Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association
of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Organized November 28, 1869
Affiliated with the National Council of Women 1891
33 Bishop’s Building
Salt Lake City, Utah
February 27, 1931
Mrs. Lottie Cottam Hatch
Scipio, Utah
Dear Sister Hatch:
Since reading your letter when received a day or so ago, I have given it much thought but cannot just find the material which will definitely help you desire. I just read it again to Sister Fox and, to use her own words, she said, “I think she is smart enough to fix that up herself.” That is just about what I think, too, knowing as I do, your ability.
These suggestions, however, may help you. When I was in Kelsey, Texas, on a mission, we undertook to dramatize Hiawatha. We secured the help of the men who brought real pine trees from the woods and filled our stage. They also helped us construct a tepee which of course was placed in the conspicuous spot in the front. Then of course we had a Nokomis and a Hiawatha (As I remember we did not attempt any of the others but they could easily be added). We had a reader who stood at the side and read direct from the poem. When she came to the discourse, however, she paused and Hiawatha or Nokomis took up the words of the conversation. It was most effective. The wigwam could be used even without the complete forest as we had,—just a suggestion of trees would do. In the same way, could you not picture the death of Minnehaha and other scenes from the poem. It is all so lovely that you would be sure to make it effective and you would be bringing real beauty into the lives of those who witnessed it. There are enough pictures in “Hiawatha” almost for the entire program.
“O Stop and Tell Me Red Man,” should not be difficult. Some one might sing the song slowly and distinctly while tableaux were being formed. The first might show the Red man hastening across the stage with his bow and arrows; stopped by a white man who just enters or has been seated dreaming. Then as the narrative goes on a series of tableaux could be worked out showing the phases of Indian life, the prayer to the Great Spirit, etc. It should not be difficult to secure blankets and other touches of Indian costume.
If you wish something more elaborate, however, I think perhaps Prof. Elbert Eastmond of B.Y.U. could help you. I am sure he worked out quite a pageant once for the people in Moapa Stake and would likely have parts of it at least that you could use. He is always very willing to help our M.I.A. people.
Let us hear how you succeed with this. We appreciate very much all you have said about the Adult department this year and Sister Fox and I are happy over your success with the Women of Scripture as we fixed that up, she writing the poems and I compiling the prose part. Thanks for your fine help in carrying on this good work.
Sincerely your sister,
Clarissa A. Busby