The Journal and Republican

Lowville, NY

Thursday, November 11, 1920

Farewell Banquet Given In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. McGrath—Speeches, Good Cheer and Music Combine to Make a Pleasant Evening.

Mr. Editor:—On the evening of November 3d the Orange hall at Denmark was a scene of great festivity, when the patrons of Crown Brand Milk Co. and neighbors gathered there to pay to Mr. and Mrs. J. E. McGrath their respects and to show the high esteem in which they are held. After being actively engaged in the cheese making business for 35 years, the last 12 of which were spent in Denmark, Mr. McGrath, decided to take a well-earned rest. During the past year the health of both Mr. and Mrs. McGrath has been somewhat impared, and, with the help question a difficult problem, it seemed impossible for them to continue the work. It is with regret that they were so forced to give up the work which, as Mr. McGrath says, was pleasant. The patrons were always pleased to meet and converse with him in the morning, and they were ever ready to help him whenever their assistance was required. The patrons "Will miss in him one who has done all in his power to make Crown Brand Milk Co. a success. He has brought the factory to the highest standard of any in northern New York.” Mr. and Mrs. McGrath were always active in all social life and activities for the betterment of the community, and it is with much regret they take leave of their many friends. After grace being said by, Rev. B. McKeon, of Denmark, a banquet was served, which was under the supervision of an efficient and capable committee. J. T. Martin, who, being secretary of the factory, formed a close and intimate friendship with Mr. McGrath, acted as toastmaster. It was done in his usual pleasing manner- Saying, "We are gathered here to pay our respects to Jim, (pardon me, did I say Jim?) Well, after twelve years of close association and friendship. It is hard to be formal, so know I will be pardoned for refering to my good friends as Jim and Katie." He wished them success and a pleasant future, though it was with much regret he was having them leave. The first the programme was a solo, "A Perfect Day," by Edith L. Griffin, a lifelong friend of Mr. and Mrs. McGrath. Then N. J. Shafty, master of Denmark Grange, responded to the toast. "The Grange as Factor In Community Building." He told of the good work being done by the Grange in various ways. C. Beatrice Griffin, teacher of Denmark school, responded to the toast, "The Rural School in the Community." She told of the advancement in the rural schools in educational lines, and also health and sanitation, and of the community spirit shown in the town of Denmark for school work. Next introduced was H. E. Cook, more familiarly called by his many friends. "The Dean," whose toast was "Shall We Have Business Cooperation?" He spoke with his usual grace and ease paying first a very high tribute to Mr. and Mrs. McGrath, expressing his regret at their leaving and wishing them "God-speed." Mr. Cook said there should be business co-operation. That it would come, although it might be a number of years, but was slowly gaining. He felt sure that the farmers of New York State were bound to work together. A whistling solo, "April Birds." by De Koven, was given by Ruth Otis, who responded to an encore. Mr. Martin then presented, in behalf of those present, an electric lamp to Mr. and Mrs. McGrath. also a K. of C. ring to Mr. McGrath. The guests of honor responded, expressing their appreciation of the manifestation of their many friends, telling of their regret at leaving Denmark, as the past twelve years spent here were among the most pleasant of their lives. Very Rev. George L. Murray, of Lowville, was introduced and spoke on "Dwelling Together in Unity." His address was an able one and much enjoyed by all present. He told of the necessity of community friendship and help, especially in the rural districts. Remarks were made by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Tasset and Mrs. Edward Fee, of Rodman, who had been associated with Mr. and Mrs. McGrath previous to their coming to Denmark, where Mr. McGrath operated a factory for seven years. A solo was then given by Mrs. S. B. Finnegan, of Lowville. "When I Dream of Old Erin I’m Dreaming You," and an encore, "Carry Me Back to Ole Virginny." T. W. McGrath then spoke, telling of the early fighting spirit of his brother, Jim. and how that same fighting spirit prevailed in looking out for the welfare of the patrons of "Crown Brand Milk Co.'' The programme closed by the assemblage standing and sing "Auld Lang Syne," after which the adieus were said. The orchestra furnish music during the banquet which was much appreciated.

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