union station who should we run across but Diana, very smiling and happy, to think she had met someone to talk to and to guide her. so her mind was free from care to enjoy the scenery on our way to Willimantic.
 We reached W after a two hours ride. Sunbeam, One of Them, Mehit- able, Aunty. Theoda and Married and Happy met us with a cheer. speaking almost in one voice.
 Where is the lucky one to be sur prised? Mum was the word just then.
 The Central Vermont train thundered into the depot bringing Evelyn. Rural Delivery. C. of C.. Sunshine and Blue bell of Scotland.
 o. H. o. came soon after on the down train.
 The crowd still waited for Pink Rose, Hepatica, Black Pansy, Sweet Sixteen, Hester, Grandma Queen Bess and Ida, and all were inquiring where we were going.
 Papa's Boy and Sweet William gave each other. the wink and said when the Editor arrived would be time enough to let the cat out of the bag.
 The New York train brought Dream CT and Pot1atch.
 Jane Ann came all heated up; said Nat was so slow she wasn't going to get left, waiting for him to feed his hogs, so she had started ahead
 Very soon an auto came in sight with flags flying. It was the Editors car. Three cheers greeted his ears. With a smile and pleasant word he inquired if all the sisters had come and commenced to count us up. Find ing Ready, Abijah Hard, Reuben's Wife, Myrtle. Morning Glory, Double F'uschia, Hannah Who, Nat and J. E. T. were on the way he decided to go to a local garage and make arrangem ents for the rest of the journey.
 In the meantime Wheeler's American band struck up America ''
 Surprise No. One" the Editor called over his shoulder.
 Very soon Etta Barber came with a big bundle under her arm and the band played ''the Barber Shop Chord She was inclined to feel indignant. but Bee got so busy she forgot the band and was listening to Blue Bird who commenced to sing: T Am Crazy About the Turkey Trot," which put us all in good humor
 Hulda. Sally. Cruso. Wild Cherry and Gala, Lily soon came loaded down with baskets and boxes.
 Nat made quick time coming, with his coat tails flying around the corner. wouldn't miss such a gathering, hogs or no hogs.
 When the auto left the depot, some one made the remark: I've looked like SuffragistS.''
 Rural Delivery hearing 1t, said: mot by any means. We were all s. c. s. and q likelier set of women 1t was hard to find"
 We were soon off for our surprise party.