This Day in Bovina for December 2024

Here's the monthly compilation of entries from the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page for December 2024. Happy New Year!

113 years ago today, the December 1, 1911 Andes Recorder reported in its Bovina column that "180 barrels of dry milk were shipped from the Dry Milk plant here, to Vienna, Austria." The dry milk plant stood just behind the Bovina Center creamery.

Seventeen years ago today, the December 2, 2007 issue of the New York Times carried a review of "The Toy Farmer," a children's book written by Bovina native Andrew T. Pelletier.

164 years ago today, on December 3, 1860, John Dean died. Born in County Down, Ireland, he came to Bovina before the 1830s. He married Elizabeth Johnson in 1832 and they would have eight children. They lived in the area of present-day Regan Road.

136 years ago today, the Bovina column of the December 4, 1888 Stamford Mirror reported that "J.A. Whittaker, the optician, has been in town for the past week, looking after defective eyes." Whittaker was a jeweler in Margaretville as well as an optician. He died in 1918.

204 years ago today, December 5, 1820, John Johnston was born, son of William Johnston and Maria Lathan. He first married Sarah Mitchell and second Susan Brownell. He had four children by his second wife. Johnston died May 3, 1895, at the age of 74 at his son-in-law's house in Bovina.

143 years ago today, the December 6, 1881 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "James Hoy, of Kansas, formerly of Bovina, is making his friends in this vicinity a visit." This likely is the James Hoy born in 1822. He married Helen Miller in 1847. She died in 1858 after having three children. James went to Iowa after his wife's death and remarried in 1862 to Martha Jones Smith. They had three children in Iowa. James died in Kansas in 1897.

142 years ago today, on December 7, 1882, Thomas Hamilton signed this document as part of his claim concerning an error on the 1880 tax roll which led to an overpayment of $15.39 in taxes. 

Thirty-two years ago today, the December 8, 1992 Delaware County Times included the weekly Bovina News by Ann Cairns:  

Seventy-two years ago today, on December 9, 1952, a benefit dance was held by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bovina Fire Department "for Billy Aitkens, who was recently wounded by a shotgun…" The music was furnished by Ernie Russ. The Catskill Mountain News later reported that “Clear cash of $177 was realized.” Billy was the 13 year old son of Floyd and Que Aitkens. 

146 years ago today, the December 10, 1878 Stamford Mirror reported on an International Dairy Fair in New York City. The last paragraph of the article noted "W.L. Rutherford, of Bovina, Delaware co., entered nine packages of butter for exhibition." Rutherford's farm is where the Weber farm is now located.

141 years ago today, the December 11, 1883 issue of the Stamford Mirror reported on several illnesses in Bovina. They noted that "Mrs. John Hastings is quite sick with pneumonia." They noted that Dr. Telford's daughter Gracie also was sick with pneumonia and that the doctor himself was ill. And Rev. Lee's wife was reported as suffering from inflammation of the lungs. Mrs. Hastings, Grace Telford and Mrs. Lee would all recover, though Mrs. Hastings would die of pneumonia in 1889. Grace Telford, who was less than a year old when she became ill would live until 1953. Mrs. Lee died in 1897. Dr. Telford, however, would not recover and died January 11, 1884.

107 years ago, the Bovina column of the December 12, 1917 Andes Recorder reported that "Miss Leila Miller, who has spent the past three months with her brother, Earl, in St. Paul and other relatives in Wisconsin and Minnesota, returned to her home…" She was the daughter of John and Bertha Miller. They lived on Pink Street on what later became Suits Us Farm.

147 years ago today, on December 13, 1877, Andrew H. Archibald was born, the son of Barbara H. Archibald. Barbara was the daughter of Andrew Archibald and Elizabeth McFarland. There is no information as to who his father was. Barbara died nine days later. Her son only survived her by about three months, dying in March 1878.

Ninety-seven years ago today, the December 14, 1927 Stamford Mirror reported that "Bovina Center Has Two Fires." Both fires involved barns owned by the Hilson Brothers in Bovina Center in the area of the creamery. The first fire was big enough to require bringing in a second department from Delhi. It was noted that the lack of wind was fortunate, thus preventing the creamery and feedstore from going up in flames. Here's the full article. 

