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LADIES S

This Department is intended to serve the same purpose among the wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters of our members that the Fraternal Department serves among our members. The rules at head of Fraternal Department will also apply to this one. Communications for this Department should be in this office not later than the 15th of the month.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

Well, this is my last letter to the CONDUCTOR, for a long time at least, and I hope to leave a good impression with all, and a parting blessing to each Brother and Sister of the Order. Merrimac Division has held its regular meetings and they have been well attended since my last letter was sent.

Through the kindness of The Martin Drug Store managers we were given free use of a window and desk in their store, and the ladies of the auxiliary held a very successful food and home-made candy sale in October. Great praise is due our Past President, Sister Marston, Vice-President, Sister Sweatland, and Sister Rogers, for their efforts and help in conducting the sale, and we realized a nice sum from it.

The first Tuesday evening in November, Brother and Sister Eaton invited the Auxiliary ladies, with their families, to spend an evening with them in their pretty home, and we had a delightful time. Those who missed attending that little party without some good excuse should have some serious thoughts if it was right to stay away when the host and hostess made such a generous effort for our good time, and gave us such a cordial welcome.

We are almost afraid we have lost two members. Brother and Sister Flanders have moved to Boston, Mass., this month so the family might be together more. As the Division and Auxiliary down that way know a good thing when they see it, we feel sure they will want Brother and Sister Flanders to join them. Our Auxiliary can't afford to lose Sister Flanders.

I have been very much interested in reading the letter from Brother D. E. Hasey, of St. Paul, Minn., in the November CONDUCTOR. He has pictured this life's trials of the passenger conductor, and described every phase in the business correctly, as one can see by observation when traveling on passenger trains.

Was sorry to hear Sister E. H. Jackson, of New London, Conn, say, "Twas her last letter to the Journal" I love to read her letters, as in the long ago we passed some pleasant hours together.

I would like to say, through the columns of the CONDUCTOR, that I am collecting railroad station views on postal cards, and if any Sister or Brother, who has pleased me with letters to the CONDUCTOR, would kindly send a picture of any railroad station, I will gladly return one of some other place to them.

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Well, it is on Thanksgiving day I am writing to you. Some are glad that today has arrived, and yet how many can think of that are in deep sorrow. Their loved ones are missing, and perhaps gone forever. The obituary list in the November CONDUCTOR numbers fifty-eight-fifty-eight conductors who have waved the signal for the last time. Let us always give the mourning ones a passing thought on such days as this, if nothing more than a silent prayer.

Division 335 was favored with a visit from one of our Grand Officers-Brother Clark, Third Vice-President, from Chicago, Ill., and highly entertained the Brothers with his interesting notes.

I have read, with interest, Sister Thomas's letter to the CONDUCTOR, but I do not quite understand her condemnation about the poetry and stuff sent you, dear editor, for publication. If you will allow me to comment, although some of the "extracts of the pen" may not be "up-to-date," according to our Sister's idea, and may be the Brother or Sister, whichever they happen to be, tried hard to write something because they wanted to help along the "little book," we ought all be proud of them and do all we can to make it grow. For one, I am glad to read something every month from the "good boys" or the Sisters; wish they could all write something. If I should see, in

the December CONDUCTOR, a little piece of poetry from someone that read thus: "A frog who would a-wooing go, Whether his mother would let him or no," I should be so much pleased at his or her effort that I would try to find out the rest of the little poem of the long ago and get some good out of it, as some of you may know there is a good "moral" in this little piece. Well, dear Editor, Brothers and Sisters, try to find some good in everyone that tries to better their condition. Love the little acts of kindness, be true to yourselves, strive to be men and women of the higher order, and read over, when you have time, all of the seventeen letters in the CONDUCTOR, and take notice of Sister Harton's letter-only fourteen lines, but there is courage and womanly qualities shown in it; notice the words, "We feel right at home with the Aurora ladies." Let us try to live and do so near right before God and man that we can possess a good deal of that self-satisfied quality; that we can feel at home, and make others feel at home with MRS. ALVIN B. COLE.

