The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1908-11-11
RETURN
/ HAPPY BUT WORN
Nine From Vinita Become Members
of Benevolent and Protective
Order Of Elks at Tulsa

The crowd of Vinitans that went to
Tulsa yesterday to take the Elks initiation
returned this morning somewhat worse
for wear, but all glad that they took the
deprees. and all say they were royalty
entertained. The following is the Tulsa
Worlds account of the proceedings
Benevolent and Protective Order OF
Elks No. 946 took possession of Main
street Yesterday afternoon and produceda a
show which for crowds and enthusiasm
rivaled Ringlings. Previous to the big
show. two hundred members of the order,
'ArAded by DR.. Kreyer's most select artists,
uAlartiscalIy garbed. the cause Of the show
ihchains, and headed by "BillTaft" (ahuee
elephant) and Eugene M. Chafin,' "a
rameD paraded the business district and
were heartily cheered en- route.
The occasion was the reception OF nine
prospective members Of the Elks from
Vinita. The list included. Thos H. Byrd
w. B. Coley James W. Orr, E. B. frayser'
P. w. Bonfoy. James H. Butler, A. 9. Mars
and John H. Crutchfield.
The Vinita men were met at the tram
by the Kreyer band of six pieces and one
hundred members of the order. AS soon
as they stepped off the train they were
rushed TO the rear of the station, where
thew we're loaded into dray, and securely
chained.
Bv this time the other section OF the
parade Taft and Chaffin, and another
hundred Elks streamed down the streets.
2Dr Wright on a prancing steed led the
procession. and the parade wound up
First street to Main, to Third, to Boulder,
thence back to Main, where the big act
was put on
Two wooden cages had been located on
either side Of the street-one in front Of
Bakers and the other in front Of Agees'
A squad Of local EIks rushed the visitors
from the dray ID the cages, while q crowd
that blocked the streets, shouted gleefuily-
Kreyers wicked band then began to
play Jungle music, and the crowds swarmed
10 and down the street the side Of the
CAGES and fed the animals peanuts.
Ne last straw was broken when another
dray drove up and into each cage was
pushed half a bale of hay.
Spielers then mounted the cages-a star
from Halls circus and another star who
now claims Tulsa as his residence-Pro-
fessor Bruce. In scented English, they
told Of the wonders that the wild beasts
had performed and in awe stricken tones
told what would happen to any one who
should venture too close
In vain the wild creatures impored
to be freed; but their entreaties fell on
deaf ears. To increase their happiness,
their number was increased, Colonel D. L.
Sleeper. Mayor Rohde, R. Hemingway
Epperson, Charles Baker and Dr. De Eel
Hawley being forced into the cages. Out
side the crowds shouted in merriment
Late IN the afternoon the cages were
opened and the crestfallen gentlemen
we're allowed to stretch their cramped
bodies. The remainder Of the afternoon
was spent in freedom Last evening the
visitors were given the Sc con d
degree at the club room before a
great assemblage of the local order.
Following the initiation thavisitors were
the guests of the members Of the local
order at luncheon in the lodge room.