Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1906-10-26

Worshipful Master Clay the charter
members and past masters OF the lodge
and few special guests. Supper. which
was prepared by the ladies of Bingham
chapter, o. E. s., was ready to be served
at o'clock and at that time a company
of about 175 sat down to the excellent
spread which was served in courses.
The invocation was first offered by
Rev. L. NJ. Keneston. Throughout the
supper hour selections were rendered by
Leitsingers orchestra. Supper over and
cigars lighted, Worshipful Master Clay
called to order and first introduced VIII
liam II. Vinton, who gave a short narra-
tive of the causes which led up to the
establishment of Brattleboro lodge Mr.
Vinton spoke briefly of the charter mem
bers and of the early experiences. He
was hardly seated before he was again
called upon and on arising he was pre-
sented by Mr.. Clay with the past mas
ter's jewel, the gift from Brattleboro
lodge by a unanimous vote. Mr. Clay
spoke with deep appreciation of Mr.. Vim
toms faithfulness to the lodge during its
entire history, of the obligations which
the lodge owe TO him and of the senti-
ments which are entertained toward him
by all of its members. He spoke of the
fact that Mr.. Vinton is the only man who
ever has been or can be at the head
of all of the Masonic bodies which hold
their meetings in the lodge rooms Mr.
Vinton is the Oldest living past master
of Columbian lodge, was the first master
of Brattleboro lodge and he has been
honored with elections to the highest
offices in the gift of the chapter. council
commandery and Eastern Star.
Mr. Vinton was taken completely by
surprise, but responded in a manner
which showed his deep recognition of the
gift. The jewel bears this inscription:
''W. II. Vinton, October %, 1906" on the
reverse side is the inscription, "1SS1-1906
18th Anniversary Brattleboro Lodge, 102 -
After vocal solos by E. II. Miller Past
Master Ferris r. Vaughan gave a brief
historical review of Brattleboro lodge,
the main portion of which is reproduced
herewith Past Master Fred / Swift read
responses from absent members, including
kilograms from c. r. Stevens of Marietta,
Ohio, and David A. Young of Seattle.
Wash. Mr. Young's greeting was as fol-
lows: Continued prosperity to Brattle-
boro lodge. May richest of heavens
blessings rest on the members" Letters
were read from George M Taylor,
Washington: w. H. Taft, Taftsville;
r. F. Leitsinger, Marietta; F. r. Dwyer,
Chicago; William K. Whiting, Boston
f. u Simpson, New York; A. r. Fisher.
Mohonk Lake. N. Y; Rev. E. w. Whit
ney, Milford, Mass.
Following the reading of the letters
Past Master w. E. Hubbard responded
for Columbian lodge E. H. Miller sang
two more selections, which were warmly
applauded, and responses were given by
Rev. L. NJ. Keneston. who is a Mason in
the New Hampshire jurisdiction, and Dr.
H. d. Holton, Brattleboro lodges first
treasurer, who spoke for the charter
| members. Mr.. Keneston set the tables
In roar with a series of stories and Dr.
Holton spoke in a serious vein concerning
the lodges early experiences and the de-
parted members.
On motion of W. II. Vinton the lodge
voted to extend greetings to all the alb
sent charter members and past masters
and to inscribe upon the records a suit
able expression of thanks to Bingham
chapter for the excellent repast which
had been provided.
The closing feature of the program was
an entertainment by Dudley Prescott, the
noted impersonator of Boston, whose
wide range of selections was entertaining
and sometimes extremely ludicrous. in
GLIDING limitations of different musical in
struments, of animals and mechanical
sounds and impersonations of bizarre in
dividuals.
Among the nonresident members of
the lodge present were George L. Spaf-
ford OF New London and Albert Morris
of Boston. Visiting brothers included Mr..
Scott, past master of a lodge in New
York state; Herbert M. Swift senior war
den of Anchor lodge of Londonderry ;
Thomas Dean of Boston and Mr.. Jones of
Newton, Mass.
The occasion was enjoyable in a high
degree TO the entire company. All the
Masons in town had been invited, and in
addition to the general attendance from
Brattleboro lodge Columbian lodge was
well represented and there were present
several Brattleboro residents whose
Masonic Affiliations are in other jurisdic-
| tons. The event deserves recording in
illumined letters in the archives of the
| lodge. The arrangements were in charge
of Past Masters f. 1. Swift, d. Cowles
and w b. Vinton, and they are entitled
to great credit for their work