Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-29
BYRNE'S ISL AN ID.
THE MASONIC PICNIC
A RAND GALA DAY.
PLEA AN WEATHER AND
PIEASAN TIME.
TspEclAL CORRESPONDENCE OF INDEPENDENT.

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS OF INDEPENDENT.
HARPER's FERRY, August 26.
Your correspondent lett Ma rtins-
burg at 7 O'Clock this morning. -
The train was we'll filled, including
a large delegation from Tusearora
Lodge, accompanied by the Hannis
vile bald The morning was de
lightful. The sun shone out bright
~ and gave a cast of beauty to the
waving corn, the green meadows
and outrageous forests along our
route. The atmosphere was fresh
and pure, and the ride to this
place was delightful We arrived
here half past eight, and the
Martinsburg delegation were prop
erly received by a committee OF
their Masonic brethren At this
plg ce.
Harper's Ferry, notwit hstand-
ing its thrilling historic associa.
tons, and its wild, romantic sur
roundings, seems perfectly dead
a small and almost deserted viii
lage quietly nestled away under
the hills. But her citizens are as
clever and hospitable as any to be
found anywhere on Gods foot
stool. We trust the day is not far
distant when the busy whirof ma
chinery will resound throughout
her limits, aud prosperity once
again take the place of the present
dizziness and lethargy.
AT 10 O'Clock the grand process
sion was formed on Shenandoah
street, under the marshalship of
8. V. Yantis, Mr.. Wood
and Doctor O'Donald. The
celebrated Marine Band, of
Washington, d. G., was plac-
ed in trent, and the Hannisville
Band of Martinsburg, lat the head of
the Berkeley delegation in the CEN
re of the column. The procession
moved off out High street and up
through Bolivar, and thence north
to Byrne's Island, the place selected
for the pic mic. The Island is adj
mirably adapted for picnic pur-
poses, having plenty of water,nice
shade, beautiful grounds for cro-
auet and other games OF amuse-
ment. Two large dancing plat
forms, with comfortable seats ar
ranged in close proximity, have
been erected, and everything ar
ranged and especially fitted up for
the comfort and enjoyment of pic
mic parties.
The procession arrived at the Is
land about IL O'Clock, and shortly
af er Hon. G.. j. Faulkner, one of
the invited speakers, was in
troduced to the large assembly,
and delivered an excellent speech,
combining his remarks principally
to the objects. aims and purposes
of the order of Free Masonry. He
was listened to with profound at
tention during its delivery, which
occupied an hour, and all who
heard it seemed highly edited
and instructed.
At the close of Mr.. Faulkner's
address q recess was had until 3
o'clock, which was taken up wi, h
dinner, dancing, and other amuse-
mcnts,
At 3 o'clock order was called,
and Thomas II. Logan, Worthy
Master ofthe Grand Lodge of Ma
sons of West Virginia, was intro
duced and delivered mot elo-
euent and withal practical address
on the subject Of Freemasonry.
At the close of his highly
| interesting remarks, o. 5.
Long Esq, Grand Secretary of the
Grand Lodge of West Virginia,
was introduced to the audience.
Mr.. long declined to make a
apeech. but took occasion to thank
his brethren for the official honors
which they had seen fiji to confer
upon him from time to time
The rest of the day, until hall
past five o'clock p. III wa devot.
ed to dancing Ind other amuse-'
ments.
There were over two thousand
persons in attendance, and the Ma
sonic Lodges of Martinsburg
Hedgesville, Mill Creek. Shep-
herdstown, Charlestown, Sharps
burg, Md, and other places, were
represented. A large number o.
persons, not members of the or.
der, including many ladies, were
present, and all who were
questioned on the subject, declared
they had never enjoyed 9
"nicer time" The weather was
delightful. the music was grand
the speaking excellent, the grounds
pleasant, and, what more was
\ needed to add to The enioYmpnf Of