The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-27
r. E. SIR JAMES H. CODDING,
OF Towanda, Grand Commander, 1893.


r. E. SIR JAMES H. CODDING.
OF Towanda, Grand Commander 1888.
visitors of being at home where 1t was
possible for them to wear their elegant
full dress gowns, which ladies travel
ing from q distance would hesitate to
entrust to the running agencies or
trunk or travelling case. Many or the
visiting ladies', however, appeared IN
full evening dress. A number wore
semi-evening dress, which, from their
richness of coloring and material. were
fully as attractive as the others and
tended to relieve the monotony OF the
lighter shades.
what shall be worn to the Temp
lars ball?" has, Of course, been the
uppermost question In many feminine
minds for weeks past. One young lady
at present visiting in Scranton, whose
home Is many hundreds of miles away.
has been considerably exercised for
several days past over the non-arrival
Of q gown expected from home. Yes
terday she made special trip to the
express office, where she attempted to
bribe the accommodating expressmah
with view of securing the special de-
livery Of the desired garment
FINE FLORAL DISPLAY.
The floral display and decorations
were. like all of the other compile
ments of the event, suitable, to the
lime and occasion. AS in the decora-
tions which have converted the main
thoroughfares of the city during the
past two days into a dreamland Of
variegated colors, the electric lights
and figures played q prominent part.
A number Of these were Masonic en-
blems, but scores OF red, white and
blue incandescent lights were strung
about the boxes and balconies and in
tertwined in the floral stringers hang
ing from the ceiling to the balcony.
possessing no greater significance than
being indicative of the pleasing art OF
the decorator.
The most artistic sence OF the electric
ian's and florists art was used in the
interior decorations. From the top OF
the proscenium was suspended a huge
red cross the outline of which was
emblazoned with red incandescent
lamps, and attached to it's top was the
crown symbol, also electric. About the
arch in large white incandescent let
tering appeared "43'd Annual Con-
claye'
Red. white and blue lights appeared
everywhere. among the strings OF laurel
which were strung from the top of the
proscenium high above the dancers
heads, and along the front of the bal
cony and gallery railings. Roses, car
nations, honeysuckle, rhododendrons
and snow balls dotted and relieved the
green laurel. which hung over the rail-
ings, Of balcony, gallery and boxes and
enclosed the elevated music stand. The
electrical work was done by the Subur-
ban company, under the direction of c.
s. Jennings. Clark was the florist.
THEY ARRIVED EARLY.
As early as 8.15 o'clock the Sir
Knights and their fair companions be-
gan to arrive. The early birds Were
nearly all Out-Of-town parties and they
showed their wisdom in entering the
theater so soon. as by 9.15 o'clock the
main and balcony floors were literally
packed with guests. Until 10 O'Clock
the stream Of guests was uninterrupt-
ed, and finally the theater contained the
largest throng in its history. Hundreds
were unable to obtain seats and scores
couldn't get even desirable standing
room until late In the evening.
The crush was so great that Chief Of
the Fire Department Hickey, fearing
fatal consequences from a possible
fire panic, ordered the aisles cleared,
the draperies tied back from the exits
and doorways and everything else done
to. facilitate vacating the theater. Six
fireinen were on duty in all parts Of
the structure until after it was closed
for the night.
The music was a delightful feature.
1t was executed by twenty orchestra
and as many band pieces. forty in all.
and was under the direction of Profess
sor r. J. Bauer.
running supper was served begin
ming at 10 O'clock in the specially built
DINING hall at the rear of the the
ater building. and to which entrance
was made from the stage Hanley was
the caterer and was assisted by corps
Of fifteen walters and a large kitchen
force. The menu as as follows:
Sliced Tongue.
Ham Sanwiches.
Bread and Butter Sandwiches.
t' Crescents.
Pickles. Olives. Radishes.
Angelfood Cake. Layer Cake:
Chocolate cfss iss crea1e nne0"nu' Cake
.fA Lemonade.
IN THE BOXES.
The lower boxes were occupied by the
grand commandery officers and their
wives. For a brief period r. T.. Sir
United States and r. +. Sir John 8.
Bartlett, Of Buffalo, past grand COM
mander of New York, were present
the latter being accompanied by Mrs.
and Miss Bartlett.
Following half hour Introductory
concert the ball was opened by one Of
the best conducted grand marches ever
seen In Scranton, especially SO consid-
ering the great number which particle
puated and the groups which occupied
the edge Of the dancing space. The
march was led by Sir ]. Frank Siegel,
master Of ceremonies. and Mrs. siegel;
E. Sir w. L. Connell, chairman of the
general committee on the reception and
ball, and Mrs. George F.. Barnard. Sir
George B. Jermyn and Mrs. Jermyn,
and Sir Rufus j. Foster and Mrs. Nor
man Foster. The dance programme
consisted Of thirty-six numbers.
No one thing was forgotten which
concerned the comfort of dancers and
spectators. Two large check rooms
were maintained, one on either side Of
the arcade entrance, while In the thea.
ter dressing rooms alert maids attend
( ed the toilets Of the ladies. The gentle.
mems smoking and dressing rooms were