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Democratic Watchman April 21 1899, page 8
THE GREAT DAY NEXT WEEK
"Next Wednesday, April 26th, Bellefonte will swarm with Odd Fellows from all over Central Pennsylvania, who, will come here to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Odd Fellowship in America.
The principle event of the day will be the grand parade at 2 o'clock p. m. in which the visitors will participate in full regalia There will be beautifully caparisoned horses and thousands of men in the splendid regalia of the order. One of the most gorgeous spectacles will be the entire 4th Reg. Patriarchs Militant, the military branch, of the Odd Fellows, in full uniform and executing difficult evolutions.
All the grand lodge officers of the order will be present. Hon. John G. Love will make the address of welcome, after which the distinguished visitors will speak.
For the occasion, all rail-roads running into Bellefonte have issued a one way fare for the round trip and arrangements are now being made to have trains leave here, after the ceremonies at night, to carry all visitors back to their homes.
The committee on invitations, Messrs. John M. Keichline, W. Harrison Walker and W. G. Runkle extend this last cordial invitation to everyone to join with the Odd Fellows in making the 26th a great and memorable day in Bellefonte.
PROGRAM OF THE DAY
9:00 a. m. to 10:30 a. m. Reception of visiting lodges, cantons and encampments
2 p. m., Parade
3 p. m., Massing of lodges in Diamond
Address of welcome by Hon. John G. Love and addresses by grand lodge officers, and others
7 p. m., Special session of grand lodge at hall of Centre lodge, No. 153
8 p. m School of instruction in lodge room
ROUTE OF PARADE
Parade will form at a p. m. Right resting on West High street between Thomas and Water streets; out Spring to Curtin; east on Curtin street to Armor street; south on Armor to Linn street; west on Linn to Allegheny; Allegheny to Bishop; east on Bishop to Ridge; countermarch on Bishop to Spring; Spring to High street; up High street to the speakers stand.
Democratic Watchman April 21 1899, page 8
SPECIAL RETURN TRAINS FOR NEXT WEDNESDAY
The Pennsylvania railroad will run a special train, leaving Bellefonte at 9:30 next Wednesday night, through to Coburn, in order to carry all persons along that line back to their homes after the celebration in Bellefonte.
The Central R. R. of Pa. will run a special train, leaving Bellefonte, at 10:45 p. m. through to Mill Hall.
The Bellefonte Central R. R. will run a special train, leaving Bellefonte, at 10 p. m., through to Pine Grove Mills. The round trip fare from the latter place will be 60 cts. From State College, Strubles and Waddles it will be 50c.
Democratic Watchman April 28 1899, page 4
A GREAT DAY FOR ODD FELLOWS
THE EIGHTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORDER IN AMERICA CELEBRATED IN SPLENDID STYLE IN BELLEFONTE
Even a Hail Storm Couldn't Spoil It
Bellefonte Thronged with Thousands of Strangers to Witness the Parade of the Central Pennsylvania Odd Fellows - Encampments, Lodges and Cantons from Many Counties Here to Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Order in -America - Bellefonte Never Looked Gayer - A Good Natured, Well Ordered Crowd and a Grand Parade
"Not since the days of her centennial celebration in June, 1895, has Bellefonte looked more gorgeous under the touch of professional decorator or been visited by more people than she was on Wednesday. The Odd Fellows of Central Pennsylvania district, embracing nineteen counties, were here to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of their order in America and they did it by such an out pouring of people and a parade of such splendor as could not but impress on the minds of everyone the strength of the society and the reputable character of its membership.
Bellefonte had been preparing for weeks for the event and when the anniversary day dawned nearly every business block in the town and all of the public buildings were replendent in holiday draperies. The Bush house, the Watchman office, the Arcade, Odd Fellows hall, the Exchange, First national bank, the Jackson, Hastings & Co. bank, the Garman house, the court house, the Brockerhoff house, Temple court, the Lyon block and Naginey's building had all been dressed by professional decorators, while nearly all of the other principal places in the town were effectively draped with bunting and appropriate insignia.
Two, imposing arches emblematical of Odd Fellowship and in imitation of white marble spanned High street. One at the intersection of Water and the other just at the entrance to the Diamond from east High. By many the decorations were believed to have been far more elaborate than they were for the centennial celebration.
THE CROWDED TRAINS ARRIVING
The crowds began to arrive early from the surrounding country, but it was not until the morning trains came in that the guests of honor and the bands were in evidence. The first to arrive was over the Bellefonte Central, bringing seven coaches crowded with the Odd Fellows from State College and Pine Grove and the State College band. Next came the morning train over the L. and T., with Lemont, Boalsburg, Centre Hall, Millheim and Rebersburg lodges; five coaches full. Following it the train east on the B.E.V. brought six coaches of representatives from Stormstown, Tyrone, Bellewood and Altoona and the Bellwood Band. Then the west train arrived soon after with the Blanchard, Lick Run, Howard, Milesburg and Renovo lodges. The crowds already arrived had scarcely been escorted to quarters ere the first section over the Central R. - R. of Pa. came in. It was two hours late, owing to a freight wreck that had delayed it at Jersey Shore. It was a special through from Williamsport of eight coaches carrying the grand lodge officers and cantons and lodges from that city, Jersey Shore and Lock Haven. Ten minutes later the regular train pulled into the station at the foot of Lamb street packed with Nattany valley's turnout.
