Monte Vista journal and Monte Vista graphic-reporter., 1921-11-05
Farewell Reception for
Col. and Mrs. Conkie

A beautiful reception was tend
cred Col and Mrs. John Conkie o
the Soldiers aud Sailors Home, II
the Woodmau hall. Tuesday after
noon; when so men and womef
from the Home and 25 OF the Circle
heard fine program. and partooA
of the refreshments served by the
ladies.
After a short business session
Mrs. Mcdonald called them to order
and introduced the program.
Col Conkie was called on to
speak, and spoke !eelingly of his
experiences and how he VIII carry
away with him to the sunny South
land OF Florida. The leaves Novem-
ber 29). swee, and strong memories
of the Home and the Comrades and
the grand State of Colorado. he
has seen grow from its childhood.
It was felt By all present how the
Colonel appreciated all the supper,
given him during his administra-
tion. which has brought such en-
hancement to the Home and peace
and comfort To the men and women
there. who was accompanied by the
'I.ady of the Manse,"
The chairman then called upon
the chaplain. DR.. Skinner. who
spoke of his appreciation of the
Col. and Mrs. Conk!e, knowing them
intimately for IS months in the
chaplaincy; and he likened the
happy occasion to a fra,ernal leave
taking-a family Goodbye" for
the present-of two of its loved
members. and expressed the wish of
every heart in the room that the
Divine blessing will follow them TO
their new home. until they shall sit
"Under their vine and fig tree" In
perfect repose and joy Blessings
on them both!
Briefer speeches followed. though
Just as happy and to the point, tell
ing OF the definite feeling of loss
in the going OF the Commandant
and his good wife. Comrade Aus
tin. Adjutant Lawrence and Quarter
master sweeney. These men spoke
with Jumps In their throat. and all
felt the ring OF reality and friend
ship in what they said.
a beautiful part OF the program
was the personal eulogy by Mrs.
Fannie Mofiit in her own original
poem to Mrs. Sayward. matron, as
follows:
Well named Ulalia-fair OF speech
Thy kindly voice well miss.
But hope thy gentle tones may reach
More hearts in need OF bliss.
Thy willing hands obey thy voice
In caring for Us all:
And comfort follows in thy wake.
Where'er thy footsteps fall.
The halt. manned. the deaf, the
blind
VIII miss thy gentle touch.
But where you 60 your heart will
find
Others that need you much.
so may our blessing and our love
Follow whcre'er you roam.
And best OF blessings from above
Is the wish OF the Soldiers Home
A presentation OF gifts also mark
cd the occasion. The Circle did H.
self proud In the exquisite gifts. A
handsome bouquet OF Chryxan'
theums were given TO Mrs. Ginders
who. by the way. attained distinc'
tion In the recent Encampment a'
indianapolis. Indiana. by beins
honored with one OF the national
offices. and who is fully worthy OF
that honor. Mrs Conkie and Matror
HSayward were each given silver
spoon. u very work OF art and both
ladies' prize the gifts. knowing the,
convey heart-wish from the
donors.
All then wer. seated around the
tables. and the chaplain returning
thanks. all were served with the
fine rcpast by tho iadics Of the q
A. H.. one OF the happiest com
panics Il has been our lot TO lool
upon In many years. Indeed. tn
keynote Of the whole afternoon Il