Chairs for W.G. Haan

The East Ross Township Community Association apparently started up with a meeting in Ainsworth in mid-October 1920 at which 61 people enrolled themselves as members. Regular meetings were planned for the first Friday of each month.

Straightaway the Association made plans to contribute to the new W.G. Haan school. The Gazette explained: "The township is installing a Delco electric light system in the school, and so the community has decided to help the trustee by earning at least part of the money needed to put chairs in the auditorium." The Association would raise funds by holding a box social on November 5, the first Friday of that month.

When the evening of the 5th came around, the W.G. Haan School auditorium was filled. "The community certainly was out in full force," said the Gazette, "and visitors marveled at the crowd." Several people made to trip down from Hobart, including James Chester, who acted as auctioneer for the box auction. Presumably it was a bring-your-own-chair affair.

Box suppers were auctioned off and eaten; and cake and ice cream were served — presumably supplied by Hobart confectionist Arthur Newman, who was singled out for special thanks in reports on the event.

After expenses, the Association had raised $170* and enrolled 34 new members (for a total of 95), so the social was not only fun but a success.

The next meeting was planned for December 3.

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*The far-seeing Hobart News reported on November 4 that $100 had been raised on November 5.


Sources:
♦ 1920 Census.
♦ "Box Social at Ainsworth." Hobart Gazette 29 Oct. 1920.
♦ "Box Social at Ainsworth." Hobart News 28 Oct. 1920
♦ "East Ross Community Association." Hobart Gazette 12 Nov. 1920.
♦ "East Ross Community Social a Success." Hobart News 11 Nov. 1920.
♦ "Local and Personal." Hobart News 4 Nov. 1920.
♦ "Local Drifts." Hobart Gazette 22 Oct. 1920.