The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1924-05-15
Peabody Pew" at North Arson Nav
Twenfy.sec0nd


The "Old Peabody Pew" is to he
given next Thursday evening. May
/ 22nd. in the Congregational Church at
North Arson, under the auspices of
! the Womans Association, connected
with that church.
This dramatlzation of one of Kate
| Douglas Virgins best loved and most
appreciated stories is too we'll known
to need any introduction TO the pub
/ lie, but this presentation of the play
/ from her book of the same title, will
! be of special interest to many, even
outside of North Arson because of
the prominence of those who take
the parts. The principal parts, those
of Justin Peabody and Nancy Went
worth, are taken by Judge Elmer w.
| Sawyer and Mrs. Sawyer, and their
Interpretation is particularly pleas
! ing, and 1t is around and about their
romance that the story Is told Both
Mr.. and Mrs. Sawyer have taken part
in many of the amateur theatricals
and 1t will be pleasure to see them
again. Mrs. Evelyn Spear, wife of
! DR.. II. f. Spear, as Mrs. Baxter, the
minister's wife, with her we'll known
ability gives an admirable version of
this helpful character, who is the idol
of the Dorcas society and the conf
dental friend of Nancy. Mrs. Bur-
bank, the efficient and beloved presid-
ent of the Dorcas society, always
| leading in the good work of keeping
| the church in repair and who is so
successful in her efforts, is in real
life Mrs. Clarence Tarr, the present
president of the Woman's Association
and she is just as successful as the
part she portrays in the play, in her
work. Mrs. Walter r. Wait, as Mrs.
Miller, wife of Deacon Miller, is al
ways ,"gentle, meek and mild" and
is happy character in the story
as she is in the community. Miss
Lobelia Brewster, the proyerbial old
maid, hater Of men, but so entertain
ing with her cutting witticsms. which
are rarely meant, is cleverly repre-
scented by Mrs. Earl Wing, adding real
zest and action to the play as she
does when just her own viYacious self.
The role of Mrs. Sargent, the village
historian, another important person
age in every town is unusually well
taken by Mrs. Willis Hodgdon. show
ing her exceptional ability at imita
ton. The Widow Buzzell, who is
willing to take second chance, is
capable housekeeper and famous
cook, as is demonstrated by the deli
cious doughnuts she brings to the
meeting, where the little Dorcas band
of willing workers is cleaning the
church for the Christmas service, is
non other than Mrs. George Clark.
! who is just as willing to helm every
one as the part she takes in the play.
Last but not least, in the east of
characters, is the other old maid Mar
ia. sharp of tongue but sound of
heart. and who though caustc in her
remarks during the play, is the sweet
and charming singer, Mrs. Edna Ho-
vey Thorne. wife of Attorney James
II. Thorne.
The regular church organist, Mrs
E. P. Barnaby will preside at the or
gan. Mrs. Minnie Mantor is the
reader and great deal of credit is
due her, for the excellent way in
which she presents the players to the
audience.
A full house is already assured both
because of the popularity OF the per-
formers and because the play tells the
age old story 1.-The sweetest story ever
told" that of true and abiding love.
AS special guests of the evening are
the members of the Dorcas Society,
little band of faithful workers of
some years ago, Mrs. Meier Eames
and Miss Laura Thompson, now OF
Skowhegan, Mrs. Ella Beale of Farm
ington, formerly resident here, and
Mrs. Frank Sawyer, Mrs Ada Scott
and Miss Edna Parlin of North An
son, the other living member of this
society is Mrs. Abbie Weston Of San
Ia Clara, California.
This is produced from the play pub
lished by Samuel French, $3.50 West
Thirty Eighth St, New York.