Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1919-01-01
CHRISTMAS IN BARTON.
Community Tree and Program Pro-
noanced Worth While in Every
Respect.

Barton had its first truly communi-
ty Christmas program last week and
comment upon the idea has been al
most universally complimentary.
The large tree in the park with its
colored lights has been a delight to
the children, and many older people
have confessed that they were charm
ed by it.
The carol singing about the village
by some 20 of Barton's singers on
Christmas night was most thoroughly
enjoyed and brought a bit of cheer to
many of the older residents and shut
ins.
The program in Seaver's hall on
Christmas night was one which fol-
lowed no precedent and was listened
to by fully 500 people the hall being
crowded and many standing. The
Schubert Club orchestra rendered
several fine selections, followed by
prayer, offered by Mr.. Warner A.
g. Owen, in uniform, then explained
in a word, the Christian flag which
was unfurled, and he called upon the
boys who were present in uniform to
come forward and lead in salute to
this flag and ten of Barton's boys,
who were home stepped forward while
the audience stood and all saluted.
The orchestra then led the audience
in singing Joy to the World" The
salute to the Stars and Stripes by
the boys in uniform and the audience
was then given and verse of the
"Star Spangled Banner" sung.
After the audience was seated
Judge w. W. Miles very graciously
presented to the community SER
the community who have given their
vice flag which contains II emblems.
Seven of the stars are gold and are
for the following seven boys from
the community who have given their
lives in the service of their country:
Glen r. Comstock, Preston NJ. De-
greenia, Theodore j. Griffin, Elbridge
w. Maloney, Bert NORM, Fred II.
Pillsbury and James p. Rowen. One
red triangle is for Miss Edith Rug
giles and the SO blue stars are for
| boys who have gone from this COM
munity and whose names were print
ed on the program.
Trustee c. A. Barrows accepted
| the flag in the name of the COM
munity, expressing pride in the fact
that so many boys had gone from
here, sorrow that so many had made
the supreme sacrifice and hope that
all the rest would return to US safe
Iy. A quartet then sang prayer
for the boys at the front.
Mrs. r. P Webster rendered vo-
cal solo, bethlehem" with violin OBJ
Heato by C. s. Webster, in her usual
pleasing manner, and after DR.. Mar
| tins address, Miss Marion Redfieid
sang. 40 Holy Night" with clarinet
obligato by H. c. Potter, IN most
acceptable way. Both soloIsts were
roundly applauded.
AS the speaker of the evening, DR..
IG. A. Martin of St. Johnsbury
brought the message of world IN
hunger, in cold, in want, war-swept
and weary, waiting for the new day,
which is at hand, which Is being
brought about by the principles and
teachings of the Prince Of Peace. he
spoke of the problems confronting
the peace conference and. OF the
Christian part this nation and It's
leader will play in it.
The program closed with the sing
ing of America.
The hall was beautifully decorated
and six of Barton's foremost ladies
as ushers made the crowd at home.
1t has been spoken of as one of the
most cosmopolitan audiences assem-
bled in Barton for a long time.
While the expense and labor in
volved in this community event has
been more than most people realize,
! the outcome has recompensed the Ia
( bors of those who took the response
| biIfty. All who in any way assisted
have the thanks of the committee in
| charge.