Superior Laureate Breaks Loose

 Superior, Feb. 23.-Mrs. Henry Cook didn't know we were coming, but we knew it just the same, and right here is where the joke came in.

Mrs. Cook had planned for a quiet evening, but the crowd had made different arrangements, and the surprise came so suddenly that she was at a loss for a moment to understand whether she was at home or abroad. It was the evening of February 14,Mrs. Cook's 46th birthday anniversary, and about fifty of her neighbors and friends thought it was the proper thing to celebrate the important event, which they proceeded to do in a manner that will be pleasantly remembered in the years to come.

After an all around handshake and pleasant social chat, the lovers of progressive euchre indulged in several exciting games, while others were entertained by choice selections of music from that musical wonder, the phonographs. A few of the more irrepressible youths indulged in the light fantastic.

A change in the program came when Mrs. Cook was escorted to the sitting room, where she was met by the poet laureate of Superior, who broke loose as follows:

Mrs. Cook:

We meet tonight, we're glad we're here:

We meet with hearts both glad and free:

We meet with you to celebrate Your birthday anniversary.

Why, the other day I learned,

Of course in confidence was told,

That Mrs. Cook, this very night,

Would be just forty-six years old.

Age sets lightly on your brow,

Years have failed to dim your eye:

They tell me you can beat them all

Making cake and pumpkin pie.

You're always up at break of day,

Meals are served on local time,

And when the washing day arrives

The clothes are early on the line.

And by many I am told-

Surely this I'll not dispute-

Your services in time of need

Are held by all in high repute.

A friend that needs a helping hand,

A neighbor needing kindly care,

They tell me, and I know it's true,

That Mrs. Cook is always there.

But one duty yet is left undone;

You ask the question, What is that?

Teach Ottmar, when he calls to see his girl,

To not forget and leave his hat.

And there's Eugene you'll need to watch;

A serious duty rests with you;

All right, of course, to carry mail,

But the rogue, he carries mail and female, too.

Now I'll draw this letter to a close,

And in pleasant memory

In years to come we'll oft return

To this glad anniversary.

If from the many scenes that's passed

You're looking toward life's setting sun,

You well may rest in calm content,

Your work is well and nobly done.

Then followed a presentation to Mrs. Cook of a beautiful parlor center table, gift from her husband and children. After partaking of a hearty repast the company donned their overcoats and wraps and departed for home, sweet home.