Banquet At Chelsea

Banquet at Chelsea

The Chelsea Masons entertain a number of visitors.  Some fine speeches are made at the banquet and visiting Ann Arborites roast each other

Last night at Chelsea occurred a most pleasant Masonic event, the conferring of the third degree by Jackson Lodge on Bert Howlett, of Lyndon, at the hall of Olive Lodge, followed by a sumptuous banquet and toasts.

Jackson Masons came on a special train, 60 strong, being met at the depot by a delegation from Olive Lodge, and the Chelsea Cornet Band.  All proceeded to the lodge room where after a few moments handshaking and preparation, Jackson Lodge took possession, and in a first class manner proceeded to confer the degree. The work was well done, and Mr. Howlett made an ideal candidate.

After the work was completed, those present to the number of 125 marched "by two across the street to the town hall, where the banquet was given by the ladies of the Star Lodge. The room was most beautifully trimmed with flags and bunting and house plants were scattered about in lovely confusion. Cashier Wood of the Chelsea Savings Bank presided and after the invocation all present proceeded to do ample justice to the bountiful spread before them, which was elegantly served by the ladies present.

Supper was followed by the toasts.  Mr. Wood introducing D. B. Taylor who made a very good speech of welcome.

Major Hunt, of Jackson, succeeded him in a pleasant little talk on the good of the order.

Hon. Chas. Smith, of Jackson, was then called out, and spoke impressively of the great work Masonry was engaged in.

Judge Newkirk, of Ann Arbor, was the next speaker, and after he had taken a fall out of his Ann Arbor brothers who were present, much to their discomfiture, he was in turn most beautifully roasted by Hon. A. J. Sawyer, who kept the audience in a roar of laughter by his inimitable stories.

Hon. Chas. E. Townsend, of Jackson, made an eloquent address on "The aims of Free Masonry," adding much to his laurels as a public speaker. The hour then being late, all joined in singing "America" after which they were dismissed. Olive Lodge has occasion to be proud of the affair as it was pronounced by all who attended a most enjoyable one.