P a g e 3 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r Lennep seemed to be a tight-knit community that took care of their own. Tales of many festive occasions dotted the pages of The Harlowton News. March 18, 1910: “One day last week a set of chairs and an elegant center table arrived at Lennep. On Saturday evening at half-past seven a large number of young people gathered there and in a few minutes they and the furniture were speeding toward the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hans G. Lain. After the astonished host and hostess had been brought out of dreamland, A.C. Grande made a speech in explanation of their unexpected visit. Supper was then served by the young ladies of the party, and later games and various forms of amusement kept the party busy for the rest of the night. It was not until the rays of morning broke upon the party that they departed for their homes. The object of the gathering was to show the young people, just at the end of their honeymoon that they had many friends who were glad to see them remain with us.” April 15, 1910: “Last Sunday another surprise party was given. This time the long line of carriages and equestrians sped along the road leading to the home of J.O. Berg. Having arrived there, the guests took possession of the house and in a short while a grand repast was served by the Ladies Aid Society and the object of the surprise was to show in a measure of their thanks to their former president, Mrs. J.O. Berg, for the active part she had taken in the work of the society, and also to Mr. Berg, for the great aid he has been in the past in securing high prices for the goods which the society from time to time has disposed of at auction. The astonished host and hostess were presented with a handsome set of cut-glass bowls.” May 13, 1910: “On Sunday the 1st of May, our community again assembled for a surprise party. This time Albert Haugan and family were the favored ones, it being the wish of the community to show them that they appreciated their long stay with them and the work that they have partaken in. So immediately after church services a large number of carriages drew up before the house of Mr. Haugan, only to be as much surprised themselves. For Mr. Haugan was not at home but was distant about 15 miles at his new home. A speedy messenger was at once dispatched to find him, and in the meantime a dinner was served by the unbidden guests. Toasts were responded to by J.O. Berg, Rev. A Reece, A.C. Grande and S.G. Hoyem, who dwelt on the appreciation the community wished to express. A beautiful set of furniture was presented to them. It consisted of six chairs, rocking chairs, a beautiful center table, and a large chiffonier. But Mr. Haugan failed to arrive, and the audience had to be contented with paying their respects to the family and thanking them for the service they had been to the community. But the audience was intent upon finding Mr. Haugan at home and so decided to attempt again, which they did on Wednesday evening. And so, another pleasant time was enjoyed with them on that evening. Our community is very sorry to see this family leave, as they have for nearly twenty years been one of the leading and Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz
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