Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-09-07
Mrs. Charles r. Penney

NIS' oilNe EihAlne Tenney passed
away yesterday afternoon at her home
on Chapel street. She was born in
Dorchester, N. b., in April, 1869, and
was the daughter of Thomas Wilson
Bell and Olive Emeline (Copp) Bell.
She came to Augusta about "a years
ago and few years later was mar
ried on September l, 1892. to Charles
T. Penney. Their home, and 1t was q
truly happy one, has ever since been
here.
One Of the many fine traits which
made up the remarkable personality of
Mrs. Penney was modesty, and one
feels instinctively her reluctance at
being spoken of in any public way, as
her many, many friends and all who
knew her would speak and are now
speaking Of her. But she gave so
much to our community life, was so
helpful to all with whom she came in
contact. that in simple justice to her.
as message of consolation to all who
knew and loved her. and as an inspira-
ton to those who follow, this tribute
should be recorded. OF the two great
Commandments one is: "Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as myself" Mrs.
commandment. To whatever would
alleviate distress and the hard cir
cumstances of life she lent a hand.
She was a member Of the Episcopal
church but since her marriage wor-
shipped at the church of her husband,
the Free Baptist church, during it's
continuance, and it's successor, the
Penney Memorial church. She was ac-
tive in it's ministrations, particularly
in it's charitable work. Thirty years
ago she became member of the How
ard Benevolent Union and to its benefi-
cent work she was always thereafter
devoted. No matter what the day or
weather, quietly and unostentatiously
she went about, visiting houses, learn
ing where help was needed and bring
ing that help. AS time went on, the
name of the union and Mrs. Penney
were often spoken of together. When
the union was reorganized a few years
age she was one of the incorporators,
was elected its vice president and a
of the board of managers and
so continued until the end. She was
with the Friendly League,
when that fine organization was start
ed, and was member of the advisory
board of the Girls Community Club
which succeeded it.
When. in 1898, the Augusta City hos
pital was first established on Crosby
street. where she then lived, she was
in visiting it and in doing
things to help. She served as the
president and was for many years the
treasurer of the Ladies' Hospital Aid.
She was actively connected with the
work of the Mothers Aid in this city.
To her. many needy children have
been indebted and will hereafter be in
debted for making their Christmas
happy. 1t was her original idea and
from Augusta it has spread nation
wide. Some years ago, when visiting
the dead letter office in Washington.
the inspiration came to her. She there
realized how tragic the experience
must be for the little folks not to have
their letters to Santa Claus answered.
She then and there resolved to become
the mediator and, as was found neces-
sary, secured the appointment from
the L. s. Post Office Department as
official Santa Claus for her city. And
each year since she has been regularly
appointed such by the postmaster of
Augusta. To her came letters from
the little ones of Maine and many
other states. and the letters were an
swered and happiness found its way
into many home. This beautiful
idea has since widely spread and she
has been called the National Santa
Claus.
We recall with stirring memories
seeing her one evening just returned
from a visit of relief to a place of
need. With cheeks agiow from the
eager winter air and with the JOY of
her mission, with sparkling eyes she
told Of what had been and should be
done. And when she then hurried
away to the evening duties of her own
happy home, as the door closed behind
her we seemed TO hear those beautiful
words, "Inasmuch as ye have done 1t
unto one Of the least of these my
brethren We have done it unto me-.
Her work of charity and of helping
others was one Of the great pleasures
of her life, and when pain and illness
came and strength failed and she be-
came unable to continue that work.
keen was the disappointment. But
with patience and heart as strong as
it was tender she faced the inevitable
end. It has now come and we nave all
met with a great sorrow and a great
loss. 1t is for us now to recall with
gratitude the amending influence for
all that is good and abiding of the
splendid life of this noble woman.
The funeral will be held on Sunday
at 2 o'clock at her late home. 1t will
be private and friends are kindly re-
uuested to omit flowers.