The Somerset reporter., 1897-07-01
For the Reporter.
The p. NJ. Field Day
Asa visiting Lady Saw 1t,

| Quite number of ladies enjoyed the
Field day excursion to Skowhegan.
I Now don't be shocked timid sisters. We
have yet to learn that its against the
code of etiquette to accompany our hus-
bands when invited.
We left Saeo at noon, arriving at Port
land, were Joined by the Mass. delega-
CATION and others. All along the route
our numbers were increased by wearers
Of the bright uniform. At Augusta we
were joined by the Augusta aud Gardi-
ner Cantons. At Watefylle we were
Obliged TO wait an hour aud half for
our train. Here we were Joined by the
Ninalhaven, AroostoQk, Bangor and
other Cantons. The Wateryille Cantons
did themselves proud for the enter
/ tainment of the eheyaliers while waiting.
/ The place WAS prettily decorated in
honor of the occasion.
| A parade WAS soon formed, the visit.
! ing ladies were pleasantly surprised 10y
blackboard ride, thoughtfully provided
! by Capt. Gilpatrie. II was delight
/ full drive, Mrs. Gilpatrie and Mrs. Foster
accompanying and entertaining most
/ pleasantly. This gave US the best pos
| sible view of the parade from many
/ points of interest. As the Cantons
I marched down Main ST., with banners
/ flying aud plumes waving. with music
and martial procession, they were greet
ed on every side by an enthusiastic
crowd, and yet it was not the music
or banners, or uniforms, that inspired
enthusiasm. II was the ehevaliers in
/ inc. Il has been said at takes a
soul TO move body; it takes a high
sOuled man 10 move the Masses This
explained their greeting, ard had you
/ been in Buffalo, with me last August at
/ the Nati3n Cantonment you would
/ have realiz d that Maine ehevaliers ex-
eel those of other States.
A short atop was made at Or. Hills,
where excellent lemonade was served,
/ since which time "Wateryille lemon g
/ have been in great demand. All too
| soon the time came for Us To resume our
/ journey. However, we took most OF
our WaterVille friends with Us making
merry company. Arriving at Sko~he-
gan we We're ach assigned our quarters.
Most of the ladies preferred 10 lodge at
private houses. IL WAS our good fortune
with others to be entertained by Mrs.
/ W. +. Ordway, who proved most de-
| lightful hostess. She not only gave her
heart aud home, but took us driving,
showing us the principal places of in
/ terest, and the decorations about town,
| etc. Skowhegan is fortunate in having
| a lady of such rare refinement and aila-
| Utility among its plumbers.
Although ii rained Thursday, it did
not spoil the enjoyment of the chevaliers
/ Il II h I.F Ia
| foul or fair, each came for a good time,
and succeeded right merrily. After all,
whether at home or abroad, our happr-
ness depends much upon ourselves, for
"IIe who hath no inward beauty-none
Though ali around be beautiful"
Most of the visiting ladies met in infor
NAL reception in the paflor of Hotel
Coburn, enjoying the band concert and
making pleasant acquaihtances. Hops,
a drill, and short parade filled out the
programme of the day.
In the evening a banquet was served
to about $50 cheValers and ladies'. Two
score "bonnie lassies' served as wait
resses 1t WAS a very pretty sight AS
they marched to their respective tables,
each keeping step to the music of the
orchestra. The banquet was well or
dtred and fine in every respect. 1t goes
without saying, the "toasts" were enjoy
ed by all. After which the tables were
cleared for dancing. Those who re-
! turned to the hotels for rest found slum-
Der forbidden, care and business forgot
ten, and jollity reigned supreme through
the wee small hours till morn.
The Patriarchs Militant field day has
come to stay. 1t is right after its bust
ness routine has been concluded that it
be enjoyed by its members to the fullest
extent And, while it is not designed
for the ladies, yet it is very pleasant for
the wives of the different chevaliers to
meet and get acquainted. If you, my
sisters, look over your past lives you
will find you have taken comparatively
few pleasure trips with your husband.
| 1t is not often that we can go, while
necessary often that they must go. is
it to be wondered at that we grow ner-
vous and old before our time? III we
would oftener grasp these opportunities
as they pass we should be brighter and
happier. Then as the annual field day
comes around let as many of US as can,
avail ourselves of the opportunity to 90
and grow young. Let us go determined
to have good time among ourselves,
not 10 De Walted upon, OF interfere III any
way with the business routine of the
field day. 1t is wisest to make arrange
ments with private families for lodging.
In this way we should not intefere with
the nocturnal drills and paraphernalia of
the chevaliers. And, although there are
among their numbers
"1he lawyers so cunning, and editors sleek,
The doctors so modest, the reporters meek,
The merchant, with stereotyped smile on his
face,
The plumber, the earpenter-an in the race"
yet we have found the chevaliers most
appropriately named, for they are the
most chivalrous of all classes of men,
and think those who have been privi-
| legged to entertain them on their annual
field day, and those who have had the
pleasure of attending will shout with
one accord give the annual field day
of the Patriarchs Militant of Maine!
REBEKAU.
The Word "American" and
a