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Concord, N. H.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

At their cozy home, 275 Euclid Avenue, Detroit, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence H. Nolan welcomed a number of friends October 8, it being the twenty-fifth anniversary of their marriage. The house was tastefully decorated, and the evening was pleasantly spent with music and cards. A delicious lunch was served, during which Mr. Nolan was presented with a silver loving cup by some of the employes of the terminals, of which Mr. Nolan is superintendent. They were the recipients of many other beautiful gifts in silver. Mr. Nolan is a member of Battle Creek Division 6, and is at present with the Grand Trunk, but for more than twenty-six years was connected with the Chicago & Alton. Mrs. Nolan is a member of Division 44, of the L. A. to the O. R. C., and both have a host of friends who wish them many more years of happy wedded life. Detroit, Mich. A. M. W.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR :

I have just returned home from an extended visit in the state of Iowa and other points. I was very much disappointed that I did not reach St. Paul in time to meet our Grand President, Mrs. J. H. Moore, and to attend the School of Instruction there. However, my visit at Eagle Grove, Iowa, was an enjoyable one, where I attended the Ladies Auxiliary and had the pleasure of meeting my old friends. The first invitation was to a six o'clock dinner, given by the L. A. to O. R. C., in honor of Sister Mitchell, who was soon to leave for her

new home in Mason City, Iowa, and the ladies of the Division presented her with a souvenir spoon. Sister Mitchell has been a true and faithful worker, and is highly esteemed, and will be missed by all her friends at Eagle Grove. After dinner, Brother Hammond took twenty-three of we ladies to the theater.

The next to entertain was Sister Houston, out at the Houston farm at the city limits, where we were all made to feel at home and "treated as cne of the family."

Sister Hammond gave a dinner; also Sister Yokam, which we enjoyed.

On November 30, a reception was held at the pleasant home of Brother and Sister Boylson, where all were royally entertained, both the O. R. C. and Ladies Auxiliary. About forty were present, and a five course

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dinner was served by Sister Boylson and other ladies of the Division. After dinner, Sister Bonner asked our attention, and, to my surprise, presented me with a beautiful spoon in behalf of Division 49, hand engraved, L. A. to O. R. C., and the little talk she gave brought back many happy memories of the past and showed the true sisterly spirit that dwells among our Ladies Auxiliary to the Order of Railway Conductors.

Prosperity Division 49 was organized February 28, 1894, by Grand President Mrs. J. H. Moore, with twenty-five charter members, and since that time all have worked in harmony together. Some have moved away to work with other Divisions and many new members have been taken in, filling their places, and the work

has been kept up with great interest. I am looking forward to the time when we may see the work progressing more in Canada. We are aware of the great opportunity that lies before us and we are endeavoring to bring our organization to that point where it can do efficient work for the L. A. to O. R. C. May God bless the Ladies Auxiliary that ever makes us true friends and better wives. MRS. C. F. BACHELDER. North Battleford, Sask., Canada.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

As my term of office as correspondent expires this month, I shall send in my last letter and retire in favor of my successor, Sister Casky, who will take care of the reportorial part of the Division for 1909. Our Division is about to close one of the most successful administrations in its history. An administration of truth, justice and equality, presided over by one of the most consistent and conscientious sets of officers on record. Our retiring President, Sister Bonter, has shown herself to be the right woman in the right place; a lady of education and refinement, who is always found to be on the side of right and justice, regardless of criticism. It was a great disappointment to her many friends and a great loss to the Division when she declined to serve the coming year. Sister Bonter has perfected herself in the law and work of the Division and has been a faithful student of its teachings. The Division will also suffer a deep loss in the retirement of our faithful Secretary and Treasurer, Sister Grout, who has served in her burdensome office for eleven years. Sister Grout has never been found any place but at her desk on meeting day. Her books are in perfect condition, and in all the eleven years she has served, there has been but one criticism of her minutes. She has been an example of faithfulness and capability and her faithful service should inspire the new members to great ambitions. We have had some examples of unsisterly conduct and disregard for the oath of our obligations lately, and it is to be lamented that some members of the Division are so lacking in their principles and honor as to willfully forget that on their bended knees, in the presence of the Almighty God, they promised to do some things that they have failed to do, but as every one of us must answer for our own conduct in these affairs, the outcome will take care of itself.

