100 years ago in The Saratogian
Thursday, March 20, 1919. “America is no longer looked upon as bounded by oceans but as America the leader of the nations of the world,” a Congregationalist church worker tells a women’s gathering in Saratoga Springs today.
Mrs. J. J. Pearsoll is in town to discuss the work of Congregational churches “not only during the war but also during peace time.” Her talk is hosted by Mrs. S. A. Rickard of 632 Broadway.
America’s new world leadership creates new problems for the nation, particularly “the proposition of assimilating its foreign born residents.” In general, Pearsoll says, “The world needs to place a new valuation upon the foreigners and citizens of other colors.”
“Mrs. Pearsoll pointed out that all nationalities served the Stars and Stripes during the world war and asserted that if these men were called upon to risk their all, surely they were worthy of being considered and treated as citizens in our every day life,” The Saratogian reports, “She referred to the commendable work of the negro and the Italians in the war.”
Urging the Saratoga women to”keep their interest in the foreigner keen at all times,” Pearsoll adds that “With a reconstruction of our problem of caring for the foreigners must go a policy of redemption.” What she means by “redemption” in this context is unclear.
Pearsoll’s “largely attended” talk is followed by “an enjoyable social hour.”
Spring Concert Proves a Success
Skidmore School of Arts’ spring concert draws “a large and appreciative audience” to College Hall tonight, The Saratogian reports. The show “proved to be the most successful one that has been given at Skidmore in the past two years.”
The event features performances by the Skidmore Glee Club, a new Mandolin Club and a 200-voice chorus.
The Skidmore Mandolin Club is the brainchild of Edda Bennett of Keene NH. “This young woman deserves high praise for her work, not only as a director but for her energy and perseverance in bringing this organization into existence,” The Saratogian reports.
“Each group of choruses was directed by one of the members of the public schools music course. Each young woman directed the large chorus with poise and a keep appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of the music as well as a strict demand for attacks and shading.
“Large credit is due to A. Stanley Osborn, of Skidmore School, not only for the careful training which was revealed in the singing of the various members but quite as much for the training which enabled students in the public school music course to lead the chorus successfully.”
— Kevin Gilbert