The daily Cairo bulletin (Cairo, Ill.), February 2, 1884
Probably one of the nicest little parlor entertainments of this week, and which has hitherto escaped merited notice in the press, was the celebration of the 147th anniversary of the birthday of Thomas Paine, at the residence of Mr. Jacob Martin, last Tuesday.
Although there are many liberal minded people among us, this was the first demonstration of any note given by any of them for a number of years back and the impression was rapidly gaining ground, that “the doctrine of Christ and him crucified” held exclusive sway in the minds of all here.
The anniversary was this time perhaps more generally celebrated in the country at large than it had been in former years, but it could not have been more fittingly and handsomely observed than it was here.
The Martin residence, ordinarily one of the most elegant in the city, was especially decorated for the occasion. Mottoes from the several works of Thomas Paine, in fancy letters, ornamented the walls. “Thomas Paine” was suspended in gilt letters from the arch of the bay window, and on either side of the window were the figures “1737” and “1884.” “The Age of Reason” and the names of other works that have outlined thousands of so-called “answers,” “The world is my country, to do good my religion” and another sentences powerful in thought and noble in sentiment, were written upon the walls in a very attractive and pleasing style.
The programme prepared for the occasion was also elaborate and interesting. It was opened with music by Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Ellis. Mrs. Martin had prepared an essay entitled “Thomas Paine,” which was read by Mrs. Ellis, and which did full justice to the well-known literary ability of the writer. Mr. Paul G. Schuh sang a solo in that rich voice for which he is noted among our singers, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Ellis. Mr. G. W. Morse followed with a half hour’s talk and he opened the way for a series very interesting little speeches from nearly all present.
The exercises closed with instrumental music by Mrs. Ellis and then the company partook of a fine supper during which toasts and sentiments were freely given to the delight of all.