Our retiring Vice-President, Sister Hayes, and our retiring Junior and Senior Sisters, Sister Myers and Sister Lumbard, respectively, have filled their offices with credit and were present at almost every meeting.

We have several prospective members for the near future, and it is even whispered around among a select few that we are to be honored (?) by a petition from a cer

tain person of the opposite sex who has so busied himself with our Division and tried to perfect the work to such an extent that he has at last fastened himself upon a clause by means of which he hopes to reconstruct and twist around in such a manner as to make himself eligible. He has everything now but the secret work and pass-word and is just simply burning up with curiosity about those. This certain passenger conductor has spent various days pulling wires for our election of officers.

I will close, wishing the CONDUCTOR and its editor all the compliments of the season, and a very prosperous future.

MRS. CHAS. A. BOWMAN.

Ft. Wayne, Ind.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR :

Greetings from St. Louis Division II. We are nearing the close of the year 1908. This has been one of our most successful years, with Sister Coleman in the chair for the second term. With her grace and good judgment, she has promoted harmony and sisterly love, which is principally the secret of our success.

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Our ball last Easter was a splendid success, for which all praise and credit is due to the good work of our committee. ters, we never know what we can do until we try. Our friendship quilt netted the Division quite a neat sum; it was afterwards sold for ten dollars, and the proceeds sent to the Railway Men's Home. rummage sale was an easy way of making money, after Sister Dumaw and Sister Coleman did the work. They got a horse and wagon, went from house to house collecting old clothes, furniture, etc., and on the day of the sale, they were confined to their houses with a severe cold.

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On December 13, we will have a joint installation of officers of Division 3 and Auxiliary II. The ladies will give a banquet. We have quite a few new members ready to start in the work for the new year. Sister Blaney, who has been under treatment in the hospital more or less for the past three months, is at home again and recovering rapidly. Our calling committee has been very faithful in calling on the sick as well as other more fortunate members of the Division.

St. Louis, Mo. MRS. G. B. NEWLAND.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

The November number of the Journal contains so many interesting letters that I am most awfully glad that I have another opportunity of writing from Oklahoma Division 181, before my official year expires. In the past three months so many eventful things have happened that I hardly know where to begin and end, in order to tell the most important things that would

interest the greatest number of people. For a woman correspondent to be limited to one letter every three months, makes it exceedingly trying on our "explosive talkative natures," and I already have a vague fear that I am going to make my letter unpardonably long, for it has been dreadfully long since I got to tell you other Division people that we are still alive and form a happy little band, laboring to achieve great things that will strengthen and benefit the Order. The stork has been kept busy, leaving twin girls at the home of Brother and Sister Connelly, a baby girl at the home of Brother and Sister Boushee, also another fine girl at the home of Brother and Sister Windling. Truly, we all have had many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, more especially these fond parents.

Many of our members have been prevented from attending Division meetings on account of sickness, but some are convalescent now, and I am in hopes are more enthusiastic over the work, and will be more faithful to attend. It seems that all who carefully read the good articles and encouraging letters in THE RAILWAY CONDUCTOR from our Sisters in other Divisions, would be inspired to devote more time to the advancement of the Order. While our attendance has not been very flattering, the "faithful few" have been busy preparing for a ball and banquet which will be given this month, and as usual, we expect to make it a great success socially and financially, for if there is any one thing these good western people love better than anything else, it's a ball and banquet.

MRS. WM. QUINCY ADAMS. Shawnee, Okla.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR :

Swastika Division 262 is up and doing. At our last meeting, we had election of officers, and as our old officers had made such a good showing, we thought we could not do without them the coming year, so they are our new as well as our old ones.

We have rented a splendid hall in the business section of the town, and all the Sisters are highly pleased with it.

The Brothers of 351 have invited us to join them in a joint installation and spread. We have accepted their kind invitation, and are looking forward with pleasure for the

event.

