profitable time. More of these social gatherings should be held and would serve to keep us closer together in our work. Our Brothers are to be congratulated in so deftly arranging this banquet for the Sisters; and, Brother "Doc" Livingston, why not surprise the Sisters of No. 11, who have usually served the Brothers so faithfully, by being the servers and turning the tables on them. You don't know what a treat it would afford. Sister and Brother Vermilion, now of Kansas City, were down and were right royally received. Sister Ida Brown as installing officer did her work in a remarkably pleasing manner, and Sister Painter was charming as Grand Marshal. We are sorry to lose Sister Woodside, who has moved to Salt Lake City. We recommend her to our Sisters there as a faithful and efficient worker of the order. I can't help but ask Brother Jersey Why? "Poor old Missouri!" We are so proud of her, and today we were just thinking while Governor Folk takes the reins of leadership with his able supporters. Grand old Missouri! Redeemed from the boodlers. A shining light in Old Liberty's crown and leaves one after all with an optimistic feeling that "Right will prevail." Sisters, the new year has come with its responsibilities and joys. May we have ability to meet it with added grace and a nobler purpose. Let us all work harder for the upbuilding of the order and truly let the light of "Charity, Truth and Friendship" shine brighter in this new year. who has so faithfully served us as Secretary and Treasurer for so many years. Our loss will be DeSoto's gain. Don't forget us, Sister Cory; we will expect to hear from you often. We were invited to E. St. Louis December 18th to attend the joint installation of O. R. C. and L. A. Divisions. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, only twelve attended, but we twelve certainly did enjoy a good time, and can not say enough for the hospitality of our dear Sisters on the other side. I had a very pleasant visit with Perseverence Division 184 on their election day, and want to say they are certainly up to date and are doing fine work. We have had twelve teas this year, which have been enjoyed very much socially and financially and have helped our emergency fund. We spent one day at the fair together and in the evening "took in" the Pike. All reported a fine time. (Sorry I could not be one of the party.) I am very sorry to say Brother Benceni shows very little improvement and little hope for his recovery is entertained. Sister B. certainly has our sympathy in her time of trouble. Brother Joe Flory is also on the sick list, being confined to the hospital in Moberly, having undergone an operation. We all hope for his speedy recovery. We were shocked today to learn of the death of Brother Lem Parsons, for years conductor on the Frisco, but for some years has been out of railroad service and has been living in Oklahoma City, Okla. Sister Parsons, you certainly have our heartfelt sympathy in this your sad hour. We are making a crazy quilt of beautiful silk pieces, which we expect to raffle off at our next tea. Tickets, 10c. each. How many, please? St. Louis, Mo. MRS. E. E. WILLIAMS. ༢༦ Editor Railway Conductor: At last it has come to this, trying to interest the readers of THE RAILWAY CONDUCTOR, and give you a little hint of our work and prosperity. Having been elected correspondent, for 1905, first by introducing myself to the Brothers and Sisters, I will try by making friends with my pen, and so fulfill the office assigned to me. " I think dear Sisters you have placed me in the "right church," but given me the wrong pew". This is a new line of work for me, but, we are never to old to learn. The L. A. of Hartford Division No. 188, to O. R. C. Division No. 50, is still on the right track and running about on schedule time. We hold our meetings of the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, and have fairly good attendance each meeting. True we have some up hill work, but this life is made up of the same, and we are not looking for smooth sailing at all times, so we are not discouraged. We have a new member occasionally to encourage us, and so keep "Goat" in good cheer. There are two to be initated as soon as they come in, we expected them last meeting. Sister Drake, our Grand Deputy Organizer, was with us last meeting and installed the officers for 1905. She is a very exemplary lady, many would do well to follow her advice closely, it gives us a new inspiration to have her with us. We served ice cream and cake after the our new officers had been obligated, and soon after said good night. Sister president, C. S. Brigham is doing nicely in fulfilling her office always with a pleasant smile. In fact all the officers are worthy of much credit, they take up their parts splendidly, and faithfully and are always in their respective places. Our Guard, Sister Hull, attends the meetings from a distance that would put many another "off guard". She keeps her post well, and you must present the right "pass," or you can't ride on this train. Sister Hull is successor to Sister Lilly, who moved away to the west, she was a jolly Sister and we miss her. We greatly enjoyed the surprise party given at her home; nearly every Sister being present, and each bringing some kind of refreshments. We thank you Sister Lilly for your kind words of remembrance we received through our S. and T. in meeting. Hartford Division 50, gave us a great surprise by inviting the L. A. Division 188, also the families