Choral concert in Middle Granville in 1923
By Erik Pekar
Middle Granville a
century ago hosted a choral concert, as it was reported in the May 18, 1923
issue of the Sentinel: "At Corinthian hall Friday evening, there was a
grand concert given by the Peerless chorus of thirty-eight voices, assisted by
Miss Mildred Lamb contralto, of New York city, a former Middle Granville girl,
and local talent. Willis E. Curtis, directory, has received many
congratulations on the success of the entertainment which was under his
management. Miss Marion H. Reid was the chorus accompanist and did excellent
work. The program will not allow a
personal mention for each, owing to its length, but complimentary mention
should be made of the musical numbers by Miss Lamb, of the reading 'The Story
the Fiddler Told', which was so beautifully given by Miss Hattie Pepper of this
village; the rendition of 'My Old Kentucky Home', by Miss Eunice Davies,
soloist and chorus. The chorus work was excellent. The receipts were about $90
which is to be divided between the Presbyterian and Welsh churches in this
village and the Raceville M. E. church." $90 would be hardly anything of a
collection in 2023 but in 1923 was much more than what most people earned
weekly, or even over two weeks.
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There were news
items from Lake Saint Catherine in 1923. A hotel was opening for the season:
"Previous to the big opening of the Forest House, Landlord Jones will put
on a few dances for the benefit of those who wish to trip the light fantastic,
the first one being held to-morrow (Friday) evening. Juckett's six-piece
orchestra has been engaged for the occasion and a good time is assured."
We wonder if those who enjoyed the dances at the Fairvale Hotel, and were
disappointed over the discontinuation of dances there, may have attended those
held at the Forest House.
The
"cottagers" were starting to return to the lake. Some were
renovating, and one was building new: "Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Allen's bungalow
is nearing completion and within a few weeks will be ready for occupancy. Mr.
Allen and George W. Lee, both expert carpenters, are at the place early."
New lots were also being sold: "The Lake St. Catherine Realty company has
sold four lots at the north end to Mr. and Mrs. George C. Sprague of Eaglewood,
New Jersey."
One cottage left
the ownership of a family after many years: "Mrs. Mabel McDonald-Weir of
Granville, has sold her cottage, Echo Lodge, to Miss Jennie Jones of that
village." She was the daughter of Harry McDonald, and granddaughter of
George H. McDonald, both of whom were owners of the G. H. McDonald store that
operated on Main Street in 1923.
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With the weather
improving the fishing season would soon begin, and preparations were being made
in 1923: "Edward J. Brown and Walter B. Brown, acting for the Granville
Fish and Game club, delivered twelve cans containing 28,250 lake trout and
released them at Lake St. Catherine. The cans were shipped to Simeon M. Rising,
also a member of the club, by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Fisheries
of Vermont."
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Through the years
there have been many types of social groups. One of them was the book club, and
Middle Granville had one in 1923: "The Middle Granville Book club met at
the home of Mrs. I. J. Norton Wednesday of last week. After a program of readings
and music delicious refreshments were served. Three guests were present. The
next meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. E. Buckley."
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A Granville
business began to expand in 1923: "The insurance agency conducted by
Thomas H. Glines, who has taken an important position in Greenwich,
Connecticut, has been purchased by E. G. Barrow of Granville. Mr. Barrow will
continue business as handled by Mr. Glines in an efficient manner along with
his other insurance business. "Service First" is the slogan of the
Barrow agency and this it promises to its new clients". Glines was
formerly of Greenwich in Washington County.
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The Granville Post
of the American Legion relocated to new quarters in 1923: "A committee was
appointed some time ago to canvass the town for available quarters and Tuesday
night, after hearing the report of this committee, it was voted to rent the old
Masonic rooms over McDonald's store and equip them for permanent quarters. Up
to this time the Legion has had the use of Knights of Columbus hall without
charge. The Knights have shown themselves to be true patriots in donating their
rooms when the Legion was in no position to hire others. Their generosity has
been most thoroughly appreciated and every member of the World war orders has a
warm spot in his or her heart for every Knight. It is expected to hold an
opening night in the new rooms on or about June 1, which will be solely a
social affair." It would be some years before the Legion would get their
own building.
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A spelling event
was held in West Pawlet: "Pupils successful in the spelling down Friday,
May 4, were: First grade, John Temple Williams; second, Nellie Hoodick; third,
Kathryn W. Roberts; fourth, Marjorie Juckett and Catherine Smiertka; fifth,
Reta Sheldon and Wilson Rogers; sixth, Watcyn Griffith; seventh, Elinor Jones
and Annie Hoblack; eight, Elizabeth Doyle, Dorothy Sheldon, Robert Edwards and
Milford Jones. Those successful May 11 were: First grade, Irene Jackson;
second, Helen Smiertka; third, Mary Hoblack; fourth, Will Shinglar; fifth,
Wilson Rogers; sixth, Watcyn Griffith." It is unclear from this news item
if the spelling event was connected to the West Pawlet grade school.
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A Granville
resident, likely looking to move, was preparing to sell it all: "E. R.
Lampson, 79 Quaker street, will hold a sale Saturday, May 26, at 1 o'clock,
p.m., of all his household goods, which includes everything necessary for
general housekeeping. Everything is in first-class condition and rare bargains
will be offered at your own price – Frank Beecher, auctioneer." Today,
selling off items before a move by means of an auction is rare, and most people
hold a yard sale instead.
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Granville people
are being recognized one way or another. Cara Talmadge, principal at the
Granville Elementary School, is one of the New York Assembly's 2023 Women of
Distinction. Brittany Silvestri, vice president of population health at Hudson
Headwaters, and formerly of Granville, was recently honored by the Albany
Business Review at their 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 event. Congratulations to
all in Granville or from Granville who having accomplishments in life and
bettering communities.
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