The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-01-19
THE JOLLY ATHLETES.
THEIR FIRST PUBLIC DINNER.
Toasts, Speeches, Wine, Music
and Fun.
A GREAT SUCCESS.

iStIC SluO, III tuC way Va Il cOCtdi
aud literary feast as well, was made last
evening at the Harper House, and was
really brilliant and highly satisfactory
success.
Except representatives Of the press, no
one was invited outside the list of mem
bers, and those ex-members who had hon
orably retired. The club now numbers
between 80 and 100 members, and over 60
chairs were filled at the table.
The company assembled promptly at
$50 and at 9 o'clock the doors of the din
ing room were thrown open. The tables
were very attractive-probably the most !
so of any ever spread IN that famous hotel,
They were arranged thusly -. Liv- |
ing plants in blossom, and fresh flowers in
vases were spread in profusion along the
tables; and pyramids of cake, cOnfection-
cry, etc, lowered above the heads of the
members At each plate, in the much be-
trilled napkin, was a picturesque card
bearing the name of the person assigned
to that seat.
| The bill of fare was a study for an artist
In size it was immense and the first page
was covered with an amusing sketch by
''our artist" Mr.. George W. Plat, in the
center of which, in fancy letters, were the
words: First Annual Dinner of the Rock
Island Athletic Club, at the Harper House,
Jan. 18th, 1876" Covering the top Of
the page were caricature likenesses of ''our
dinner committee" G. W. Durham, Phil
Mitch ell, Alvin s. Dart, Homer J. Low
rey and Sam J. Keator Durham is play
ing on two kettle drums; Keator is blow
ing an immense horn; Dart is Changing
the cymbals; Lowery has on an apron, has
Il large spoon in one hand and with the
other is pointing TO Phil Mitchell who is
holding up bill Of fare for the admiration
of the boys. Then comes a picture Of
our artist, Platt, in professional atti-
tude before his easel; then "our orator, ="
Parks, a piratical looking fellow, with his
: well-committed speech in one hand, while
with the other he is wildly saving the air.
| n ldDIGt Win PiAOuCl grass, cSohAo
, near him. Next comes 'our historian. y
. Durham. with piles of books. maps, etc. :;
then "our poet" O'Neil, with a pen be-
hind his ear, and Tyre standing near. He
holds his manuscript in his hand, and, in
. classic attitude is renearsing his ''piece.
In the lower left hand corner,i ''our must.
cian." Bob Chamberlin, with harp and
music stand, rehearsing And last, in the
lower right hand corner ''our toast master,
10. Gaskell, whose portly form towers
grandly before the audience, with up-lifted
glass. In the center, at the bottom, is
table covered with piles of books while
around it are foils, boxing gloves,
!, and all the articles used in athletic exer
n cises. The sketch and engraving wa
r done by Plat, and the page was much ad
J. mired. All the figures are represented il
e the stage costume of athletes.
lie On the second page of the bill of far
as there was handsome display line as fol
OF lows:
GO Elite, Bibite, Collegiates! !
o Then follow the names of the Dime
CON- mittee, previously given.
Assemble fellows one and ALL
10, DO You not hear the diuner-cals
,o How Durham makes the drum sticks bound,
" And Keator makes the buge souHdf
ed Mitchell, Dart AMI Lowrr y too,
Send their greetings unto you,
re Thes. the five who have the right
-. To ask you to our feast to night.
ARTISTIC. W, PLATT.
III Great Jove awake your heavenly fire!
lie Apollo strike your thrilling Tyre!
. Assistance lena, ye gods and graces
10 And help our Artist d aw these faces,
IA Without your aid TO write his verse;.
II" Instead of praise. he mi hit get curses,
+or Or while laborng thus with pen and brush,
They mi sht have said, TO make him blush,
IN. "a corkscrew or sard plaster
could draw as well and great deal faster. ~
ORATOR.. J. PARKS.
Now Parks will make a short oration
Which may meet your appreciation,
he He'll swell with pride to hear you shouting.
Our orator beats whal' at spouting,
D; HIsToR1AN:-o. W. DURHAM.
Now hear our muse of history relate
on The grand events hat crowd into his pate.
r. He'll search the musty annals of all ages
OF And put to shame the writings of their sages,
," With becom ng dignity and ately pride
> He'll spread our reputation far and wide,
- Let Others lau athletes of Spartan rule;
He prides himself upon our modern s. hool.
ST. lie Grcclan sages argue as they dare,
ne He'll prove we beat EN- on Bill OF Fare.
III POETIC W. o'NIEL
'"i We bards OF Mount Parnassus, fyi
rO- Your days OF glory have gone by.
But listen to our Poets song.
)se And twill abash your boosted thrOng.
for And il. pcrchance, he steals your thunder
'0' We will ct him jim your number.
ST., cHoRIsTER:-c r. CHAMBERLAIN
ng Next c"mes our merry man Of song.
- To try our pleasures to prC1ong.
iry II he J (c+) sharp to DO his best,
oFi AMI give each ii &c proper rest,
Vi T1en we with joy this inc will quote.
act "Our music man a man of nOte,'
of TOAST MAsTER:-JosEPH GAsKELL.
Our Toaster now mak~s his debut.
Lee And brings his merits to your view.
s;t TO please You all he cannot fail.
~ II he's good on toast as quail.
Platt is the rhymster of the foregoing
iry On the third page Of the bill is Il
MS following:
ge- MENU.
Now good digestion wait on appetite, and heal
ose "a dinner lubricates business
.bo OYSTERS
:. Why, then the worlds mine oyster,
I1m Which / with sword will OPEN
SOUP.
!, ''The connective powers with various art,
the Subdue the cruder ailments 10 chye.''
the Cod Fish Chowder. Oysters la Pless
the FISH
Fishes that tippe in the deer,
Too good for any but anglers, very honest mel