A STORM DELAYED PARADE
The parade had been scheduled for 2 o'clock and had almost been marshaled into order for movement when a terrific thunder storm sent the assemblying marchers skurrying for shelter. It seemed as though all the hose in the firmament had bursted for a few moments and hail-stones pelted down violently to add to the discomfort of those who couldn't find cover. It was scarcely an instant alter the storm broke that High street, previously a sea of people, became a regular torrent of running water. The Odd Fellows took it good naturedly and some of them became more odd than ever by the ducking they got.
The Repasz band that had been escorting the Williamsport Patriarchs Militant, took shelter under the awnings at the Bush house and gave their feelings vent in such selections as "How Dry I Am" and, "Wait 'Till the Clouds Roll by Jennie." The third division, that was resting on north Water street, climbed into the cars on the Central sidings and were as dry as punk, while the first and second divisions took to the porches on north and south Thomas streets.
The storm lasted about half an hour, then it cleared up and looked as though a bright afternoon was to follow, but grand marshal Taylor had scarcely called the man into line again, ere another shower floated along; this time catching the gayly uniformed 4th regiment and wetting it considerably before Col. Long decided to send his men to cover again.
Co. M 21st Rag. N. G. P., the military escort of the parade, stuck to its position 'til the last, but as the drops began to get larger and the clouds blacker Capt. Mullen double quicked his men into the Pennsylvania passenger station. The streets were again deserted and remained so for twenty minutes more, then a streak of sunshine gleamed forth and before any more clouds bad a chance to obscure it the parade was off.
The line moved east on High street in the following order:
1st Division
Capt. Hugh S. Maylor, Chief Marshal
Mounted Aids
J. Sweisfort, Danville, H. K. Hoy, Altoona,
John L. Miller Sunbury; F. E. Naginey,
J. W. Conley, S. D. Gettig, R. A, Beck bugler,
Undine Band, Bellefonte,
Co. M 21st Reg. N. G. P.
Col. H. E. Long and staff of the 4th Reg.
Patrirarchs Militant
Repesz band, Williamsport
Fourth Regiment, Patriarchs Militant
Canton Ridgley, Williamsport, Canton, Altoona, Canton Renovo; Canton Jersey Shore
Grand Lodge Officers in carriage
2nd Division
Marshal, W. M. Cronister - Aids, -H. A. Moore, Howard; S. S. McCormick, Hublersburg
Coleville Band
Altoona Encampment
Renovo Encampment
Bellwood Band
Bellwood Lodge, No. 819
3rd DIVISION
John G. Dubbs, Marshal.
State College Band
State College Lodge
Pine Grove Mills Lodge
Stats College Encampment, No. 74
Centre Hall Lodge
Lemont Lodge
Zion Lodge
Nittany Valley Lodge
Milesburg K. G. E. Band
Milesburg Lodge
Blanchard Lodge
Lick Run Lodge, No. 311
Half Moon Lodge, No. 345
Renovo Band
Renovo Lodge
Exeter Encampment, of Renovo
Rebersburg Lodge
Officers of Grand Lodge and Visitors Carriages
The parade moved east on High to Spring, to Curtin, to Armor, to Linn, to Allegheny, to Bishop, to Ridge and countermarch to Spring to High to the Diamond, making a route 2 1/2 miles long.
After the line had been thoroughly formed it moved in good order, the streets had dried fairly well and the spectacle was really imposing. The bright regalia of the grand lodge officers and the plumed chapeaus of the Patriarchs Militant, their guilt lace ornaments and glittering swords brought forth rounds of applause as they executed all sorts of difficult evolutions while on the march. Than the less pretentious paraphernalia of the lodges lent a variety to the appearance of the paraders that added to its interest.
There were about a thousand men in line, but there were nearly as many more on the streets who had either not intended to join or lost their places during the storm.
On the whole it was certainly a creditable turn out, the like of which has not been equalled by any secret society demonstration in Bellefonte since the masonic conclave here years ago.
The parade was dismissed in the Diamond and an open session was held there immediately after. From the speaker's stand the visitors were welcomed to Bellefonte, then addresses on Odd Fellowship and suggestions for the good of the order were made by Wm. H. Keiss, president of Pa. Odd Fellows anniversary Asso; Samuel McKeever, grand master of the grand lodge; Esan Loomis, deputy grand master; C. H. Coon, grand chaplain; James S. Montgomery, grand marshal; major general Ed. C, Deans, grand representative to the sovereign grand lodge; John L. Miller, president of the orphans' home at Sunbury.
This concluded the public exercises and the scattered to all parts of the town to see and do as they pleased.