of conductors of their Division, to attend their public installation of officers, which we gladly accepted. Brother Wilkins met there with us also, and many had the pleasure of meeting him personally. After the installation, Brother C. S. Brigham gave an excellent recitation, which proved his talent was not small in that many had to get out and hustle, "for the prompt man is the conductor," and the trains must leave on time, so with their wives in their hands they left to return conqueror of the night's toil, or to pass in their life's report, to the "Chief Conductor," to be approved of or otherwise. line. As Division 50, is deserving of much credit, they have shown a great deal of interest in the L. A.; as there perhaps has been little said about the surprise they gave us the evening we held our first meeting, I will say that they presented us with a check for $25.00 which I know we all were very thankful for, and they are worthy many credit marks. Now Brothers, try to persuade your wives to join with us, and Sisters let each one be prompt to meet each time," on time" take hold of the work with the determination that means success. Drop jealousy, be cheerful, keep in your mind our motto, let us not bring vinegar flavor in our faces. Smiles don't cost anything, but help much. As I see the waste basket looming up before me, I will drop my pen, and flee, hoping our Editor will not pass by this "my first letter," but if it is deemed worthy of print by him, sometime in the future I may write again. Burnside, Conn. ༢༦ Editor Railway Conductor: MRS. ALICE BRAGA. As I have been elected to the office or correspondent for Vilas Division No. 92 I will endeavor to do my best for the Division. We have elected our officers for the ensuing year; the Brothers held public installation and they extended us a kind invltation to install our officers with them. After the installation was over they all went to the Hotel Dunkle where an excellent banquet was served. We had a sauer-kraut and Wiener dinner in November which netted a nice little sum. We are getting along very nicely; we are awfully scattered around but we manage to meet Even if some on our meeting day just the same. of the good Sisters have to get up very early in the morning to get there. We hope to have some new members very soon and we are getting the goat ready as we must bridle him or he will be too much for the frail little Sisters to handle. Now dear Sisters as we are bound by the silver cords of love and charity and true friendship let us go into the new year with greater interest than ever. Each member should realize that there is something to do and if we will all do our duty we can do much. How I do trust that all will look to our motto of the L. A. to the O. R. C., an emblem of truth, friendship and charity for which we stand, letting the old year go, and pray that God will forgive us wherein we have erred in the past and will try to do better in the future. Jersey Shore, Pa. MRS. D. E. REMMINGER. Editor Railway Conductor: We have heard the last echo from 1904 and shall try to dwell only with its pleasures and bury its sorrows as though they had never been. 1905 has dawned upon us clear and bright, and why should we not greet it with new hopes and ambition? I know or at least I hope--there is not one who has not some aim in "life," "something to live for," no matter how heavy the burden nor how rugged the road. There are always hopes for something better every cloud has its silvery lining, and sometimes when we think our lot the hardest, the sun bursts forth and casts away the gloom. It is with feelings of great delight that I underThere take to write this letter from Division 310. are no Rip Van Winkles here; the boys are all awake, and I am delighted to say I think we are soon to have a Ladies' Auxiliary. We hope to organize it at an early date and be represented at the next convention; and I know it will give us great pleasure to make Mobile the banner Divis ion. Well, dear readers, I think have told you the very best news that I know, and I hope the next time you hear from Division 310 it will be yours in C., T. & F. MRS. B. BURKE. Mobile, Ala. Editor Railway Conductor: The year 1904, with its cares and burdens, its hopes and fears, its joys and sorrows, its triumphs and disappointments has gone, and a new year, smiling and full of cheer is here, and as Carnation Division 108 has passed into it with with bright hopes of having the grandest and most glorious year of all. We have had our election of officers with but few changes, peace and harmony prevail and all striv ing for one point, "universal success." We have our lodge meetings the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, the 2nd and 4th we are entertained by one of the Sisters in some social way at their home, we all look forward to the good times in store for us at these entertainments. The last was given by Sister Knox at her home, the weather being very disagreeable there were but 14 present, we all did ample justice to the refreshments as we had to make up for the absent ones. Our Division has had a most successful year, having taken in, I suppose, the largest number of members for one year since our organization, and our financial part of the business is first-class, all the members are working hand in hand for the same cause to make Carnation Division 108 the banner Division both socially and financially; our motto is United we stand, divided we fall. We have committees for everything, the