The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-05-02
Last Nights Event is Gil
max to the Masonic
Festivities.
SPEECHES BRILLIANT
Repast One of Most Enjoyable Ever
Served in Hammond-Fair-
banks at His Best.

AS climax to the ceremonies and
festivities OF the day the banquet in
honor of the laying of the cornerstone
of the Masonic temple in this city was
a magnificent success, unequaled by
any other affair of its kind ever held
in Hammond.
The guests were honored by the
presence of Vice President Charles w
Fairbanks, and the officers OF the grand
lodge, the speeches were eloquent and
dignitied and there was not an unto
ward thing to detract from the sue
cess of the affair.
To the ladies of the Eastern Star
who prepared the banquet every credit
is due. The menu was above the crit
fcism of the most exacting epicure and
although there were in the neighbor-
hood of 800 guests present there was
plenty for all, the service was perfect
and everything passed off as smoothly
as If the banquet was being served by
metropolitan caterers at So per plate.
The table decorations were as at
tractive as have ever been seen in
this city at a public affair. At each
plate was a beautiful rose and the
guests were given as souveniers an al
uminum trowel that was at once
unique and appropriate.
Vice President Takes His Seat.
From the time Miss Faye Smiley lead
the tall and smiling Vice President to
his place of honor at the head of the
speakers table until the dinner was
finished the ladies of the Eastern Star
fiuttered about the tables and care
fully looked after every want of the
diners.
After the inner man had been satis-
fed and his heart had been reached by
the road that woman knows so well,
tho three hundred guests leaned back
> IN their chairs eontentedIy and listened
to the speakers of the evening.
J-sG. Ibach as toastmaster said that
he could see by the sparkle in the eyes
of his hearers that they were delight
ed with the repast that had been laid
before them by the ladies of the East
ern Star Speaking of the Masonic
temple which was being built Mr.
1bach said that the Masons of Ham
mond in their delight at the prospects
should not forget the responsibilities
that this event foreshadowed for upon
the members depends the results
He then introduced L. v. Crayens of
Madison, Ind, who said he was i'm
pressed with the wonderful activity he
had seen in the Calumet region as a
result of an automobile ride to Indiana
Harbor in the afternoon.
Mr. Cravens then began an eloquent
toast with the Grand Lodge of Indi-
ana" as his subject. He told of the
1000 Masons in Indiana and informed
his hearers that this number was suff1-
cient to leaven the whole state with
the influence of the splendid teachings
of the order.
There are only four or five states
that have a larger Masonic member
ship than Indiana" said Mr.. Cravens,
'and l sometimes stand appalled, at its
purihcative influence"
Fairbanks Speaks.
Amid great applause Hon. C. W.
Fairbanks was introduced and by the
warmth of his manner and hearty good
nature of his address showed how ILL
fitting is the mantle of icyness the
papers have given him and how much
he deserves a reputation for kindly
warmheartedness.
After telling of his early determin-
alton to take an afternoon train and
how he had been prevailed upon to re-
main for the banquet this evening Mr.
Fairbanks said he was a willing can
tive.
Lis subject was. Masonry in our
Country" and his speech was Inter
spersed with many humorous quip:
about various subjects. He as wen a,
Mr.. Cravens told of the great benefit.
TO be derived from the teachings O
Masonry.
Mr. Fairbanks enthusiasm for hi.
lodge was on par with his patriot,
enthusiasm and blended together tn,
effect upon his hearers was inspiring
AS he finished he was given an ovation
The orchestra played My Country TT
OF Thee" while the banqueters aros
and sang.
c. w. Prather DisappointS.
Unfortunately c. w. Prather VIII
was to respond to toast upon Gar
field Lodge As Seen by the Gran
Lodge" was suffering from head
ache and was unable to respond othe
than to compliment the local order fo
their enterprise in beginning the eree
tion of such a splendid structure.
H Z. Jones of Crown Point told c
'Our Sister Lodges" and made refer
ences to the growth and progress c
the women's order in various othe
cities over the county His speech wa
an enthusiastic one and was well re
ceived
DR.. II. f. Sharrer who, perhaps NOR
than any one else, is responsible 70
the fact that the local Masons yester
day laid the corner stone OF fine ne1
temple, responded to the toast. Gar
field Lodge" and was eagerly Hstene
to, for his past activity made him on
Of the central figures Of the evening.
The toast OF c. N. Mikes Of New