Evening journal., 1910-06-15
JOY RIDE ON
The RIVER
Great Crowd on Excursion Of
Physicians and Surgeons
Hospital.
WEATHER IDEAL AND THE
COLUMBIA In FAST TRIM

A calm and moonit sea. two thousand
people, mostly young, and in holiday
mood. and the capscious steamer Columbia
furnished the basis for one Of the largest
excursions that has ever left this city
for trip on the Delaware. and the Ply
sicians' and Surgeons Hospital will obtain
a good sum from the proceeds of the ex-
cursion.
There was a fine musical program given
during the evening by well-known VII
mington singers. among them being Miss
Cora C Taggart. Frederick W. Wyatt
Hamilton L, Harris. Miss Elizabeth C.
Bonner. n. Lloyd Imler and a number Of
members Of the Pyle Coterie. and the vii
nington Choral Society. The singing was
directed by r. Leslie Carpenter. The Thir-
teentn L. s. Coast Artillery Band. by
courtesy Of the Fort DUPONT authorities.
gave their services free, and provided a
stirring program that was enjoyed by the
excursionista. Vincent F. safranek is di-
rector of the band.
Camp Chairs Scarce.
The Columbia left the King street
wharf about eight o'clock, was escorted
out of the creek by a noisy little tug.
and wandered leisurely down river as
far as Pennsvile. Camp chairs were
as precious as gold nuggets, and those
obtaining them "froze' onto their pos
sessions, wNaring them around their
necks while pron-enading the decks.
and even dancing with them over one
shoulder. Some infirm camp stools
were "a source of great joy, being prop
ped up invitingly against posts;
whereupon they were approached and
seized by happy young men. who
looked crestfallen when the coveted
stool promptly fell to pieces. one
young man who would contribute To
the gayety of the occasion by somer-
sauting over a rod, succeeded beyond
his expectations when a jingling show
er of change falling from his pocket
to the deck accompanied the turn.
Downstairs, ice cream cones. pretzels
and chocolates found a steady stream
of customers, while the orangeade man
went the round of the decks and did
a thriving trade. Part of the lower
deck saloon was roped off for dane
ing, which was a popular feature Of
the trip.
The Columbia was capacious and
comfortable. and a majority Of the
crowd found it good fun to per
ambulate the decks. taking in a bit Of
the program provided by the commit
tee or by the. excursionists themselves
in the various corners of the boat The
temporary loss of light in the main
saloon was greeted with hilarity.
Every passing shin seemed TO have
acquaintance on board, for amid the
exchange Of shouts and cheers, would
come affectionate inquiries for Archi'
/ bald and grandpa, and other relatives
] The good ship Columbia pushed its
nose back into the wharf about one
this morning. being received witt
/ great cordiality by the people alonl
/ shore. and by a string Of ffty-seveI
varieties Of street cars several squares
! long. The landing of the two thous
and. occupying a quarter of an houl
more, was an interesting and good
natured occasion. accompanied by
/ farewell trills from the large number
/ of amateur glee clubs on board.
The weather was ideal for the trip
/ just warm enough to be comfortable
/ on deck, calm enough to abolish al
/ idea of being sea-sick and the moor
was on the job the whole voyage. The
] committee in charge feel that the oc
casion went off very auspiciously, anC
/ that IL was a great success