Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-07-13
CAMPING OUT.

/ CAMPING OUT.
Damascus COmmandery Inaugrate Their
Summer Camp at White Bear-The Oc-
| cssion One of Unalloyed Epjoyment-
Description of the Camp-A Greeting
from stillwater-Prospect of an Elegant
Asylum for the Dog Days.
1t was gala night at White Bear. There
were brave knights and fair ladies in large
numbers present, the occasion being the
formal establishment Of the camp of Da.
mascus ccmmandery at that point. In an
tlc'patlon OF the event large number of
people went out on tho early trains, and
waited in expectation of the coming pa
geant. 1t came, but not early enough to af-
ford the villagers view of it.
AS soon as Prof. Seibert had concluded
his concert at Rice park his band repaired to
the asylum of Damascus commandery, and,
preceded by platoon of police, escorted the
knights down Third street to the depot of
the st. Paul & Duluth railroad. The
knights were in full uniform, fifty
four strong, and made an excellent
display as they marched in the cleaning
down Third street to the martial music of
the band. train of eight cars was in wait
ing, and soon carried the excursionists to
the point of destination.
At the depot at White Bear q surprise
awaited those not Gin the ring" AS the
train stopped at the station familiar march,
to which the Knights had often kept step,
greeted their ears, and on descending to the
platform it was ascertained that Bayard
commandery, of Saltwater, under Emf
nent Commander David Bronson, had
arrived about q quarter of an hour previous
ly, and greeted their st. Paul brethren with
great eclat. AS soon as the obstructive
freight trains could be gotten out of the
way, the march was taken up for the camp,
Bayard commandery leading with their full
band and complement of men, and Damas-
Gus commandery following. The camp, To-
Gated in shady grove on the west shore of
White Bear Lake, was reached, and was
found TO be brilliantly illuminated by
Chinese lanterns, locomotive head lights,
and every other device known for the
obliteration of darkness. It was most
artistically laid out, just in front of the dane
ing platform and boat-stand. It is located
with an especial view to the comfort of the
sojourners. The tents are pitched in military
style, on three sides of square fronting
the lake. There are now in po-
sition twenty-eight tents, comprising habita-
ton for about fifty or sixty Sir Knights, in
addition to the usual concomitants of camp
life. The most noticeable feature, perhaps
and certainly the most attractive the
ladies' pavilion, large tent, carpeted and
furnished in exquisite style. In this all lady
visitors to the encampment find a hearty
and knightly welcome. Not few availed
themselves of the privileges of the tent last
evening.
In the center of the rear flank is situated
the headquarters of the commandery, with
official desks for the eminent commander,
generalissimo and captain-general, from
which all rules for the government of the
camp will proceed. The tents are numbered
right and left from this initial point, each
tent bearing upon its front the name of the
occupant and the motto of the order. .sIn
hoe signo vinces.'
Besides the tents reserved for the occu-
panoy of the Sir Knights and their friends
are few reserved for special purposes.
the storage of implements of war and other
utensils of a deadly nature the commissary
department., which will be extensively patron
lied during the encampment; the tent of the
officer of the day, which he will occupy only
when necessity compels; and the guard
house, which we predict will be nnoccupied
for all time.
In the center OF the square is q pavilion
for the especial accommodation of lunch
parties, where they can be protected from
the rays OF the sun and enjoy pleasant
social gathering. The camp, indeed, could
net be more favorably located or more ele-
gantly arranged. 1t receives the cooling
b1eezes that sweep across the lake, is con-
venient to places of entertainment and to
the boat landing, and all who 60 will be sure
of right royal welcome, and cool, re-
freshing rest from the dust and noise of the
city.
Arrived at the camp the knights and their
accompanying visitors were RECALLED with in
spring airs from the Stillwate;
and Great Western bands. A
cannon, stationed on the brink of the lake.
belched forth welcome, and the Knights of
both Damascus and Bayard Communicates
paraded on the dancing platform. Here
Eminent Commander d. A. Montfort took
occasion to extend to the sir Knights of
Bayard CommanderY q hearty welcome to
the sylvan retreat, and to request them, col
lectively and severally, to consider themselves
at home when within the precincts of the
camp.
Later in the evening there was very cred
table display of fireworks, after which the
Knights were marshaled to quarters and the
train returned to st. Paul, all present being
well pleased with the visit. The camp will
remain as at present for mouth, the &C.
cupants of the tents having the privilege of
coming to the city to attend to business dur
ing the day, returning at night to fill their
hunks. Quite large number of ladies', rel
atives of the Sir Knights, shared with them
the hardships (?) of Camping out'' last night.
In common with the knights Tempiars,
the Minnesota Boat Club has been seized
with the mania for camping out, and have
pitched their tents in the grove across the
turnpike. By the close of the present week
the tents will no doubt be filled. and the
knights of the oar will unite with the
knights Templars in the enjoyments Of the
summer season.
The evening, meteorologicslly considered,
WAS al that could be desired. Though the
atmosphere IN the city was somewhat torr;d,
the motion Of the trains seta current of air
IN circulation which cooled the heated blood
OF the exoursionists, and BY the time they az
r1ved at tho lake they were in fit state to en-
Joy the pleasures Of the evening.
The ladies God bless them-were present
IN large numbers. Most Of the Knights from
Saltwater brought their wives, sisters, sweet
hearts, cousins OF aunts along with them,
and many from st. Paul did likewise. The
grounds were therefore illuminated BY the
presence of some Of the fairest ladies of the
Northwest, attired in the most bewitchinR Of
costumes and wreathed in bewildering smiles.
IheY added 1arnalv IN fha on;ou,,,..I "a A.