LeMars Globe-Post, June 1, 1898

GREETED BY PACKED HOUSE.
The Play “Enlisted For the War” Well Presented to a Pleased Audience.

“Enlisted for the War” was the play present on Monday evening to literally a
packed house. Home talent is always appreciated in LeMars, and is royally
sustained. The Grand Army and their work is an acknowledge factor and the
veterans hold a warm place in the public esteem, so the double interest
evinced in the recognition of the events of Decoration Day and their cordial
approval was expressed in deeds not words. It was extremely gratifying on
either side, the magnificent house assembled in their interest, and the
cordial response in the parties invited to take the characters, giving time,
work and talent to make successful the play to be presented on this
occasion. “Enlisted for the War” struck the keynote to popular sentiment
even in the title, and the development of the plot, with so much spirited
enthusiasm produced an entertainment certainly most gratifying and
successful.

Mrs. J. L. Reeves, as Gaylie, the heiress and heroine, proved charming in
her role and easily won the hearts of the audience, as well as guardian,
play fellow and “members of the home guard.” Mrs. O. H. Hinds was beautiful
as the mother, Mrs. Trueworth, both in person and character, ever loyal and
true to the interest of her son, Robert.

Miss Kersey Jones, as Mattie Trueworth, was unusually good in the
presentation of the sister’s part, loving, yet practical, impulsive yet
reliable, scorning the love of Hiram Jenks, the mere boy, but recognizing
the manly qualities. Phil. Boland, as the hero Robt. Trueworth, showed a
fine interpretation of the character with great dramatic talent. Of fine
appearance, every inch a soldier, and with remarkable pleasing voice, the
line was faint which blended the artistic effort with the natural ability. A
new light was thrown upon the talents of our popular postmaster. A. McNally
admirably portrayed the character of the guardian, scheming, vehement,
jealous, outrivaled, the role was a difficult one, but carried out with
unusual interest and success.

Crimp, the darkey, was an immense success as given by Clarence Oldham, and
the play and counter play of the plot was vividly brought out by the comical
side play of Crimp and Hiram, as well as the veterans in the camp scene.
The Coon song given by Crimp was very excellent and a noticeable feature of
the evening. Ralph Dalton, as Hiram, was simply immense, and equally at home
whether in the guise of his honest love, or the truest of all friends, the
friend in need.

Dr. W. R. Grey carried out the part of the auctioneer with the same success
as in previous roles, each, succeeding impersonation seeming as easily
adopted and faithfully portrayed as the previous ones which have emanated
from his hands. Gen. Grant, represented by C. H. Jones, and Col. Boxer, by
A. A. Alline, showed characteristics which personal intercourse with these
heroes more clearly brought out.

The soldiers quartette in the camp scene was immensely enjoyed, Messrs.
Briggs, Honold, Croft and Leekley showing superior voices which were
harmoniously blended in the popular songs. The juvenile orchestra under the
management of Mr. Koertling are deserving of much praise, and carried in a
most satisfactory manner the union services on Sunday and the music of
Monday evening. In the circle of events all things are complete, and the
drill by the home guard, twenty-four young misses attired in white,
presented a very beautiful appearance and elicited unbounded admiration and
applause. With the flower of our land guarding the frontier and asserting
the rights of liberty, the beauty of our land carrying our banner keeping in
step and touch with the popular trend, the veterans, revered and loved as
the nation’s pride, as a balance wheel, and in harmony with the beautiful
tribute given in the camp scene by Comrade I. T. Martin, protectingly,
lovingly over all are the rippling folds of Old Glory.

~Transcribed for posting by Linda Ziemann, Plymouth County Coordinator

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