The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1917-11-12
w. C. T. u. CONVENTION
WAS A GREAT EVENT

Inc state w. y. L. u. enC0r0Q Lake
land last week meath a brilliantly lit
arch of "Welcome." The Boy Scouts
escorted US to the army, where a
"Welcome Tea" awaited US. There
was the invocation by Rev. L. D. Lowe
and music by school orchestra. Mayor
John F. Cox in his greeting assured
us that in these days of conservation,
wheatless days, ETC., we would not
find Lakeland a "foodless" town.
Greetings came from the church, the
chamber of commerce, school, Loyal
Temperance Legion and local W. c. T.
u. Great tributes were made to the
women who had done so much toward
"Willardizing" the nation. A large
white bow, respondent with small
electric lights was the gift of Cocoa
nut Grove W. C. T. u.
Miss Minnie E. Meals address was
most excellent one on Wednesday
morning. A long distance greeting
came from Miss Anna A. Gordon at
Evanston, Ind, lisa. 5:4-10; Eph. 81.
Dr. Caroline Geisel, who is i'll in jack
sonville, also sent a message. The
news of New Mexico "dry" was giver.
the white ribbon salute, Florida hav-
ing contributed to their campaign.
Prohibition states now number 27.
There was a splendid response to roll
call. Committees were appointed and
district superintendent were each al
lowed five minutes for reports. Beau
tiful bouquets were presented by diff
ferent members to Miss Neal, who
accepted them in her most beautiful
womanly way. Mr.. w. B. Hobbs of
Miami, who assisted so nobly in plac.
ing West Palm Beach on the dry map,
was introduced.
Reports from the different depart
ments were given, which included
many valuable suggestions, much wit
and originality The work of the
children and young people was much
stressed and young peoples branch
wa sorganized at Lakeland during the
convention. Subscribers were obtain
ed to the Union Signal, beautiful
solos, songs, quartets, instrumental
music and attractive features were
dispensed through the program. There
was half hour given to mothers and
the babies, the latter being recognized
as white ribboners as well, when Miss
Neal tied the white ribbon upon them.
Press work and the Importance of adj
vertising was stressed. Mrs. Mabel
Stevens addresses were most forceful
and listened to with the utmost inter-
est and profit. The memorial service
was most impressive.
"Tried plans" from various unions
was a fine feature Miss Minnie E.
Neal was again chosen president and
presented with purse from the
unions. Resolutions were beautifully
framed for the Lakeland union which
was so generous in entertaining the
State w. C. T. u. The diamond medal
contest was the browning feature Of
the convention, a small boy from Taft
being the fortunate winner.
Tallahassee and Lake City invited
the next conference The decorations
were beautiful in bunting, flowers,
greens and Miss Wizards portrait,
the white ribbon floating over all
Mrs. E. E. Packham of Ocala gave
a talk on Purity and Art" Mrs. T.
E. Bridges was introduced as the au-
thor of a beautiful poem and was ap-
pointed on Soldiers and sailors COM
mittee.
The Ocala L. T. L., under Mrs. G.
w. Martin, won the state banner. The
Ocala union pledged $25 on state
work, the entire pledge being $4,000,
which more than doubles the usual
amount There were $50 delegates
and many visitors and the convention
was pronounced the best of any pre-
vious year. A number of former
Ocalans took prominent part on the
program. Greater plans and more
enthusiasm will be needed for the
coming year when the State w. C. T.
U. proposed to put "Florida dry
Give them your able support. Join
the Ocala union and add qour bit with
the great purpose in view.
An Ocala Delegate.