Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-02-25
THEIR 3lsr ANNIVERSARY.
The Washington Club Celebrates It-Lsree
Attendance and Jolly Time.

Not February 22nd passes, nor hai
passed for 81 years, but that the Wash
ington Club has celebrated it In al
appropriate manner, and as the years
roll by, each gathering seems the best
The meeting was held in Hotel Bel
ding and during the day there were
over one hundred present, and Judging
from the hearty greeting and social
intercourse and interest taken In the
business portion of the meeting, II
capped the climax in enjoyment oil
former gatherings. At 1890 o'clock
the meeting was called TO order by
President Sprague in the spacious
parlors and Rev. b. " Child offered
prayer.
In the absence OF K. G. Watkins
who was TO deliver the address OF vel
come, Fred A. Washburn was called
upon to perform that duty and he was
equal to the occasion, rendering a
pleasant welcome to all. f. F. Grabill
in behalf of the club responded.
After the grand old song, America, ,
was sung, memorials of the late Mrs
w. ID. Johnson and ID. Carey Epson
were read by Il. +. Sprague and M. j.
Demorest. 1t was urged that on the
death OF a member there should be a
large representation OF the club at the
| funeral and on motion it was decided
that floral emblem, an anchor, should
be placed on the casket. &. G. Merritt
was elected to look after that work
Dinner came at two o'clock and a
more sumptuous repast nor better
service never graced an event in this
city. 1t was under the personal super
vision OF Mr.. and Mrs. Hetherington
and the 81 guests who sat at table
were pleased beyond expression. The
menu was a fine one. At each plate
was a beautiful carnatlon and the din
ing room girls wore their prettiest
dresses and smiles and were attentive
to every want. Over an hour was con
suned in the enioyme of the feast.
At 1870 o'clock President Sprague
gave his annual address, briefly follow
ed by the report OF the goat keeper in
verse, full of fun and praise for the
new Billy" Candidates who had
heard the goat was dead now changed
expression in thought and count
enances. Kate Ferguson, assisted by
Miss Minnie Luce at the piano, sang a
beautiful solo. and Ernest Ludlow and
Mr.. Prefer gave some fine music on
guitar and banjo.
The election of officers resulted: h.
Middleton, president; G. G.. Merritt,
secretary; Mrs. John Ashley, treasur-
err; NJ. J. Demorest, goat keeper.
They were Immediately indicted
into office by installing officer, John +.
Taylor. The matter of new members
hereafter presenting applications was
left with the old committee of '76.
The following candidates were then
introduc to the goat, F. K. Ranney
and F. A. Washburn having groomed
that animal for special work on this
occasion: w. b. Wells, Geo. Hop
POUCH, Fred Ashley, +. B. Lapham,
L. K. Fales, n. ID. Thomson, II. Lad
ner and their wives. The latter were
allowed 20 observe his antics while the
men were put to the test.
The memorable day closed with the
banquet at o'clock which was another
spread of feast, reason and flow of soul.
w. b. Wells was POSTMASTER and
wittily introduced the speakers who
handled the toasts in such manner
that they sparkled with wit, humor and
logic. inspirations we draw from
the day we celebrate j. K. Taylor.
Seeds TO SOW along life's pathway, y
las. Satterlee. THE heroines OF to-
day." Mrs. II. l.. Bower. 1.-THE COM
ing woman" F. K. Ranney. THE
women who are here, VIM. Lessiter
"Our new members" F. a. Washburn.
political hash OF 1885," l.. W..
Sprague. impressions of the goat, :"
f, B. Lapham.
Aud Lang Syne was sung by the
entire company and the 3lst anniver-
sary of the Washington Club passed
into history.