Iowa
Old Press
name of paper unknown
Grand Junction, Greene Co. Iowa
April 1907
A SURPRISE
Thursday afternoon of last week a well planned surprise on Uncle
Belt Crow in honor of his 69th birthday was enjoyed by many of
his relatives, comrades, friends and neighbors. The plot was
under the successful management of Mrs. Louise Chambers, Mrs. C.
O. Ford and Mr. H. Upper who by the ade (sic) of several able
Lieutenants from the ranks of the G. A. R. and friends made a
glorious success of the well planned event. The committee on
finance and presents commenced their work Wednesday and if any
were missed it was because of the short time to prepare for the
event. The liberal contributions by the numerous friends made the
work easy.
Two o'clock was the hour set for the meeting at the home of Mrs.
Chambers and Mr. Upper planned the novel idea of entertaining Mr.
Crow by a clever deception, inviting him to accompany him for an
inspection of the Goodwin Tile & Brick works near by. This
ruse worked satisfactory and while Mr. Crow was busily and
earnestly showing Mr. Upper this valuable and ever busy
enterprise where numerous men are employed the year around, the
guests took full possession of his home.
The day not being very pleasant for sightseeing Crow and Upper
did not tarry long at the Tile works, And soon started on their
return. When nearing the house Mrs. Crow opened the door and
informed her husband that he was wanted at the telephone, he at
once quickened his pace to answer the call, he proceeding through
the kitchen with a firm and steady tread opened the front rooms,
where the numerous guest had assembled. The surprise was
complete, Mr. Crow forgot all about his telephone call and it
required some time before he fully realized the true situation of
affairs.
F. O. Vanpelt was pressed into service with his splendid
graphophone and numerous records to entertain the guests, while
many of the ladies soon got busy preparing for the accustomed
feast. Large tables were soon prepared and well filled with good
things to eat. After supper the pleasantest surprise awaited our
Host and Hostess. They evidently thought little or nothing of
what more their friends had up there (sic) sleeves and were
commencing to enjoy the event when the committee announced the
fact something new awaited the guests in the frount (sic) room
where everyone gathered soon gathered.
Grandpa Martin was the center of attraction, who in his fatherly
way addressed our Host and Hostess. In one hand he held a large
bundle which he in a few well chosen words for the occasion
presented to them as a token of love and respect from their many
friends, many of who were unable to be present, but contributed
liberally to procure the same. Mr. Martin made a good talk, and
everyone present appreciated it. The bundle contained a suit of
clothes, suit of underwear, shirt, pair suspenders, box of
cigars, pipe and package of tobacco all for Mr. Crow, and a dress
and 50 cents in cash for Mrs. Crow.
This was the climax of the pleasant event and the happy old
couple were more surprised than at first for this token of
respect at the hands of their many friends, and it required some
before Mr. Crow could could find words to express their
gratitude. Those present to enjoy the event were Mr. and Mrs. L.
Coon, Grandpa Martin and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stewart and
daughter Bertha, Mr. and Mrs. William Ayers, Mrs. J. P. Davis and
daughter Florence, Mr. and Mrs. H. Upper and children, Miss
Louise Upper, Mrs. B. H. Crow and children, Mr. Ira Eaton, Mr. G.
W. Wetherson and daughter Nellie, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Thompson,
Mrs. Retta Ford and daughter Alice, Mrs. Chambers and Mrs. Louie,
Mr. and Mrs. F. O. VanPelt, Mrs. C. E. Luther, Mr. and Mrs. G. W.
DeWald.
To say that everyone enjoyed a good time is not putting it too
strong and in conclusion will say that if anyone is looking for a
comitent (sic) committe to engineer a successful event of the
kind turn it over to Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Chambers with H. Upper as
their...[cut off]
[transcribed by M.A.N., April 2006]