Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 12, 1941.
Pay Homage To Lincoln Here Today
Valparaiso today paid homage to Abraham Lincoln on the 132nd anniversary of the birth of the Great Emancipator. Local banking institutions, the courthouse and city hall offices closed. American flags flew throughout the city.
Principal observance will take place this evening in American Legion Hall on East Lincolnway when Charles Pratt Post No. 94 will sponsor a patriotic program, beginning at 8 o’clock. The public is invited to attend.
Opening with the “Star Spangled Banner” and the flag salute, a quintet of Valparaiso high school musicians under the direction of Prof. Harold Rogers will play five other numbers. They are: “Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms,” quintet; cornet solo, “Emmett's Lullaby,” Charles Harmon; Quintette in B Minor, quintet; bass solo, “Judas Maccabeus,” Delmar LaCount, bass.
Burns to Speak
Following a welcome address by Commander G.L. Burns, Valparaiso Junior high school students will give a series of readings on Lincoln. Darlene Yazel will read a biography of Lincoln; Priscilla Palmer, “Mrs. Bixby’s Letter”; Tommy Huston, “A Little Nubbin,” and Phyllis Fraser, “Quizzing the Applicant for Doorkeeper.”
Lincoln’s Gettysburg address will be recited in unison by the following: Jack Ferguson, Rhea Hubbard, Marion Miller, Lucille Dean, Nancy Fabing, Nancy VanNess, Barbara Lembke, Herbert Mitchell and Lewis Casbon.
Several selections will be given by a trio choir of Valparaiso university consisting of Constance Bruegmann, Viola Wrede and Arlene Engle. “The Spirit of Uncle Sam’ will be depicted by Patricia Ross, Helen Miller and Betty Reid.
The program will be brought to a conclusion by the singing of the “Cavalcade of America,” by the Valparaiso high school chorus of 80 voices under direction of Mrs. Mary Stevens Myers, Burton L. Conkling of the Valparaiso high school faculty will act as soloist.
At G.A.R. rooms in Memorial opera, Sons of Union Veterans and Ladies’ auxiliary will observe the event with a program. Rev. Albert T. Swasko, pastor of Trinity Lutheran church of this city, will give the address. The public is cordially invited to attend.
