The Oakes times. [volume] (Oakes, N.D.) 1906-current, 1920-07-15
WO0DMEN HAVE
BUSHELS OF FUN
One Hundred Candidates Kept on the
Anxious Seat for Hours Before
the Initiation
MANY LODGES REPRESENTED
Visitors Well Cared for by Members
of Local Committees i.

of Local Committees
The executive committee of the To-
cal M. w. A., Messrs. o. H. McGrew
and S. P. Bronson, together with the
entire membership, have reason to
congratulate themselves upon the sue
cess which crowned their efforts last
Monday, rally day.
All camps within a radius of hun
dred miles were represented, approx
imately three hundred outside MEM
bers and candidates being present,
and hundreds were kept at home be-
cause of the unfavorable weather con-
ditions and had to send their regrets.
The streets were in holiday attire
and stands were located at every con-
venient corner. Two aviators were
here with their machines, having
come at the behest of the Woodmen,
and took up passengers all day. The
ball game between Oakes and Cogs-
we'll, two of the fastest teams in the
state, was called off because Of rain
after three innings had been played.
This was the greatest disappoint-
ment of the day. The merry-go-round
and pavilion dance were going all af-
ternoon and evening, so there wasn't
a dull moment. An axe and log were
among the decorations in practically
all display windows.
That Oakes was chosen to act as
host to the rally day crowd was due
to the fact that we have one of the
largest lodges in the state, and North
Dakota has surpassed all other states
in the northwest district. The meet
ing was held here as special con-
cession on the part of the head camp
in recognition of these outstanding
virtues.
Ralph E. Johnson, supreme organ
izer, who was scheduled to give an
address, was met at the train by the
band; the candidates, numbering one
hundred, and the official goat, which
was captured in the wilds near Mich
olson and brought here especially for
this occasion. In his talk given at the
c. M. C. hall, Mr.. johnson said it was
the first time in his career he had been
met by such an imposing delegation,
and also that in his 21 years connec-
tion with Woodmen organization
work, during which time he has trav-
eled all over the United States, he had
never before been present at such a
wonderful meeting. The local lodge
was lauded to the skies, both officers
and members coming in for their
share of the commendatory remarks.
He was especially impressed by
the splendid manner in which the
work was exemplified by the Forest
ers team, no rituals being used and
every member being letter perfect in
his part. Mr.. johnson said that no
lodge could hope to be successful un-
less the members and officers worked
together, and believes the success Of
the local camp is due to this co-opera-
tion.
State Deputy P. J. Murphy followed
Mr.. johnson and paid splendid trib-
ute to Oakes camp. Mr.. Murphy is
the man who awards the state honor
flags and said that he wasn't afraid
to promise Oakes this banner now,
Notwithstanding the fact that he still
has several places to visit. No great
er compliment could be given.
District Deputy G. w. Morrissey
delivered a brief talk and made very
pleasing impression. All speakers
were introduced by A. P. Guy, who is
a past master at this ceremony.
The big parade was held at 700
o'clock, having been postponed be-
cause of rain.
Supper was served by the Royal
Neighbors in the basement of the
Methodist church. Candidates were
given an opportunity to work up vo-
racious appetites, which were appeas-
ed at this feast, and the regular mem
bers-well, we didn't notice them
leaving the table hungry.
Headquarters were maintained in
the Woodmen hall, while the initia-
tory work was put on in the C. M. C.
hall. Adopting a hundred members
is no small task, and the team labored
all night long. Oakes, Cogswell,
Lidgerwood and Forman furnished
the candidates, who met their fate
manfully.
Every visitor present stated that
he had never attended like function
where everything was done so nicely.
Considerable amusement was caus-
ed by the "goat getter program"
which was gotten out for the special
benefit of the candidates. Some of
the advertisements appearing on them
were extremely funny, and provoked
many a laugh. They were taken
home by candidates and members
alike as souvenirs of the splendid
time enjoyed as guests of the local
camp.
Local camp members and officers