The Daily Alaska empire., 1933-11-14
SITKA LEGION,
 AUXILIARY IN
 NEW LOCATION
Former Agricultural Sta ton Fitted Up = For
 nal House Warming

SiIkA, AldSkd, NOF. ll.-NSoPSS ial Correspondence)- the days when Sitka was the capital Of Russian America, the big log house on the keekor or Castle Hill was not only the home of titled men and women sent by the Russian Imperial government to rule over the country, but it was the scene of brilliant receptions, balls and parties. Officers in gay uniforms and gold lace, ladies in lovely silks and satins dined and danced within the walls.
 When the United States pur- chased Alaska in 1867 great chang es took place. The gay life end ed and misrule and dark days fol- lowed. In 1894 the historic ola castle was burned, taking from Sitka one of it's most priceless possessions. Later large whlte bo,,se reminiscent of Southern Col onial architecture rather than sturdier. more individual type bet ter suited to Alaska was erected and occupied by the United states Agricultural Station.
 Again hard times came in lsz9, later the station was closed, ana boards covered the windows and doors on once proud Castle Hill. It was a sorry, dejected looking sight from both land and sea-
 Lights Again Blaze
 on the evening of November lights again blazed from the y;ndows on Castle Hill, and laugh +er music and dancing floateo down to the passer-by. Men who had borne arms for thelr country d,,rine the World War and women wbo had "done their bit ana who are still carrying on hao It n,aced the brilliant Russian ga therings. American Legion roS' 19 and American Legion AuHil- iarv 13 had at last found per r,anent home. Songs of the camp and contonment were sung in staod of the more brilliant muslc of Russian days, and sandwlches' sa1ad and coffee were served py r,ombers of the Auxiliary lnsteao of a regal banquet by unlioiiioo servants of long ago. ,o
 If only this were the olo los
 t1o of Raranof's Day lnsteao of modern house" was the seh- timent expressed generally.
 Some months ago the hls0oris hin was granted to the town oi sitka bv the United States goverh- ment. The transfer was mace os MT C. H. Flory, representing vns ITnited States, to Mayor feVe, vostrometinoff, whose father ano uncle Father Sergius of the Greeh orthodox Church, were promiilem' in affairs of state during the oas' M nf pussian rule. Boards were re ,,,ovad from the windows ana 'ne doors some repairs made, ana Vwo rooms and kitchen on the seooa f1oor given to the American Leslon for home. Legionnaires ana tlie Auxiliarv furnished the rooiil.. Everything, including iaoof' we" donated by members. xod Ths reception and dance had a +wo-fold purpose; the celenralioh of Armistice Day and a house
 orn,ino in the new home. SeVerai o,,+-of-town Legionnaires were the ouests of the evening
 The Music and Dramatic depart, went of Friendly Society presenoso nrogram at the regular mon.,hy .,aotino of the Society on Frlday a,,on;ng in the Auditorium of the ro,-ritorial School building. US ing broadcasting studio as tneir locale the eight acts kepe the au d;once in an uproar of mirth TOT more than an hour. :. 4h.
 Annearing as announcer at the ..aror,bone Mrs. Harry Manca left no strain on the imaginatioh to recognize Graham McNainee' an Ray. the Richfield reportei' and many another famous gen'ie man of the mike. Acts Wi.h q strong appeal to the radio auaieaoa a were presented by Mrs. 1ackson wehster Mrs. Charles Stuart Mrs " I Hodgkins, Mrs. Lydia ln- con Mrs. Nels Drugg. Mrs , nu do1nh sarvala. Mrs. Foster Mn,., eNrs Earl schannett, Mrs. Gerala Clark. Mrs. Hugh Nicholson ana Misses Emma wheatley, Ruth Gar man Mary Lewis, Jane stuart Norma jane Corsline and Jane Mc- Rae. r,o di- rection of Miss Madge McHae' chairman of dramatics.
 Fresh cider and doughnuts "ere served by the cast to large mum Der of members and guests