Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-04-27
ODD FELLOWS DAY.
A BIG DEMONSTRATION AT BELLAIRE YES
TERDAY
The New Hail of Bellaire Lodge No. S78 Dedicated
With Interesting Csremonies-History Of
the Bellaire Lodge-A Fine Build
ing-The Ceremonies.

1t was Odd Fellows Day in Bellaire yes
terdav. Bellaire Lodge No. 31S Initiated
its new hall and dedicated it with appro-
pirate ceremonies and in becoming man
ner. The day opened unfavOrable, and I'M
til after o'clock the rain was almost con-
tinuous. Despite the unauspicious weather,
the days celebration was complete sue
cess. and the Odd Fellows have reason TO
be proud of their efforts. The elegant sup
per served all visitors was repast that
was appreciated by all, and the delegates
were loud in their praise OF the entertain
ment they received.
ORGANIZATION or THE LODGE.
Bellaire Lodge No. 81, l. o. Q. F., was
organized July ~, 1865 in an old building
in the Fourth ward, known as Richardson
shoe factory. The charter members were:
John Nlutch. Christian Bippers, ID. X. san
ford. H. NJ. Ingler, George Kern, Joseph
Mercer. Elias Dew. Ralph Heatherlngton,
George Muth and w. II. Thurber OF TINS
number three are now living, who reside
in this city. viz: Christian Bippers, Geo.
Ninth and George Kern. The organization
occupied the shoe works until the factory
was torn down, when II moved INTO the
Sheets. McGregor Il Co.'S building on
Union street The old Central Brock was
afterwards used for several years, but the
lodge drifted back to its old quarters IN the
Sheets building, where it remained until
the completion of the structure OF us own
Since the organization about 80 members
have been initiated. of which number ABOUT
$50 remain in good standing at present
Bellaire lodge like other societies OF the
same nature. has had its ups and downs.
There were periods of prosperity and there
were seasons when the lodge drtted abont
like forsaken ship. For the past several
wears however. the organization has made
GOOD nrogress and the indications point 10
rapid increase of membership in the near
fnture During the past ten
years the lodge has paid to its members III
sick benefits. funerals, etc. about $1,000.
In 1889 the amount of benefits amounted
to SSS4 u sum larger than was ever pala
out in any previous year. The Odd rel
lows care for the sick. bury their dead ana
look after the families of deceased mem
bers Theirs is from first TO last charit-
able institution. the express purpose Of
which is 10 elevate and protect mankind.
THE NEW TEMPLE.
The new hall of the Odd Fellows IS an
imposing structure situated on Belmont
street in the business center of the city.
|
feet long with three full stories and an adj
ditional half story for a banquet hall. The
hall was designed by Architect NOst, OF
Columbus. who. as an experienced drafts
man i'm buildings of this order, gave to the
Odd Fellows of Bellaire drawings for
new home that had most all
the improvements found convenient TO
lodges of the present day. The contract
for the building was awarded To W. y. Nc
Claim. of Bellaire, who AT once proceeded
to execute the provisions OF his contract.
The new hail was turned over TO the lodge
last Tuesday evening. The structure mas
cost to complete it about Sl6OOO, ana the
Odd Fellows are proud Of their work. The
interior of the lodge room is a place of
beautv. Elegant carpet adOrns the floor,
beautiful pictures the walls, and the pretty
long-backed chairs are comfortable beyond
exDectancy Owing to the peculiar ar
rangcment of the walls and ceiling speak
ING above a whisper can be heard all over
the hall. Perhaps no lodge IN the
State has better arranged paraphernalla
rooms. and every order that occupies the
building will have room assigned ior IN
dividual use The departments for cook
ING and the dining and wash rooms nave
been completely fitted out. The upperpor-
tion O the structure is reached by stairs al
nresent. but matters are so arranged that
an elevator can be built on the west side OF
the building The stOrerOOms on the first
floor of the temple are the largest IN the
city. and the elegant plated glass front is
admired by all who see it.
The early arrivals were from Barnes
vile and out the B., 4. X I. The lodge
from the Berry City turned out well and
with a good band made creditable show
ing. There were two hundred and nifty
tickets sold from GAINESVILLE alone. Small
delegations of Odd Fellows came in from
Beallsville and Woodstield and joined the
two lodges of Bellaire. The Bearsvilie
lodge arrived about noon on the steamer
/ liberty. accompanied by the New Mar
tinsvilie band. Refreshments were served
the folks who arrived before II o'clock.
The Martins Ferry and Bridgeport broth
ers arrived via the c., l.. X w. Mounds
Vile came in good time with big band.
Benwood and Wheeling turned out as well
as expected owing TO the Indictment weather
and each delegation was accompanied with
IA band.
The parade was announced to move at 3
o'clock. but at that hour the rain came
down at a lively rate and dampened the
enthusiasm of the crowd somewhat. Inc
clouds passed over presently and the wealth
er assumed a pleasant aspect. As soon AS
possible the lodges were given their re-
spective places and amid the din OF SIX
brass bands the march was begun. The
paved streets were found just the article
needed in an emergency of this kind and
the marchers passed from one end OF the
city to the other without much inconveni-
ence. The turnout was larger than eX-
pected and presented a fine appearance;
Below is the order in which the bands and
organizations marched, with the number OF
men in each:
Marshals Of Procession. :.
Canton Doty Band. -;
Toronto. o.. Lodge. -: