Iowa Old Press

Humeston New Era
Humeston, Wayne, Iowa
March 23, 1910

ST. PATRICK'S PARTY
Second P.E.O. Party of the Season Given Thursday Night at W.H. Buck Home.
The second P.E.O. party of the season was given at the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Buck on Thursday evening. It was a St. Patrick's day affair and a most successful and delightful event. About sixty guests were present. The entertainment committee was composed of Mesdames W.H. Buck, D.P. Northrup, J.B. Sullivan, R.R. Arnold, A.D. McGuire, A.C. Jarvis and Miss Josephine Gustafson. The decorations consisted of the flags of Ireland and shamrocks which were tastefully arranged. A large American flag draped over the archway looked very pretty. "The pig they kept in the parlor" occupied a conspicuous place on the piano, and "the peck of potatoes" adorned the dining room table, while the Irish whisky jug was quite prominent on the mantle. The Blarney stone was in evidence and added to the merriment of the evening.

As the guests arrived they were served with that good, old fashioned Irish drink, buttermilk. After all had assembled, came the clover hunt, the little green clovers being hidden in every place imaginable. Those fortunate enough to find a four-leaf were highly elated as this was almost a sure sign good luck would
follow them the remainder of the evening. Partners for the evening were secured when shamrocks were passed, bearing the names of the counties and county seats of Ireland. A "Pat" contest followed which proved very entertaining. The winners were Miss Mabel Hinchliff and A.D. McGuire. The prizes were beautiful silk Irish flags. Next came progressive puzzles. This was a very enjoyable feature of the evening. The way the crowd worked and worried reminded one of "school days." The following group won the prizes: Mrs. Waight, Miss Grace Gardner, Miss Estella Gardner, Miss Estella Garton and J.J. Hasbrouck. They were also presented with the silk Irish flags. This game was followed by a two course luncheon, suggestive of St. Patrick's day. The first course was salmon salad and wafers, pickles, olives, creamed potatoes served in half shell of baked potatoes, coffee. The second course was brick ice cream with shamrock center and cake. During supper each guest read an Irish joke and it is needless to say this caused much hilarity.
The last feature of the evening was the potato race. This proved a very exciting game. The members of the winning side were presented with St. Patrick's day postcards. The evening was a most delightful one for all present. At a late hour the guests dispersed, declaring the P.E.O. ladies charming entertainers.

[transcribed by C.A., March 2005]

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