Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-05-04
The Odd Fellows Celebration at
Shrewsbury.

On Wednesday evening last, in accor-
dance with the proclamation of the Grand
Sire of the Grand Lodge of the United
States, and the Grand Master of Vermont
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
to observe the 26th of April as an anni-
varsary of the fifty-second commemoration
of the introduction of the Order into the
United States, Pico Lodge No. 80, of
Shrewsbury, observed the occasion. A
goodly company of the members of the
Order from that and adjoining towns
were present.
At seven o'clock procession was form
ed at the lodge room, escorted by the
East Wallingford Cornet Band, and
marched to the hall of Todd's Hotel
where the exercises took place. The hall
was appropriately decorated with the en-
blems and Insignia of the order wrought
in evergreens. The walls decorated with
pictures and flags A large number of
the people of the vicinity had assembled
before the arrival of the procession, to
witness the ceremonies.
John Webb, Esq, presided. After
singing by the choir and music by the
band prayer of thanksgiving and praise
was offered by Rev. L, W. Brigham of
Rutland who also in behalf of Pico Lodge
welcomed the members of the fraternity
from abroad to the hospitalities of their
brethren of Shrewsbury.
After music by the band, Henry Clark
of Rutland was introduced as orator OF
the occasion. The speaker in commencing
referred to the causes for congratulation
for the introduction, growth and pros
fperity of the Order in this country, which
had planted its standard in every State
and territory. A brief history of its origin
was given, with review of the work it
had accomplished in the last half century
in the performance of its mission. He
remarked that while tracing the history
of the institution during the period of its
existence would be interesting, be pro-
posed to leave that as it stood upon the
printed page as part of the record of the
country, and proceeded to elaborate from
its principles some thoughts more di-
rectly applicable to the members and the
times in which we live.
He said that one year ago, on similar
occasion, he had the pleasure of address
ing his brethren upon the Republic of
Humanity" as illustrated by the workings
of Odd Fellowship. He would now en-
deavor to draw from it's leading features
and the spirit of the times and society
that surrounded it, that we live in the
age of Individual Rights" which may
perhaps be called his theme. The evident
tendency of the recosnition of individual
rIgnIs, uy men of all classes, and all rell-
gions, and all institutions, might properly
ohsr. aterize the age. 1t would be pleas
ant to give the various points as they
were elaborated, but it would make
report far too long, and as the address, or
the written portions of it are to be pub
lished in pamphlet form, we refrain from
any more heightened abstract.
esting remarks, drawing lessons of prac-
teal application from the leading ideas
presented by Mr.. Clark-to the work of
oddfellowship and every day life. The
kind fraternal spirit and pleasantries of
the address was a fitting close to the
intellectual treat of the evening, leaving
the audience in an excellent frame of
mind for the good things which were to
follow. The closing ode of the Order was
then sung and the public exercises con-
cluded.
The company then repaired to the sup
per table, which was literally loaded
with good things, embracing all the deli
cacies of the season. 1t has never been
our fortune on any public occasion in
Vermont, to have seen q more tastefully
arranged or bountously provided feast, to
which the company did ample justice,
judging from the "gustatorial and epicu-
rian exhibitions" of those in the immedi-
ate vicinity of your reporter. 1t is very
certain, that there are few hotels in this
section or elsewhere, where more ample
and savory feasts are provided than at
Todd's Hotel. If your readers think me
extravagant in my commendations, let
them take drive these coming pleasant
summer days to Cattingsville and judge
for themselves, and the public judgment
will sustain my opinions.
After supper few hours were spent in
social festivities, all leaving feeling that
the first celebration of Pico Lodge was a
success in every respect, and that the
good people of Shrewsbury know how to
make their guests at home, and surround
them with all the courtesies and atten-
tions that make such occasions agreeable
REPORTER.
II A