Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-01-21
soon after seven o'clock, the advance guard
of The gay assembly began TO gather.

VI thu EaJ H'oVihplg DcBdu w EulutIs
THE DECORATIONS.
On entering the hall the mass of decora-
tons and designs, omblematic OF Masonry,
which burst upon the view, was fairly be-
wildering in its extent, variety aud bril-
lancy. In the centre Of the hall marquee
or canopy of slreamers radiated in every
direction from brilliant centre piece. Tho
front of the stage was heavily festooned
with the stars and stripes, the centre piece
being a large silver square and compasses
and letter G.. At the back of the stage, on
the right and left, stood two statues Of
knights in arnur, while between them was
large red Templar cross, flanked GU either
side by red and green Maltese crosses. In
the centre, overhead, on a panel OF blue
velvet, was the legend, in gold letters
"Connecticm River Vduey Masonic Union"
Gu either side of the stage was gas star Of
ono hundred jets each, which lighted into
dazzling brilliancy the immense parti-col-
ored rehectors placed behind them. APP
proprialely browning the whole, and lend
ing an Undesirable grace and charm to
this magnificent central stage effect, were
garlands of flowers, draped in rich profu-
sion overhead. On tho front of tho ros-
trum was the motto, "welcome AL" with
festoons of lace above and on each side.
On tie sides of the hall, hanging on the
windows and panels, were various interna-
tional banners, while under the gas jets
and on the gallery front were shields and
banners representing the different degrees
OF Masonry. The front Of the gallery was
also festooned with lace, on pink ground,
while at the back between tho national
flags hung large banner of scarlet velvet,
with the legend, -"ls76-Ce Centennial Amt
UerSary Party" On both sides of the hall
a continuous line OF festoons OF red, while,
and blue bunting depended from the cor
nice. Mingled with the other decorations
thro ughout the hall were numerous ban
ners representing the various lodges and
Communicates in attendance. The APP
proaches to the hall, including the corridor
and stair-cases were heavily draped with
the national colors. The decorations were
by Col. VIM. Beals of Boston, and their re-
markablo elegance, variety and tasteful
ness were the subject Of universal and ia.
vorable comment.
At the Brooks House the handiworE Of
Col. Beals was also conspicuously appar-
ent. The doors of the main corridor were
draped with national flags and the dining
hall presented a charming aud effective APP
pearance, the central figure being the life
size statue of the Goddess of Liberty which
stood at tho rear OF the orchestra, while in
front of tho orchestra was a canopy of ma
tionsl flags, with large square and com
passes on black velvet in the centre and eagle
shields on either side. Around the walls
were fesloons Of gay bunting. From the
centre a canopy of streamers radiated to
all parts of the hall. Upon the windows
were various national banners, and under
the gas jets hung masonic devices Of ali
kinds.
THE PROMENADE CONCERT AND BALL.
BY eight o'clock the body Of the hall was
well filled with an animated crowd of the
me mbers of the craft, and their ladies, in
rea diness for the evenings festivities, and
every seat upon the stage and in the gal
lery was occupied by eager lookors-on.
Promptly ut the appointed hour Carter's
band Of Boston and Hough's Of Lebanon,
enade concert began, the programme being
as follows:-
1. PolonAise-Carnivsl, sekAt.
q overture-crovn Diamonds, Auber
5. Wsitz-Fusioneu, Strauss
L. Polka-LA Perle Dcnghiem, Damare
5. Selections from Martha, Flotow.
At tho close OF the concert Rev. Edwin
Wheelock, Grand Chaplain OF the Grand
Lodge or Vermont, delivered the annual
address, which was listened to with marked
attention and elected hearty applause at IFS
close. A little before ten o'clock the pro-
cession was formed for The grand march,
under the very eli cient lead OF Col. c. A.
Nj les, director of the evening, and when,
at the sound OF the music, the march began,
and the whole Of the brilliant assemblage
was in graceful motion, the scene was ono
to make The dullest pulse beat with quick
and enthusiastic throb. Full one hundred
CO uples were in the line, the gentlemen in
thu full regalia of their order and the ladies
in elega ut and tasteful toilets, while over
all was the charm Of the lively decorations,
and the harmonious surroundings Of the
hall. AT the conclusion of the grand march
hhS hahNlh6 NbllhituCChg Ahh III Itbdiu
to this part OF the festivities OF the eve
ming il only remains for us TO add that
the party comprised, both among those up
on the floor aud those who looked on from
the spectators seals, representatives of
Brattleboro's best society, while it was
lcarly apparent from the appearance and
bearing of the visiting brethren and ladies
that they also were from the best circles OF
their respective communities. In this re-
spect this gathering was probably more
notable than any which has before taken
place here. As we havealready intimated,
the toilet OF theladies were all that could
be desired in point of variety and good
taste, and many of them were very elegant.
Simplicity, however, was the rule, and
there was no attempt at an undue display
not in keeping with the spirit of the times.
A Boston gentleman, well versed in socie-
ty matters assured us that no party in New
England the present season has surpassed
this one in elegance and refinement. 1t
is proper 10 mention that two Brattleboro
Sir Knights attracted much attention by
appearing in the full costume OF their or
der as worn one hundred years ago. The
knee breeches, silk stockings, silver buck
les, waistcoats aud dress coats worn by
these gentlemen, as well as their Masonic
regalia, including the old time golden and
silver skulls and cross homes, were geuu-
inc relics Of the last century.
THE BANQUET.
At midnight the grand banquet at the
Brooks House took place, and Mr.. Good
hue may we'll fellctale himselfon the hearty
compliments which his effort in this diree-
ton called forth from all who participated.