The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1916-09-22

The second presentation of the his
torical pageant undertaken by the
people of Pennington was given last
Saturday night, thus closing the most
beautiful and spectacular entertain
ment ever witnessed here. 1t was a
reproduction of the scenes presented
Thursday night, description of
which appeared in The Times last
week, and was as keenly enjoyed and
appreciated by those who had wit
messed the first presentation as by the
new spectators. The crowds each
night were about the same, variously
estimated at from 1,500 to 1000 and
over; indeed, as one looked upon the
spectators, tier upon tier, the crowd
appeared even larger, but the gate
receipts and sale of tickets would in
dicate the smaller rather than the
larger number. There were many
from out of town--not as many, how
/ ever, as was expected-due to the
threatening appearance of the clouds
the first night. and the unusually cool
nights that followed.
The production cost in the neighbor-
hood of $500, and netted between
5000 and $500. No expense was
spared in stage setting, the auditor
ial seating Of the grounds, costumes
and other scenic effects, to say no
thing of the enthusiastic preparation
of weeks of fully two hundred men,
women and children who took part, in
acquainting themselves with the char
acters they represented, drilling and
rehearsing. Among so many it would
be invidious to mention names or par
ticularize. Credit is due ALL Each
one had in view the successful out
come of the pageant and felt pride
in sustaining the artistic and musical
capabilities for which our town-we
say it modestly-has no mean repu-
tation, and to that end all labored.
In this their most sanguine expec-
tations were realized, for the success
of the pageant is evidenced by the
warm words of praise and apprecia-
tion that were universally accorded it,
and the surprise expressed that an en-
tertainment of such proportions, beau
ty and scenic effect could be given in
Pennington by home talent. 1t was
beyond even the most enthusiastic
expectations of those who managed
and all who took part in it. Farm
.ington certainly has good reason to
congratulate itself sand to feel proud
over the result.
The Concert Feature.
Friday night the grand concert fea-
ture of the pageant was given. 1t
was cold night, but the crowd was
as large, if not larger, than on either
of the other nights. We have often
noticed that a musical entertainment
attracts in Pennington more than any
other kind and we feel no hesitancy
in saying that few towns equal it in
musical talent and culture. After
an opening march by Barroll's Or
chestra, Father Morgan delivered the
following short address:
Concert Address by Father Morgan.
have been requested by those in
charge of this evenings program to
clothe in words a few thoughts sug-
gested by this auspicious and eventful
occasion. Pennington has had occa-
sions in the past, occasions, | am sure,
that were bathed in the sunlight of
noble endeavor; she will have occa-
sions in the future, occasions, let us
hope, that will measure up to the
greatness that shall then be hers;
but tonight she stands radiant in
beauty, charming goddess, upon the
mountain top of achievement, looking
down into the valley of her past, gaz-
ing up into the cloud-lands of her fu-
ture; and as she contemplates the one
and dreams her golden dreams of the
other, she can find adequate express
sion for the emotion that fills her