Harrington news

On Thanksgiving morning, the doors of the Harrington Memorial Hall were opened to the community for a time of celebrating a multitude of blessings through music and song. Food preparers began as early as 8:30 a.m. The worship team of the Harrington Community Church and spontaneous volunteers from the community alternated and played from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. which included Sheryl Stedman on the piano, John Larsen on the banjo, Dillon Haas on guitar and piano, Steve and Rebecca Hardy at the piano, Tony Hamilton on the guitar and Marvin on the bass guitar. It is rumored that Harrington school superintendent Justin Bradford was enlisted to aid in the singing. The FFA had set up tables prior to the holiday. Placemats made by pre-school children and table decorations made by kindergarten children looked festive. The school had also made some of the fliers advertising the event.

Jen Mallery described how working together brought the many pieces of the dinner together. There were six turkeys, each weighing between 12 and 15 pounds. About 60 dinners were served at 1 p.m, which included turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, rolls and pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

Members of the community, the Harrington Community Church and the Harrington Homemakers had each donated cash for the purchase of the menu items. The main chefs were Susie Harding (formerly of Senior Meals), Sheryl Stedman, Rick Smith, Yvonne Mills, Jen Smith (Food Bank), Connie King and others. More than 10 pies were provided to top off the sumptuous dinner. Lincoln County commissioner Mark Stedman was said to be the great carver at the event, and he and mayor-elect Dillon Haas were on the dishwashing brigade. Invaluable help in serving was given by the Bradford and Smith families. At one count there were 16 workers ensuring that food arrived at the tables.

Fellowship continued after the meal and bingo was begun while a nice crowd remained. Jen Mallery was caller for a large portion of the time while players were enthusiastic. Many players were holding two cards to increase their likelihood of winning. White elephant gifts were given as prizes. Some of the terrific helpers for the event had postponed their personal family gatherings until after this community celebration. The event has been viewed a wonderful success and before the building had been cleaned and locked up there was talk about "next" year. Look for advertisements in about 50 weeks.

As early as 1894, Thanksgiving was being celebrated in the Harrington area. That year and in 1895, a ball was given in the Turner & Plough large hall. Harrington incorporated in 1902 and the first "Community Thanksgiving" as a town was held that year. "How it was Observed in Harrington. It was a beautiful day. The sun shone brightly and all nature seemed radiant with thanksgiving and praise. A large number of Harringtonians attended church in the morning and listened to some excellent music by Mrs. A.R. Graham, soloist, and a male quartet composed of Messrs. Stenger, Graham, Ryker and Thompson, followed by a stirring address by Rev. W.W. MacHanry, who took as his text Psalms 147:14, 'He maketh peace within thy borders and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat'. The ladies of the Baptist church served an extensive and delicious dinner in the Auditorium from 12 to 3 p.m. and in the evening a reception was held at the Baptist church, at which time a musical and literary program was rendered. The dance given by the band boys in the evening was unusually well patronized. Prof. Reynolds' orchestra furnished the music, and the wants of the inner man and woman were catered to by Mine Host Dobson of the Ivy Leaf. In the afternoon the band turned out and livened up things. Taking it altogether, Thanksgiving day was fittingly observed in this man's town."

"The School Entertainment. The Auditorium was crowded on Tuesday night, the occasion being an entertainment given by the four lower rooms of the Harrington school. The program consisted of 45 minutes, but despite its length the interest of the large audience waned in no degree from start to finish. Among the numbers that deserve special mention we would place the doll drill by 20 little girls, the broom drill by 16 boys, the pantomime 'Sleep Kentucky Babe', a solo by Miss Alva Lewis of Spokane, the hypnotic tests by Miss Bales and a number of boys, and a Thanksgiving exercise by the older girls dressed in Puritan costumes. The teachers, Miss Bales, Miss Samuels and the Misses Scott, deserve great credit as well as the pupils for the success of this exhibition, especially as preparation was not began until three weeks ago." (Citizen: 11-28-1902)

The Ivy Leaf Cafe was located near the north end of the block in which the Memorial Hall is situated and was a new building in that year. It is presently used by Leffel, Otis & Warwick and owned by Gordon and Billie Herron.

The Memorial Hall was completed in October of 1902 and owned by Judge F.M. Lighthizer. A photo had been taken by Ole Hong of all the local merchants on the roof of the new building in 1902. The building was reconstructed in 1949 by the American Legion and is presently owned by the Town of Harrington.

Just a reminder that Santa is en route to Harrington and will arrive by fire truck at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, December 5, with photos available. Other activities include the vendor sales at the Memorial Hall, the poinsettia sale by the FFA and the sale in the Opera House Rummage Room from 9 to 3.