Blue-grass blade (Lexington, Ky.), February 27, 1910
By HELEN M. LUCAS
Marietta, Ohio
Our annual celebration just closed has been the biggest and best in the history of the movement. Both of our town papers published the program as requested, with James’ picture. The next day the Times printed a good report under the headlines, “Paine Memorial Held. Good Program Presented at Public Meeting.”
The Register-Leader repeated the program and said, “A fair-sized crowd was present and greatly enjoyed the interesting program.” It had a fine little editorial about it being the birthday of two of America’s noted men, Thomas Paine, the distinguished patriot, and William McKinley, soldier and statesman, late President of the United States.
I had told the editor to be sure to mention Mr. McKinley, as the people might forget him while there was no doubt about their remembering Paine. The editorial went on to say that Paine memorials of different kinds were being held all over the land.
The audience was much larger than could have been expected, and nearly half were strangers to me, which proves that it pays to have the celebrations public.
Miss Flossie Reed touched the hearts of the audience with her songs, “Far Away” and the always popular “Old Kentucky Home.” She was accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Metcher, who also accompanied Mrs. MacDonald’s song, “Thomas Paine,” which was listened to with intense interest. Her recitations were fine, as every one who has heard her will believe. When Lucinda Sings, parts of “Rock of Ages” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” which were given in full tones, keyed to exactly suit the singers’ voices. Angelina Johnson gave pleasant variety to the program by bringing in dancing.
Mr. Coil, who was chairman, has had so much to do that I had not the face to ask him for a speech. He read the last number of The Crisis. He is a good reader, and showed by appropriate emphasis his high appreciation of Paine’s writings. At the close of the printed program he volunteered an enthusiastic speech for Paine, and read some out of the first number of The Crisis. He thoroughly understands Paine’s religion, and always explains it to an audience, seeming to realize that is where Paine is misrepresented so often. All Freethinkers should be grateful to Mr. Coil for his work for Paine. It has been so very efficient partly because of personal popularity and partly because of the prestige his profession gives.
Mr. Follette, too, has earned our gratitude. Being Prosecuting Attorney and County Humane Officer, he is a very busy man and could get time to read at the conclusion of the program and, hurrying away to an official meeting in the midst of Mr. Coil’s reading. At our centennial he eulogized Paine for his humanity and the first program was a pleasure to me to know him well enough to say something in his praise at the kind of a meeting that would meet his approval so entirely.
The annual Paine day for the newsboys and messengers came on Feb. 4th, when all went to Pinafore. The opera was well done, the singing beautiful, and the dancing between the acts charmed every one. The presents are always given on Jan. 29. This year they were pictures of Paine, his name, and the date, Jan. 29, 1910, with calendars below.