The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-06-17
EARLY STRUGGLE OF FARGO
Y.M.C. A. RECALLED AT BANQUET
Ud lime Fargoans Who Weathcrsd the Storm and Stress Of
Early Days Take Present Generation Back to the Old
Days in Many Brilliant Addresses

/ The big banquet held In the gymna-
stun of the x. M. G. A. building. cor
iier OF Roberts street and First avenue
north last night, formally opened the
big 25th anniversary celebration Of the
founding OF the Young Mems Christian
association In this city.
1t was quite an elaborate event and
nearly 200 guests were gathered
around the festive board during the
supper. Nearly ali present were the
old timers who have helped TO make
the association what IL is today.
There was a general sprinkling OF
the present younger blood Of the or
ganization which comprises its mem
bership, but the banquet was largely
for the older boys OF bygone days.
The literary feature of the evening
following the repast was one long to
be remembered by all who were
present. The character Of the talks
was mainly reminiscent and touching
tributes were paid TO those good
spirits who have gone before, but
who have done so much toward es-
tablishing the great institution that
today exists.
References were made in a feeling
manner to the late Mrs. S. G. Rob-
erts at whose home the organization
was founded, and the late Mrs. Alan
SON w. Edwards, whose recent and
unexpected death during the last
week has been the source Of univers-
al sorrow.
S. s. Lyon presided as POSTMASTER
"a al
many happy little speeches in intro
ducing the various speakers. Rev.
r. A. Beard of the First Congrera-
tional church. opened the programme
with grace. DR.. Beard was the only
minister in the city who was in Far
go at the time of the founding OF
the Young Mems Christian associa-
ton, twenty-five years ago, and it
was appropriate that he would APP
pear on the programme on such an
occasion as this.
The next number was a vocal duet
rendered by Mr.. and Mrs. A. II,
Dodsley. Mr.. Dodsley closed the
evenings programme with a solo. and
both numbers were heartily applaud
ed.
Lyon Opens Programme.
In opening the programme, Mr..
Lyon related many amusing incl
dents of the early days which brought
many recollections to the minds of
his listeners. He regretted that r.
z. Yerxa, the first president Of the
association, could not be present as
he was to have been the POSTMASTER
of the occasion. But he was sure Mr..
Yerxa was there in spirit at least.
The first speaker introduced was
VIM. II. White, who made one Of the
most beautiful and touching talks Of
the evening. He recalled the first real
meeting Of the Y. M. c. A., when
about twenty young men gathered IN
the office OF Gaylord e. Bruce, Marcn
1S, 1882. OF that twenty he said.
there remained but two to tell the
story. Frank Pearson had presided
as chairman OF that meeting.
VIM. n. Whites Remarks.
Then Mr.. White made some very
touching illusions to the late Mrs. S. |
@. Roberts and her efforts in behalf of |
the institution. He referred to the |
able and efficient work OF Mr.. Lyon |
and III. G. Plumley, both directors of /
the institution, stating that they had /
always relied on the judgment of the /
latter gentleman and had yet to find it /
faulty. Reference was made to Mr.. /
Fisher, the first secretary, who was /
never known to miss meeting.
Mr. White then read a letter from
Mr.. Yerxa in Los Angeles, who asked /
to be remembered to all the old timers