Emmetsburg Democrat Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa 18 March 1914 St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Emmetsburg. One of the Largest and Most Successful in the History of the Community. The St. Patrick's day exercises held in this city yesterday were as usual, largely attended. Many were in from the surrounding country and scores came from neighboring towns. The day was rather squally, but not particularly unpleasant. A large number of Hibernians were out. They attended high mass in a body at St. Thomas church at 10 o'clock. Father McNERNEY was celebrant. Very Rev. P.F. FARRELLY preached the sermon. Though he had been an invalid for htree weeks, many who heard him considered him at his best. The review of hte achievements of St. Patrick, his high rank among the great bishops and missionaries of the church, his frequent and fervent appeals to God for light, wisdom and strength to carry out his life's work, his prayer's for the preservation of the faith of the Irish people and the loyalty of the sons and daughters of the Emeral Isle and their descendants to the teachings of their great apostle, despite the many persecutions to which they had for centuries been subjected-what a masterly effort. The speakers' inspiring, patriotic, and heartfelt utterances made a profound impression on the large number present, for the church was filled with worshippers. He made no effort to display any power of oratory. It was not necessary for him to do so. He was full of his subject and he spoke readily and earnestly from the depths of his heart. The discourse was indeed a treat to all who had the good fortune to be present. The dinner served in the basement of St. Thomas church by the Assumption ladies was generously patronized and there was plenty of choice victuals for all. The total receipts were $227.25. The play, Shaun Rue," which was given at The Iowa during the afternoon and evening, was the best that has been rendered by amateurs in Emmetsburg for years. The cast of characters was exceptionally strong and all interpreted their characters readily and naturally. They were as familiar as professionals with their lines. T.J. COONAN, as "Larry Donovan," was very popular with the audience. He had a very strong part and he was as much at home before the large audience as if he had been before the footlights for years. In his disguise as "Shaun Rue" he kept the hundreds present in uproarious laughter. his song, "A Handful of Earth From the Land of My Birth," at his mother's grave was very pathetic. His other vocal selection, "If They'd Only Move Old Ireland Over Here," was very catchy and he changed a number of verses of it in making a number of local hits. Mr. COONAN has indeed special ability as an Irish comedian and would prove a favorite with any audience. His many friends have reason to feel proud of his efforts last evening. P.J. WALSH, as "Maurice Donovan," the old man was right at home in his part. He always does well. Eugene O'BRIEN as "Gerald Kavanaugh," made an ideal hero and lover. His voice was good and his appearance on the stage was strongly in his favor. W.P. KERWICK took the character of "Patrick Kavanaugh". He had an excellent make up and his articulation and conception of his part made him a very strong member of the cast. He had big words to spare and then some. Leo J. McMAHON as "Peter Callagan," handled his character faultlessly. It is difficult for a young man to represent an old gentleman. It must be conceded that he did his part admirably. C.J. McNALLY was the villain and he proved himself an artist. The average professional could not have done better. His stage appearance made him a favorite with the audience despite the devilish part assigned him. James FAY impresonated "Tim," the half starved boy. A better selection could not have been made. All who were present complimented him highly for the creditable manner in which he acquitted himself. He also represented the minor character of "Teddy Phatts." M. MILLER took two parts- "Wm. Summerfield" and "Waddy, the Lawyer." He always does justice to his character and he handled both parts successfully on Tuesday evening. He has a good voice and his make up added to the effectiveness of impersonations. Miss Mildred DAILY had the character of "Dora Kavanaugh", Larry's sweetheart. It was difficult and somewhat exacting, but she was more than equal to its requirements. She well deserved the generous praise that was given her for her efforts. miss Vera RUTLEDGE, as "Kate Donovan," Larry's sister, was exceptionally good. At times she was truly dramatic. She has special ability for work of this kind. She was one of the strong members of the cast. Mr. and Mrs. E.J. HIGGINS had charge of the rehearsals. They worked hard for several weeks and they have reason to feel proud of the result of their efforts. The members of the A.O.H. feel deeply indebted to them for their sacrifices of time and labor in making the day's exercises so creditable. The attendance was the largest in the history of the organization. Every seat was taken in the afternoon and fully 100 could not secure seats in the evening. The day will often be recalled as a memorable one in the history of Palo Alto Hibernianism. 000525 Cathy Joynt Labath Palo Alto County, Iowa USGenWeb Project http://www.rootsweb.com/~iapaloal/paloalto.htm