The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1869-05-01
'Ehe Semi.Cextennial Celebration of Odd
Fellowship In Oregon.

capital of the State OF Oregon, the Odd
Fellows of Oregon, Washington and
Idaho assembled to celebrate the fftioth
anniversary of the introduction of the
order into the United States. We ven
tare the assertion without fear of contra
diction, that the gathering on the Goth
was by far the most imposing demon
stration ever witnessed in this State.
The procession, which formed about half
past ten O'Clock in the morning, num-
bered four or five hundred members of
the order. in regalia, while the total
number present, but who did not partlcl-
nate in the celebration, would number,
perhaps, as many more. The procession
was led by the Mechanics Brass Band,
Of Portland, after which came the lodges
in the order of their organization then
came the Albany Brass Band, fol-
lowed By the Encampment, the Right
Worthy Grand Lodge bringing up the
rear. A promi1ent feature in the pro-
cession was & superb car, drawn by four
horses. On the car a beautiful and
costly tent, the materials being of purple
silk, was erected, in the door of which,
resembling tho patriarchs of old, sat p
C. P, f. S. Schwatka, who is supposed to
be the oldest Odd Fellow west of the
Rocky Mountains, having been initiated
into the order, in Cincinnati, Ohio,
in the year 1886 nearly thirty-tour
wears ago. ale has been faithful to his
trust" says the Salem Farmer, g and
has seen the order grow from thirty five
faithful followers to over quarter OF
million Jealous Odd Fellows" The pro-
cession halted at Marion Square, where
seats had been provided, and stand
erected for the orator OF the day. A
brilliant overture was then executed by
the Mechanics Brass Band, when the
opening ode was sung by the whole
order to the tune of Grecnville. Prayer
was then offered by the chaplain, Rev.
p. S. Knight, when Hon. Nathan Por-
ter was introduced, and delivered the
oration. Mr.. Porter is u gentleman of
fine presence, good voice, and the reputa-
tion which had preceded him as q
finished orator was maintained on this
occasion. The Grafton was instructive
and entertaining, and at times sparkled
with genuine wit and humor OF the very
highest order. With the vast audience
that gathered on the occasion to listen to
the oration, we are sorry that indisposi-
tion, caused by long journey by sea
and travelling all night in stage SO that
he might fulfill his ngagement, compelled
Mr.. Porter to retire from the stand
before completing his oration. his voice
failing him entirely. However incom-
plete the Grafton, it will long have a
place in the memory of every Odd Eel
low who participated on the occasion.
After the oration came the repast. Three
long tables, set where the branches of
the beautiful oaks were thickest, shelter
ing those beneath from the scorching
rays of the sun-and it was hot, q on the
outside were "loaded" with baked
chicken, beef, cakes, pies, etc., which
soon went off," amid the cracking of
jokes and general jolarity. After the
eating had been gone through with, the
procession reformed and returned to the
hall, and were dismissed. From this
time until late hour at night the hall
was kept open, and crowds of handsome
women and brave men passed In and out,
making glorious scene of human life in
its happiest mood. The happy smiles
and bright eyes that greeted you on
every side, the gay and joyous laughter
that welied up from happy hearts,
mingling With the strains of sweet music,
both instrumental and vocal, lent an at
traction to the scene that will never be
forgotten by the participants. The cele-
bration was, in every and all respects, a
grand success, and the Odd Fellows of
Salem, who undertook its entire arrange
rnent and management, deserve special
commentator for their untirine exer-
tions to make the occasion pleasant and
profitable to visiting brethren and in
vited guests. No pains or expense were
spared to accomplish the result, and they
have the proud satisfaction of knowing
that their efforts proved grand success
and met the appreciation of all present.
The ball at the Wigwam was another
brilliant success. The Wigwam was
superbly decorated for the occasion, and
a moro joyous occasion or happier looking
countenances were never assembled for