Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-17
Mr.. Fairbanks Address.

He said, In part:
Il wish to congratulate you upon the sue
cess which the order of Knights of Pythias
has achieved. 1t is one OF the wholesome
influences, not only in this community but
throughout the United States. 1t has &C
complished much in little more than two
score years OF its existence. 1t has always
seemed TO me that Its birth came at an OPP
perfume moment. 1t founded in the
closing years of the great civil conflict.
when the land was filled with the scars of
war and the hearts of our people We're
stirred with asperi,ies. 1t was fortunate,
indeed. that a great organization, such "a
|. this, should then come into exstence-an
organization whose purpose was to bind
men together in the blessed bonds OF fra
ternity.
This order had its birtS in beautiful
conception It took its inspiration from the
story of Damon and Pythias, who showed
the world the matchiess sublinity of true
friendship. The story has become an old
one. 1t has come down 10 us through the
centuries. inspiring and uplifting peoples
of all countries.
This fraternity In little more than
forty years has grown until its membership
numbers nearly 100000. scattered through
out the limits of the country. What won
derful influence for good. The order, II
true to the trinity OF virtues upon which it
is founded, must long endure. 1t is founded
upon friendship. charity, beaevolence-the
gentlest virtues that preside In the human
heart.
This great order, together with kindred
fraternal and benevolent organizations, is
making for the exatation OF American
citizenship. Such orders this are a
mighty influence for better government and
for better civilization. They make better
the city, better the state. better the re-
public. and. better than all. they make bet
ter the home
Opening Formally Announced.
At the conclusion Of tie remarks Of the
Vice President, Mr.. Bynu&1, in brief ad-
dress made the formal announcement Of
the opening of the fair. Then il was that
every one started to work for the success
of the affair. Gathered about the various
booths were many visitors, passing about
the hall wee many young ladies selling
chances for prizes. The booths were hand
somely arrayed in .colors and ladies dis
posed of the various articles on sale.
Franklin Lodge. No 2. X. Of p, which
is the Oldest lodge In the country, had the
first booth on the left and near the en-
trance The announcement was displayed
that country store was being conducted.
Then came the booth of Mount Vernon
Lodge, No. g. which was forty-two years
old last evening. This lodge was organ; zed
April 1G. 1866. The goods on sale in this
booth consisted of various articles of fancy
work The otter lodges having booths
were Capital, No. "a. fancy booth; Union,
Fancy goods and fish pond; Myrtle No, -,
fancy good; Syracus.ans, No. 10. chocolate
and bon bon booth and press he idquarters;
Decatur. NO 8. booth besides having fancy
goods on sale was conducting e.c-t;on
for the most popular knight In the city and
charging SO much for each vote that was
cast. A X. of p. watch charm, which was
on exhibition. will be awarded to the
knight receiving the greatest number OF
votes. Century Lodge. No. 90 was con
Quoting a candy booth. ard WEBSTER. No
l. an auction booth. On the lowe" floor
below the hall the supper was served and
here, at the different tables. those VITO
cared for lunch were accommodated.
The members of the ID. o. o. X. VIII Oh
has something of the same relation to the
Knights OF Pythias that the Shr.ners have
TO Masonry, had charge of o paddle booth,
and in the matter Of .-spieing' they were
quite successful, Judging from the mount
of coin Of the realm which they gathered
In during the evening
During tie course OF the even Tg many
Odd Fellows were in attendance inc uding
Grand Master Ernest w. Bradford.