Evening star., 1934-09-06
INHABITANTS PLAN
FOSTER S|NGF[ST.
Musical Programto to Be Given
October 3-MansfieId
Entertains Group.

After hearing Richard Mansfield,
cartoonist, In chalk talk, the As
sociation of Oldest Inhabitants last
night laid plans to celebrate Stephen
Foster night, october 8, with q mu-
sical program consisting principally
of Fosters familiar old-time songs,
at the Old Union Engine House, Nine
teenth and H streets.
John Clagett Proctor, vice president
of the association, who originated
the idea for the Foster singfest, was
warmly welcomed back to the asso-
citation after a recent trip to South
America, and presided over the ses-
sion Of the evening.
Mansfield, whose cartoons, who
Remembers" and "Those Were the
Happy Days." appear regularly in
The Star, not only entertained with
q chalk talk of rapid-fire cartoons,
but sketched some prominent mem
bers of the association and Wed with
them in a "Who Remembers" talk
fest, which proved full of repartee,
and many "reminiscences. Receiving
enthusiastic appreciation from both
Fred A. Emery and Mr.. Proctor, the
cartoonist was formally rendered the
thanks Of the association. His work
In The Star received praise from the
speakers. "reminiscences involved
principally the southeast section.
Former Music Evening.
Discussion of the forthcoming
Stephen Foster night recalled success
of q former musical evening, in which
the Oldest Inhabitants celebrated
lively old-time dance music and
achieved wide acclaim for the pro-
gram, which was broadcast.
Plans for the forthcoming event
are being made by j. Elliot Wright,
Mr.. Proctor and Elra C. Palmer.
whose old violin, used in Ford's Thea
ter the night Lincoln was assassinated,
has brought him into prominence.
Mr.. Proctor has promised to sing
q baritone solo. one of the old-time
songs: B. r. McCauley is scheduled
to sing Bessie of the Lee' and ''The
Seldom Fed Brigade" and Mr.. Palmer
will play his violin.
Frank Sanderson, baritone, will be
heard in solos and will lead the sing
Ing of Fosters songs. 1t is believed
part of the program will be broad
cast. i
James F. Duhamel, chairman of the
Hall and Archives Committee, announced
presentation by Miss Anne Mattingly
of steel engravings, in color, of naval
engagements of the War of 1872 They
were accepted with thanks by the as
sociation. -
House 100 Years Old.
Duhamel called attention to the fact
that the Old Union Engine House, in
which the association meets, now is
100 years old. In this old place, he
said, is housed one of the best fire
equipment collections in the country.
It exceeded that of Philadelphia, Du-
hamel said, referring to recent visits
to three fire equipment museums in
Philadelphia. The association is en-
deavoring to obtain an old steam fire
engine now retired by the Fire Depart
ment here.
John F. Woodworth was congratu-
lated by Mr.. Emery on his 83d BIRTH
day anniversary and received felicita-
tions of members.
Mr.. Proctor was the center Of much
attention on appearing for the first
time at q meeting since his South
American trip. Vice President Emery
read at length to the association
from newspapers in Buenos Aires,
which had featured the arrival
of Mr.. and Mrs. Proctor, with
illustrated interviews, warmly paying
tribute to his personal charm and to
his enthusiasm as Washington, D.
C.'s youngest Oldest Inhabitant." Mr..
Proctor's work for The Star was fea-
tured in the Argentine papers.
An address on his trip will be given
by Mr.. Proctor at the November meet
Ing Of the association.
Two new members were admitted
Edward w. Jones and William p.
Reeves.