The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1920-09-09
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS PICNIC
WAS A WONDERFUL SUCCESS
The Largest Crowd of People In At
tendance Ever Gathered in Oakland

In years gone by Oakland has had
some tremendous crowd within her
gates, but on Monday, the occasion of
the widely advertised picnic under the
auspices of the local lodgs Knights
of Pythias, all former records were
outdone. 1t has been estimated by
those who are considered good judges
that more than seven thousand people
were here, most of whom gathered at
the picnic grounds at the intersection
of the State road and the Deer Park
road, which had been specially pre-
pared by the erection of refreshment
and lunch stands, a dancing pavilion
and other attractions for the accom-
mediation of the people.
Early in the summe rthis method of
securing money with which to wipe
out an Indebtedness of several thous-
and dollars resting upon the Knights
of Pythias building in Oakland, was
conceived and a committee composed
of three live wires in the persons of
J. w. Whorton, James Bell and Harry
Stemple was appointed to have the
matter in hand. With good team work
on the part of this committee, assisted
by almost every individual member of
the local lodge, success far beyond the
anticipation Of even the most sanguine
Knights, was achieved, with the result
that in the one day nearly or quite
sufficient cash was taken in to dis
charge the debt.
Sunday evening, with lowering
clouds and an occasional spatter of
rain, made everyone who had hoped
for a fair day Monday, feel quite blue,
nor was this feeling dispelled until
late Monday morning, when the skies
and sun gave promise of fair and
pleasant day, for old Sol shone inter
mittently throughout the late morning
and during the afternoon hours, and
went to sleep in blaze of glory At
seven o'clock, however, slight shower
came to dampen the spirits of those
who had gone to the picnic grounds
to engage in dancing, bat this soon
passed over and delightful evening
was had by all. The dance music was
furnished by the famous Browning
brothers stringed orchestra.
The festivities of the day were op-
ened with a parade through the main
streets of town, led by DR.. Henry w.
McComas, chief marshall. In the pa
rade was the Arion band of Frostburg,
the crack musical organization of all
Western Maryland, followed by men,
bers of the committee, Messrs Whor-
ton, Bell and Stemple, the Knights of
Pythias lodge of Oakland with Grand
Chancellor julius c. Renninger lead
ing, the Pythian Sisters and other or
CARNATIONS, including about hundred
members of the Dokies in their pic
turesque uniforms and regalia.
The second division of the parade
was led by Mr.. Wade H. Hinebaugh,
who was followed by the Oakland City
Band and number of floats showing
various business and trades carried on
in Oakland The parade throughout
was very we'll arranged and covered
most of the town.
At the picnic grounds chicken din
ners were served by the thousand;
entertainment in the form of dancing,
a merry go round and ferris wheel
brought here especially for the day,
was afforded the visitors, and they all,
enjoyed themselves.
At 2:30 o'clock Past Chancellor
Commander of Oakland. Lodge, Mr..
E, R. Jones, introduced Congressman
Frederick N. Zihlman, of Cumberland,
who addressed the crowd upon the va
rious public questions before the peo-
pie, the keynote of his remarks be-
ing "Americanism." Congressman
Zihlman eschewed politics entirely,ta
ing occasion in the course of his talk,
which lasted half an hour, to felicitate
"OiltCu upOil IIICll lCCGHIiy
ed right to vote, and in this he was
met with hearty handclapping.
The Frostburg band is to be con-
graduated for the high class music
that organization furnished through
out the day. They played without
ceasing except for dinner, the entire
morning and afternoon, and as a con-
sequence they have created an excel
lent and lasting impression upon all
who had the pleasure of hearing them.
The Oakland band also gave con-
certs during the morning and after
noon hours to delighted audiences. The
rendition of difficult selections by this
young but progressive organization
was quite a revelation to many who
had never before heard them in concert
work.
Taken all in all the picnic was more
of a success than it was thought pos
sible to make it and all are convinced