Sister Mercer gave a social at her home on Thanksgiving Eve, and everybody certainly did have a nice time. There were several outside friends present, so we had quite a crowd. Every Sister took a package, and after music and refreshments, we had an auction sale. Brother Mercer sold the things, and he makes a fine auctioneer. All the packages were sold, and when opened they proved to be both useful and ornamental, but if anybody wants to know who

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EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

At Toledo, Ohio, North America, there is a Ladies Auxiliary to the O. R. C. It is Division 6, and the banner Division, too. A correspondent is also located there. This Division is prospering and in good health.

In the past year much good has been accomplished by our enthusiastic Sisters. At present, every lady is interested in the success of a benefit party, given for a dear old lady and Sister. This is what makes the auxiliary "worth while," to make ourselves helpful in any service for the uplifting of humanity. We are worth to the world what we do for those in it, and by what we have not done, and for the withholding of love and charity, we are judged.

Let it not be said of us:

"I lived for myself, I thought of myself, For myself, and none beside.

Just as if Jesus had never lived;
As if he had never died."

There is so much we might do to help banish the care and brighten the way, if we would but radiate the sunshine we feel within us.

In the past twelve months many of our best loved have crossed the dark waters, and our hearts are heavy with sorrow, but we can only submit to His will, and say: What Thou hast given, Thou canst take away.

All life flows from Thee alone.
When Thou didst give it, it was Thine;
When Thou didst take it, 'twas not mine.
Thy will in all be done.

And now the dear old Yuletide will soon be with us again, with its peace on earth, good will toward men, with all its joys and faith and love. May the glad tidings of the new life, of the new joys and better things of earth and of the richest heritages of heaven be borne into your every heart and life and home.

Toledo, Ohio. MRS. EFFIE W. PRINCE.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

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As my term is almost over as spondent for City of Oaks Division 107, I will tell you of some of our doings for the past year. Our officers have been untiring in their attendance, and I wish I could say the same for all of the members. We have taken in a great many new members, and our treasury is in good condition, thanks to Golden Gate Division 364 in generously dividing the proceeds of the picnic we enjoyed during the past summer. Most of the conductors who direct the hundreds of trains on the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe roads which daily enter and leave the city, took a day off during the summer and

eagerly anticipated by the friends of the organization. The steamer "Bay City," of the Southern Pacific company's ferry service, was chartered for the occasion, and made two trips from the Broad Gauge Mole to the pleasure resort on the other side of the bay, carrying in all about 1,500 enthusiastic picnickers. The weather was delightful. The temperature was not warm under the rays of the sun, and permitted indulgence in the pleasures of the dance without a feeling of exhaustion. As a consequence, whenever the visitor went into the shadow of the "knarled oaks olden" on the hillside, which was open to the sun, or in the pavilion, one found young and old

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OFFICERS OF CITY OF OAKS DIVISION, L. A. to O. R. C., OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA Top row, left to right-Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Goodwin, Mrs. Hughes. Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Goodman. Middle row, left to right-Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Ruggles, Mrs. Rourke, Mrs. Byers, Mrs. Dimons. Bottom row, left to right-Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Whitney, Mrs. McCarthy, Mrs. Partridge.

instead of punching tickets for the companies employing them, did the same kind of punching themselves. In other words, the members of Golden Gate Division 364, Order of Railway Conductors, gave an outing at El Campo, one of the pleasure resorts on the Bay of San Francisco, for the purpose of enjoying a little recreation themselves and affording the members of their families and friends an outing in the forest and sun-warmed hills of Martin county. This outing is an annual occurrence and is always an occasion of such pleasure that the recurrent anniversary is always

enjoying themselves to their heart's content. At the noon hour, hundreds of parties spread their table linen on the sward and upon the tables beneath the oaks and enjoyed, to the fullest extent, a dinner in the open air, which was sharpened by the appetite-bracing atmosphere of the mountain and the breeze from the ocean. The family characteristic prevailed in every instance and a more congenial gathering could not have been desired, nor indeed, found. Dancing commenced at an early hour and was continued almost uninterruptedly during the whole day. There were a few ath

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