The Newtown bee., 1890-01-31
SswrowS. CONN, FRIDAY, JANUARY sl.
BETHEL.
rnE NM MASONIC nALL,

A. 1T. Dlmond on Center street. Build ing and ;ppurtenances throughout are of the finest description and the two large stores on the first floor are models of con- veniencc. The flats above arc also we'll arranged. But the crowning point of the whole structure is the Masonic hall In the third story. It Is accessible from either front or rear, the main or front en- trance being wide and handsome stair case, finished in imitation of antique oak, carpeted, with oak railing. At the foot of the second flight of stairs'is a locked door, keys to which are furnished to all members who desire them. These stairs, finished Gas Is the entire iloor) in antique oak, lead up to n hall way provided with numberless hooks for coats and hats and upon which open closets and lockers. Going forward, the visitor finds himself in an ante room cheerful with all that glowing fire, easy chairs, carpeted floor, spacious bay window and an expansive view can afford. This room will be open day and evening, Il fire constantly burn ing, for the benefit of members who wish 
 ante-room opens private room, and, in the rear, the magnificent Masonic hall. Here everything Is in the most modern style and E. C. Senior, who executed the painting and decorating in admirable style throughout the building, has done himself proud, most of the work having been by his own hand. The hall is 20xG0 feet, with l1-foOt ceiling. The walls are white as alabaster, the wood work, chairs and desks of antique oak, the al tar, officers seats and pedestals of cher ry, richly upholstered in dark blue vel vet and the floor carpeted in Il neutral tint. The hall Is lighted by two hand. some brass chandeliers of six gas jets each. Here, us in other parts of the building, the gas .nay be instantly ig- nited by electricity by simply pulling a cord and as quickly extinguished by pulling another, an electric battery be- ing placed tn the cellar. All furnishings in the hall are entirely new, save the or gan, and were purchased in New York at cost of nearly 5000. The old furni- ture was sold outright, at fraction of it's cost, to Wooster council, O. U. A. M., which has leased the old Masonic hall in Ferry's block. At the right of the hall proper Is the banqueting hall. Bethel MasOns have reason to be proud of their hall, which Is second to none in the State when lodge strength Is considered. Bethel lodge, No. S3, F. & A. M., has 
 of years and, from small beginning, with rooms over Knowltons fish market on Center street, 1t has grown until 1t has a large and substantial membership list, numbering many of Bethels best and wealthiest citizens. At present, DI c. k. Hart is master, with full list of excellent and faithful subordinate off, ccrs. No public dedicatory exercises oi the new hall have yet taken place, but q committee has been appointed and i'm, prcssive exercises, open to the public win probably be held in the future.
 Wooster council, O. U. A. NJ, has talk en possession of the old rooms of Eureks lodge, No. l3, F. X A. NJ, in Ferry block. The MasOns vacated, last week
 Members of the Knights of Honor ar, preparing for musical entertainment to be given at the hall soon after Easter the parts to be assumed wholly by those belonging to the lodge.
 Oliver Davis Is able to be at worl again.
 George II. Cole has the World Alma mac for 1900.
 Mrs Ophelia, widow of the late Ed ward Light, who has been sick for som time and whose death had been expected for days, died, last week Wednesday, q her residence on Beaver street, 47 year old. She had suffered with abscess O the liver and, although attended by Dr Hart and May, could not be relieved The funeral was held at l p m, Friday from her home, Rev F. G. Howell of tn M. E. church officiating. Some thre years ago, Mir Light was killed by tn cars at Corning's crossing on the Dan bury and Norwalk road, leaving tw children, Norah, who married George NJ Ridge, now of New Milford, and Eddie about six years old. Mrs Ridge has beel in constant attendance during her moth CTS sickness, until compelled by sicknes to return home. Mrs Light was mem Der of the Methodist church and, througl the efforts of Rev Mir Howell, a hand some collection was raised to defray sick ness and funeral exnenSas
 Pneumonia, following a cold, caused the death of John Ferry, who was uni versally known as "Kelsey," last weel Tuesday, 46 years old. He had been fo some time at the home of Lyman White head, Goldfish hill, where he died. H. was unmarried and a veteran of the civi war. Although he applied for a pension about two years ago, he had never re ceived it. He was son of Eli Ferry, ST who, with a number of brothers, survives Tho funeral was attended on Thursda, from the residence of Eli Ferry, Jr Greenwood avenue, Rev G. F. Torrenc, officiating. He was buried in Cente cemetery.
 Tho property of Schoonmaker & Ben jamin inventories $i2O0, of which Ss0t goes to employees. Rumor says that Ii abilities amount to between $25, ,000 an, S30,000 and 1t Is considered doubtful i the firm pays l0c on $l. The loss vii fall heaviest on II. F. Beebe, whose clain was about $20,000 and who failed, abou the same time.