The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-12-05

The attendance at the big Masonic
fair was quite large again last night,
and the cash receipts during the eve
ming gratifying. Especially nota-
BILE features were a brilliant ger
man held in Commandery and
Chapter Hall, the awarding of
a number of valuable prizes, the auc-
ton sale of a town lot which had been
donated to the fair. and the serving
of the usual delicious supper to an I'M
usually large number Of patrons. Then,
too, there was in addition. the usual
round of fun which has made the fair
apartments SO deservedly popular as a
rendezvous for pleasure seekers.
A DELIGHTFUL GERMAN.
One of the most brilliant social fea-
lures which a yet transpired in con-
nection with the fair was the german
from 10 to / O'Clock last night, the
dancing having continued for more
than an hour after the regular fair
apartments were closed for tie night.
The clubmen of L'Arioso German Club
and L'Agile COtillon Club contracted
with the fair management for the eX-
elusive use of the Commandery and
Chapter Hall from 10 to l o'clock and
also with the supper department of
the fair for a delicious luncheon TO be
served the german party about mid
night. There were about forty club
men and ladies in attendance, the la
dies attired in lovely evening costumes
and the gentlemen in full dress.
COLONEL MARTIN AS AN AUC-
TONER.
The lot auction sale was conducted
by Colonel Martin in person about $50
o'clock. He stood upon the stairway
leading up to the supper roo and as
a prelude to the crying Of the sale, an
bounced that the lot was situated on
the asst side of Fourteenth street, be-
tween Dawson and Wright streets;
that it had been donated by Mr.. w. M.
Cumming and was 33x75 feet. The first
bid WIS 81, which was gradually rails
ed to $25.75, at which price il was
knocked down to Mr.. NJ. S. Willard.
Colonel Martin did the auction act"
beautifully. Ia fact, the patrons of the
fair are convinced that whatever he
undertakes he executes "to the queens
taste"
SOME NOTABLE DRAWINGS.
One of the most valuable prizes
drawn last night was from ST. Johns
Lodge booth. 1t was a very fine ham
merless gun, which was awarded to
Mr.. George w. Hewlett. This drawing
was by Mr.. J. S. Armstrong, president
of the First National Bank.
Other notable drawings were as fol-
lows:
Orient Lodge observation-disclosures lace
handkerchief by Colonel John L. Cant
well.
st. Johns Lodge Booth-Art album
by Mr.. w. c. McGeachey.
Concord Chapter BOoth-Silk UNI
brella by Mr.. E. P. Parker.
Country Store-Pair of shoes by Mrs.
A. Montag.
Shrine observation-disclosures chair by
Country Store-A rocker by Miss
Crissie Black.
Lemonade Stand-Baskets of fruit by
Mr.. J.. H. Carter and Mr.. John Hill
Bunting.
Country ~Store-Sugar and cream set
by Mr.. T. j. Lewis.
SPLENDID RESULTS AT COUNTRY
STORE.
Colonel Martin in speaking of the
country store said that the cash re-
ceipts from this feature of the fair sur
pass any fair he has ever held before.
He was counting on $70O or $500 from
the country store during the two weeks
of the fair. but an estimate made last
night shows that the ladies of the COM
mittee in charge have already taken
in 1910, SO that the total income from
that feature of the fair alone will be
very much over 81, 900. Colonel Martin
says that the largest total receipts he
ever a from a fair vas SIS. 900 and of
that amount 81 900 was from the coun-
try store.
FAIR NOTES OF INTEREST.
Messrs. Alexander Sprunt & Son
presented the fair with a fine large
standard bale of cotton yesterday. 1t
will be sold at auction on Saturday
night.
Tonight will be Red Mems Evening"
and indications are hat one Of the
largest crowds hat has yet attended
will be On hand.
The ladies of the supper committee
will serve a tempting Thanksgiving
menu, for which the usual prices will
prevail.
The ball room will be open to the
public as usual tonight from 10 to II