only one making fast time is the sick committee, but all have to furnish a doctor's certificate before we get any flowers. We moved to a new and more convenient hall, leaving our Brother Conductors to batch, or you might call them grass widows, we thought they would follow us but they have not come to live with us yet. The conductors gave their annual ball January 9th and all report a splendid time, and now Brother O. R. C's who have wives who are not members of the L. A. to O. R. C. have them join us, and the brothers of 206 who have not taken unto themselves a better-half, "had better" then we will sure go after them and when they are full fledged Auxiliaries they will think what a happy day it was when they became the wife of a Conductor. The poet has well said that: "There is so much fad in the best of us. And so much good in the worst of us, Well, as this is my first letter and almost every one makes an excuse of some kind to wind up with this will be mine; I am no writer but I will try and do the best I can in as many ways as I can, if this does not find its way to the waste basket you will hear from me again in the future. Springfield, Ill. MRS. T. J. MURPHY. ༦ Editor Railway Conductor: It is with some timidity that we step out and and make our bow to this charmed circle, and ask admittance thereto, for we have just organized but will try to prove ourselves worthy a place in the ranks. Sister I. S. Rubey, of Kansas City, district deputy, organized Tinsman Division No. 206 on January 11th, 1905. The Division was named in honor of Superintendent W. S. Tinsman, of Mo. Division, under his supervision. Mrs. Rubey is to be commended for the excellent way in which she does her work, as she is very thorough, and makes the ceremony beautiful and impressive. We are all delighted with her and with our new organization. In the evening we had our installation, and invited our husbands. They seemed much pleased with the work, as they were anxious we should organize, so we will try to not disappoint them. After the installation, we had games, music, etc., and Mrs. Rubey carried off the prize of the evening, a beautiful O. R. C. spoon. We served refreshments, and altogether, had a delightful evening, which, we hope, is only a forerunner of many more to come. We opened our charter with a membership of 29, only two coming by dimit, Mrs. S. P. Cox, of Slater, Mo., and Mrs. L. W. Faulkner, of Chilli Having again been honored with the office of correspondent for Auxiliary 77, I will begin by making the usual good resolution of being prompt, thereby showing my appreciation for the gift of so worthy an office. The election of officers passed off very pleasantly. For the benefit of our Sister Auxiliaries as well as our own, would say that with the beginning of the new year let us put forth every effort to make our Auxiliary the grand Order it is and should be. Our meetings have been well attended Much and real interest manifested the past year. credit is due the officers, who have worked so hard to gain such results. May their successors be as prompt and faithful-and we have every reason to believe they will be, for an up-to-date and flourishing Auxiliary is the aim of all. On January 2nd, 1905, we will open life's book on a page fresh and clean. Just how clean we keep it will depend largely on how much we trust to self. But there is one who, if we will trust, will help us to keep the page clean so that when 1905 packs his grip to take his departure, it will contain only kind deeds, loving words and unselfish desires, and if they escape and return to us, we will not tremble at their approach Martinsburg, W. Va. MRS. W. A. BURKHART. ༢༦ Editor Railway Conductor: As weeks and days pass by one by one, we find ourselves once more in the beginning of a new year. 1904 was one of the most successful Capital City has ever had. If I am not mistaken we initiated thirteen, having taken Sister Rhodes in at the last meeting of the old year, we have five applications out and have taken one Sister in by transfer. This year we have had only two meetings at this writing. Our house socials are still being held and are proving more and more successful. The L. A. gave a ball and card party in November which was very successful, having netted us over $50. We are all getting more enthused each meeting when we see how successful the Order can be made by every one doing a little. Our attendance is far above the average and all officers at their stations. It makes one and all feel like taking more interest, indeed good attendance is half the battle, so Sisters keep on coming and see what good news I can tell all our Brothers and Sisters that are far away, at the end of 1905. I know they would all rather hear of a Sister Auxiliary prospering that hear of its failure. Our installation of officers is one long to be remembered. Hollingsworth Division 100 having invited Capital City No. 3 to participate in a joint installation; was accepted, unanimously, and was held on December 18, 1904. The Brothers. after a social time visiting with each other, announced that each and every one was desired to present themselves in the dining room where a sumptuous repast was waiting. A few chosen words from Chief Conductor Hunt made everyone feel and know how welcome all were. Capital City extends best wishes for a prosperous new year for Hollingsworth. We were pleased to have Brother and Sister S. P. Martin of No. 9 visit with us, hope they will come again. Mrs. T. J. Hickey