Rocky Ford enterprise., 1894-05-03

La Junta was alive with the 'three
link" brethern last Thursday. The
lodges at Grenada, Lamar, Las Animas,
Rocky Ford and La Junta were repre-
sented. A parade took place at l :3O p.
m. amid the worst dust storm OF the year,
the Rocky Ford and La Junta bands
lending the procession. Returning the
Odd Fellows, visitors and citizens assem-
bled in the capacious opera house which
was crowded. Qf the management OF the
opera house would spend $50 in decora-
tive papering it would add $500 to its in
terror appearance.) Tho exercises opened
with music by an excellent double quar-
tette, prayer by Rev. w. F. Hart and
song by tho high school pupils. A short
address of welcome was made by A. w.
English, in the absence OF Mayor Bonn
gartner. Grand master w. A. De Busk,
OF Trinidad, responded, and spoke OF the
wonderful growth Of the order in 70
years-from to 100000 Odd Fellows.
or for good by reason of its exemplifca-
ton OF the principles OF friendship, love
and truth.
After the singing of the musical mu-
scum" by the double quartette, DIR. j. NJ.
Norman, past grand secretary Of Denver,
delivered and able and eloquent address.
He did not neglect to refer to Colorado
as the finest gem in the diadem Of States,
which was followed by sketch OF Col.
Pixies expedition, which formed the
foundation of our great State, which now
contains 80 large following of the bene-
ficient order of Odd Fellows. The prin-
ciples of the order Friendship, love and
truth" were referred to as more enduring
than the everlasting mountains and key
to the happiness OF the human race. He
paid high tribute to the Order as an in
stitution for the development Of moral
and intellectual life-for character build
ing. DIR. Norman decked his address
with pictures from nature, mentioning
mountains to make the valleys blossom as
the rose. The song OF birds, the breath
of balmy air, and a wealth Of beautiful
imagery characterized the speech, which
was further adorned with choice garlands
from the realm Of poesy.
After q solo by Mrs. Thos. Hoffmire
and a selection from the Rocky Ford
Junior band, Judge Voorhees, spoke
briefly. He said he was impressed with
the importance and helpfulness OF the
foundations Of the Order, the principle
principles of the universal brotherhood OF
man was the cause Of such demonstra-
ions as the Coxey armies, which now are
attracting 80 much thoughtful attention
A solo by Miss Maggie Hoffmire was
followed by an address by J. Jay, Of Las
Animas, past grand master and organizer
Of the first lodge in the state, which was
chartered in Denver in 1864. This was
followed by a short speech by O. @.
Washburn, of Rocky Ford, who dwelt on
topics designed to promote the growth Of
the Rebecca degree.
After music by the La Junta band,
Judge James Hoffmire spoke, who was
followed by the closing remarks by A.W.
English.
Thirty minute sessions OF the Rebecca
and subordinate lodges were then held
for the explanation Of the secret work.
In tho evening the opera house was con-
verted into ball room.
In the Organization the A. V. o. F. A.
A. our fellow-citizen, 81. A. Dawley, was
selected as vice-president for Rocky Ford,
and Mrs. Anna Dye chosen as vice-presi-
dent for the Rebecca degree.