113 years ago today, on December 15, 1911, as announced in the Andes Recorder, “the ladies of the [Bovina] United Presbyterian church" held a masquerade social at the home of Mrs. Estella Oliver…" The paper went on to note that "All unmasked are expected to pay a fine of not more than $5 or less than 25 cents. All are cordially invited."

Ninety-seven years ago today, the December 16, 1927 Catskill Mountain News reported that "Two sites have been offered for the proposed Bovina Community house." One lot was reported as being "opposite the garage…" This likely meant across from what later became Clayt Thomas's garage and is land now owned by Mark Foster. The other option was "land opposite William Archibald's new house…" This is the spot that was chosen. The paper noted that "it is planned to erect a building 36 x 80 of one-story construction with basement."

The following noticed appeared in the Andes Recorder, dated 147 years ago today, December 17, 1877:  “All persons are hereby notified not to sell or give any intoxicating liquors to Hiram Scutt.  Mrs. Hiram Scutt" Scutt lived in Andes so his Bovina connection is not strong. And we can’t be sure whether this is the father or son. Hiram Sr was born in Bovina in 1815. The son was born in Andes in 1842. The father died in 1886, the son three years later in 1889.

126 years ago on December 18, 1898, Mrs. Charles F. Smith died at the age of 90.  The Andes Recorder, when reporting her death, noted that "Her maiden name was Christina Lamont and she came to this town [Bovina] over 40 years ago.  She was an excellent woman, a good neighbor; always cheerful and she will be missed in this community as well as in her home.  On Tuesday the funeral was held, the sermon being preached by Rev. Samson, and the interment was in the Bovina cemetery." Christina was the second wife of Charles Smith, marrying him in 1856, a few months after the death of his first wife. Charles survived his wife by 10 years, dying in 1908.

121 years ago today, the December 19, 1903 Hobart Independent reported "Sudden Death at Bovina Center." The article reported "The village people were very much surprised to learn of the sudden death of A. F. McPherson which occurred Saturday morning. Mr McPherson went downtown to shovel some snow, and on his way back, he felt ill and stepped in to a blacksmith shop, where he died. He had been a resident of that place all his life and was well thought of by all who knew him. He was aged 71 years. A widow and four children the youngest being 10 years old, survive beside a brother, Albert in Hobart. Funeral services were held Tuesday from the M E. church, interment in the village cemetery."

Ninety-six years ago today, the December 20, 1928 issue of the Stamford Mirror-Recorder reported: "Walter Coulter, with a few helpers, is tearing down the red barn by his mill. He will leave the basement and is taking the remainder up to the upper end of the village where he will make an up-to-date shop. They moved the large parts of the building with the tractor." This building still stands behind the house owned by Pat Parsons Miele next to the church.

103 years ago today, on December 21, 1921, Violet Hewitt, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hewitt, of Margaretville, died in Kingston following an operation for appendicitis. Her remains were brought to Bovina for burial.

210 years ago today, on December 22, 1814, James Gladstone was born, the son of Robert Gladstone and Ann Ray. He was born in Scotland and likely came to Bovina with his parents. He appears to have lived most of his adult life in Andes, but at his death in 1885, he was buried in Bovina in the Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery.

Eighty-one years ago today, the Bovina column of the December 23, 1943 Delaware Republican reported that "Andrew Reinertsen's horses ran away on Monday morning but little damage was done."

134 years ago today, on December 24, 1890, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "The Bovina Centre Brass Band will give a concert Christmas eve and the evening following."  This undated image of the band (though likely around the 1890s) is courtesy of the late Tom Hoy:  

104 years ago today, December 25, 1920, Henry and Ruth Monroe were married on Christmas Day. - https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2020/12/henry-and-ruth-monroes-wedding.html

142 years ago today, the December 26, 1882 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "Dr. Dickson is moving his stock of drugs and medicines form the basement to the main floor of his store." His store is now the Brushland Eating House.

Eighty-nine years ago today, the December 27, 1935 Catskill Mountain News carried this Bovina column: 

Ellen Raitt was born 204 years ago today, December 28, 1820, the daughter of John Raitt and Catherine Shaw. She married Thomas E. Forrest and died on Feb 22, 1868 at the age 47.

