San Andreas independent., 1856-12-27
The Dedication ana Ball at Angels.
ANGELS December %, 1856.

Tue uedlcatlon OF nope Lodge NO. %, L.
0. 0. f., and the brilliant Ball and Fes-
tival given by the Brethren of the Order,
in the evening, at Lakes Hotel.
About noon, the members of the Order
residing in various surrounding camps,
began to arrive by stages, carriages, and
other conveyances. At half past one O clock
the Lodge was called to order by n. g.,
W. j. Brockway, under direction of P. G.
l.. NJ. Sober, of Mokelumne Hill, acting
D. D. G. NJ. The following officers of the
day, were then appointed: Grand Marshal,
G. K. Donnelly; (Aid, VIM. mailman J
The Brothers formed in line of procession
in the usual manner The procession then
marched, (headed by the Columbia Brass
Band, playing martial airs,) up Main street
to the Masonic Hall, where the Masons-
through courtesy formed in line-were re-
ceiyed, and continued in procession up
Main street to the limits of the town !;
where, counter marching, and passing
down Brush street, to Centre, crossed to
Lake street, to receive the delegations from
the Temple of Honor and Sons of Temper
ance. The procession then returned in
full strength to the New Hail. for purpo-
ses of dedication, preceded by the Band
and escorting the Orator of the day-Rev.
George B. Taylor, of Columbia the
Grand Officers of the Order After the
Ladies, Masons, Odd Fellows, Templars
and Sons of Temperance were all seated,
as many of the public were admitted as
the lodge-room would hold, when the cere-
monies commenced by the d. D. G. NJ
appointing the Grand Heralds and other
Grand Officers, who faithfully and impress
sively performed their various duties.
The ceremonies of dedication being con-
cluded, the Orator of the day delivered a
very eloquent address. The Grafton was
certainly the most able one we have ever
heard on the fruitful subject of Odd Eel
lowship. The rich tone of voice and en-
phatic delivery of the speaker, made an
impression that can never be forgotten by
the writer of this. Especially were his
closing remarks, which were delivered er-
tempore, particularly and peculiarly appro-
pirate, bringing tears to the eyes of many
of the ladies present, and thunders of ap-
plause from the assembled multitude.
After the dedication, the Brothers had
few hours to look around and see their
friends, as the town was full of strangers
and Lakes Hotel crowded, which made
the looking around" quite an item in the
events Of the day. In partaking Of the
usual refreshments per Sc, at Burbanks'
Restaurant, we noticed the illumination of
Lakes Hotel, which announced in letters
of living green, "Odd Fellows Ball" the
dark foliage richly contrasting with the
brilliant lights Soon the Cotillion Band
struck up lively tune, which announced
the Ball as next in order At o'clock,
the Ball opened in the spacious Hall, sec
ond story Of the Hotel, by seven Cotillion
sets, taking the floor. But here my feeble
pen and dim eyes (dim with viewing the
brilliant array Of youth and beauty fail to
describe the scene. [ will fall back on
my usual resort, "in such cases provided, ;"
poetry, and say:
"The long carousal shakes tn illumined hall
Well speeds alike the banquet and the ball:
And the gay dance of bounding beauty's train
Links grace and harmony in happiest chain.
Blest are the early hearts and gentle hands,
That mingle there in well-according bands
It is sight the careful brow might smooth,
And make age smile, and dream itself to youth,
And youth forgets such hours were past on earth:
SO springs tn exulting bosom to that mirth.'
The Ball proceeded according to the
programme.
The supper was really a Christmas feast,
and the many luxuries there displayed
would have made an epicure weep with
joy The quail were especially fine
nicely baked-their plump dimensions
were of such size as to be almost incred-
dible. The sample which I secured, (has
been duly forwarded per Wells, Fargo &
Co.'S Express.) I lost a wager on the
burned thing, being firmly convinced that
it was not quail; but did not give up the
bet until my idea was refuted by dozen wit
nesses, and the production of the feathers.
IF it is quail then it is great curiosity,
and I hope you will preserve it. But of
the supper,-so literally and bountifully
] / L. IL IL i