Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-08-10
ODD-EELLOWS HAVE FUN,
Richmond Lodges River Excur-
sion a Most Delightful Affair.

sion Most Delightful Affair.
The excursion given down James river
yesterday by Richmond Lodge, No. |,
OF Odd-fellows, was one Of the most
delightful outings of the season. This
thrifty and progressive lodge has had q
celebration of some kind each year
since its organization and all of them
have been pleasant, but none sur
passed that of yesterday in the mat
ter of enjoyment for all in the Jolly COM
pany. The conception of day trip
down the river proved happy one in
deed.
The Ariel, with merry company,
embracing members of the lodge and
their families and a few friends, left her
wharf at 800 A. NJ, went as far as Bran
don, the historic home of the Harrisons,
where an hours stop was made, and re-
turned to Richmond just in time for the
now tired pleasure-seekers to enjoy
light suppers and a night Of sound slum-
Der.
EVERYTHING WE'LL ARRANGED.
All of the arrangements for the days
celebration were we'll laid and nicely
carried ont. There was not hitch of
any kind. Amusements of one kind or
another were constantly in progress, and
every possible attention was shown by
the committee and others to the guests
of the lodge. There was not dull hour
during the day. Iardella's String Band.
in which were John Baseler and several
other first-class performers and fine en-
tertainers as well, furnished music for
dancing, several ladies and gentlemen
played ON the guitar and mandolin, the
orchestrien filled in resting spells, and
several vocal selections were rendered
by an impromptu chorus, and Messrs.
James Z. Wood and Charles Loefller ia
vored the audience with solos, the latter
singing in his native tongue. 1t will,
therefore, be seen that good music was
one of the important factors in the days
pleasure.
The day was just suited for such an
outing. The sun sbone with considera-
bic warmth, but there was a fine
breeze, and the heat was not at all OPP
pressiye.
PRIZES PRESENTED.
The ride down the river was enjoyed
by all, and especially by the fifty or
more children ON board. The Ariel
pulled into the wharf at Brandon about
2:20 o'clock. and nearly all of the pas
sengers went ashore. Many walked up
to look at the house and grounds,
though they did not apply for admis-
sion others strolled along the river
bank, and large party Of gentlemen
took swim III the stream about mile
around the bend above the landing.
But il was soon after the start for
homo had been made TINT the most
amusing feature Of the day occurred.
This was the presentation OF prizes.
After band selection MIR. George b.
Davis announced that it had been de-
cided to award the prize for the hand
soonest man in the lodge to ex-
Commonwealth Attorney Harry
Smith, and Mr.. Lewis Tucker
nado a very witty two-minute speech
in delivering the trophy, which, upon
being divested of three coverings of
paper, proved TO be three large links
made Of tin and suspended from blue
ribbon. The cver-ready member of the
bar said he would ever wear the vatu-
able souvenir rs watch-charm and
would hand 1t down to posterity, though |
il he came to be hard pressed for bread |
and meat be might have 10 pawn it.
Mr.. Loetiier. the largest and iolliest |
man on the boat, was given the prize for |
Icing the ugliest man in the party.
Mr.. Davis made the award in hand |
some speech In which be paid him high |
compliment a. an Odd-Fellow and COM
fortcd bis feelings by saying that In al |
nations the brainisst roen were among
the ugliest. When Mr.. Davis uncovered |
q board on which there was twelve inch |
hoYse-cslae And handed il 70 Mx. Loefiisr |
the audience cheered yocife{cusly. The |
recipient said he ooulaAhardly hare besn