160 years ago today, on December 29, 1864, several voters in the Town of Bovina submitted this petition requesting a special town meeting "for the purpose of determining by vote to pay a Bounty not [to] exceed Eight hundred dollars to each volunteer that shall be credited to the said town on the last call of the President for 300,000 men." 

114 years ago today, the December 30, 1910 Bovina column in the Andes Recorder reported that "Mrs. Charlotte Miller continues in very poor health." Charlotte was the wife of David William Miller. Born in 1860, she was the daughter of Robert Gow and Beatrice Graham. She married David Miller in 1887 and was widowed in 1892, left with a two-year-old son. Charlotte died about a month after this item appeared in the paper on January 24, 1911.

133 years ago today, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "a large party of young people had a dance in Strangeway's Hall on New Year’s Eve, [1891]. Music by Sutherland Bros. and Jas. Amos."

A Week with Bovina People - December 1899 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder

 Here’s what was happening in Bovina 125 years ago, December 1899, from the pages of the Andes Recorder.

December 1, 1899

• Will Lambert was here Friday.

• Thomas Barrett has moved into Alex Hoy’s house.

• Mrs. Hunt has gone to work for Fred Bramley.

• J.W. Coulter was at New York city the past week.

• David A. Oliver, of Delancey, was in town Thursday.

• Elden Kaufman, wife and child were in town Monday.

• School commissioner elect Gow was at Walton last week.

• Mrs. Charles R. Lee visited relatives at Union Grove last week.

• Miss Kate Muller started for Denver Colorado, Monday morning.

• Mr. and Mrs. Otis McCumber were at Mrs. Muller’s over Sabbath.

• T.E. Hastings and Marshall Scott were at the County Seat Monday.

• George Hunter and wife, of Colchester, were guests in town over Sabbath.

• Michael Miller and wife, Jeremy Barnhart, Miss Bell J. Miller visited Delhi Friday.

• Among those at Delhi Monday were, James A. Gow, Lance Thomson and James Monroe.

• Rev. T.M. Slater has gone to Sterling Valley, on account of the illness of his father-in-law.

• Walter Oliver and wife and Mrs. James Harkness of Federal Hill, were in this village on Sabbath.

• Mrs. Archie Forman and son James, Mrs. George Currie, and Mrs. William Wight were at Delhi Friday.

• His many friends here will be pleased to learn that Thomas H. Lee has been elected District Attorney, of Rockland county.

• Thanksgiving services were held in the United Presbyterian church Thursday at 11 o’clock. Rev. H.F. Brown preaching the sermon. 

• William T. Black has sold his farm and stock to John A. Irvine, for $8,000.  Possession given January 1.  Mr. Black will remain in part of the house until spring.

December 8, 1899

• Wilson Scott had a horse die Monday.

• Merritt Reynolds was in town Monday.

• D.C. Worden was at Bloomville on Saturday.

• Mrs. and Mrs. John Storie visited Delhi Friday.

• William Archibald was at the County Seat Friday.

• In the spring James A. Gow will erect a wagon house.

• Miss Alice Oliver has returned from her visit to Pennsylvania.

• William Ceas and wife were in town on Sabbath, from Bloomville.

• Peter Gerry was up last week from New York on a hunting trip.

• Rev. H.F. Brown was at Halcottville on Sabbath and preached.

• Mrs. Ferris McPherson visited her brother in Margaretville last week.

• T.W. Miller of the Andes Recorder was in this place last Thursday.

• There was no preaching in the Reformed Presbyterian church on Sabbath.

• Thomas Hastings is building a cold storage and ice house, for use in his butter business.

• Professor Jencks, principal of our school, spent Thanksgiving at his home at West Oneonta.

• John A. Irvine moved Wednesday from the Lake to the Black farm recently purchased by him.

• John and William Smith, of Walton, visited their father, Richard Smith, in this village last Thursday.

• Mrs. Hamilton Erickson died at her home in the upper part of this town on Monday morning, aged about 80 years.

• Jennie J. Campbell of the Hobart High School faculty, spent the Thanksgiving vacation with her mother in this village. 

