by Laurel | July 1st, 2009
July 1, 1902, page 8
The Chinese pupils of the Methodist church of the Highlands gave a reception at the basement of the church last evening that was largely attended, and the program furnished was greatly enjoyed. The Chinese labored hard to make the occasion interesting, and they succeeded along more lines than they expected, particularly when one of the men essayed a solo, in which nothing was lacking but music. However, the honest effort to entertain was highly appreciated, and at the close a general list of refreshments were served — ice-cream, cake, oranges and bananas. The room was prettily decorated with lanterns, the national colors and wild flowers and over 100 people were present, including Rev. F. J. Hale of Chicopee Falls and Rev. G. W. Winch of the Highlands Congregational church who addressed the Chinese, as did the pastor, Rev. F. M. Estes. The program of entertainment consisted of a reading of a paper on iron by Chin On of Chicopee Falls, a paper on cotton by Chin Yek, and a song by Chin Yep, these three acting as a reception committee, and thanking their teachers for their aid in teaching them English, in politely worded speeches. The Chinese school is now closed and will not reopen until September.
Excerpted from the Springfield Republican.
