- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Mrs. Rebecca Smith, "visiting from Missouri, where my daughter lives," continues writing letters relating her Valley Falls experiences to the editor of the May 1888 New Era because it "would tickle her mightily to have her ma writin' for papers."
Sunday church services were among her reporting experiences. She wrote, "The time I went to the Congregational Church I was much pleased for it is a cozy, and daughter would says 'stylish' church, but when the choir got up to sing, I was beat.
"First the girl at the organ began to play a little tune, then another girl pitched in and sung and sung, and the rest of the choir just stood like sticks and wouldn't sing a word. I guess they had a little spat and that girl was bound to have her sing out.
"Then the man struck in and sung so mad, way down in his stomach. Then another voice tried to get in. All the time the first singer trying to keep ahead of all the rest, and they all sung different hymns, and I thought like enough, the preacher would feel hurt because they did not sing what he announced.
"Well, they never stopped the racket until they all got out of breath, but the girl at the organ could hold out the longest. Then that spiteful little girl started up again, and they had the same fuss all over; but finally I guess they thought they were carrying the thing a little too far in church and they all sat down clean out of breath, but the man opened the window and the girls all used their fans with all the strength they had left.
"Then the preacher gave us a good sermon, and I think it had a good effect on the choir, for when he gave out the next hymn they all sang and they all separated feeling better."
The museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7. Admission is free.
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