Birthday Surprise

MCGILL, VANCE

Posted By: Judy Kelley, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/22/2010 at 18:50:45

The home of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. McGill, near Columbus Junction, was the scene of a very pleasant gathering Saturday evening, March 3, when a number of friends and neighbors of this estimable family surprised Mrs. McGill in honor of her fifty-second birthday. "One who was there describes the event as follows:

"While the family was sitting by the stove, as usual, the two girls doing fancy work, tatting and crocheting, their attention was drawn to a noise on the porch. Upon opening the door to learn the cause of the disturbance, they behld about forty persons ready to enter. It was a complete surprise to the McGill's and they came near losing their wits, but after the guests had laid off their wraps they finally began to realise what had happened. After the crowd had warmed up from their cold ride, they were invited into the parlor, where they were entertained by duets by the Misses McGill, and a few selections by Miss Mary McGill at the organ and Mr. Vance on the cornet. They made some very fine music. Then the crowd joined in some interesting games and the time flew quickly. At about 11:30 some of the ladies went to the kitchen and prepared from their well-filled baskets an elaborate lap supper which was greatly relished by all. After the lunch, all went to the parlor where there was more music rendered by Miss Mary McGill and Mr. Vance. At a late hour they departed, wishing Mrs. McGill many more happy birthdays, and telling of the very pleasant evening they had spent.

Source: LCHS scrapbook; newspaper clipping with handwritten date of 1917