The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1916-08-15
Occasional Choral Numbers
Proving Most Delightful
Price, Slough And Skunk
Speakers Of Evening

Far exceeding the fondest expecta-
tions of the committees in charge
from a standpoint of attendance, live
liness and enthusiasm, the initiation,
parade and banquet which Mt. Vernon
Lodge, No. 140, Benevolent Protective
Order. of Elks, staged Thursday af-
ternoon and evening was far and
away the biggest event ever managed
and put through by Elks of this city
Graced by Edwin G. Slough OF
Mansfield, president of the state or
ganization Of Elks, and honored by
the degree team and choir, as well as
visitors, of Columbus lodge and by
Past Exalted Ruler James r. Cooper
and twenty members of Newark lodge,
not to mention representatives of mis-
cellaneous lodges, both Of Ohio and
other states, the ceremonies of the
day took on an added tone of distinc-
ton.
The day, as far as Elks were con-
cerned, began with the arrival of the
afternoon Pennsylvania train, when
the Columbus Elks, in two special
coaches, bounded into the city and
kept on bounding until their depart
ure for home on the midnight train.
This delegation was met at the sta
tion by about thirty automobiles, bun
died into the same and a trip taken to
the Ohio State Sanatorium.
Through the appreciated courtesy
of DR.. Stephen A. Douglass, Il thor
ough inspection of the state institu-
tion was made possible and many
comments were heard on all sides
about the beautiful location, the
splendid equipment and the evidences
of expert management. Lemonade
was served the entire aggregation,
while the Columbus choir greatly de-
lighted with several choruses, sung
on the lawn in front OF the admins
tration building.
Shortly after 4 o'clock, the initia-
tory services of the day began with
Exalted Ruler John G. Price and his
staff OF Columbus officers occupying
the stations ordinarily filled by the
local officers. The Interpretation of
the ritual, in the hands of the visiting
officers, was beautifully impressive,
as well as exceedingly dramatic. In
this, the choir of Columbus lodge fig
ured largely with half dozen appro-
pirate selections. This inspiring or
ganization of twenty voices, under
the very capable leadership of Willis
G. Bowland and with Bert Williams,
famed Columbus organist, as accom-
panist, was a constant delight with a
variety of songs, spirited and so,nber,
which struck the right note every
time.
Following the exemplification of
the ritual came the only public fea-
ture of the day-the big parade. The
public square, as we'll. as all streets
indicated for the line of march, were
crowded with people who were fully
rewarded for the inconvenience of
standing, as the parade was wonder
ful sight.
Every Elk in line carried a red-fire
stick and when total illumination was
made, the scene resembled a pristine
political rally when torch-lights were
the thing. The parade costume was
white trousers, white shirt and shoes,
while paper Elk's head ornamented
the brow of every member of the or
der in line.
From the figures of Major William
Appleton and Major w. G. Appleton
on white chargers to the final float,
"Fatima," there was a brilliancy of
conception which was worked out to
the most minute OF details.
Shows band led the procession of
walking men while this was headed
by Harry G. Richards. drum major,