Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-04-27
A GRAND EVENT.
73d Anniversary of Odd FeI-
lowship Observed at GuiIdford.
A Handsome Acknowledgement Ora
ton by W. E. Parsons Of Foxcroft.
A large Attendance FESTIVITIES Closed
wiih Grand Bali.
Especial to The kKsSEBKc JouEsAL. !

L
GrnFoHp, April 2G.-The grand eclebra-
ton here today in honor of the 19d anniyer-
sary Of Odd Fellowship in America, for
which the local organizations has made
such elaborate Preparations, proved to be
all, and in some respects more, than the
most sanguine anticipated
| There were not quite so many different
organizations IN line as were expected.
owing to tie repeated failure ON
| the part Of the parties interest
| ed to secure special train accommo-
dations on the Bangor & Iiseataquis Il. r.,
and this state sf things doubtless had the
effect 10 keep away several hundred who
otherwise waah have been here
| Nevertheless tue ears on the Il. 1 r.
which came up from Dover we're densely
packed, Dyers full band led By j. H. Tay-
lor. being n the crowd. The Monson band
| led by W. e. dickson, with onawry lodge
and nlany otlsrs had previously arrived
| from up the line, and were in waiting at
| the depot as the train pulled in, the band
| playing an inspiring air.
The procession was promptly formed un-
her the direction of Mr.. Steadman Stevens
IS marshal and there were apparently about
| 800 in line, while hundreds of the brethren
who did not march were in the crowd
The parade was through the principal
| streets and after the line of march had been
completed the attention of the brethren
| with their appefites well whettcd by the ex-
ercise, was addressed to the substantial din
| ner that had been prepared under the lirec-
tiou of the numerous Rebekahs who
are always ready and prompt 10
render all needed assistance on
such occasions. Those who are in way
to know declare that abundant provision had
been made TO feed Il multitude of one
thousand. Certain it is that six or seven
hundred ate and were filled, and yet the
supply showed no signs of giving out
After dinner and before the exercises at
the hall. the two bands rendered several
fine selections in front of the Turner House
and the hall, iIia manner that bespoke the
talent of the musicians and the ability of
their leaders.
At O'Clock the assemblage, which filed
the hall TO overfiowing in its every part, was
called to order by Mr.. J. 4. Brawn, Noble
Grand of Good Cheer Lodge and after an
overture effectively rendered by Lougees
Orchestra, of Bangor, and feryent PRAYER
by Rev. Chas. Dawson, of Greenville, Rev.
r. II. Airieh male very appropriate
address of welcome, aud then W f. Par
sons, Esq, of Yoxcroft, pronounced most
eloquent oratiah, in the course of which he
gave some astonishing facts show
ing the phelomenal growth of odd
Fellowship in tie 7:i years since its cstab-
lishment in this country. and enlarged upon
the general excellence of the order and the
great good that it has accomplished. Incl
ilentally he paid glowing tribute to the
greatness and manifest destiny of our com
Don country.
At the conclusion of the Grafton many
who were to take the down train had to
leave, and th exercises were continued
with rcsponres from those speak
ing for different organizations rep
resented, upon the subjects, 9 Odd
Fellowship, " - BrotherIy Love, - 50 The
Good Samaritan -Dur Sister Rebekahs.
The THREE Links, Fraternity" David
and Jonathan, The Encampment" These
speeches, which also occupied the early part
of the evening, were intersperced with
singing hy Mrs. W. l.. Sampson of Fox
croft Miss Nice II. Elliot of Monson, Dr
L. y. Merrill of Foxcroft, the Congrega-
'ional Quartet of Foxcroft and Dover,
comprising Miss Hattie Wyman, Mrs. W
l.. Satnpsoil, Mr.. G. G.. Nichols and DR. T..
d. MorriIl) reading by Miss Ida Page of
Guiford, defamation hy Frank Martin of
Guilforl, cornet solo hy Mr.. +. e. Adams.
and several selections ly the orchestra The
organ accompanmeuts were by Mrs. Lora
Over Merrill.
After this the grand ball concluded the
festivities of the dav II was Just what il
was intended that it should be. one of the
Irantlest dancing events ever known in the
town. The music was perfect and every
thing went merry as a marriage bell under
the able management of the floor directors,
Messrs. \. i. Edes and 4. G. IIibbard.
The committee of introduction comprised
well-known and prominent odd Fellows
from many different towns. Nothing had
been overlooked by the committee of
arrangements. comprising s. NJ. Gilc, \.
j. Goldtbwait. A. c. ilihbari, ]. \. Rand
and 5. e. Bennett. There were sixteen
| dances ON the order. and at intermission
supper was served tat the inn"
| The day has been wholly given up to this
/ celebration. All the mills have been shut
down and the schools of the village given a
| holiday. twas, on the whole. such cele-
bration as a town of the size of this seldom
sees and probably it has been the most
elaborate observance of the day in the en-
| tire State.