Evening star., 1938-05-08
THE SUNDAY STAR WASHINGTON, D. c.,
ANNUAL SHADBAKE
( IS SET FOR MAY q

0PiulS OulIIiH VI IouC
Board Originated Back
in 1894.
That outing of outings, the annual
shad bake of the Washington Board
Of Trade-the 1888 edition of which
Is scheduled to be unfolded less than
two weeks from today-had its begin
ming way back in 1894 and that first
affair was reported to be an outstand-
ing success.
At that time, the flve-year-old Board
Of Trade had something less than 500
members. 1t is likely that even less
than that number made the trip to
Marshall Hall for the all-day outing.
The shad they consumed probably
wouldn't be enough for an appetizer
for the throng of business men, Sena-
tors. Representatives and other high
officials who today are looking for
ward to May 2l. date for the forty
fourth annual shad bake
Tickets Are Limited.
The affair has grown to tremendous
proportions It's become so popular, it
has been found necessary, during the
last several years, to limit the number
Of tickets to 1.l00. It's always a SELL
out. Those who have attended con-
slider the event one Of the outstanding
spring affairs in the vicinity.
Like the trade bodys midwinter
dinner, the shad bake is so big, spe-
cial committee is required each year to
make all the necessary arrangements
for the site, reception of guests, the
dinner, entertainment, souvenirs, tick
cts, etc.
The committee is not one of the
standing committees Of the board. Its
chairman, subchairmen and personnel
are selected each year, and their work
is finished when the shad bake Is
ended
The board has held this outing at
Of the event. Marshall Hall was the
site for number OF years. Then the
thirteenth edition was held at River
view. Md
The printed program for this outing
advised the frolicers to drink merrily,
cheerfully-and carefully"
Party at Chesapeake Beach.
In 1914, rs and '16, the scene was
shifted to Chesapeake Beach, and in
1924. when Edward F. Colladay was
serving his first term as president of
the organization, the throng converged
on Quantico, Va. 1t was reported the
Marine Base there was practically
turned over to the board members and
their guests for the day.
The site was changed to the Con-
gressional Country Club in 1926, and
the following three years, it was held
at Sherwood Forest, Md. then it
shifted back to Quantico for a couple
of years,
Except for tie spring of 1895, the
place of revelry since 1893 has been
at large and beautiful resort on
Chesapeake Bay-Bay Ridge, Md. This
place grows more popular every year.
1t is the only spot anywhere near
the city where the outing can be
carried on in fine fashion even if the
elements try to interfere. In a huge
pavilion. the meal is served in two
shifts-and 600 can be accommodated
at one time.
| Ample Fish Assured.
The date for the outing is never set
until the Shad Bake Committee con-
fers at length with piscatorial experts
so that the cooks can be sure there
will be plentiful supply Of shad avail
able. It's real meal, with the piece
de resistance served on huge oak
planks, along with all the accessories
The shad bake is an event which is
looked forward to also by the wives
and kiddies Of board members be-
cause OF the big sackful Of souvenirs
distributed to each person. Anywhere
from IS to 100 business firms of Wash
lngton contribute merchandise and
other articles to swell the souvenir
bags.
1t is always the scene Of the tradi-
tional baseball game between the
Public Order Committee and the
Membership Committee. Other high
lights include large vaudeville pro-
gram during the dinner. boxing
matches, races and games of all kinds
Notables Attend.
Many Senators and Representatives
District officials and Federal Govern
ment officers regularly attend the shad
bake and the Governor of Maryland is
always on hand.
1t Is the custom Of the president OF
the Board of Trade to have members
OF the Membership Committee serve
on the shad bake unit. The president
of the board always presides at the
dinner.
Harry l.. Merrick is serving as chair
man Of the 1888 Shad Bake Commit
tee. with Christian Heurich, jr., as
first vice chairman and Diller B. Croft
as second vice chairman. Heading
the Dinner Committee is w. Russell
Lamar, and the entertainment unit is
in the hands of Clarence w. Gosnell.
Mr., Colladay, immediate past presi-
dent Of the board, is chairman of the
Reception Committee; Milton Schlosser
heads the Souvenir Committee and
Joseph c. Monaghan is in charge OF
the Ticket Committee.