Norwich bulletin., 1916-08-26
ELKS,

A good many Elks from Norwich were with the crowd that went to Plant field at New London on Friday afternoon for the big celebration in honor of Commodore Morton F. Plant which was fttingly topped off by ninth inning victory for the Planters against Hartford.
 All roads led to Plant field, where prior to the opening of the game be- tween Gene MCCann's pets and the Charter Oak swat artists, more than 5000 fans yelled themselves hOarse in honor of Commodore Plant, who made organized baseball in New Lon don 9 possibility.
 tor, was bestowed with lavish liberal ity on Elks' day. There had been dire forebodings that the fate of the past two seasons might be repeated, on which occasions rain spoiled the pro- gram, but the fears entertained were grOund1ess.
 The response to the Elks' invitation to participate in their portion of the festivities was large and spontaneous. Members of the order from cities all over the state gathered at the home in Washington street at noon for lun- cheon and an informal reception. Promptly at ? o'clock the start for Plant field was made
 To the inspiring strains of Hunts band more than 500 Elhs and their
  adorned with purple badges and way ing purple pennants, proceeded down State street and were reviewed by Mayor Ernest E. Rogers and mem bers of the court of common counclll George H Hayes was marshal of the procession and Exalted Ruler John c, Geary marshed at the head of the EIks Practically every guest Of hon or who had promised to attend was on hand.
 At the parade those who were not provided with automobiles embarked in the EIks' special trolley line for Plant field. At 2.30 all were assem- bIed at the left field entrance, head ed by the band, the loyal roOters e>l- ecuted a circle about the field amid the plaudits of the grandstand and bleachers.
 Arriving tn front of the box occu- pied by Commodore and Mrs. Plant, a halt was called to give Exalted Rul- CT Geary an opportunity to make the presentation speeches, which devOlved upon him. With appropriate words he presented to Commodore Plant a beautiful floral baseball nine feet in circumference. the creation of Fisher, the florist. The ball contained more than 1000 red and blue asters for stitching. It was inscribed To the Commodore, from B. P. o. E., 360. In +he top of the ball was concealed Q vase of American beauty roses.
 To Mrs. Plant, Attorney Geary pre- sented a beautiful basket of red roses. the handle tied with red ribbon and ornamented with butterflies and hum ming birds. To H. Eugene NcCann MT. Geary gave a solid gold EIhs' card case. Ali the gifts were from New London lodge of Elks and were grace fully acknowledged by their recipients
 Following the presentations the EIlzs and guests proceeded to the seats which had been reserved for them in the third base blea chers. The band stationed itself in front and began a concert which was continued at in tervals through the afternoon. Hearne, a member of the El5s, was selected as i New London's mound artist. Pop An son and other celebrities received ova- | tions when they appeared.
 l The afternoon and the victory were i completely satisfying to the New Lon 1 don EIks and most of their visitors.