• Monday evening, December 4, was the tenth anniversary of the marriage of the Rev. and Mrs. W.L.C. Samson, and a pleasant surprise had been planned for them. Accordingly a large company gathered in Strangeway’s Hall, where a pleasant evening was passed. Rev. and Mrs. Samson were presented with a typewriter.

December 15, 1899

• A.B. McCune was in town Wednesday.

• Reed Dumond, of Andew was here on Thursday.

• Thomas H. Liddle and daughter, Etta were in town Thursday.

• Thoams Gordon and wife were down at the County seat Monday.

• Robert A. Thomson had one of his horses die Thursday.

• James Aitkin, an old resident of this town, has been here on a visit.

• John Irvine is attending the meeting of the Board of Supervisors this week.

• Alexander Myers has the job of papering the Reformed Presbyterian church.

• John Beekan was in town Thursday.

• Bert Elliott and Mary Schultz were here on Saturday.

• A.C. Seacord, W.T. Black, Mrs. Archie Maynard and son, William, were at Delhi Monday.

• Andrew Sanderson, of Elk Creek and Miss Middlemast, of the Beaverkill, were married by Rev. W.L.C. Samson last Wednesday at his home.

• Marshall Dean and Barna Johnson were in town last week; the former as appraiser of the John Bramley estate on account of inheritance tax, and the latter representative of the Comptroller.

• Samuel McCune, a native of this town and at one time engaged in the mercantile business here and Bloomville, died at Jefferson last Tuesday, aged 76.  He was twice married and leaves four children – Samuel, who is interested in the mercantile business at Richmondville; Ralph, a druggist at Oneonta; John, a carpenter and contractor at Jefferson, and Kate, who lived with her father.

December 22, 1899

• Ed Hanlon was in town on Monday.

• Elmer Close was over at Andes on Saturday.

• William Armstrong was at Hamden on Sabbath.

• William Crosier was at Bloomville on Thursday.

• Robert Mable was in town Sabbath from the Little Delaware.

• Mrs. Frank Gownlock went to Cannonsville Tuesday for a visit.

• Bert and George Elliott have been cutting wood for Frank R. Coulter.

• A Christmas tree is to be held Monday evening in Strangeway’s Hall.

• Rev. Samson preached in the Maynard school house Monday evening and at Francis Coulter’s on Coulter Brook, on Thursday afternoon.

• G.D. Miller and wife, Charles Palmer and son, William, J.H. Johnson, Frank Gowanlack and John A. Irvine were among those at Delhi Monday.

• Presiding Elder Philip Germond, N. D., will hold the fourth quarterly conference in the parsonage of the Methodist Episcopal church, Saturday, December 23 at 2 p.m.

• Supervisor Irvine has selected the following as liable to grand jury duty for the ensuing year: James W. Coulter, George Cable, E.G. Gladstone, Lancelot Thomson, Alex. Burns, John M. Miller and Charles A. Tuttle.

An Old Inhabitant Gone.

Mrs. Martha McNair died at the home of her son in law, James Thompson near Tunis Lake, Sabbath evening December 17. She had been ill since April with dropsy and had she lived until the 21st would have been 94 years old.

Her maiden name was Martha McKenzie and Scotland was the country of her birth. With her people she crossed the ocean, when 14 years old, and landed in Nova Scotia, where they remained until 1840, when they moved to New Jersey and in 1842 came to Delaware county and has since been a resident of Andes and Bovina. Over 70 years ago she was married to Archibald McNair, who died in 1854. Nine children – seven girls and two boys – lived to grow up, and of these six girls and one boy are now living, and they are James McNair, in Iowa, Mrs. James Whitson, Mrs. Walter Amos, Mrs. Daniel Calhoun, Mrs. John Glendening, Mrs. D.M. Coulter, Andes, Mrs. Jame Doig, Bovina.

The funeral was held at 12 o’clock Tuesday, Rev. W.L. C. Samson preaching the sermon. Interment was made in the lower cemetery. 

Why Not the Andes Road

Something is always astir in regard to the Sidney-Franklin trolley. Why not with the Andes-Bovina enterprise? It has advantages certainly superior for it has no competition was with Franklin as that village lies within four miles of two great roads and from Sidney to Unadilla there seems to be all the railroad facilities needed. Not so with Andes or Bovina. They need a road and they have a large amount of business for the road as soon as it is completed—Gazette.