MEETING OF THE ANNIVERSARY ASSOCIATION
In the evening tile anniversary association met in the hall of No. 153 for the regular annual business meeting that had been postponed from the morning, owing to the late arrival of the Central train carrying the officers. All that they would make public was that Wm. Keiss, of Williamsport, was re-elected president of the association; Jos. H. Mackey, of Williamsport, vice-president; and H. C. Kramer, of Williamsport, treasurer. It was decided to meet at Renovo next year.
After the meeting of the anniversary association there was a special session of the grand lodge with a school of instruction for Odd Fellows. With this concluded the most of the visitors left on the night trains en route for their homes.
All were impressed with the effort that Bellefonte had made to receive and entertain them in a fitting manner and spoke enthusiastically of their enjoyment of the day here.
The local organization did itself proud by the manner in which so large an event was handled and the generally successful result of the day. The following are the committee that arranged all but those inopportune showers:
John G. Dubbs, Chairman
Finance: A. C. Mingle, chairman: John Olewine, J. C. Meyer
Decoration: W. Conley, chairmen; W. G. Derstine, W. H. Miller, W. H. Kochier, C. K. Hicklen
Entertainment: J. C. Meyer chairman, H. B. Pontius, C, T, Gerberich. Harry Everhart
Reception: W. B. Rankin, chairman; Geo. L. VanTries, J. H. Eberhart, J. S. Carson, D. O. Etters, James Schofield, J. P. Smith, J. F. Harrison, A. Lukenbach, B. H. Shaffer, W. H. Kochler, J. K. Keichline, Thomas W. Moore, John I. Olewine, Jas. D. Seibert, J. R. Cole, W. Harrison, Walker, W. G. Runkle, George H. Knisely, John G. Dubbs
Music: H. B. Postius, chairman; A. Lukenbach, J. P. Smith
Printing: J. M. Keichline, chairman, W. Harrison Walker
A PROUD DAY FOR CENTRE LODGE
Centre lodge No. 153, I. O. O. F. has reason to felicitate itself over the exceptional success of its big undertaking. The local order has a membership that includes many of our most representative business men and, in consequence it is not to be wondered at that their plans were so thoroughly laid and every detail so faithfully executed when the eventful day came.
From an historical point of view No. 153 is one of the most interesting of the many secret fraternal organizations in Bellefonte.
It was instituted Feb. 23rd, 1846, in the old building at the corner of High and Penn streets, ones known as the Masonic temple. The early days of the order here were fraught with varied successes and vicissitudes. In 1856 the lodge had become so weakened that the charter was surrendered, rather than to keep it alive by initiating undesirable brothers. The spark of fidelity, love and truth did not flicker out, however, and the zealous efforts of those who remained true to their principles were rewarded by a reorganization, which was effected in the hall at the east end of the old Arcade on the night of August 17th, 1867. The lodge seemed alive with new life and grew amazingly until more sumptuous quarters were needed and the rooms were moved to the McClain block, in 1870. There they remained until January, 1888, when they were removed into the present handsome quarters in I. O. O. F. building, on the Diamond.
The charter members and a few who joined soon after were: Instituted Feb. 23rd, 1846, by Henry Baker, N. G.; Charles H. Bressler V. G. P. Benner Wilson, Sec.; Wm. A. Baker, Ass't Sec.; Sam. Welsh, treasurer; Edmund Graham, Geo. W. Tate, Daniel Leyden, B. Rush Petriken, James Welsh, Robt. Durham, Wm. Wallace Hayes, Roland Curtin, John T. Hoover, A. G. Curtin, John H. McCoy, John H. Morrison, Bartram Galbraith, Mord. Waddle, John D. Lieb, Daniel McGinley, Daniel Irvin, Wm. S. Tripple, Wm. P. Harris, D. K. Tate, Jacob Schrom, Henry Twitmire, Adam Hoy, J. Smith Barnhart, Huey Miller, H. H. Benner.
Only two of the foregoing are still members of Centre lodge. They are H. H. Benner, of Atlantic City, and Henry Twitmire, of Curwensville.
The lodge to-day has a membership of 125 men, representing the town's very best types. Their fine appearance in the parade was an earnest of the character of the men.
Since 1870 they have paid more than $10,000 in reliefs, so that you will see that the benefits of being a secret society man must amount to something.
NOTES OF THE DAY
Chief bugler H. A. Beck made a fine appearance on his admirably trained horse.
Col. Long, of the 4th Reg. Patriarchs Militant, would have taken the prize had there been one for the handsomest looking man in line, but sheriff W. M. Cronister only needed the regalia of a Patriarch to have made him a sharer in the distinction.
Marshal John G., Dubbs, of the 3rd Div. sat on his horse as if he had been part of it and reigned supreme at the head of a fine body of men.
Chief marshal Taylor has received many compliments on the appearance of himself and staff and the prompt manner in which he got the parade in line.
All the bands that were here played in fine style and there was no dearth of music during the afternoon. In the evening the Bellwood and Renovo hands consolidated, the State College band and the Repasz band gave concerts in the various parts of the town.
The Repasz band, under director Woods, played on the stand in the Diamond from 7:30 until 9:30 and a great crowd of people enjoyed the concert.
The town was exceptionally orderly, There were very few disturbances and it was not necessary to make a single arrest."
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