Such zephyrs the immortal gods In Grecian climes have known.

Here peace and plenty dwell serene. And Right and Justice rule.

In every dale there may be seen The priceless little school.

The church on every hilltop stands Outlined against the sky

E’er teaching the Divine command And leading souls on high.

The many sons and daughters fair, Shed lustre on thy name,

And strangers to thy sounding shores Thy peerless worth proclaim.

Who would not love a land so blessed? No happier ’neath the sky

In which to labor and to rest,

N0 holier place to die.

Oh, many an exile from thine arms, Weeps on in silent grief,

For in his heart, thy verdant charms, Can know no yellow leaf;

Out o’er the tide his spirit flies

To seek his home and rest,

Oh God, “this ardent patriot cries

Oh fold her to Thy Breast.”

It’s a shame that under the influence of T.V. and motion pictures, so few attempts are ever made to put on plays or community concerts as was the custom in so many communities in the late nineties and the early years of this century. The people of Kelly’s Cross, young and old, took pride in and enjoyment out of the many plays they presented, and the community concerts they put on. It meant lots of hard work for those who took part, but it was happy labor full of joy and companion— ship. And then when the play was presented, the enthusiasm of those who saw it meant so much to the players that both poets, Clement and John, put into words the thoughts and feelings of those who took part.

One such play “The Old Hickory Farm”, which is remembered even today by both those who saw it and those who took part, was immortalized in poetry by John Bradley, who wrote the following poem, June 2nd., 1905.

Old Hickory Farm

Just a word e’re we part, and the curtain descends And the players like visions take flight. We heartly thank you good generous friends For your kind approbation to-night. To please and amuse you has been our intent With speech, song an’ music’s sweet charm. And we hope you’re all pleased with the hours you spent With players of “Hickory Farm”. —125—