Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-03-13

real church, real pews and real
people in the production of THE Old
Peabody Pew" the little play by Kate
Douglass Wiggin, Monday evening at
the Jniversalist church by local talent,
under the direction of Mrs. r. G. Carl.
for the benefit of the Hospital Aid
was without doubt a success. The
church was well-fillcd with an audi
cNCc that was kecnly appreciative of
the excellent work of the cast. many
O.. whom have appeared on other occa-
sions in plays that have won them
celebrity AS amateur actors The Old
Peabody Pew" was an ideal selection
for such a setting and the fitness of
the surroundings created real inter-
est from the first
Lavender and old lace. kerchiefs,
paisley shawls, earrings and old dol
mans 60 say nothing of the bustles)
wed for the center of attraction with
dainty, ancient lace half mits, bobbing
curls, wee bonnets. and many other
fads and fancies of years ago. The at
tics OF the older families of Augusta
were called upon to give forth from
their scented store one article after
another to dress up the cast to fit the
with tiny bits of darning cleverly con-
ccaled, saucy bonnets that bore testi-
mony of the charm of other days by
the eternal feminine. earrings that had
adorned the ears of some fair damsel
OF long ago and graced as well the ears
81 the miss OF THE Old Peabody Pew"
;II added to the interest of the person
mel The recognitions were many as
this bit of family heirloom and that
was discovered with some member OF
the cast. And we could almost picture
ourselves back again to the days gone
~, living with the minister's wife and
her associates, and sweet Nancy Went
worth.
The story of 1.-THE Old Peabody
Pew" is familiar to many and to see
The unfolding of the plot before the
ewes renewed with increased effective
ness the inspiration conveyed in that
simple love tale.
Mrs. T.. c. CARL, the reader, was
charming in her old fashioned attire
and her hair arranged in the style of
long ago Her sympathetic interpreted
tions of the passages of the book were
beautifully handled. The entrance OF
Mrs. J. l.. Rabbit as Mrs. Burbank and
s,er. was greeted with enthusiasm by
the snectators, and from then on the
audience was infected with the same
snirit that animated the players and
the little play fairly scintillated with
good humor. Mrs. Rabbit was as dignl-
fed as the president of the Dorcas So
clety should be and carried her part
very well. Miss Smothers' contagious
the part up well. and she was n
scream"
Miss Aileen Morang was a first class Mrs
Miller wife Of Deacon Miller, the sexton.
Miss Marie sharp as supported by Mrs. Ches-
ter s Kinriey. was in every sense OF the
word quick Of speech. but sound Of heart.
The village historian Mrs. Cargent, which
was ably interpreted by Mrs. stephen Killan.
auscd many in tho audience to say, Il know
woman just like her in my neighborhood.'
Mrs. Sheldon the ministers wife, had her
part 10 perfection and conducted herself
cordircly Miss Gertrude Walch as Widow
Buzzsn was very funny and made decided
hit. 9Th her clever presentation of the part.
Miss Nan Weston as Sweet Nancy Went
worth captured the hearts Of the audience,
for She vas all that could be asked for in
Of Mr. Ralph II Brown as Justin Peabody,
only Twin. claimant to the Old Peabody Pew,
termed tho key note Of the plot
Although the entire play was picturesque
and quaint. perhaps the most effective scene
was between Nancy and her sweetheart JUS
TIN.
The singing OF that old fashioned hymn. dear
10 the hearts Of many. by Cool Siloams
SHADY Road with Miss Barbara johnson
At the organ was one OF the pretty features
II the production.
Nc ushers were Misses Elizabeth Leigh.
caroline Kennedy, Marjorie Hussy. Marquette
lIussy. Ethel Beard. Eveline Beard. Gladys
Dove and Esther Foss The general commit
tee in charge was composed OF Mrs. f. C..
earn Mrs. W +. Swift, Mrs. Charles P.
Penney and Mrs. J c. F. Little The com.
rrtee has every cause to be proud OF the
Vresulis Of their labors. And surely. to men,
zion The Old Peabody Pew in AUGUSTA for
some time 20 come will recall the perfectly
DELIGHTFUL little play which was success
fully presented al the Cniversalist church
N~Nay evening Those TO form the casts
yer" representatives Of the Baptist Metho-
div, Unitarian and Cniversalst churches of
the city