entertained in a very social way, the retiring officers of 1904 at her home on West Fourth avenue and all enjoyed the hospitality of Sister Hickey and pronounced her a marvelous entertainer. Sister Forsha has returned from a short stay with relatives and friends in Derry, Pa. Quite a few of our Sisters are on the sick list. Capital City extends sympathy to Sister Collins in the loss of her son. If Mr. Ed. can find a place for this I will be pleased. MRS. NORAH STUART. Columbus, Ohio. ༦ Editor Railway Conductor: As newly elected correspondent, I take great pleasure in informing you, that Manhattan Division 200 L. A. to O. R. C. was organized Thursday, January 19th, 1905, at Terrace Garden, N. Y. City. Sister Drake of Mascot Division No. 59 of Boston, Mass., assisted by Sisters Silsby and Hutchinson of the same Division did the organizing and did it in a manner that will never be forgotten by the Sisters present. Sister Drake gave us a splendid lecture regarding our duties as members of the Auxiliary and telling us of the Sisterly love we should have for one another. We elected our officers for the year. I am pleased to state that our Auxiliary started with very encouragThere ing prospects, having 21 charter members. were several Sisters who were to be present but were unable on account of illness. We hope to have a banner Division as we have a set of officers who will put their shoulders to the wheel and keep hustling. Our meeting closed with a few bright and witty remarks by Sister Wood of White City Division No. 100 of Chicago, whom we expect to cordially welcome at our meetings 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month. We extend a hearty vote of thanks to the visiting Sisters of Boston, Pittsburg and other cities. We also extend a hearty vote of thanks to Division 384 O. R. C. for loan of Bible and gavel. We hope that all Brothers and Sisters will visit us. God speed in our new work. We especially desire the earnest support of Grand old Division No 54 O. R. C. Charter remains open for 30 days. MRS. OSCAR HEITES. Stamford, Conn. ༢༦ Editor Railway Conductor: As I have been elected correspondant for Lincoln Division No. 20 of Des Moines, Iowa, I will try and do my duty. As a Sister from Eagle Grove has said "the correspondent has no more right to neglect her duties than the president." Lincoln Division was organized in April 1904, and we have a very prosperous Division. The future looks very bright, on our last meeting day we had lots of work, we initiated, balloted and installed a good set of officers and at our next meeting we have two to initiate; a good start for the first of the year. Division 38 O. R. C. has been very nice to us as they have banqueted us twice since our Auxiliary has been organized. Many thanks boys, but don't forget us for we won't forget you. We have a society we call the "Working Band" which meets alternate Thursdays from Division day. In the past year we made quilts for the railway men's home in Chicago, Ill. We also sent 18 or 19 quarts of fruit and jelly. We have good workers in Lincoln Division. We have work as well as play. The Division was out for a bob sled ride January 17, Brother Gifford took them to his parents' home, a few miles out of the city. The ladies and Sisters wish to thank Brothers Gifford and LaTour for the oysters, also many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Gifford for throwing open their home, for it was certainly appreciated by all. The writer having sickness in her family was unable to enjoy the sled ride. But when the Sisters are happy it makes me happy. Hoping the good times will be many and that we will be ever mindful of our motto, Charity, Truth and Friendship. Des Moines, Iowa. MRS. SAM'L LEE. ༢༦ Editor Railway Conductor: Having been elected by Pass City Division No. 180 as correspondent for 1905, and as there has been nothing from our small band for several months, I will try and break the silence. We are growing slow but sure and are a jolly lot of Lady Conductors. We are only one year old and have thirty members and all good ones. On the twentysixth of December we gave the second annual ball of the Order in the O. R. C. hall and it was a grand success, both socially and financially. On the nineteenth of this month the officers for the ensuing year were installed and we only hope they will be as faithful as those of the past year. We are still meeting the first Monday night of every month, for social night and every one looks forward from month to month for a good time in the good old fashioned way. El Paso, Texas. Editor Railway Conductor: MARY H. ALLEN. At the first meeting of Lakemont Division No. 88, in January, we had installation of officers and were more than pleased to have meet with us Sister Eckelberger, one of our charter members, who on account of ill health has not been able to meet with us for many months. She heartily enjoyed the meeting and said we went through the installation nicely. The following evening quite a crowd of the Sisters gathered at the home of the retiring president, Sister Emma Miller, and presented her with the past-president's pin. She had quite a surprise for us we were ushered into the dining room where the tables were filled with the good things of the season. It was a jolly crowd and some of us with sad hearts, through recent bereavements, could only think of the time when our hearts were light and happy as theirs. At the second meeting we had the extreme pleasure of having our Grand