Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-10
MAYOR BROWN WELCOMES
 DELEGATES TO NORWIcE
Response to Mayors Address Made
 by F. E. Blakeman of Stafford.

At o'clock the evening session was called to order by Master Davis, His Honor, Allyn L. Brown, mayor of this city of Norwich was introduced. The mayor welcomed the visiting delegates in a very cordial way. He said 1t was a pleasure to him to welcome them to the city, particularly as this Is the first time in 32 years, since this is the 32nd annual convention, that the state grange has come to Nor wich. He stated further that Norwich seldom has state convention here and that we surely appreciate the hon or. I hope you will enjoy your visit to Norwich and will come again. At this time the war is raging across the seas and much material in the men men and supplies is being wasted and destroyed, causing the necessities of life to go way up. It is natural for us to consider our sources of supply and of course the most important is the agricultural product.
 When you stop to consider how far New England is able to furnish agri- cultural supplies and how so much land is wasted it makes us appreciate the good work which the grange is doing, as I understand one of the ob- jects of the grange is to direct its members and others to the need of agriculture and instruct them in the very best methods.
 I hope your meeting here will af- ford you the opportunity to renew old
 
 ances. I further hope you all will enjoy yourselves while within our city and that you will come again soon,
 F. E. Blakeman of Stafford, after the applause died down, responded to Mayor Browns welcome. He referred to the wonderful historical environ ments Norwich has and to some of her great men who have served city, state and country.
 Chamber of Commerce Welcomes.
 4P 6A Chamber of Commerce of Norwich, Conn., Inc, welcomed the visitors in behalf of the chamber. President James explained to the delegates the zationS into the one civic body which will be better able to promote the in dustrial and business interests of the city.
 The Chamber is ready to help make the convention a success. We have a secretary who devotes his time to the business of the organization and he would be glad to help at any time
 The president extended the use of the rooms that the chamber occupies in the Chamber of Commerce build ing on Main street.
 Norwich the Trolley Center.
 He called attention to the fact that Norwich is the trolley center of east Norwich and Norwich is the shopping center of the eastern part of the state. All the stores are well equipped and carry nothing but the best lines.
 President James impressed the point that the chamber of commerce wants the delegates to go back to their homes with a desire to return to Nor wich. He hoped that the convention will be successful and that with the hospitality which the people of Nor wich are showing they will come again for another state convention.
 Fourth Degree ExempIified.
 The fourth degree was exemplifed by a team from the Burrit Grange, No 39, under the leadership of Master Robert Andrews. The members of the team were very attractive in their white robes and the work done was considered by the Patrons of Husban- dry to be the best ever done at a con- vention.
 High Priest of Demeter Charles M Gardner of Springfield, Mass, read the Unwritten Work of the Order for comparison and he was assisted by State Lecturer A. B. Cooke of Middle bury and Mrs. Edith Mitchell, worthy master of the Newton, Conn, grange. Gertrude Mcintyre, elocutionist, enter tained with a selection. Miss Nellie Howie of this city presided at the pia- no. The first day of the convention closed in regular form shortly before Il o'clock.
 There are many women in attend ance at the convention who hold the office of master and among the noted delegates is Leonard H. Healey, of Woodstock, secretary of the state board of agriculture.