1914 - Jan 2 Noodles Fagan Part 2

Noodles Fagan began his stage appearance at the Lyric Theatre to a rousing cheer from the assembled when he was spotted. That cheer was abruptly stopped with a motion from Noodles calling for silence.

From that point on, the usually boisterous newsies, and their family and friends, were very quiet and well-behaved, listening intently to all that Noodles said.

There was a patriotic flavor to Noodles’ appearance, including a musical interlude :

“When he called for the singing of The Maple Leaf Forever and O, Canada, the result was astonishing and impressive. Although there were many children of foreign birth in the audience, they seemed almost without exception to know the words and music of the songs, and they sang them with greater zest than they had the catchy songs of the day which preceded them.

“Then Noodles told the children to hum the song (O, Canada) ‘so you can see,’ he explained, ‘how your voices can be made to sound like an organ.” This was a novelty to most of the children, and the result was truly impressive.”¹

¹ “Newsies Cheered for Noodles and Mayor : Great Crowd Tribute to Spectator’s Influence : Little Folks Were Guests of the G. F. J.”

Hamilton Spectator. January 2, 191

The Spectator carried a detailed summary report of what Noodles Fagan said in hopes that his message might also be heard by those not in the Lyric that morning.

“In his interesting talk to the children, Noodles gave his audience, particularly the boys, much good advice which, if they heeded, he said, would help them become good men and an honor to their country.

“ ‘Boys,’ said Mr. Fagan, ‘I would like to see you take five cents today, purchase a bank, take it home and each time your parents give you a cent or a nickel for an errand, deposit in your bank. While you are studying in the grammar or the high school, save each penny or nickel that you would spend on cigarettes, and when you have completed your course, received your diploma at the graduation exercises, at which your parents will be present, go home, sit down with your mother, and empty your bank and you will have saved enough so that, with some funds your parents will be willing to contribute, you can obtain a college education.’

“Mr. Fagan especially advised against the use of cigarettes, telling of the great harm done by the nicotine contained in them. He spoke especially of the harm that nicotine would do to the heart, and added : ‘The boy who does not use cigarettes or alcohol will be able to answer such questions as an employer would ask him when seeking a position, while the boy, who does not smoke, would be unable to answer the questions in a manner that would do him credit and therefore would not have the chance for the  position that the boy who did not smoke had.’

“ ‘ You can plant a rose seed and care for it each year until it becomes a bush and then it will bear the beautiful flower, and this is the reward for the care accorded it,’ said Mr. Fagan. ‘So it is with the growing boy, who, if he takes care of himself and does not use tobacco, will be an honor to his parents since he will be better fitted physically and mentally for the work of life.’

“ ‘ If you want to succeed, boys,’ he added, ‘don’t smoke, chew, nor drink, and love your parents. If you take this advice, you will hold a sterling character and a fine constitution.’ ”¹

Of the immense theatre, a section of reserved seats, near the stage, had been set aside for only the 250 carriers of the Spectator. Their hero was tickled when a special presentation was made to him after his speech:

“Joe Thomas, the usher, came upon the stage bearing a big bunch of roses, which almost concealed him, and handed them to Fagan. Noodles almost lost his poise for a moment, right there on stage.

“ ‘There, Mr. Noodles, is a bunch of flowers for you from the Spec carriers,’ said the bearer of the posies. “Take good care of ‘em.’

“Now, Noodles nearly always knows just what to say to boys. Ordinarily he says it promptly, enthusiastically. But this time he hesitated nearly a minute and swallowed hard before he made his response.”¹

Hamilton Mayor Allan was a guest of the Spectator newsboys. His box was decorated and the mayor also received a beautiful bouquet from the Spec newsies :

“In the course of a short address, his worship said he was more than glad to see such a large attendance of the children. He referred to the enterprise of the Spectator in making such an entertainment possible, also Noodles Fagan, the originator of the idea of good times for the children. He thanked Noodles for the kind words and good advice to the children of Hamilton. He also thanked him for the good thoughts instilled into the children and said the great crowd was a tribute to the influence and circulation of the Spectator. He then wished the children a Happy New Year, and they returned the salutation as one.”¹

After the show was over, the Spec newsboys were lined up outside the Lyric, and Noodle came out to greet them :

“He shook every little lad’s hand, and complimented them on their neat appearance and their good behavior, whereat every boy took an extra twitch at his necktie and straightened his hair.

“ ‘Keep your face and your hands and your habits clean, fellows,’ advised Noodles. ‘That’s the best motto for success as a newsboy, and as a man in after life, that I can give you.”¹