Ellsworth American., 1906-05-09

not call by nancy too much credit and
f-sise cannot be given.
In reading the earIs records Of the lodge
! noticed vote to the effect that any
member smoking in the lodge-room be
lined 10 cents, and after several weeks trial
II was voted that the fines be remitted.
The finances Of this lodge have been
from the beginning conducted in very
careful and business-like manner. and
funds for benevolent and charitable pur-
poses have always been available. In 1890
paraphernaiis to the value of 500 was
purchased and sufficient funds were avail
able to pay the bill without hiring a
dollar
For several years prior TO 1895 there was
a strong feeling that the lodge should own
its own hall, and early in that year it was
decided 10 erect a building. A lot having
been secured of Brother A. J. Long and a
contract signed with him for the digging
and stoning of the cellar, the building
committee contracted with Brother O. w,
Horton for the erection OF this building,
which was completed in December, 1895,
and the lodge moved to its new quarters.
To provide funds, bonds to the amount
OF s2,i00 were issued, the lodge previously
incorporating under the laws of this State.
and mortgage was executed in favor OF
board Of trustees for the security OF the
bondholders. The credit OF the lodge was
so good that these bonds, although bear
ing interest at only per cent, were
eagerly suhscribed for at par.
Many predicted that the youngest MEM
bers would not live to see the debt extin-
guished, yet, although the building is only
nine years old. the last bond has been paid
stalled, many Improvements have been
made and new regalia to the value OF
nearly 500 has been ordered. After pay
ing this and every other bill, handsome
working capital will remain In the treas
ury.
During the twenty-five years this lodge
has been in existence, there has been
affiliated with it 26l members, OF whom
ISL are now members. The loss by death,
withdrawal by card and suspension for
payment OF dues being but eighty
one, or an average OF only slightly ovee
three per year-a most remarkable and
gratifying showing.
During its e1tire existence, even in the
first few years after its institution, when
members were so badly needed, no special
inducements have ever been offered, and
the membership fee has never been less
than go. Painstsking care has always
been taken to investigate the character,
health and eligibility OF every applicant
for membership, and TO this in a large
measure is due the nact that membership
in Btuehili lodge. No. 70, /. o. o. F., means
something, and tonight we have among
our membership men from Maine to Calf
fornia, who, although long since resident
near and taking an active part in the
work of other lodges, remain affiliated
with us.
To give any adequate idea OF the benevo-
lent and charita BILE work OF this lodge for
the last twenty-five years, would be i'm
possible. In every case of sickness the
benefits have been promptly and cheer
have been provided, and in numerous
instances special relief by individual sub
scription has been made; but the kind
word of cheer or coincidence, the fraternal
solicitude, and the helping hand in the
day OF sickness, OF trial and OF bereave-
ment are immeasurabiy greater, and their
valuc will not be determined until we are
gathered in that Celestial lodge above.