Notice

The annual meeting of the Bovina Co operative Fire Insurance Company will be held at Strangeway’s Hall, Bovina Center on Tuesday, January 9, 1900 at 1 oclock for the election of directors and such other business as may come before the meeting.

R.F. Thomson, Sec, Bovina Centre, Dec 20 1899

December 29, 1899

• Fine weather.

• Irving Phinney is home from Walton.

• Mrs. Duncan Campbell is visiting at Walton.

• William Coulter is in New York city this week.

• Jennie Campbell is home for the holidays from Hobart.

• Alex. Hilson and wife were down at Delhi Thursday last.

• Mrs. William Crosier and Mrs. Chas. Boggs visited Delhi Saturday.

• Robert Fiero, wife and daughter were visitors at Delhi Saturday.

• Andrew Seacord and Miss Margaret Chisholm were at Delhi Saturday.

• B.S. Miller visited his brother, William, at Walton Friday and Saturday.

• Anna Phyfe is home from her school at Doleville, for the holiday vacation.

• Mr. and Mrs. David Oliver and son, John Oliver, were at Andes Tuesday.

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. William W. Hoy, at Oil. City, Pennsylvania, a daughter.

• William Moore now drives the white faced team recently owned by David Muir of Andes.

• Rev. Samson and James A. Gow were at Andes Friday evening, as judges in the prize speaking contest.

• Rev. W.L.C. Samson officiated at the Thompson-henderson wedding at New Kingston, last Wednesday.

• Mrs. Muller and daughter, Frederika, spent Christmas with her daughter, Mrs. Otis McCumber, at Andes.

• The appraisal of the George Archibald estate occurred Friday. Thoams Gordon and Alex. Burns were the appraisers.

• The union Christmas ladder and the attending exercises at Strangeway’s Hall Monday evening passed off pleasantly, and the presents were both useful and ornamental.

• A new order just received from the State Department forbids the acceptance of any excuse from pupils except for sickness, and that only on the certificate of a physician.  Take warning.

December 1924 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"

 

Here's what life was like in Bovina 100 years ago this month – December 1924

December 5, 1924

• James Ackerley is employed at his trade as a carpenter at Delhi.

• Hilson Brothers have moved their wagon house across the brook onto the flat.

• Wilber Archibald has taken a position as cheese maker in the creamery at Meridale.

• Ralph Hillis, the garage man, is on the sick list.  His brother is in charge of the garage.

• Mrs. James Monroe has rented the furnished rooms of William F. Boggs in Bovina Center.

• Walter G. Coulter, town superintendent of highways, had the town machinery stored Wednesday for the winter.

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Rockefeller, on the Alex Bryden farm back from Lake Delaware, November 4, a son – Silas T.

• Henry Monroe has purchased the farm of his father, the late James Monroe, in upper Bovina, and moved thereto Wednesday.

• Miss Caroline Dickson, who has a position with the American Educational Company, as a general agent, is with her mother for a vacation.

• Lloyd Strangeway, who now lives in Otsego county, collided with the side of the stone arch bridge just below the village.  His car was damaged to some extent.

• Professor Leon Taggart and family of Oneonta, Frank Dickson and family, of Little Delaware, and Mr. and Mrs. Thos C. Strangeway were dinner guests at John Hilson’s on Thanksgiving.

• In the estate of James Monroe letters have been issued to Henry F. and James W. Monroe. The estimate is $5,000 real and $6,000 personal. To Julia Monroe, wife, is willed one-third of the property; to Henry Monroe son and Martina Monroe, daughter, each five eighteenths, and to James Monroe one-ninth.

Born in Southern Bovina

William T. Brown, who was born in southern Bovina, died November 7 at his apartments in the Majestic Hotel, Chicago, where he had lived for over 20 years. The deceased was the youngest son of Thomas Brown and Mary Ann McNee, who lived on the Brown homestead, Bovina, later known as the Amos place and now part of the Gerry estate. Mr. Brown was 68 years of age and is survived by one sister, the wife of Rev. David Nicholl of Red Oak, Iowa. He was never married. 

