Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-01-02
THE FIRST DAY OF '92
Quietly Celebrated in Pittsburg, the
NewsbOys' Dinner Being the
MAIN FEATURE OF THE OCCASION.
Nearly 500 Enthusiastic Urchins Enjoy a
Substantial Banquet.
A RECEPTION Fer RAILWAY EMPLOYEES

New Years Day stopped off in Pittsbure
yesterday. 1t was a green New Year, but
by no means fresh, for it is the same one
that has been visiting on, this earth al
stated intervals for about 5000 years within
the certain knowledge of mankind and fol
aeons of time before that. However, with
out worrying overmuch about the number
of the anniversary it was celebrated quietly
with egg-nog and tom and jerry, but even
these spirit raisers failed to create much
enthusiasm.
The only thing that kept pace with the eter-
nal grind of time was the grinding of teeth
at the newsboys' thirty-third annual dinner
given bv the Leader at Old City Hall.
Long before the time fixed for the dinner
"the gang" to the number of about 500 met
at the Newsboys' Home on Old avenue. As
they assembled the glad shouts of joy rent
the air for squarez They were shouts Of
anticipation, which were changed to realiza-
tion an hons later when the pie was
reached.
The Band Could Not Be Heard.
The Second Brigade band wasn't Sin it,
with the bows. The band marched ahead of
the lads, but it was little use for it to make
any attempt at playing. The little
army of coming men were in charge OF
Thomas B. Weinans, William Lang and
John Gribben. during the march to the hall
The bows proceeded to Grant street, to Fifth
avenue. to Market street and the main en-
trance of the hall. Captain w. w. Full
wood who has acted as master of ceremon-
les at 10 of these annual dinners, me. the
little fellows at the door. Many of them
have been at previous dinners and they
greeted him with three cheers and
tiger"
The seven large tables extending the full
length of the hall were soon surrounded by
a hungry crowd. Just az plates had been
laid and not a dozen places remained va
cant. Previous to the arrival of the boys
the stage, gallery, and such other space as
could be secured for standing room, was
taken up by spectators. Among them were
a number of prominent citizens and quite
number of well-known charitable ladies,
whose presence was Que TO their interest In
the welfare of the BOYS.
Rather More orderIy Than Usual
When the walters began to serve dinner
the racket commenced Tnc band tried to
play ''Annie Laurie" but the boys cb-
iected. They cheered. the spectators
applauded, and everybody was happy and
satisfied with the success of the dinner. The
bill Of fare included turkey. chicken, fish,
roast beef, oysters, vegetables, bread, cakes, |
pie and all kinds OF fruit. The boys were |
more orderly than usual, although the |
waiter who started at one end of a table |
with basket of fruit or platter ofcake did |
not get far before he was relieved unless he |
was well guarded.
There was verv little throwing of pie !
this year, but the boys kept up their old |
time method of pounding on their plate2. |
A little coiored boy in the extreme corner |
of the haD from; the kitchen, got tired |
waiting to be served and began to hammer |
on his plate With knife. 1t was caught up |
by all the other lads, and in an instant |
there was deafening racket all ove- the |
hall and throughout the dinner, when the |
boys called the walters in this manner.