The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-03-16
THE GRAND MASONIC FAIR.
Brilliant Opening and Great Crowd at
Apollo Hall-Ihe Temple Of Flora and Her
Pretty Nymphs-Attraclive Features

Many and great have been the expectations
cherished in regard to the opening OF the grand
Masonic Fair which took place last evening In
some respects they were doomed 10 disappOnt-
ment; IN others to more than fulflment. The de-
nc.encies, however, are not fanlts but misfor-
tunes The arst and greatest is In the selection OF
the place for the holding OF the fair. and in
which there seems to have been some singular
dficuity. One OF the largest armories in this city
would not have been more than adequate for the
splendid display that Gas at the command Of the
committee who had charge Of the preparations;
but none OF these, 1t appears, could be obtained
ana the ballroom at Apollo Hall is used instead
As might BIO supposed, from the strength OF the
Masonic organizations in the city.
THE CROWD
last night was simply tremendous and was beyond
description. 1t was almost impossible to wade
through the dense, restless throng that filed every
part OF the room. The attendance was OF a very
genteel character the largest part being composed
OF course, OF ladies' who take such an interest," IN
comprehensive to male b.Ates, in all the
little knick-knacks and gmcracks that are
displayed on the gaily decorated stands from the
crying doll to the penny whistle. The booths In
the lair are because of the lack OF space very close
together and there is little novelty in their con-
struction and ornament. The long arches Of green
are very prettiiy tied with ribbons of many c0lOrs
ana Masonic emblems appear neatly interviewer in
the sprigs OIL arbOr Vita and mountain spruce.
Ecipsing all other portions Of the display, and Its
most attractive feature, is
THE TEMPLE OF FLORA,
which stands at the south end of the hall and Is
surmounted by o snowy white statue OF the god
dess herself Were It not ior TINS appenaage, very
any one would imagine the iairy structure OF deli
ciously cool green leaves and dainty MOVERS 10 be
the chaste bower OF Venus OF which Homer sings
with such lOver-like enthusiasm, Tor what most
attracts the eye are the nymphlike forms which
quets betray to be human, Frightening the sylvan
shadows oil It's interior. And since 1t has been
said they are human their names might as wen be
hearts oil thousand OF the young men who saun-
tered about the fair last night are eased in
The very sweet blonde young lady who is stationed
on the east side OF the temple and dates POLITICALLY
upon the beauty Of the acacias. roses ana lilies Of
the valley, OF which she manages to sell great
many, is Miss Eudora Myers: Miss Romano,
her rival and neighbor, is a. sparkling
sented with them by the purchasers as a
silent tribute which speaks louder than words.
Miss Sauer, Miss Thorpe and Miss Simpson are
other OF the goddesses in Floras train who are
almoners Of her bOunties. The temple OF flowers
was presented to the Ocean Lodge, No. 1sG, by Mr.
tagOnal in shape and constructed Of arches OF
abO'vttG, which form ct the top group, down at
the summit OF which Is the pedestal OF the goddess
RARE PLANTS
in blossom from all cmes adorn different por-
lions OF the edifce, some suspended in BASKETS
from the arches and others filling inches at the
base Of the pillars The largest one Of these which
is very beautiful, represents the square and COM
pass OF the Order, and the horn Of plenty In moss
enchanted spot Is almost intoxicating with fra
GRANGE filled with incense from the lips Of thou
sands OF blossoms, and 1t is with exceeding regret
that 1t Is lett when one Is pushed away by the
swelling crowd.
In other parts Of the fair all sorts OF attrac
are presented and are bewiidering In their null
tpicity. Grand Stand No. 20 Is that OF Mount
NebOh Lodge, No. psf, and contains
''rHE GOLDEN BOOK OF LIFE,
a volume in which donors to the cause
and CHARITY are sne
Of their generosity. some Of the amounts
given last night were quite large. Eventually this
sonic Temple, to be preserved as perpetual
record OF COED deeds.
up stairs. in separate hall fitted up as theatre
wonderful and ancient spectacle OF
"PUNCH AND JUDY"
with all it's pristine humor. Across the corridor
great feature Is
A MECHANICAL CHANTICLEKR,
who crows eloquenty all night long until the nrs
peep Of dawn, when his noise is hushed Dy the
maiden who attends him. lottery Is also In full
operation, where fortunes may be lost and won
and hearts also-under the fire Of bright feminine
eyes.
The opening exercises last evening were in &C
cordance with the following programme
ORDER KxERcIsKs.
Address Of Reception Eiwood T. Thorns
Prayer. W. @. Chaplain Brewer
AdSre,s Rev H. Tyns Jr
MSsic-Grsnd seiections-aDon Pasouaie". ~ DoHiaest
Leader ;...:.............W Bro william r. SherwiI
The address OF Grand Master Thorne was very ap
propriate, and was warmly applauded.
The lair is to continue for four weeks ending
| about the middle OF April