Morning journal and courier., 1880-01-14
L. s. O.

TWenty.Seventh Anniversary-Supper
 at the RoytOn H0use-PresentatiOn
 to Professor Jeps0n-TOaat and Song,
 Music and Speecheso
 The twenty-seventh anniversary of the l.. s. O., which is an organization formed from the ex-members of old Croton Engine Company No. l, when 1t was connected with the volunteer fire department as a temperance fire company, was held at the Royton House on Court street last evening. The company, about forty in number, were seated at the tables at o'clock. The veteran president George W. Judd, made an address of wei come, after which the opening ode was sung, Professor Jepson presiding at the piano. Charles A. Baldwin invoked the divine bless ing, and the supper followed. After partak- ing of the excellent supper the president asked for attention while the secretary read the L. s. O. neurology. The members re- mained standing while this was read. It showed that thirty-two members had died since the original organization of the compa- ny. On the conclusion of the reading the l.. s. O. quartette sang the dirge, ''They have left us." Following this came letters from absent brethren, which were read by the secretary, many of them being of an interest ing character.
 Then followed one of the most pleasant features of the evening. Fire Commissioner Charles A. Baldwin rising read the following, which was beautifully engrossed on parch- ment:
 'tL. s. O., 27th annual, January 18th, 1880.
 ''Because 1t is fitting that enthusiastic, unre- mitting, protracted fidelity to duty should be recognized and honored, we, the brotherhood of l.. s. O., have prepared 8 handy and time ly symbol for the use of that one of our members whose life has tremendously illus trated this law.
 "The first Napoleon conferred the baton of @ field marshal of France on such of his generals as proved themselves eminently worthy to lead his armies to victory. l.. s. O. awards the baton to a victor in the act of peace to one whose faith has overcome all doubts, whose enthusiasm has never abated whose energy has been indomitable until every church, every social circle, nearly every home of our city participates in the benefits resulting from the work of Benjamin Jepson, for the past fifteen years instructor of music in the public schools of New Haven, and to him this baton is awarded by the unanimous voice of the brotherhood of l.. s. O.
 In this connection MT. Baldwin read letters of commendation for the valuable services of Professor Jepson in the public schools from Rev. Dr. Bacon, Rev. Dr. HarWood and Pro- lessor Gustave J. StoeckeL
 MT. Baldwin then in behalf of l.. s. O. presented to Professor Jepson 8 very hand
  Gold bands an inch in length at each end of the baton gave the dark wood very fine ap- pearanoe. On one of the bands was en- graved the following: Professor Benjamin Jepson from l.. s. o."
 Professor Jepson was completely taken by surprise. He rallied quickly, however, and responded in an appropriate manner He referred to this association that had so kindly remembered him on this occasion. He spoke feelingly of the kind expressions of the hon orable gentlemen who had so kindly expressed their sentiments of regard and esteem by let ter, and in closing assured the brethren that he should ever cherish the gift and remember it's kind donors
 Following this Fire Commissioner Charles A. Baldwin was presented with an ''emblem'' of his office in the shape of a huge gilt star (made of paper), which was suspended by 8 brass chain.
 MT. Baldwin returned thanks in a felicitous speech which greatly amused the brethren.
 Following this, 'toast, sentiment and song" was in order, and Commissioner Baldwin act ing as toastmaster, introduced R. s. Pickett, who made ringing speech which was enthu- siastically received.
 MT. Pickett was followed with appropriate remarks by George Colburn, of Union. Mir. Colburn was followed by N. D. Sperry, who spoke in feeling manner of the valuable ser vices of Professor Jepson in the public schools and in the community.
 After brief addresses by E s. Sanford, of Meriden, and others, the twsnty-seventh ami versary was closed by singing the Original Sweet Home" and the ''Annual Hand Shake. !"
 The gathering, although somewhat i'm promptu in it's character, was nevertheless one of the most pleasant occasions that has been enjoyed by this old organization for many years.