Alkali Al Poem

CHAPIN, LEA, FOSTER

Posted By: Robert Foster (email)
Date: 3/1/2014 at 15:28:51

The Closing of the Old Hotel (The Lea Hotel) found in the momentous of my grandmother, Maud McIntyre Foster, the stepdaughter of James Lea.

The Passing of the Old Hotel
Come listen Children and gather nigh
And drop a tear or heartfelt sigh
The spirit of progress has come to town.
They are tearing an ancient landmark down.
For modern improvement they need the room
Lo the council met and pronounced its doom
And a new town hall will fill the space
Where once stood a famous eating place
I was only a boy, when old Jim Lea
Took over thie famous hostelry
And he made - and this is no idle boast
A place that was famous from coast to coast
His place was famed for its chicken roast
And pies and pudding, soup and toast
For his wife and daughter were master hands
And his purchased goods, bore the choicest brands.
Now Jim was a man with a lot of pride,
And his knowledge of justice he could not hide;
And so in spite of his "yea" or "nay"
He was voted Mayor election day.
He held the job for many a year.
Judged each case without favor or fear.
Handled their busines deals with care,
And showed the world, he was strictly square.
But harking back to the Old Hotel,
My memory still reflects the smell
Of the chicken fries and the T-bone sterak.
And the cake and pies his cooks could bake.
Twice in the life of the old hotel
The stores each side were a burning hell.
But luck and labor at last succeed,
And save the house, where the hungry feed.
But the wheels of progress cant be still
So the old hotel goes over the hill;
And a fine town hall is to occupy
The spot that was famed for chicken pie.
But if it could be conveyed to him,
I'll wager the news would please old Jim
For a public spirit he always had.
Let's hope he knows and it makes him glad.
Alkali Al