Mrs. Viola Hood reports at press time that $452 is already in, with some sources not heard from.  Now set $500 as goal.
    There is absolutely nothing like ‘home talent’ shows to warm the heart.  “Thru the Years” left a pleasant feeling for all.
    Comedy, pathos, bathos, music burlesque all wove a pattern of genuine amusement.  Throw in the enthusiasm of a group of people doing something for the sheer pleasure … and you have magic.
    Doris Hargan out Dillered Diller, boots, sparklers and long cigarette holder … and who would ever expect the staid profession of doctors to hide such a perfect ‘character’ as portrayed by Dr. R. L. Frazier as Stubby Kay?
    Filling the inevitable few moments between ‘stage settings’ were Eileen Joe (Texas Guinan?) and Vi Hood (red - hot mama in above the knee red satin and fringe?)  Their chatter could fill any pause.
    Gale Dawson, vocalist, sang “Hello Dolly” so well, with Bill Gwaltney on the guitar, that he was recalled to sing the inescapable ever lovely “Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.”
    Richard Allen, with a beautiful God-given voice, sang “He is the Healer of Broken Hearts” bringing a hush to the entire room.  And “Peace in the Valley” was equally as beautifully sung.  Linda Flowers feminine voice was a sweet foil for the low bass and deep tones of the masculine voice.
    The waltz was danced by three couples gowned in styles of three different eras … but the grace and beauty of the dance was the same.  The Charleston as it was 40 (surely not 45?) years ago was a wild hilarious group of gyrations foretelling the newer twist … also “twisted’ by a talented group.
    The dear little girl whose craving for candy shows up in her figure was amusingly portrayed.  (And no one could help but love such a delightful one).  She ate her lollipop to the tune of the “Good Ship Lollipop” to the delight of all.
    Wilma Lewis, (the golden Harlow in slinky gold satin) June Gwaltney and Bill turned in professional performances … as indeed they are.  Witness: “Birth of the Blues” and “Don’t Be Angry” and “I’m Confessin.”
    Al Jolson, (Johnny Hunt) in a red hat, matching bow, white shirt and ankle length pants above one red and white sock did a set of soft shoe gyrations to the hilarity of all.
    The jitterbug era was ‘jitterbugged’ by Mike Moss and Dody Hook with her circular skirted slim figure thrown under over and rolled over on stage successfully eluding his long dangling gold watch chain.
    The modern dance moment was performed ably by Willie Martin wearing a turtle neck red T shirt under a white shirt, set off by flashy red and white sleeveless jacket with touches of black.  He danced a quick step … the motions so close to one another you could not believe his feet.
    Go-go girls, Nancy Hughes and Debbie Smith, kept their blue silk fringe vibrating in a breath taking jet-age shimmy that wowed the whole audience.
    The present-day singer who has picked up where the roving troubador left off, was beautifully done by Lynn Duckles, (who came all the way from St. Louis to do one number) and Martin Powers.  They sang “The Last Thing on My Mind.”
    As for the style show … fashions from 1800 to the present mods were shown, bringing back memories, gasps, astonishment, and amusement. (How could women be so gullible?)  Among them a real Mary Poppins showed up in silly hat, high top shoes and there was modeled a baby doll bloomer thigh high latest creation.  All were delightful, and well narrated by Diller and Kay.
    The show stopper was put on by a group of civic minded men that produced amazement in the hearts of all.  Wigs, powder and paint and a few high heel shoes, (one wore neon red hose) did wonders.
    Styles shown included a blonde in white silk fringed outfit, white cotton mesh hose and matching garters.  A bright blue two piece suit was worn by a curly wigged model set off by the red flaming hose and pink fuzzy-wuzzies on the feet.
    A charming red-head wore a black cocktail short evening gown, sparkling choker number was set off by matching bag, high heels and white gloves.
    A beautiful flowered silk with black inserts draped and caught with rhinestones was set off perfectly by long white dazzling beads and matching earrings, and softly curled wig.
    A sedate (almost prim) wig was used to focus attention on a white fur stole of angora worn with above-the-knee dress and full black hose.
    The belle of the ball was an irresistible orange number carrying overnight size bag, and blue slippers worn in astonishing good taste.
    Models were men: Bill Crain, Crain Funeral Home; Gale Dawson, Principal of Cairo High School; Darrell Kirby, Berbling-Kirby Funeral Home; Martin Brown, Cairo Evening Citizen; Bill Gwaltney, Carter Motor Sales; Mike Moss, Medical Records Dept. St. Mary’s Hospital.
    Then becoming serious, little Carla Roberts came on wearing the crutches and special brace she had had to wear and taking them off and showing how at eleven she can walk without them.
    “It is for such as these that this show was put on,” the MC explained.
    The finale was, true to tradition, all hands on deck.  A full cast was joined by the audience in singing, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."
    And you went away feeling that he does indeed.

MEMBERS OF CAST

    Richard Allen; Mrs. Margaret Bagby; Mrs. Anna Marie Bowers; William Bowers; James Crews; Miss Linda Flowers; Dr. Robert Frazier; Mrs. Daisy Guest; Mrs. Doris Hargan; Mrs. Vi Hood; Mrs. Dody Hook; Miss Nancy Hughes; Mrs. Eileen Joe; Mrs, Lois Lee; Mrs. Wilma Lewis.
    Mrs. Frances Marshall; Mike Moss; Mrs. Betty McClurkin; Mrs. Mary Alice Oehler; Gordon Pace; Mrs. Goldie Reynolds; Miss Debbie Smith; Miss Charlotte Summers; Mrs. Susie Taylor; Mrs. Lola Upshaw; Mrs. Mildred Roberts; Mrs. Barbara Connell; Bill Crain; Mrs. Sharon Crain; Gale Dawson; Martin Brown; Bill Gwaltney; Mrs. June Gwaltney; Darrell Kirby; Cheri Hudson.