Ladies' Retreat held in Arcadia draws 32 women

The Ladies' Retreat held in Arcadia Christian Church on Saturday, March 26, was a great success in that, in spite of heavy rain at the hour that breakfast was served, many had already gathered. A total of 32 ladies and two men were present for the day.

Janelle Bunny of Liberal, Mo., led the praise and worship. A skit was performed by Christi Parrish, Josie Bryant and Bridgette Schmitz. Judy Swickard, former youth minister with husband, Cal Swickard, former Pastor of the church, was the guest speaker for the day. They are now pastors of a church in Glen Elder, Kan.

Present Pastor Charles Cable, speaking as God to Betty Dehn, presented a skit. As the ladies relaxed before lunch time, they were pamperd with warm wax on their hands. A large table was filled for a fine variety of tacos, soup, salad and dessert.

At craft time, each lady was given a minature purse and all the lace, buttons and glue with which to decorate the purse that was in the shape of a tiny skirt. It was a fun, relaxing time full of laughter and fellowship. Back to the church for more skits, singing and Judy speaking. An offering was taken before Betty Dehn closed with prayer. It was a fine day for the ladies who came from far and near. A big thanks goes to those on the committee who decorated, cooked, spoke and sang as well as the guests who enjoyed it all.

This winter when Emory Briggs was ill in Nowata, Okla., a young lady was his caretaker. In speaking with each other, Judy Harris Weirather learned that Emory was from Arcadia. This brought back memories to Judy who wrote for him what she remembers about Arcadia. Judy is the granddaughter of the late Earl Green, the late Charles (Tick) and Flo Harris and Joseph and Maude Harris all of Arcadia. Judy's parents are Bert and Wanda June (Green) Harris, who moved to Fort Madison, Iowa after being married by the late Rev. G. W. Corporon in Arcadia on Feb. 10, 1946. Judy told of memories she recalls when visiting Arcadia as a child such as arriving on the train where grandparents were awaiting them at the Depot, Dunton Furniture, Scott's Sore, Shead's Service and riding over the rough bumpy railroad tracks. She remembers going into Perk's Poolhall with Grandpa who bought for Judy and her sister pocketknives, going to the Drugstore for cherry cokes, preach cambers, the lawman taking them for rides in the police car and money drawings on Saturday night downtown where it was crowded from one end of town to the other.

As a teenager, Judy recalls seeing men sitting on the steps of of the Ice House. Her uncle Sam Harris was one of the men. Judy closes by saying, "I am now 61 years of age with one daughter, two grandchildren and a wonderful new friend, Mr. Emory Briggs. It is so true, it is a small world after all. I feel so blessed to have met Mr. Briggs and to have taken a trip down memory lane with him back to Arcadia."

Condolences to the family of Michael David Sisney, 59, rural Girard who died Wednesday, March 23 in Via Christi Medical Center, Pittsburg. He was raised in Arcadia and attended Arma High School. His parents are Dale Douglas (deceased) and Helen Sisney, Arcadia. He married Nancy Burns, July l7 l976. He leaves a son Michael and wife Melissa and three grandchildren, his mother, three brothers, Steve, Greg and wife Therese; Jeff and wife Sherry and two sisters, Sherry Sisney and Susan Cherry. Burial was Monday in Girard Cemetery

Susie Stelle enjoyed tea with Mary V. Shead on Tuesday evening before opening the meeting for March 23, Cato Group meeting in Arcadia Community Center at 6:30 p.m. Remember the Kansas Sesquicentennial forthcoming on Oct. 21-22, in Cato, Kan.

Arcadia friends are sorry to learn of the death of David Burr, husband of former Arcadian Kay Kauble Burr of Pittsburg. He was 76, and died in Sunset Manor, Frontenac, March 24. Funeral will Wednesday at 10 a.m., in Cross Roads Baptist Church, Girard. Condolences to the family.