The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1885-06-05

Refreshments were served at tho City Skai-
ing Pavilion between five and six o'clock, at
which about forty editors, their ladies ana q
few friends partOok. Without saying word
In disparagement OF other banquets, we be-
licve we can truthfully say that neverhas
there been refreshments served I'm this city
upon a like public occasion, where the tables
looked more beautiful and inviting than nj
this time. And In this particular, the COM
mittee of Arrangements OF the editorial asso-
citation desire to express their profound thanks
TO the ladies of Mankato who so kindly and
geneI ously assisted In making this portion OF
the programme such grand and tiattering
success.
The frs, days exercises closed with social
party at the rink in the evening, which was
enjoyed by about fifty couples.
AT LAKE CRYSTAL.
Wednesday at II O'Clock few Of the editors
who had remained over, together with some
thirty-five of our Mankato people boarded the
train for Lake Crystal. Arriving there, Mr.,
Fl, O. Howard, on behalf OF the citizens of
that delightful little burgh, made few welcom-
ING remarks In his usual original and felici-
tious style, speaking substantially as follows:
Ladies' and Gentlemen of the Press:-It is
with mingled feelings OF pride ana pleasure
| that we greet you here to-day we are proud
| of the distinction ana honor YOU nave con.
| ferred upon us In selecting our little Villege
| and surrounding lakes as the most agreeable
place TO pass your holiday, and in behalf OF
| the citizens of Lake Crystal and vicinity,
hereby extend TO you most hearty and COR
| dial welcome. We are pleased 10 be able 10
| show you q section OF the FAMOUS plue grass
region of southern Minnesota, noted through
out the Union for Its balmy, lite-promoting
air. its pure water, luXuriant grasses, splendid
crops of corn and grain, ana everything else
tho farmer and stock raiser can desire. Nat
ure having clothed herself in the yerdure OF
spring has so adorned and beautihed our lakes
that / will not attempt any description OF their
lOyeliness but after the banquet teams Will
he provided to take you to them, when you
can feast your eyes ON scene OF beauty, anu
sport In their crystal waters Gentlemen,
very pleasantly entertained here to-day. The
fact is that Lake Crystal contains more nand-
some girls than any other village or It's size
ladies are waiting Ia assist and honor you by
their presence at the panquet. 10 wnlcn VIC
will now hasten. Wewish you TO feei perfect
ly al home while with US to-day, ana 10 pro
mote that feeling let every lady and gentle
man within the hearing OF my voice constler
themselves properly introduced. Ladies ana
gentlemen, the day Is before you for your en-
jOyment, we are here to minister To your
wants and obey your commands.
The party then repaired to Humphrey Hall
for dinner. That the ladies of Lake Crystal
and vicinity did themselves proud in the ar
rangement and decoration of their tables goes
without saying, and that they agreeably sur
prised their visitors by their hospitality is
trne. After the repast was over, Hon. N. d.
L. Collezter was called hpon to respond TO the
ast;-"Lake Crystal; her hospitality and
good-looking ladies, !" which he did in pleasing
and creditable manner.
Conveyances of various kinds had been p~'sft
cured, and at 2 o'clock some forty or M
teams formed I'm procession and were driv,
TO the residence of Mr.. III. @. Howard, rio the
various lakes "a most charming route, with
scenery on every side that cannot be surpass-
ed in all this region of country. Mr.. III. had
an abundance of ice-cream and buttermilk in
waiting for his numerous guests, and under
the shady branches of his lovely grove, on the
bank Of the lovliest lake I'm the state, q most
enjoyable hour was spent. Boats were at The
disposal of those who enjoyed a row, swings
could be seen here and there, and, I'm short,
everything for the comfort and amusement OF
those present had been amply provided.
At $40 the visitors from Mankato and vicin-
ity departed for home, filed to the brim with
gratitude toward our neighbors for the many
pleasures enjoyed at their hands, and the oc-
caslon will ever be held In remembrance by
those present as among the most enjoyable
ever participated I'm.
Tho Lake Crystal brass band also added
pleasure to the excursion besides furnishing
another evidence of the push and enterprise
Of the little city OF lakes.
We would like to say more of the generous
hospitality received at the hands of our
friends, but space forbids. Suffice 1t to say
that In future It will he no trouble to get a
train.load of people from Mankato to accept
an invitation TO visit their city and enjoy Its
beauties, its pleasures, and last but not least,
the good things to eat which her fair ladies
so we'll know how to prepare.