Morning journal and courier., 1884-02-27
First Annual

Given by the EmpIOyes of Bolton CE
 Neely-AbOuU One Hundred Couples
 Decorations, FloSvers-PresentatIOn by
 the EmplOyes to the EmplOyers-Speech
 by Judge Blydenburgh and Responses.
 The first grand reception and ball given by the employees of Messrs. Bolton & Nicely took place last night at Arion Hall, opening at about half past eight. The hall was finely decorated in all directions for the brilliant occasion with flags, and on the grand piano rested magnificent basket of roses of vari- ous hues and calla lilies mingled with smilax. Beyond it rested an article to which all eyes had been directed. It was hid from
 view by covering and was an elegant Rogers group, which was to
 be presented by the employees to Messrs. Bolton & Nicely. The grand march was opened shortly before 9 o'clock, led by Assistant Superintendent J. A. Don- nelly and Mrs. H. o. Jennings, wife of Super intendent Jennings. At about o'clock ex- Surgeon General Frank Gallagher mounted the rostrum and notified the assembly to gather in body near the front of the hall. Judge Blydenburgh then took the stage, ad- dressed the assembly, and said that 8 pleas- ant task awaited him, which he would now perform. Alluding to the assembly before him in complimentary words, he referr ed to the gift, which was now uncovered and was
 the familiar and beautiful group designated 'fNeighboring Pews." This Judge B. said,
 is gift I am deputed to present to you, Messrs. Bolton & Nicely, as tribute of es- teem from your employees and mark of their kindly feeling toward you. Accept, then, from them this beautiful work of art It illustrates scene in church which tells it's own story exquisitely. The gallantry of the gentleman, the coyness of the young lady, the scrutiny of the mother is apparent. Per haps the senior member of the firm, being married. is not troubled with the eager i'm petuosity in finding the hymn for lady that is depicted on the handsome face of the young gentleman in this art scene,
 but I cannot speak for the junior
 member. daughter and applause). l trust. however, if he seeks Hymen's altar he will not find as cynical and unappeasable mother-in law or maiden aunt as the old lady in the scene would indicate. Laughter. But then this picture suggests another thought, that of course for the happiness of others Each can do something to benefit and cheer his neighbors at his place of busi- ness or elsewhere. I trust we will all profit by the page which points to dutysand then turning up the leaf like pleased child we will find bright illustrations of joy. So wishing you, both employers and employees, you all to hear from the latter Mr. Bolton responded. Judge Blydenburgh and friends: ''When look around and see this assembled company it gives me joy to feel from the heart that we are united in friendships bonds. I know this beautiful gift speaks of warm and kind hearts and not of empty words thank you for my self most sincerely for this expression of your regard to myself I think my experience regarding my employees has been happy, and that have been associated with them in bonds of regard and T can say that also for
 my partner, man I have loved for some time. Ladies and gentlemen I, thank you warmly for this beautiful gift and hope that we may be long to- eether and that this testimonial may be handed down to our children, that is, can only speak for myself on that score. Daughter and applause). shall always look with pleasure on this gift as bright memento of the luck which binds us together" Mir. Neely with humorous intro duction which made brighter the many bright faces in the scene before him added his testimony of thanks and appreciation, and then Thomas orchestra struck up and the light fantastic WAS resumed while the
 guests from abroad pressed forward
 to regard the gift. The dancing continued till 12 o'clock, when intermission came for supper, which was served in an adjoining hall, MT. DiebeI catering. There were about 200 in the dance, and many prominent citi zens were guests. Among the guests were Mrs. Bolton and Mir. and Mrs. William West of New York, MT. Frank Craig, MT. Hopkins of Bradstreets', Judge Blydenburgh, Captain West of the Twenty. second New York reg
 iment and representatives from Tetft, Weller & Co.,, Mills & Gibbs, George c. Clark, B. s. Ashwell and T. c. Pratt & Co.,, all of New York city; Lally, Lynch & Collins, Veil, Dreyfuss & Go. and A. H. White $ Co.,, Bos- ton.
 The committee were: Reception, Minott B. Osborn, J. l.. Russell, J. A. Donnelly, H. O. Jennings, George c. Kimberly, Geo. Graves, Charles J. Shaw, Henry Horton Floor, W. A. Smith, W. G. Fitzpatrick, E. Strouss, J. H. Moore, W. J. Mountain, John Dugan, I. s. Kinsman, James B. Bondren. T. B. Cannon.