Miss Aiken Then Sang "The Woodland Tree"

Richmond Hill Masonic Lodge building, where Miss Aiken sang "The Woodland Tree" in a February 1876 concert.

On a February evening in 1876, village residents were treated to a musical evening at the Masonic Hall. It was an evening designed to show off local talent and to raise money for the Richmond Hill Brass Band. The York Herald duly gave a play-by-play report of the program:

The entertainment was opened by the Band playing "Dreams of the Ball Room," which they rendered in excellent style.

Mr. Curtis followed with a serio-comic song, "After Me," and received a hearty encore.

Miss Aiken then sang "The Woodland Tree" with excellent taste, receiving the hearty applause of the audience.

Mr. Bowman next gave "You'll never miss the water till the well runs dry,"

Mr. Spaulding followed with a cornet solo. Although the piece was a difficult one, that gentlemen was fully equal to the task.

Mr. Curtis then sang "Courting in the rain," which he rendered in inimitable style, and upon being loudly encored gave "Old Brown's Daughter," which fairly brought down the house.

Miss Story then followed with "Come back to Erin," and received the hearty applause of the audience.

Mr. Mortimer's rendition of the "Hattie" Polka fully merited the hearty and enthusiastic encore which he received.

Mr. Woods then sang "I'm a gent."

Mr. Bowman then gave "Follow up the plow," and on an encore being demanded, responded with "Tim Flaherty."

Miss Aiken sang "When little Mamie died," and received the unbounded applause of the entire audience.

Mr. Curtis followed with "Round goes the world," and "Mother kissed me in my dreams."

The National Anthem, by the Band, brought to a close one of the most pleasant evenings our villagers have spent in the Hall for some time.

York Herald,February 18, 1876.