An event of felicitous character was the opening feature of Thursday evening's program at the Elks' club rooms, the memories of which will linger long with those whose privilege it was to be present.
It is well known that H. W. Riddle was "The father of the Ravenna Home Coming," that it was he who first suggested the idea of the big reunion so thoroughly enjoyed by the thousands assembled at the old home town and that it was largely to his efforts that the affair was one of such signal success. So well were these facts appreciated by former Ravennians present at the celebration that the suggestion was made to give expression of the sentiment in the way of some memorial to him. It was determined that a loving cup would be appropriate and the secretary, C. R. Sharp, was authorized to take the matter in hand for its ultimate realization. He acted with promptness by sending out the following letter on August 30, four days after Home Coming was at an official end:
"Dear Sir:—It was the request of several of the former residents of Ravenna who attended the Home Coming that a loving cup be presented to Mr. Henry W. Riddle as a memento of the occasion and as a slight recognition of his efforts in originating and carrying the recent celebration to a successful termination. At a meeting of the committee held a few days ago the matter was taken up, the project endorsed and it is now proposed to purchase the cup. This letter is mailed to you because of the desire expressed by many who were here that if the above movement should be carried out they would wish an opportunity to contribute.
Very truly yours, C. R. Sharp, Secretary."
The responses to this letter were immediate and the subscriptions ample and at a later period Mr. Sharp sent out a second letter thanking the contributors to the fund and advising them that the cup would soon be purchased and presented to Mr. Riddle. He then requested that each contributor send a letter to be read at the presentation which he assured them would be greatly appreciated not only by Mr. Riddle, but by others of their old friends who would be present.
The surprise feature was as great a success as the other portions of the project and when Mr. Riddle in pursuance with his Thursday evening custom, went to the Elks' rooms to enjoy the sociabilities of the hour, he fairly stumbled into the hands of those waiting for him. He was escorted to the stage by former Secretary Sharp, W. J. Beckley and others, and after he had taken his seat Mr. Beckley arose and in brief words told of the object of those in charge of the affair.
Mr. Riddle responded by simply thanking those who so kindly remembered him. He said that it came to him as a total surprise and that he had had no time to give a thought to what he should say on the occasion. He said that he did not know that he had done anything more than other citizens; that he had simply tried to do his duty and that the welfare of Ravenna and of Ravenna people is near to his heart today as they had always been. He reminded his hearers that he was no speech maker and concluded by saying that he hoped their friendship would never grow less.
At the conclusion of his remarks Mr. Beckley read the following letters from contributors:
From J. L. Waite, editor Burlington Hawkeye
C. R. Sharp; Secretary Home Week Celebration, Ravenna, Ohio.
My Dear Mr. Sharp:—I am delighted to learn from yours of the 21st that the required amount has been raised for the loving cup for Mr. Riddle in recognition of his public spirit and effective services in behalf of the Home Week celebration. It seems to me such a token is not only worthily due him, personally, but it reflects credit upon the beautiful city to whose progress and prosperity Mr. Riddle has so materially contributed. He is a Ravennian in a very special sense because he is so thoroughly identified with all its local interests.
Take out of Ravenna, Mr. Riddle and the record he has made there and your city would still be the quiet country village it was when I left it fifty years ago. His enterprise, his example, his investment of his means in his home town have largely helped to attract to Ravenna a new population and new industries.
Sincerely yours, J. L. Waite
From Charles L. Spalding, Brookfield, Mo.
I have known Henry W. Riddle longer than any of you. We were boys together. I well remember the first time I met him. It was at a dance at the old Day hall and it was an aristocratic occasion, too, such as only the nabobs of Ravenna could give in the olden days. He is one of the few men in life of 70 years I have found that it will do to tie to. He is always the same, good and true. He is what I call a wise man also. His judgment is always safe to follow. He can see a little farther than the most of us. God bless him.
Charles L. Spalding, Brookfield, Mo.
From William Henry Howe of Bronxville, N. Y.
It is with great pleasure I learn through you that a loving cup is to be presented to Mr. Henry Riddle in token of appreciation for his services before and during the days of the Home Coming in old Ravenna. As a prime mover in starting this project, I cannot half express my pleasure that my attendance during the three days gave me. The meeting of old friends and schoolmates will be something of lasting remembrance.
Very respectfully, William Henry Howe.
From A. G. Mason, Cleveland, Ohio
As one of the originators of the suggestion to present Mr. H. W. Riddle with a loving cup, it affords me great pleasure to know that the past Ravenna residents have joined hands and will extend to him this token as a lifelong remembrance of our appreciation of the grand Old Home Coming event. I for one, want him to know that his efforts are not in vain and as long as we live we will remember him in connection with the Ravenna Home Coming as the greatest event in our life.
Yours very truly, A.G. Mason.
From Henry M. Robinson, attorney, Pasadena, Cal.
I wish very much that I could be in Ravenna at the time the loving cup is presented to Mr. Riddle to whom we are all indebted to so great an extent for the pleasures of that very delightful week. Not many communities have such a man who can so aggressively and successfully carry out such a plan, nor one who is able to obtain the aid of such capable assistants.
There is a song in the English opera "Dorothy" which I think Mr. Riddle might sing for you — "Then here's to the man who is pleased with his lot, / Who never sits sighing for what he has not, / Contented and thankful for what he has got, / Here's a welcome to all to Chanticleer's Hall."
Very truly yours, Henry M. Robinson
