Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1846-09-24
Odd Fellows Celebration at Philadelphia.

The Odd Fellows Festival at Philadelphia
on the occasion of dedicating the new hall
erected for the purpose of the order, was very
splendid. From long account in the Phila
delpha North American, we make the follow.
ing extracts -
"The new Hall is on the site formerly occu-
pied by Pennsylvania Ilall' AT the corner Of
Sixth and IIaines streets, between Arch and
Race II is 6i feet front by 100 IN depth. The
building is four stories high, with a very roomy
attic the entire height from foundation TO cor
nice being over 90 feet The architecture Of
the front is marked by simplicity the base
ment of white marble, is thirteen feet high,
supported BY pilaScrs, and the intermediate
arches are keyed by very richly carved con-
soles This basement has a saloon refectory.
very spacious and noorcd with marble. The
first story is divided into four stores, between
which nine foot passage leads to the veS'ibule
and main staircase, the dressing rooms, &c
The large saloon which occupies the entire
second story, is ~ feet high and the floor Sc BY
- feet. II is superbly finished admirably
ventilated and ornamenled with magnificent
chandeliers.
In the third story are three rooms for the
subordinate Lodges, AZ 10y - feet each, with
the usual Committee and outside Guardians
Rooms. The attic has very spacious apart
ment for the Encampmens. The whole build.
ing is warmed by tues, lighted with gas and
supplied with Schuylkill water. The LOT.
building and furniture cost about $49, ,0OO Tho
interest on this sum is obtained by a weekly
tax of one cent on each member Of the Lodges
and EncampmenlS who use the building. As
nearly fifty lodges can be accommodated, and
each lodge averages about $50 members IL will
be seen that this will more than pay The interest,
while the entire income of the building is de-
voted to a sinking fund for the liquidation Of
the permanent loan.
In the evening a grand Ball was given in
the saloon OF the new Hall, which was magnf-
Gently decorated with the banners, emblemS
and insignia of the Order. As but five tickets
were assigned to each Lodge, 10 prevent an
over crowd, large majority o! the Order did
not attend. We learn from those present that
there has seldom been display of beauty and
fashion in our city 10 equal il. and every thing
passed off as "merry as marriage bell"
There were various parties, leveeS and other
entertainments given throughout the city, and
those strangers, who did not prefer seeking
public places of amusement, we are graiited
to know found no cause TO complain Of any
want of hospitality on the part Of our citizens
The route Of the procession was at least l&
miles long-cniirely too far the consequence
was many were iatigned before 1t was ended
and left The ranks There were about 25, 600
Of the order in the city; not more than quar-
ter Of whom were in procession. The city
Lodges turned out generally pretty strong, but
those from the country preferred being specta-
tors To participants
The delegations from New Jersey, N. York.
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland Wash.
ington City and Delaware, were very large,
and their splendid decorations added much to
the general effect.