December 12, 1924

• James Hilson has had a radio installed.

• Elmer Hastings, of Saranac, is visiting his brother, Milton Hastings.

• The three Missionary societies held an all day union meeting Thursday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Francisco were Sabbath guests of her brother, George Decker.

• Mrs. Decker, who had her hip injured by a fall a few weeks ago, is now improving.

• Margaret Austin, of Hawley’s Station, was a week end guest of her cousin, Mrs. James Ackerly.

• The neighbors and friends of Alex Burns gave him a post card shower on December 8, on his 76th birthday.

• Rev. O. Edgelow, rector of the St. James church, at Lake Delaware, has been visiting his son, Dr. Arthur Edge\low, at Springfield, Mass.

• Mrs. John McCune’s Sabbath School class, the Beacon Lights, were entertained at her home last Friday evening. All reported an enjoyable time.

• Captain J.E. Billings, superintendent of the Gerry farms at Lake Delaware, was operated on last week in the Roosevelt hospital for appendicitis.

• Mrs. John M. Miller and two daughters, of Walton and Mr. and Mrs. William Oliver, of Harpersfield, were here Tuesday to attend the funeral of Mrs. G.D. Miller.

• Paul Marvin Burgin, of Bovina and Miss Hazel Maud Shackelton, of Delhi, were married December 1. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Shackelton and has been employed as stenographer in the office of W.S. Oles. Mr. Burgin is employed by the Delhi Motor Sales Co. 

Rigged for Comfort

A.W. Baker, of Bovina, who will spend the winter in Florida, has had his Chevrolet truck rebuilt with a six foot wide body all covered, and will carry a bed and cooking utensils on the trip. 

DEATH CLAIMS BOVINA WOMAN – Mrs. G.D. Miller Passed Away About Noon Saturday

Mrs. Gilbert D. Miller of Bovina Center, died Saturday, December 6, from acute bronchitis, after a three weeks’ illness at the home of her sister-in-law, Mrs. A.S. Banker, in Andes.

Mrs. Miller was born near Bloomville in the town of Kortright, January 6, 1844, and was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Dickson Banker. On November 16, 1869, she was married to Gilbert D. Miller by the Rev. Gibson of South Kortright.

She is survived by her husband, Gilbert D. Miller; one sister, Mrs. Ellen Newell, of Highland Falls; and one brother, Henry Banker, of Marceline, Missouri.

The funeral was held Tuesday in the Bovina Center United Presbyterian church the Rev. F.N. Crawford officiating. Interment was made in the Bovina Center Cemetery. [Mrs. Miller was the former Mary Jane Banker.]

December 19, 1924

• Supervisor W.B. Smith is in Delhi this week attending the sessions of the Board.

• Mrs. Ella Telford is moving her household goods from William F. Bogg’s house to Delhi.

• From an oyster supper and sale held last week the Women’s Auxiliary of the St. James parish at Lake Delaware cleared $50.

• A surprise party was held last Friday evening at the U.P. Church parlors for Rev. and Mrs. F.N. Crawford, and a purse of $55 was presented to them. 

• Mrs. G.J. Dickson has received word that her son, Lauren Dickson, who is in a law office at Saratoga, successfully passed the bar examination, which he tried in October.

• John Redmond, the seven year old son of William R. Redmond, was hurried off to the hospital at Delhi Monday night and operated upon for appendicitis. The appendix had bursted, but he is doing as well as can be expected. 

December 26, 1924

• The students and teachers are home for the holidays.

• The community Christmas tree and exercises were held on Tuesday evening.

• Misses Kate and Fred Muller are visiting their sister, Mrs. Otis McCumber, in Andes

• Mrs. Marshall Thomson, of Long Island, is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Blair.

• Miss Jane Archibald, daughter of Wm Archibald is ill. She retired in good health and all efforts to arouse her from sleep are futile. [She recovered and lived almost another sixty years, dying in September 1986 at the age of 86.]

• Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Gladstone celebrated the 56th anniversary of their marriage Dec. 22. His brother, Ed Gladstone and family took dinner with them.

• Miss Maggie Storie has gone to Hobart to spend the winter with her nephew, Eugene Storie. A couple of days before her departure about forty of her [friends paid her] a surprise visit.