Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1898-11-12
The Remarkable Growth of a
New and Popular Frater-
nal Society.
A Large Number of Ladies and
Gentlemen Attended the
Exercises.
BANNER BRANcH OF THE COUNTRY

The largest audience that ever assem-
bled in Markers Hall, Seventeenth and
Main streets, gathered there Wednesday
evening, the occasion being the celebra-
ton of the eighth anniversary of the
organization Of Branch 2 of the Catholic
Knights and Ladies of America, today
the banner branch of the United States.
Branch No. 2was organized eight years
ago i'll one of the larger rooms of st. Pat
rick's parochial school, with Mr.. Patrick
Holley as its President. From the first 1t
proved popular movement, and the low
assessment rate and improved plan upon
which it was conducted resulted in Undue
ing many to leave other fraternal socie-
ties to become members of the new body.
Today it possesses a substantial reserve
fund, with between 1870 and 40 branches
in thirteen States.
Louisville enjoys larger percentage of
membership than any other city, with
Chicago close second. The member
ship is increasing rapidly, and the officers
boast of the fact that the cost of insur-
ance and sick benefits is less than in any
similar society in the United States. Or
ganizers are at present doing successful
work in Nebraska, Michigan and Mis-
souri,, and Ohio will be invaded in a few
DAYS, when branches will be established
in Cleveland and Cincinnati.
The assemblage was called to order by
President Tom keenan,, and after the
transaction of the necessary business
Brother OBrien was called to the chair to
preside over the social session, and it
proved happy selection. Mr. O'Brien
in accepting the honor delivered a most
interesting and instructive address, recit-
ing the history of the branch and paying
glowing tribute to thezea and earnest
ness of the officers and members. The
Chairman then introduced President
keenan,, who gave brief synopsis of the
work accomplished by the branch and
the prominent part its representatives
took in the councils of the national body.
Among other things, he stated that men,
bers of No. 2 had filled with distinction
every office i'll the Supreme Council-one
of its members, Miss Mary +. Sheridan,
having been honored with the First Vice
Presidency, and subsequently becoming
President on the death of, Mr.. McGoff,
and is at present Supreme Treasurer.
Another member whom Branch delights
to refer to is DIR. William b. Doherty,
who from the first has held the Office of
Supreme Medical Examiner. Mr.. Thorn
as Henley was also complimented as a
representative of the branch, he having
held the offices of Supreme Secretary and
later Supreme President. The remarks
of the President were received with
enthusiasm.
Chairman O'Brien announced that no
prearranged programme had been ar
ranged, but called from the audience the
following ladies and gentlemen, who con-
tributed greatly to the entertainment of
the invited guests. Each performed his
or her part exceedingly we'll, and it
would be unjust to discriminate. The
following was the impromptu programme:
Duet-Msses Rose Zottman and Annie
Eady.
Vocal solo, Loves Serenade"-Miss
Carrie Scally.
Vocal solo, "She Was Bred in Old Ken
tucky"-Miss Bee Mullarkey.
Vocal solo, "Black Sheep Loves You
Best"-Miss Minnie Timmons.
Address, Review of Branch No. 2-Miss
Mary f. Sheridan.
Address by the Branch's First Presi-
dent-Mr. Pat Holley.
Vocal solo, 1.-The Song That Reached
My Heart"-Miss Charlotte Walsh.
Vocal solo, Break the News to
Mother"-Miss Nettie Timmons.
Address by the Supreme Medical Di-
rector-Dr. w. B. Doherty.
Vocal solo, "You'se My Lady Love-
Miss Bee Mullatkey.
Address by the Former Supreme Presi-
dent-Mr Thomas Henley.
Comical solo-Miss Minnie Timmons.
The review of Branch by Miss Mary
E. Sheridan was most complete one,
and demonstrated the wisdom of the con-
fidence placed in her by the entire mem
bership. She was the first lady to be
honored with the Presidency of national
body comprising male members, which
speaks volumes for her executive ability
DIR. William B. Doherty, who was cho
sen Supreme Medical Director of the
Knights and Ladies at the first national
convention, and has held the Office evei
since, was next introduced to the audi
ence. He explained the methods pur
sued to prevent the assessments from be
coming burdensome. He predicted thai
this would become in the near future the
leading fraternal body in the United
States. The remarks which he directed
to the young ladies created much merri
ment.
Mr.. Charles ]. Dittoc lent his valuable
assistance by rendering several pathetic