Early Clark County Pioneer, Isabel Andrews Burch (1862 - 1958)

Mrs. E. T. Burch Writes of Early Times

About 70 years ago, the Good Templer Lodge met weekly in the upper story of Uncle George Andrews Blacksmith Shop, for their meeting on Friday nights.

The members of the lodge were divided into two equal groups to furnish alternately, the entire entertainment. Jack Miller was captain of one group and I of the other.

The night our side furnished the entertainment, Tommy Miller, Amanda Richards and Belle Andrews were to give it, we decided on a musical comedy, accompanied by 3 hair combs, Tommy for bass, Amanda for alto and Belle for soprano.

And now my friends, I am sure you were here last Friday night.
And that upon the stage you saw a most heart rending sight,
Three of our champion singers Amanda, Tom and Bill.
And how they sang their little song, unto you now I ll tell.

Oh Tom the music started up, I could scarce retain a tear.
When I saw just how his little mouth was split from ear to ear
And what ever he might say, the impression still remains
That what he had heard was just a donkey's bray.

And next came Amanda Richards,
She, Tommy stood behind
She remembered the old saying Out of sight, Out of Mind,
And you could hear her sweet young voice, rise far above the rest
It must have made Getau's heart tremble, underneath his wooden breast.

Oh next came Bella Andrews, how divinely now she sings,
All she needs to be an Angel is a little pair of wings.
And if she ever goes to Heaven, Upon those notes to dwell,
She ll scare the angels in a fit, from which they ne er get well.

And now my friends I ve told you how each one of them did sing.
With such pathetic music, ne er again shall this hall ring.
Hoping they accept the compliments of the originator of this song
Good night, I beg your pardon, if I ve kept you here too long.
Jack Miller was called The Lumberman's Poet in the west. B. B.

SOURCE: Greenwood Pubic Library, "Clippings" from the Greenwood Gleaner