The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1892-12-21
Dedication of the New Royal Ar
camum Hall


obstacles, the Society has consummated the
purpose in view.
1t was reserved for the new Sontum Block,
on West Main street, to be crowned so to speak,
with a temple of love, in which are exemplihed
the ennobling. lessons of human affection, in
providing for the future of dependent loved
ones
When Mrs Sontum commenced building her
new block, she intended to put up structure
of two stories, only, and began operations with
that idea in mind but later on, changed her
plans, and added third story, designed with
sole reference to the requirements of model
lodge room. The handsome edifice was pushed
to rapid COM pletion. gracing the site of the
wooden shells destroyed by fire last season.
The Royal Arcanum subsequently effected
lease of the finely appointed hall, and in turn
sublet it to the Ancient Order of Foresters, thus
making it the home of two most worthy Orders.
In addition to the hall proper, there are two
large ante-rooms and commodious dining
room adjoining. The Distinguishing feature of
the hall and its accessory compartments is their
generous area. The two Societies are happily
provided in ample accommodations for the re
motest emergencies in entertaining large COM
panies, and in carrying out the details OF their
work. ordinary aud extraordinary. On the
whole, pleasanter or more desirable Lodge
Castle is not to be found in Ravenna.
The writer in quest of "pen food" would
have speedily filed his literary basket to the
brim. had he been one of the happy number
present at the dedication last Thursday evening.
The occasion called together large assem-
blage of members and invited guests, who were
delighted with the beautiful new hall, and well
entertained by program of exceptional merit.
All were in high spirits. nothing inviting the
least criticism of the spectators, to whom the
entire scene was an evolution of serted pleas
ures from first to last of the dedicatory event
A succession of encores to nearly every partic-
ipant was only prevented in Difference to the
Regent. DIR. c. H. Griffin. who explained that
the program had been arranged with reference
to the discussion of a mideven menu and the
| introduction OF the dance, and and it was feared
that encores would needlessly prolong the ex-
ercses. Encores were therefore looked and
| 1Clt, mCICly, although SCNCldA vi HiC EASoSheo
tions almost compelled violation of the reques
preferred.
The Call to order was made by the Regent
and the exercises opened by a male quartz
singing "The Sleigh Ride" in which were
blended with pleasing effect the voices of A. B
Seymour. D. E. Rogers, Abram Olmstead, anc
G. R. Braden.
The remaining exercises were prefaced by an
address of welcome and historical sketch by
the Regent, which with the irrepressible humol
and originality of the talented Doctor, was one
OF the treats of the evening. He spoke as fol
lows, and did as much to provoke the forbidden
encore as any of his successive participants:
When in the progress of time it becomes ex
pedient for family TO leave its small home o
humble beginnings. to take possession OF one
more commodious and better calculated to serve
its larger social needs. it is certainly fitting thai
all the members thereof who can, shall gather
in the new home for house-warming, to cele
brate the event with song and feasting, and di
vers other functions happily made and provided
whereby the sons and daughters of men may
express a Joyous state of mind. For such e
cause are we gathered here this evening, and to
such an occasion it is my happy privilege tc
welcome the members of Ravenna Council and
their families. the grand officers who are kindly
with us, and other guests.
In the years that are passed we haye had g
few notable assemblages, with feastlngs and
festivities, to which we look back with pleasure
but never before in its IS years of existence
has this Council been able to ask all of those
Immediately concerned in its welfare, its family
circle, to gather in its own home for the cult
walton and enlargement of its social life.
The reason for this is known to most of US
Our council hall was too small for such gath
ering. But that was not the worst part of it
1t has been discovered by both fraternal socie
ties and churches that dining hall is as much
a necessity as an audience room; that nothing
so stimulates good fellowship as the odor o
cooking coffee, and nothing SO softens the hear
and develops the humanites as cup thereof
with well constructed sandwich.
When men and women meet for social inter
course, coming from the daily grind of office
store, workshop and housekeeping, it is dscov
cred that to but few is given the ability to en-
tertain with music or edify with speech ;neithel
can all dance, and many are ignorant OF tht
ways of cards. But there is one diversion il
which all can unite, for by merciful dispense
ton of Providence, we can all eat, drink anc
be merry; and as we thus unite with one ac
cord, this one thing we may note, if we will
the wonderful expansion of our sympathles, anc
the lessening power of the evil things of life II
fret US.
This gathering emphasizes, then, a feature o
fraternal society work, the real significance o
which is too often overlooked. The paymen
of dues and assessments, the transaction of tn
regular routine work of the Council, is but one
half of our proper work True, it is a YER
necessary halt, whereby most needed help cal
be rendered to those entitled thereto in time @
need; but what money terms can express, t
those called upon to face affliction, the comfor
} which is given by hrotherly sympathy and time
ly ministrations So it is that the frequen
coming together of our entire Arcanum family
whereby we can become better acquainted an
F a healthy interest in each o hers lives stimula
ted, is a necessary feature of Society life, 70
only in the degree understand each other
can we render genuine, and so, helpful servic
in time of need. l welcome you, therefore
not only to this particular social event, but +
an occasion that marks the entrance of this SO
ciety into its larger and more complete life, an
to home that will enable it to give that lif
fuller expression.
In connection with these words of welcome
it has been requested-indeed by vote of Coun
D Gil ordered-that brief sketch of the Arcanur
, in Ravenna be given, it being considered pc
culiarly fitting time for such history as it has,
be set forth.
1t was born August 2oth, 1879 of well-to-d
but honest parents, and has tried hard eve
, since to make everybody concerned glad it wa
DOrns u. u. Regent OaiIipDell, OF Michigan
instituted the Council on the evening of the dat
above given. in the reception room of l. o. {
F. Hall, with twenty names on the charter rol
The first name on the roll was w. S. Nrake, an
the last was w. H. Beebe, and between thes
good looking men and honored citizens wei
eighteen brothers of various degrees of beaut
and wealth. and of all shades of religion an
i politics. but all a unit as to the grand feature
: and possibilities for the new order.
d The following is the first roll of officers R,
gent, Gideon Seymour; R.. D. C. Goodman
= P R., w. H. Beebe, Orator, D. B. Lawrence
= Sec. c. H. griffin Col, w. S. Krake Treas
B. F. Keller Chaplain, A. M. Hills; Guild
> J. H. Oakley; Warden. D. L. Rockwell; ; Sci
!. try A. T. Smith Trustees, E. R. Wait, Wal
Il ger Holcomb, c. A Reed.
e Of these officers, none, perhaps, entered upc
}. the duties of their Office with mere enthusiasts
# than Bro. A. T. Smith, Sentry Indeed. s
n absorbed did the brother become in the respol
= sibities of his station, that he forgot all abo
it, until some years after, when banquet beir
: proclaimed, he came up smiling, and did b
duty like man. The precedent established I
Bro Smith has been religiously followed by IL
Sentries who have since been elected. l mej
/. ton this matter to illustrate the value of shi
d ing example.
+ From the time of the institution of the Coul
Gil until the latter part of the following Noven
ber, the meetings held in what is no
: known as @ A. r Hall November o1et -