Celebrating History: From Independence Day to plucky youngsters

By Emily Mayer

Even with the big Fourth of July celebrations in communities, in schoolhouses or in fields throughout Hill County, there was still a lot of socializing taking place after the holiday. In the Havre Plaindealer’s July 10, 1915 issue, we find in the Burnham News column:

The entertainment given by the Burnham Sunday school last Wednesday evening was a success in spite of the inclement weather. The proceeds were $13.00. Much credit is due to Mrs. Nora Andrews for the very excellent program and to Mrs. C. R. Sterrett for the delicious ice cream that was served. he young people enjoyed a few dances after the entertainment, through the kindness of Mrs. Guy Shane, who played the piano.

In the Society column were these two entries among several, complete with misspelling:

Luncheon

A beautiful birthday luncheon was given in honor of Miss Edith Holland on Saturday last, when Mrs. James Holland, Jr., entertained. The table presented a most attractive picture in color tones of red, white and blue and tiny silk flags were attached to the name cards. A handsome crystal vase filled with red and white blossoms centered the table. All through the menu the dominant color tones were shown. An elaborate menu was served and seated were: Mrs. J. S. Almas, Mrs. W. B. Pyper, Mrs. F. F. McCarthy, Mrs. John Schlitz of Kremlin, Mrs. John Sanderson, Mrs. John Daoust, Mrs. James Holland, Sr., Mrs. L. K. Devlin, Miss Cecelia de Lorimer and the honor guest. The Misses Lillian Lepper and Dorothy Holland assisted the hostess.

High Tea

An attractive affair of the week was the “high tea” presided over by Mrs. L. A. Ritt on Tuesday afternoon, at her new home in University addition, given in honor of her mother, Mrs. Margaret Degnan, of St. Paul. The round table was laid with a handsome cluny lace cover and a crystal basket of pnk and white carnations graced the center. Ten guests enjoyed the delightful hospitality of the hostess.

It was common in society columns back then to mention an “elaborate menu” or a “dainty lunch” but give no hint as to what was served. As for the “high tea” Mrs. Ritt hosted, this would properly be called an afternoon tea. Afternoon, or low, tea is the correct term for the fancy meal with scones, small sandwiches and bite-sized sweets. Afternoon teas generally take place between the hours of 2 and 5 p.m. and were usually taken at the coffee, or low, table in the parlor, but not exclusively as evidenced in the article. High tea is a much different meal; the name has nothing to do with the elegance of the meal and everything to do with the time of day it is served and where. When laborers and shopkeepers left work and came home, this was referred to as “high” time, and a much heartier meal consisting of meats, vegetables, soup, bread, etc. was served at the dinner, or high, table; in essence, high tea is dinner with tea. High teas were taken any time after 6 p.m. It was a working person’s meal, not the high-brow fancy fete most people think of when mentioning “high tea.”

In The Hill County Democrat’s issue of the same date, we find:

“Carl Johnson and family completed their residence on their homestead at Fresno last week and have returned to their home in this city.

“A blaze in the stable of Clyde Roper called out the fire department Tuesday morning. The damage done by the flames was slight.”

Fire was also mentioned in this article in the Hingham Review’s July 9, 1915 issue:

A Plucky Youngster

Last Saturday afternoon a fire occurred with destroyed the home of John Sweney six miles south of Rudyard. The grown people were all away from the home, when their little seven-year-old boy in trying to light their gas stove had an explosion. The boy’s clothes were saturated with gasoline and burning but the youngster ran up stairs and jumped out of a window to the ground. He then had the presence of mind enough to break through a down stairs window and rescue two smaller children. Besides the house being destroyed the brave little boy was pretty badly burned, but all three children escaped without serious injury.

Also in the Review:

Miss Ena Kindschy and Mrs. J. R. Rice proved themselves most efficient hostesses when on Tuesday afternoon they entertained a company of seven ladies at Shackalow, the claim home of Miss Kindschy. Dainty refreshments were served and a delightful time was had by all.

The editor and wife have moved into their rooms over the Review office and are well satisfied with their new home. We wish to thank the carpenter, Mr. Petrick, for his quick work, and to state that he did good work and put in more material than he contracted to do for the money. The house which the Walkers have made vacant on the south side of the square is now for rent by Mr. Spaulding.

In the Northwest Bench Items column in The Box Elder Valley Press’ issue of the same date, we find:

The Halfway Coulee club met with Mrs. W. W. Jones on Wednesday, July 7 and a delightful lunch was served and a pleasant afternoon was spent by all. The next meeting will be with Miss Nellie Larson, who will entertain them on Wednesday, July 21.