Junior, Sister McQuiston and Sister Ody of Pitts with us. We got some fine instructions from her. I am sure we all enjoyed their visit, come again Sisters. Sister Wolf who has been seriously ill the last two weeks is slowly improving. We have very interesting meetings and fair attendance, but there is room for improvement. We are contemplating having a euchre party on January the 31st. As it is our first attempt hope it will be a success. Editor Railway Conductor: It is about time that Dixie Division 48 was heard from again. We have one of the liveliest little Divisions in this country, not many members, but all take interest in the work; December 18th we had our public installation together with the Brothers of Lookout 148 and had an elegant time. Our program was good, thanks, to the Brothers for helping us with serving the refreshments. Our officers for 1905 are good workers and we will look for the best results. Our entertainments of late have been few in numbers. Sister Jim Stone entertained the Sisters in a very elaborate manner at her beautiful home. Sister Stone is is a fine hostess. Sisters, let us make this banner year in our work. Let us spread that glorious sunshine, let us advertise the power in that mighty life of righteousness. The mission of the universal church of God. We will start the new year with the best wishes and the ardent help of our people of the Grand O. R. C. Don't look back over our mistakes, but look forward for our success and prosperity, build up and do good and all honor and credit to our grand leaders for our past success. Never has there been a time when charitable effort has been more evident and my dear Sisters so much depends upon us, for this great work; let us put aside all personal feelings in the Division and hold up the standard of the good of the order, let us realize the importance of the work. We earnestly sympathize with Brother J. H. Latimer in his sad bereavement, may God help you is our prayer. Oh, Sister let us be true-true to ourselves true to each other, so when we meet another member of our Order we may know we can trust her. Chattanooga, Tenn. མ་ Editor Railway Conductor: LOUISE OLiver. Turner Division No. 28 has had its joys and Sorrows in the year just passed. The grim destroyer visited two of our families and removed the wife and mother from the home, leaving a vacancy there that can never be filled. The above term "Grim Destroyer" has always been a misnomer to me, for death is after all only a sweet surcease from the tribulations of this world. In December we had an invitation from the ladies of Hillsboro, Texas, to help them organize a Division and although we had to give up two of our members to them we unselfishly got together and eleven of our members responded, and amid the difficulties of the very worst weather we had this winter, we enjoyed every minute of our stay, and saw Anna F. Conlisk Division 203 launched with very bright prospects and enthusiastic membership. On January the 7th we installed our officers, and we had invited our Grand Vice-President to do the honors, but a previous engagement with the Cleburne Sisters prevented her from coming, and we were so disappointed, that we resolved to arrange our dates earlier in the future, however, we had a very pleasant evening and several good looking Conductors joined us after our work, and helped us dispose of the elegant refreshments that were served. Brother John Eckard was there with a radiant smile. Sister Anna F. Conlisk, our G. V. P., is making every effort to have the conductors' wives all over Texas organize. She has recently returned from Greenville and Sherman and met with encouraging results, she expects to organize in Dalhart and Ennis, some time this month. Sister Conlisk feels like she did not make much progress last year on account of her bad health. We are now planning to celebrate our 12th anniversary the 22nd of February. We have not fully decided yet what the nature of it will be. We predict the affair will terminate successfully. Before closing would like to thank Brothers Buchanan and Fallon for courtesies extended the visiting Sisters while in Hillsboro. We are now starting a new year and we would like to see better attendance and let us each remember it is like "A flower unblown, a book unread, ༦ Editor Railway Conductor: MRS. W. E. MILTON. We have bid farewell to old 1904-welcomed the birth of 1905-had an election and installation of officers and Imperial Division 115, Utica, N. Y., in the mists of the beautiful vale of the Mohawk has once more settled down to its usual routine of work. I would like to say a few words for the good work done in old 1904; it was a banner year for our Division; we had a school of instruction which was a grand success in every way. The attendance at meetings for the entire year was good and our officers were untiring in their work for our welfare and best of all the floor members were out every meeting and they did not sit like wall flowers but were up and doing at all times. Sisters of all Divisions do you not agree with me that without the hearty co-operation of floor members our officers can not make the Division a success? and until our Sisters realize this our Auxiliary work never will be a success There are a lot of well meaning Sisters who will join, come to meeting at election of officers, help elect them, come once in a while to find fault with what the officers are doing and think they have done their full duty-all that is required of them . |