The Bicentennial celebration of the birth of George Washington brought to the people of O’Neill and vicinity a rare treat—a patriotic Pageant titled “In the Hearts of His Countrymen.”

This Pageant was presented to a full house on Thursday night and Friday afternoon by the students of Saint Mary’s Academy. Over two hundred participated in the six Episodes depicting scenes in the life of George Washington. The stage, which formed a beautiful and fitting setting for the Pageant, was erected especially for the occasion in the Academy gymnasium.

The pupils of “Master Hobby’s School,” represented by the girls and boys of the primary, 1, 2, and 3rd grades, introduced the program.

The dainty colonial costumes of the little girls and the military suits of the “Cornstalk Brigade” attracted much attention, while the skillful manner in which they rendered their parts drew storms of applause from the audience.

The “Thirteen Sister Colonies,” “Sailor Boys,” and “Plantation Negroes,” portrayed by the boys and girls of the 4, 5, and 6th grades, together with the pupils of the 7th and 8th grades, who dramatized the poem “Independence Bell,” stirred up patriotic sentiment and afforded great pleasure to the audience.

“The Garden Party at Belvoir,” introducing Colonel Washington, was a gay and colorful scene. During it, forty high school pupils, representing gaily attired beaux and belles of “Colonial Days,” entertained the audience with a graceful and charming minuet.

The part of George Washington so well acted by the younger children up to this point, met its perfection in the Episode of “Valley Forge.” This Darkest hour in the life of Washington revealed his nobility of character as the great general. The “Inauguration of Washington” as first President of the United States, was vividly recalled by the cheering crowds that gathered around the stage, now representing the Federal Hall of New York City.”

“The March of the States,” which form the Union in our day, each with its characteristic dance and costume, was especially applauded by all. Later led by Columbia, the States formed a grand march, arranged about the flag singing “Father of the Land We love.” During this tableau, the entire cast gave the flag salute, thus bringing the program to a grand finale.

The flag saluted, and the picture of Washington that was unveiled were the gifts of the class of 1932 to their Alma Mater. The hundreds of spectators who witnessed the Pageant were impressed and enthusiastic in their praise of the talent and careful training displayed by each individual member of the cast, as well as the able manner in which the accompanist rendered the various musical parts

The sisters of St. Mary’s Academy wish to thank the parents of the students for their hearty cooperation in furnishing costumes for the children and in every way possible to make the recent Bicentennial Pageant such a complete success.

Thanks is due to Joseph Mann of the Galena Lumber Company for erecting the stage, and to Mr. Ed Burge for wiring and lighting. Mrs. Kubitschek deserves great credit for her untiring efforts to train the members of the State Groups in Aesthetic dancing. We are indebted to Thelma Riley for her skillful service at the piano.

Thanks is also tendered to the members of the K. of C., Odd Fellows and Masons who allowed the “young Colonials” to use their swords; also to Mrs. George Agnes who procured them. A special vote of thanks is due to Mrs. Luella Parker, County Superintendent, through whose kindness the rural teachers and their pupils were permitted to attend the Pageant Friday afternoon.

--Taken from a 1932 O’Neill, Nebraska, Newspaper

St. Mary's Academy, O’Neill, Nebraska