Evening journal., 1888-08-24
WHEEL CLUB RECEPTION.
vhe Bicycfasts' Headquarters Was a
sceae of Rare Briiliancy- The Riders do
Some Talking.


some Talking.
The Wilmington Wheel Club gave a
reception last evening, to celebrate the
formal opening of is handsomely equipped
rooms at No 1925 Market street. The
members of the club and their friends
were present and the occasion was
further enlivened by orchestra music In
the centre Of the double parlor, reaching
from end TO end, was the "groaning'
table covered with refreshment for the
wheelmen and their guests. At $50
O'Clock the feast began and all present
iterally outdid themselves in their Efforts
20 be agreeable There was an abun
lemonade, fruits of all kinds, coffee and
coils AT the conclusion of this impor-
sant feature of the evenings entertain
nent, cigars were passed around and the
remarkable runs and excursions made BY
the members were discussed.
William f. Kurtz, acting as toast mas
ter announced the following toasts and
responses: Club Racing, s. Wallis Merri
hew; Bicvele Trials. G. f. Thomas The
Old Members, G, II. Smith, Jr Bicycling
at Middletown, w s. Letherbury; The
Roads Of Delaware, ex-Chief Consul J. +.
Palmer: The Ladies', Victor x. Pyle
Mr.. Knrtz opened with brief state
ment Of tho objects Of the club, and said
that it was intended to draw all owners
of wheels, all prospective owners Of
wheels. all who like cycling and all who
have owned wheels, together for their
mutual protection and benefit Better
roads are needed, and, by organization,
such legislation can be brought about.
He also remarked that the Stanton and
Kennett Turnpike Companies were
charging toll The charters Of these
companies had been examined, and they
were not allowed to charge for anything
except vehicles drawn by animals. He
advised the wheelmen generally to refuse
to pay toll on these turnpikes, but rather
to leave their names and addresses, with
the name Of the club, at the toll gates,
and the matter would probably be tested
in the courts.
Mr.. Nerrihew spoke Of the strength Of
the club and said that he little doubted
that the Wilmington team would come
out near the head at the team race ut
Buffalo, next month
G. II. Smith, Jr., had been a rider once
and said he almost wished he was back in
the harness.
@. +. Thomas recited his experience in
learning TO ride the machine. He said
that the neighbors used to bolt their
dinners to see him try to ride, and they
said he was rather q circus IN his way.
Thomas added that lac was anxious for
The time TO come when he would be
good enough rider to become member.
Mr. Kurtz replied that he would be &C
Septed immediately.
w s. Letherbury said that the roads
In his vicinity were in fair condition
and that he would gladly furnish any Of
them TO any member Of the wheel club
who might write for them. j. e. Palmer
ex-chief consul Of the state, spoke Of the
need Of an accurate road book ard asked
the members TO write up all tho new
roads they travel over and give the data
TO the present consul Mr. Merrihew.
The toast master then added that as
Mr. Mcdaniel was absent, Mr.. Pyle would
respond to the toast 'phe Ladies'"
Mr. Pyle feelingly responded by giving
some tell-tale experiences 81 some of the
other members. This closed the toast.
making, and the remainder Of the even
ing was spent ia social CHAT and ia listen.
ing 70 the music furnished by the orehes-
ira The musicians present were. First
riolin, James Geary second violin llor
ice Belts; viola, Walter Il. Butler,
sornet, ,. Norris Robinson; Hute. Victor
r. Pyle; bass vi0l, james Dinelow
The committee On arrangements com
lrised w, r. Kurtz, $. w. Merrihew, y
d Palmer. -. ID X. Sutton, George w
.frcgg,,C W. Pyle, g. B. Moore and Louis
Shakespeare
The only out-of-town visitors present
were w s. Letherbury and s. T. Shep-
hard Of Middletown
The Wilmington Wheel Club was first
organized about four years ago at }. N.
Robinsons office at Fourth and Market
streets. The first members were Richard
Tatnall j. Norris Robinson, Caleb NJ
Steward, J. Robert Moore and Charles l.
Kent From this small beginning the
club has grown until it now has about
fifty members, or almost all the riders in
town The club is in good financial
condition and is becoming stronger all
the time
NOTES.
Messrs. Gilmore. Bertolette and Guldin
intend going to Philadelphia on Sunday.
They win ride over the Lancaster pike.
John S. Bertolette. H p. Gilmore and
Charles Guldin rode to Augustine Pier
one evening this week in one hour and
thirty minutes.
The wheelmen are agitated at present
at the fact that one Of the members is
paying such frequent visits to camp,
They think there is a wedding in the air
Weather.