Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, February 7, l90l

A large audience as usual greeted the contestants at the WAIGHT SISTERS' Demorest Silver Medal Contest at Van Werden's Opera Hall last Friday evening.

Rev. Ilsley opened the program with a short prayer and then made a few remarks on behalf of the WAIGHT SISTERS and the contestants, nearly all of whom had been suffering from la grippe and it was under great difficulties that the contest was prepared.

The first on the program was a charming trio "Wait" by MAY, LOUISE and JESSIE WAIGHT, which was rendered in their usual charming manner.

MISS MARY GILLHAM was the first contestant, her subject being "The Lesson of a Tragedy". We shall not attempt to give a separate description of each contestant. Suffice to say that not one of them but what were entitled to a medal, for they all acquitted themselves splendidly.

MISS NINA COWDEN sang a very pretty solo, "Bobolink" being accompanied on the piano by her mother.

MISS BESSIE COWDEN the second contestant, recited in a pleasing manner a poem, "Rum's Tragedies". A piano solo by MISS GRACE MORRILL followed and she was heartly applauded, being a very graceful performer.

A musical character sketch followed the characters being well taken and sung by MISSES JESSIE and LOUISE WAIGHT, MESSRS. LLOYD CONREY and BERYL ELLINWOOD.

"The Pledge in Blood" was the subject of the next contestant, MISS MABEL BROWN, and her effort made a good impression on the judges and audience.

A song, "When the Girls Can Vote" was sung by six girls, MISSES EULA WAIGHT, NINA COWDEN, EDITH HARRIS, JENNIE SCHENCK and MARION WOODARD.

The next contestant was MISS KATE KIRWIN, her subject being "Taken by Surprise" and the little lady took the audience by surprise with the ease and grace with which she delivered it.

She was followed by MISS LUCY ILSLEY with "The Indictment Against the Liquor Traffic" and her effort was crowned with success, she being awarded the silver medal.

Little EDNA WAIGHT as usual was heartily encored when she sang "Pickin' on a Chicken Bone" and had to come to the footlights.

MISS ANNA TABLER was the last contestant, her subject being "Our Homes and Country in Jeopardy", her oration showing careful study and drilling.

"The Musical Man" as sung by EDNA KOHLER, EDDA WAIGHT, LULU BOWMAN, MIDA BRADLEY, BLANCHE WOODARD and ENID ALEXANDER, pleased all.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
January l6, 2003