The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-12-08

Two hundred antlered citizens sat down last night to the first annual banquet of Bridgeport lodge. B. P. O. E., an event that proved to be the fin- est and most enjoyable occasion of its character ever held in this city. The dinner was served in the social session hall of the EEks' handsome new home and the fraternal atmosphere of the event was the source of much pride to the members who braved the ele- ments to be present and welcome the distinguished guests from the Grand lodge and the mother lodge, New fork No J.
 At II o'clock the toast '-Our Absent Brothers was given by Past District Deputy James T. Smith of Ansonia with much solemnity and was impress sively followed by the rendition or "Auld Lang Syne'' by the entire as- semblage.
 The social session room had been converted into a beautiful dining hall: The walls were artistically covered with drapings of the national colors and the purple and white Of Elkdom' centered about a number or masnt ne the animal from which the organizA- rior derives its name
 The arrangements were for four per sons at each table and when the mem
 
 low and a lighted candle with a tiny red shade on each table set off the decorations of fruit and flowers In most superb manner
 Musical selections were rendered during the evening by Harvey's or chestra and from the time the diners were seated mirth reigned supreme
 Through the courtesy of Manager Slack of Polls theatre a number Of the performers who are on the all star bill at Polls this week appeared and entertained while the banquet was in progress
 listening to the members of Gus Ed wards company of Holland Heinies" the Wilson Brothers, singing come dians. the Dancing Bugs and Chick Sale. the protean artist Janet Priest; the clever soubrette and singer of comic opera roles lead the chorus in the famous "Goosie' song and~dril 1n costume.
 Mies Lilly Boardman, the soprano of the company sang several solos while Victor Foster in Dutch make up splendidly rendered Come Back to Erin"
 The yodling songs ot the Wilson's proved to be a big hit while Chick Sales story of Uncle Toms Cabin was a clever bit of character work The Dancing Bugs introduced a number of very intricate steps and won the ad- miration of their audience.
 Loren Delbrfdge who led the chorus singing between the courses, sang fine iy aSilver Threads Among the Gold"
 Frank J. Abercrombie whose talent as a whistler Is widely known was encored to the echo after rendering two of his artistic whistling solos.
 The songs which were sung by the entire assembly were the melodies of long ago-the songs that never die, My Old Kentucky Home" etc
 Exalted Ruler James L. McGovern. who acted as toastmaster. saw to 1t that there was not a dull moment dur ing the evening. Instead of waiting until after the dinner had been served before launching the post prandial ex- ercises he got down to business right off the reel The promise of an en- tertainment Of exceptionally high grade was kept and every other promise made by the committee in charge was also kept It was indeed an agree able surprise to the boys of 36 when the professional performers that go to make up one of the best bills of the vaudeville season at Polls appeared on the stage of the social session hall one after another without interrupting the courses of the exceedingly elaborate menu Manager Pon is himself an enthusiastic antler and resident Man ager Slack is a member of Meriden lodge Mir. Slack when introduced to the gathering and warmly thanked for his generosity. told the antlers that whatever thanks were due beloHged to MT. Poli and rot to him.
 The tedious delays that often char acterize a banquet were absent here. Between courses there were songs and