Smyrna times., 1904-06-01
MECHANICS GIVE JUBILEE
HONOR EIGHTH BIRTHDAY
STARS AND STRIPES COUNCIL CELEBRATE
EVENT WITH APPROPRIATE EXERCISES.
Addresses Were Made By Mayor Bird of Will
mlngtOT, NJ. N. WlIIitts of NiddIetown, Rev.
Dr.. Watt of Smyrna, and Others.

addresses were MADE BY Mayor Bird OF Will
mlugtOT, N. N. WlIIitts of MiddIetown, Rev.
Dr.. Watt Of Smyrna, and Others.
Thursday evening was a notable oc-
casion in the history of Stars and
Stripes Council No. 26, Junior Order
United American Mechanics, one of
Smyrna's most worthy organizations.
1t was the occasion of its eighth ami
versary and right royalty did they
celebrate it with their friends. Stars
and Stripe Council was organized
eight years ago with a charter mem
bership of thirty and mas grown since
then to a membership of over seventy,
winning last year a handsome banner
flag for the largest increase of mem
bership of any order in the State Coun-
Gil, gain of 120 per cent. So far this
year there has been fully gain of Is
per cent. and the order is in flourish
ing condition. It was therefore quite
fitting that they should celebrate their
eighth anniversary with some special
program. The room in Odd Fellows
Hall was tastefullY decorated with
American flags and bunting, and as
each member had the privilege OF in
vltlng a guest, the company num-
bered over a hundred.
WinOna Quartette Prevented From Coming.
There was considerable regret and
disappointment over the failure of the
WinOna Quartette of Wilmington to
make their appearance. They were to
have been present to furnish enter
tainment with their vocal selections.
but one of their number having been
locked up with murder jury in the
Wilmington Courthouse, they were
unable to come. The meeting was
presided over by Past Councillor E.
Marriott Fowler, who in few words
apolOgized for the absence of the
quartette, and spoke of the object of
the meeting. The musical features of
the program was furnished by Alfred
Tllghman with his phonograph. The
program opened with the ode and
prayer, after which Hon. Charles D.
Bird, mayor of Wilmington, was in
troduced and made an address. He
dwelt principally on the Orphans
Home, branch of the. Junior Order
United American Mechanics, and what
this worthy institution was doing for
the Mechanics. His remarks were greet
ed with applause. Merritt N. Willis.
Esq, of Middletown, and Mr.. John S.
johnson of Wilmington, followed the
mayor with few happy remarks COM
plimentary to the order, after which
Miss Anna Beckett favored the COM
pany with few choice recitations.
Social Evening Follows the Speechmaking.
One of the brightest talks of the
evening was that of Rev. DIR. Watt,
pastor of Asbury NJ. E. Church of this
town. 1t was in happy vein all the
way through and kept his hearers in a
state of laughter. He complimented
the local order on its fine membership
and was glad to see 80 many of Smyr-
mas young men in active service. He
regretted that his birthplace prevented
him from being member. He spoke
particularly on the magnificent princi-
pies of the order and said 1t was good
for any man to follow. He liked its
air of patriotism, it's America for
Americans, it's reverence and respect
for the Bible and its teachings, and It's
manifest interest in the Public School
system, and its restriction of immi-
grafton. Many of DIR. Watts remarks
were punctuated with hearty applause
and the members and friends went
away feeling better in touch with the
order than ever. Following the ad.
dresses refreshments were served and
pleasant social evening followed.