The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1895-08-08

of which any lodge might be proud. In
the spring of 1887 the lodge purchased
of Mrs. Emma R. Bishop the brick
building on Main-st., and three years
later fitted up its second and third sto-
ries for lodge and ante rooms.
Its hall was handsomely furnished and
equipped with all the paraphernalia re-
quisite for imposing work, and the lodge
fort hwith took to itself new impetus
q fresh lease of a life. even then vigorous
and healthful. The surroundings served
as an inspiration for officers and men,
bers alike. and IFS work was the admir-
alton of even the grand officers of the
state, who took occasion to visit it by
invitation. %
During the ensuing Ave years, and un-
til tie spring Of 1895. Notable improve
meats werenadeip The iutezior e tie
hall. and richer and handsomer furni-
tufe and fixtures were added from tiaae
to time. But withaA this enterprise and
progress. a majority OF the lodge de-
manded something better-something
more in accordance with the
rapid growth in prosperity and
importance OF the, lodge. The
organization of the Daughters
o! Rebekah little more than year
ago intensified this demand, which has
just now found full expression in the
complete overhauling of the building
within and without, and the dedication
of the entire structure to the require
ments of the order. The brick front was
covered with steel, In limitation of cut
stone. which has given the building an
imposing appearance. and made it the
handsomest structure in the city. But
this was really an Insignificant feature
of the change which has been wrought.
The basement was. CONCERTED into a
large, we'll lighted dining room. capable
of easily accommodating hundred
persons at table, with thoroughly
equipped kitchen and furnishings in the
rear of it, and back of that commo.
dious store room. It is as convenient in
every detail as the most exacting
house-keeper could desire.
But it is the first or street floor which
has contributed most to making the
building the perfect thing that it is, not
only in beauty. but tor practical uses.
The front was radically changed by
grouping the plates of glass in the CEN
ter and on either side putting into deep
recesses heavy oaken doors with plate
glass panels. with stained transoms.
Over the windows stained and cathedral
glass adds to the beauty OF the exterior.
These doors open into ante or reception
rooms. one for the first floor, and one
for the lodge room above, access to
which is gained by a handsome stair
case. In the rear OF the ante rooms is a
beautiful auditorium. seated with two
hundred opera chairs, floored with oiled
spruce, brilliantly lighted by day with
spacious and beautifully draped win-
| dows. and by night with a myriad Of
electric lights-an ideal hall for lectures.
or other entertainments. And the bet.
ter to serve the later purpose, an addi-
ton was built in the rear 20x22 feet in
which permanent stage was erected
with full equipment OF scenery. A hand
somer lecture hall could not be desired
The walls and ceiling are richly papered
and the effect is not only cheerful, but
beautiful. It 10 gem-large enough to
accommodate large party or audience
and small enough to make sociability q
necessity.
The Daughters OF Rebekah. who are
given to hospitality, will find in this hall
and the rooms beneath, which are Of