Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-02-20
BRILLIANT EVENT,
The Eighth Annual Grand Con-
cert, Drill and Ball
Of Belfast Division, No. 2, Uniform
Rank, Knights of Pthias.
The Social Event OF the Season Eclipsed All
Former Occasions.

Uhc grill nne!
1.-THE social event of the season. ~
Splendid musicn'
Looked like regular military ball. -
Must have been more than 100 men in
uniform
Didn't the ladies look nice!'
"Ncver saw the hall decorated so finely
before"
Such are few of the remarks of the
people who attended the grand social event
of the season at the Belfast Opera house
Tuesday evening.
The occasion was the eighth annual
concert, drill and ball of Belfast Division
No. 2, Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythas
These annual affairs given by the Sir
| knights have been grand in detail and
successful to the highest degree. But this
event SCENE to outshine all past efforts of
the Sir knights, and certainly leads all
social affairs that have transpired in Bel
fast this season. The people turned out
en- massc to honor the occasion and to rub
off the gloom that hard times has cast
over them for the past year. Seldom has
| the Opera house presented more attrac
| tive appearance than upon this evening,
and seldom has there been larger gather
ing of people therein. And they all looked
happy.
The hall decorations We're lavish and
artistic Dropping in graceful folds from
the large chandelier. red, white and blue
streamers extended like the ribbons from
the top of a Maypole In place of the
stage curtain We're large Gags united in
the centre by double Triangle of ferns,
resting upon which was a large white lily,
cmblematic of the order. Running along
the facing of the balconies were red, white
and blue bunting, caught up here and
| there by crossed swords and guns. DrOop-
ing in portiere style at the main entrance
were two large flags, above which was the
silken banner of the division. Strings of
electric lights extended to all parts of the
hall, giving an exceedingly brilliant aspect
to everything.
BY O'Clock every seat in the hall was
occupied and many people were standing.
A few minutes later there is the sound of
marching feet, the portiere is cast apart,
and into the hall march the Belfast Div
sion in full uniform and harness. As
they cross the hall, loud applause greets
the Sir knights, for they present a splendid
appearance.
| Attention, says Captain Francis
| WEIGH and the division prepares to receive
the colonel of the regiment Next; Col.
| II. e. Stewart of Waterville, colonel Of
the regiment of which this division is part.
| is escorted onto the floor. Very proud
looked the colonel in his glittcring uni
| form, as he strides forth to be received
with formality by the division. Captain
| Welch salutos him and he responds. The
division salutcs and is acknowledged, and
other formalities are gone through with.
Once more sounds the tramp of march
ing feet Attention, division, commands
Captain Welch. Into the hall marches
another body Of men in full uniform. 1t
is the officers and Chevaliers of Canton
Pallas, 2. NJ, No. 4, l. o o. f. They
are the guests OF the Sir knights of the
Belfast Division on this occasion. A fine
ight the Chcvaliers present in their hand
some uniforms as they enter the hall and
after few manoeuvres are received with
ceremony by the Knights. The officers
of Canton Pallas are Ralph House, COM
mandant; Fred V. Cottrell, lieutenant; j.
F. Clough, ensign.
Again there are marching feet and an
other body in full uniform, but carrying
guns instead of swords, enter the hall. 1t
is the Boys Brigade and they present
very warlike and military appearance
The boys are received with proper cere-
mony and the reception ends.
Next the Belfast band, 30 men. render
a charming concert of five selections
This is one of the best concert bands in
the State and way up in classic music
The concert was rich treat and deserved
the manifested applause of the audience
The instructor OF the band, Mr. Frank j.
Ripby. is a thorough musician, very popu-
lar. and deserves all the credit that can be
extended to him.
Now began the exhibition drill by the
famous drill squad of Belfast Division, Il
sir Knights. II is needless to make any
extended comment upon the squad. It Is
the acknowledged crack drill squad in the
State as has been proved at several prize
exhibitions in which 1t captured the prize.
The various eyolutions it performed last
evening were executed with great decl-
sion and ability. Especially when the sir
Knights marched into formations OF creek
Cross. ST Andrews Cross, trlangles ana
letters r. X p, did the audience thunder
ont applause at the perfection OF the
manoeuvres. Ii was splendlu eXhlpl-
tion and showed the result OF constant
drilling under the eyes OF competent
drill master Sir Knights, we salute you.
Rpt lot us take n look down the line ana
see who arc the Sir knights OF the squad
They are: Francis Fl, Welch, captain
W a. Kimball. Lieutenant; +. W. Patter-
son, herald; W. NJ. wclch, guard; W. Fl.
clifford. sentinel, and Sir knights Elmer
small. Frank G.. Mixer. A. A. hnlghI'
Arthur Bickneli. W. W. Prescott W. E
rar,er ! s. Burrows, L. L. Harmon, H.
" Knight, Charles Mahoney, } W.
waterman, f. n Hatch, J. X. BENNETT
Jobn Parker, \. j. Pottle, Arthur Whit
ney.
Next the Boys Brigade appeared on
the floor and gavea fine drill. The brigade
is composed of high school boys ana they
aconitred themselves nobly. Their cvolu-
49,. ,yere strictly of military nature, in
which S,b they showed much ability TIE
sndience was greatly pleased at the show
me- ;na Of the boys. The officers Of the brigade