Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1893-02-11
The Masonic Banquet.

The people OF Custer have been af-
forded many opportunities to enjoy
themselves during the past week, bat
it is quite probable that the Masonic
banquet, "Wednesday evening, was more
thoroughly improved and appreciated,
than were any Of the others. The en-
tertainment was planned and prepared
by Master Masons w. F. Hanley, F. 3.
Towner, j. B. Foster and r. w. Wind
sor. upon whom third degree had but
recently been conferred, and seventy
five ladies' and gentlemen of Custer
were invited to participate in the festiv-
titles. notwithstanding the fact that the
snow was falling fat and furious Wed
nesday night, nearly every invitation
was accepted, and at $50 o'clock the
lodge room of the fraternity was COM
fortably filled with Masons and their
guests OF both sexes. In anticipation of
the event the large and handsome room
had been furnished as elegantly rs a
drawing room, and the reception and
caring for of gnests was managed as
nicely as it coSid have been in any
home.
The program which had been prepar-
ed was chiefly of musical character,
and w. w. olds, acting as master OF
ceremonies in his courtly manner, an
nounced the different numbers. Tbs
musIciI talent Of the town had been
drawn into service to provide this feat
ure Of the entertainment, and vocal and
instrumental selections, faultlessly rend-
cred, followed each other in quick sue,
cession during the two hours proceeding
the banquet. The literary feature OF
the program was a reading by Miss
Grace Johnesse The selection was en-
titled "The Jiner," and was entirely ap-
propriate to the occasion. That II was
enjoyed was evincsd by the applause it
evoked.
At ten o'clock supper was announced,
and the company repaired to the ban.
quet hali-the dining room of the Klee-
mann, where 50 many feasts have been
served and partaken of on previous
similar occasions. Sixty-eight plates
were laid on two tables. each of which
extended from one end to the other of
the spacious dining hall. The table ap-
pointment was elegant in every detail,
the service excellent, and the menu as
extensive as the season would permit.
An hour was passed in the discussion
of the repast, and then after dinner
speeches were made the order. B. r.
Wood was first called upon, and as Q
representative Of the guests of the even
ing. expressed his appreciation Of the
splendid entertainment, and paid an
eloquent tribute to the order which gave
IT, A number Of the Masons responded
briefly but aptly. w. +. Hanley, as
one of those who had been lately re-
ceived into the order. spoke earnestly
aud sloquently of its noble purposes
and grand achievements, and expressed
the satisfaction he felt in becoming q
member of an organization, so ancient
and yet 90 sound. 90 highly respected,
and 80 worthy Of the world vide pres
tige It possesses. The remarks of the
different gentlemen. prompted rs they
were by their pleasant surroundings
and the occasion itself. were listened to
with interest. 1t was q happy thought
which suggested the amer dinner
speeches.
. The banquet over, nearly everyone re-
turnsd to the Masonic lodge room.
whore a;kh Gye, Whist, is,oso u,asic, anu
. general good tiuas were enjoyed for
two or three hours. II was long aiter
midnight when the company broke up.
and "silencs reigned IN the castle hall"
The Masonic banquet will long bs re-
membered a. one Of the chief events
In the social history Of Custer. Every.
thing combined TO make IL q success.
The members Of the fraternity, cele
brsted % they are for their hospitality,
fairly outdid themselves. Formality
was cast aside all giving themselves
mp 10 thorough enjoyment, and
the hours sped BY on the wings Of the
wind. Messrs. Hanley, Townsr, Foster
and Windsor deserve special congratn-
lntion. To commemorate an important
eroch in their lives, they planned q
pleasant evening for their friends. and
achieved grand success. The enter
tafnmsnt Was royal In every respect.