The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-05-28

ed by capital upon which rested the
insignia of the Blue Lodge. the Chap.
ter. the Council and the Commandery
Dropping to these and depending from,
far above were ropes and ropes OF
electrical lights. and swinging at inter-
walls were white doves--perhaps en-
blems of the peace the Templars enjoy
now long since the stormy cruel days
of the early fourteenth century. The
whole effect was of a lovely out -of-door
fete amid the trees and the verdure of
summer.
In the northwest corner of the ar
mory castle rose in stately majesty,
the lights cleaning through narrow
windows and grim portal. Opposite
was Templar camp. the small pointed
tents. the trees and the general sur
roundings making a unique point of
interest
over all and above ALL making a
splendid ,glimmer of colors through the
air. hung fold upon fold of gay bunt-
ing. the bold black and white of the
knights Templar, then the brilliant
contrast of red. white and blue. Di-
rectly over the centre was suspended
cross and crown that sparkled like
rubies in the cleaning radiance of
electric lights.
Far in the balcony at the Jefferson
avenue end was a gaily decorated
stand where Bauer and his large band
was stationed. The side balcony was
occupied by the Lawrence band.
What constituted the most artistic
feature of the decorative work was
ci ipp of hn II ;o
was particularly true of the electrical
pieces. Each piece was emblematic OF
Masonry. There We're triangles. circles
framing representations of the Masonic
apron, Maltese and Passion crosses,
squares. crossed swords and banners,
all designed with incandescent bulbs,
and over the front entrance We're large
electrical frames illuminating scenes
typical Of the Crusades.
At the heighth Of the head above the
base of each of the great steel rain
bows supporting the roof, We're dis
played clusters of ancient armorings
and weapons. Between each arch, at
the top of the side walls, We're clusters
of flags, their staffs set in place behind
shields.
The walls and ceiling We're entirely
hidden by great stretches of vari-tinted
bunting, the space between each arch
being covered with white, making an
effective background for the wealth Of
color and flood of light beneath.
Black and white. the Templar colors,
predominated in the festooning, but
there was sufficiency of the interme-
diate colors to fully relieve any SEM
b!ance of the funereal.
Greens were everywhere. Those sur
rounding the dance floor were of such
height and so profuse they almost shut
out view of the dancers from the
promenade along the sides and ends.
In every recess of the great hall, in the
corridors and on the staircases, palms
ana eVergreens added their attractive
ness.
AT each succeeding large ball in the
new armory it was thought the limit
or possibility had been reached in the
matter of reasonably expensive decoro-
tloh. Last nights ball showed that in
previous events the decorators had not
commenced to exhaust the possibilities.
"rand as We're the decorations of the
previous balls. last nights ball was
iar grander When its grandeur is sur
passed 1t Will be time to talk of the
limit of possibilities.
1t was also the biggest ball ever held
IN the armory. which. of course. makes
II the biggest ball ever held in North
eastern pennsylvania. There were full
~ o'ooo knights and ladies' present.
They began arriving at SIS and kent
coming In AN almost constant stream
until ii O'Clock. Between $50 and q 9O
O'Clock the entrance to the dancing floor
was iilled every moment with the en-.
tering throng.
AS the guests entered, they were ush-
cred to cloak rooms on the second floor
and after depositing their wraps mo-
ceeded to get the first view of the grand
spectacle which had been provided for
their delectation.
No one was admitted eXcept Kniabts
Templar and ladies accompanying them
The knights We're identified by their
full dress uniforms. without swords
Chapeaus were worn until late in the
night, when by sort of common con-
sent the knights, especially those fire.
quenting the dance floor. laid them
aside.
AT $50 began promenade concert.
Bauer's and Lawrence's band alternat-
ng in the following selections:
Overture. "Romantique' Keller Bella
"Stefanie" Faherbach
Bauers Band