Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-05-01
l. 0. 0. +. CELEBRATION
in Spite of Inclement Weather Gath
ering is Success.
SIX HUNDRED VISITORS HERE.
Odd Fellows of Northeastern Iowa
Join Local Brothers in Cele-
brating Ninety-Third
Anniversary.

Although it rained nearly all the
night before, and Friday was cold,
windy, disagreeable day. yet large
crowd of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs
from all over northeastern Iowa as
sembled here to assist the local mem
bers of these orders in celebrating
the ninety-third anniversary of the
order of Odd Fellows.
The special train from Oelwein ar
rived about ten o'clock, bringing a
large delegation from West Union
and other points along the line, and
the train from Mason City came
about noon.. with those from Mason
City, Charles City, New Hampton
and. intervening towns, while the
Cresco contingent came down on the
regular noon train, which did not
arrive until about one o'clock.
The parade formed at two o'clock,
at the Rock Island park and marched
west to the end of Water street,
counter marching and returning to
the Grand opera house. Sheriff Thos.
j. Qualley led the line as marshal,
followed by the Decorah Merchants
tand, the members of the Canton in
full regalia, speakers, girls. from the
Mason City orphans home, visiting
ladies and degree teams, etc. in
automobiles, and the various Odd
Fellow and Oneota Rebekah lodges
on foot. A large crowd witnessed
the passing of the procession.
At the opera house George Hislop
presided, the program being opened
with selection by the Orphans
Home Orchestra of Mason City Dean
Wn. McVettie offered the invocation,
and Mayor F. w. Daubney, in one of
his. characteristic addresses, heartily
welcomed the visitors, the welcome
being fittingly responded to on be-
Tkalf of the visitors by Senator Robt.
Quigley Of McGregor. followed by
another selection by the orchestra.
The address of the occasion was then
delivered by Hon. J.. H. Henderson.
p. G. r., of Indianola, Iowa. and was
regarded as a masterful exposition of
Odd Fellowship. Judge Henderson
is splendid speaker, deep student
and adherent of fraternal organiza-
tions, and delivered an address that
will long linger in the minds and
hearts of those who had the good
fortune to hear him. Mrs. Cora HI.
Baker then gave recitation that
was most excellent, her rendition
showing particular ability and force.
The meeting closed with few re-
marks by Dean McVettie and rising
vote of thanks to Judge Henderson
for his able address.
AT four o'clock the business meet
ing of the association was held at
Steyer's opera house; at .:So, the
;nitiatory work was exemplified by
Mason City Lodge. No. 224; at 1880
lut 81 QcSlcc WI ny AlCSNO
Lodge. No. 269, and at 900 O'Clock
the second degree work by Charles
City Lodge, No. 165, while at 500
O'Clock Queen Rebekah Staff, Mason
City.
| The visiting teams were banquet
ted at the Owls hall by the home
lodge, and the visitors were all en-
|thusiastic over the splendid reception
and entertainment given them. 1t
was gala day in spite of the in
Iclement weather, the local order did
themselves proud in making the day
pleasant for the visitors, and the
gathering was success in every way
At the business meeting 1t was de.
cided to hold the celebration nexi
year at West Union, and the follow.
ing officers were elected:
President--Frank Morrison.
! Vice Pres.-E. B. Branch.
Sec. -Treas.-G w. Van Atten.
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