The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-02-15
FOrester,s BANQUET.

court KaVenna, "A. O r. OF A.s gave an en-
tertainment and banquet. Friday night, at their
new hall, that credit to the organization
and thoroughly enjoyed by over four hundred
attendants.
The large room was crowded with people
who listened to the various renditions and exer-
cises with ever varying expression as the num-
bers passed from the pathetic to the humorous,
or dipped in the tragic.
The selections were exceptionally good, and
exceptionally well presented.
John Canning gave what might be termed the
musical salutatory, playing with remarkable
skill on the harmonica and guitar at the same
time. He was encored, and right here it may
be said that every participant would have been
recalled had it not been deemed necessary to
request that further encores be omitted, owing
to the length of the program.
The opening address by H. M. Wright Esq.
was masterpiece of entertaining talk, being
historical summary of the origin and growth of
the Order, and brief exposition of its objects.
The Order claims, with the Masons, an origin
of pre-Adamic date, but the first authentic ac-
count of its organization goes back TO 1745, in
England. 1t was formed to remedy the troubles
and hardships OF the people, and materialized
in the shape of Robin Hood and his followers,
who, while they would be called robbers today,
nevertheless had moral purpose in all their
illegal appropriations, namely, the keeping of
the poor. Their lodge or fortress was in dense
forest in Yorkshire. AT that time numerous
body came into existence known as the Royal
Foresters, with the King or Queen as its head.
After few years trouble arose because of the
first Court taking upon itself the character of
Supreme Court and arrogating to itself the
functions of a perpetual superior, all subsequent
Courts first obtaining permission from it before
they could organize, and being obliged also to
pay it tribute. This fraternal tyranny grew
worse with the years, and finally resulted in
new organization-the A. o. F. of today.
Among the first objects were protection from
the numerous bands of robbers that piled their
trade in universal England at that day. The
candidate was obliged to prove himself first
with the sword. and then with the club, and if
worthy was then admitted to membership.
The first organization IN the United States
was in 1890. in Philadelphia under the old name
of Royal Order of Feresters.
The Order now has a total membership of
100000. In this country there are 1000 Courts
and 100 900 members.
1t is a matter of pride to know that Court
Ravenna is the banner organization of the State.
1t is also the third in size, Dayton and Cleve-
land leading it in the order named. 1t has a
membership of $50, and surplus in its treasury
of nearly S13oo-
DR.. Finney was first called to the highest Of
fee, and J. H. Jones to the Secretaryship.
The Court has been splendidly oficered.
which is great factor in its phenomenal growth,
of which every member is justly proud.
The speaker closed by welcoming one and all
to the festivities of the evening.
The address was most happily worded, and
and delivered with that ease and grace that
comes from sincerity of utterance and the nat
ural expressions of an active mind.
1.-The Lightning Rod Dispenser" was an ell
ocutionary triumph for Miss Mabel Rogers. an
excellent amateur, who will do well to push on
in the art.
Miss Gertrude Jones sang a solo in charming
voice. Her tones are sweet and correct, and
there is satisfaction in listening to her that is
explained in two words-naturalized art.
Miss Jennie Sapp brought down the house in
(" The New Lochinvar." She is always good.
A quartette, ,"Come Where the Lilies Bloom. y
from Misses Severance and Heimes and Messrs
Nunemaker and Mowen. was well received.
Miss Maud Chapman, in 1.-The Rail Road
Map" carried her hearers to the topmost peak
of humorous delight. Vivacious and sparkling
partially tell the story.
A song and quartette from Mr.. and Miss Mills
and Mr.. and Miss Jones, was heartily applauded
Perhaps the gem of the evening was recita.
ton from Miss Paulina Marvin, Christmas al
the Quarters" Her imitation, in voice and
expression. of the negro dialect. is almost per
feet. No higher compliment could be paid hel
than one unwittingly made by an attentive list
ener. who sang out in tones loud enough to be
heard all over the hall, " can't understand {
word she says An almost literal truth of tht
genuine dialect This created roar of laugh
ter, in which even Miss Marvin stopped to join
The applause that came after she had finished
was perfect salvo, and it was several minute
after Misses Jones and Mills had commenced {
selected duet, before the last smile faded from
the audience. The young ladies sang well, re
tiring with well earned plaudits
The last recitation was from Miss Mau
Smith, who in faultless delineaton told the olC
but ever thrilling story of Damon and Pythias
Miss Smith possesses good talent and is re
markably far advanced in the art, for one VIII
has come into the ranks so lately.
A glee club of seven young boys sang "Goot
Night, after which came the supper and dane
ing.
The Foresters " did themselves proud" an
their wonderful growth and prosperity show
them to be one of the best organizations in ii
city.