AN EVENING WITH ODD FELLOWS

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, March 27, 1891.

An Evening With Odd Fellows.

   In December 1870, Vesta Lodge, No. 255, I. O. O. F., was instituted in Cortland, and for years held its meetings in the old Squires building, now the quarters of Lincoln Lodge, I. O. G. T. In 1885, the erection of the Second National bank building presented a magnificent site for a suit of lodge chambers, and the Vesta requiring more room for her increased membership, arranged for the entire upper floor which was finished especially for their use and which is pronounced one of the most perfectly arranged lodge rooms in the state.

   Of late socials have been held from time to time at which the members with their families and friends have enjoyed the occasion in various games, music and occasional hops.

   Such an event occurred last Saturday evening with a large attendance, groups being seated at games and engaged in social chit-chat until 9:15, when P. G. Charles B. Roethig called to order and stated that there was a little business to come before the gathering. Briefly reviewing the object of the order and the instituting of Odd Fellowship in America on April 26, 1819, at the city of Baltimore, Md., he remarked that there was one in the assemblage who had ever been on time, in time, and it was regretted that the brother now deemed it a proper time to withdraw from active labor in the order; but the speaker hoped when the time came for laying down further labor here below that (calling the brother to the platform) P. O. Sidney Noyes Gooding would be in equal readiness for the future as he had been in the past, and as a token of continued friendship and brotherly love, presented P. G. Gooding with a gold watch, chain and charm—the latter bearing all symbols of the subordinate lodge and the encampment.

   Mr. Gooding feelingly replied to the presentation.

   Following this event the social continued and a light but daintily prepared line of refreshments was served and the party dispersed in the true spirit.

Brief history of Odd Fellows: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Order_of_Odd_Fellows

Gifts in Memorial.

   Two memorial windows were placed in position to the right and left of the desk in the Homer Avenue M. E. church during the present week. The one to the right being the gift from Mrs. Caleb B. Hitchcock and others in memory of Lelia Florence Henry, who died January 30th, 1891. A golden crown is near the apex of the window, an open music book and harp in the centre, while a neat floral token at the base lends a pleasing contrast to the various hues of the bordering glass.

   The window to the left is in memory of

1823. Rev. D. C. Dutcher, 1886.

and his son

1854. Rev. Charles V. Dutcher. 1888.

An anchor surmounts the scene while a neat cross relieves the central portion and an open bible with the words: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord," makes a fitting foundation memento. Neat panels are arranged around the tops of either window in harmony with the interior decoration, lending an "it is good for me to be here" air to the edifice.

   Contrary to public belief a bell is hanging in the tower and the rope by which it is moved is suspended into the vestibule, thus making a complete house dedicated to the service of God.

Another Old Landmark Gone.

   The death of Isaac Brooks removes from our midst another old citizen who deserves more than a passing notice. He was born and always lived on the farm where he died, at the ripe old age of three-score and ten. His funeral was largely attended by his many friends and neighbors. He was not a communicant of any church, but firmly believed in God, the Almighty Architect of the universe, and was always true to his convictions, his neighbor and himself. He was always just and true in his dealings with his fellow man, and, like the Father of his Country, he scorned to tell a lie. He was a kind and indulgent father, a good citizen, and was beloved by all who knew him. Peace to his ashes.

Fairgrounds shown on 1894 map.

July Meeting.

   The Mid-summer meeting of the Cortland County Driving Park Association will be held on the Association [fair] grounds in this place July 1, 2, 3 and 4. Premiums amounting to $3,500 are offered and are as follows:

WEDNESDAY JULY 1ST.

2:50 Class, trotting, $400.

2:30 Class, pacing, $350.

THURSDAY, JULY 2D.

2:37 Class, trotting, $400.

2:27 Class, trotting, $400.

FRIDAY, JULY 3D.

2:45 Class, trotting, $400.

2:23 Class, trotting, $400.

2:25 Class, pacing, $400.

SATURDAY JULY 4TH.

2:33 Class, trotting, $350.

2:29 Class, trotting, $400.

   Entries close June 22. In addition to the races on the first day will be a two-year- old race, and on the second day there will be a race for three-year-olds. Full particulars of these events will be given later.

   The officers of the Association are building new stables, a new grand stand and otherwise improving the grounds. As the Association is a member of the Central New York Trotting Association the entries will undoubtedly be large and a grand meeting will result.

Florida Letter.

   AUBURNDALE, Fla., March 20, 1891.

   EDITOR DEMOCRAT:—As there is quite a sprinkling of Cortland people in Auburndale, it may not be uninteresting to some of your readers to know something of the place they are in. Auburndale is situated nearly midway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, on the great thoroughfare from Jacksonville to Tampa, and has the highest altitude of any place on the route, but one. The beauty of the scenery, the purity of the air and water, and the beautiful lakes, well stocked with excellent bass and perch, are the great attractions of this place.

   But there are other attractions. The region of these lakes is so much more exempt from frost than most of the places in the State, it can safely be depended upon (excepting the lowest portion) in the cultivation of limes, lemons, oranges and guavas. Strawberries are very abundant here now, and have been some time, at 10 cents a quart. Most of the groves are young, but there is an abundance of the above named fruits, and many other kinds to be had here.

   The people here are largely from the north, including Canada and Nova Scotia. Probably every State in the Union is represented to this township. But Cortland, I think, has the largest representation of any town north or south. At a church sociable last evening, Cortland had 12 representatives, and several Cortlanders residing here were not in attendance. McDermott's hall was well filled with a good-looking, good-feeling, and appreciative company. Your correspondent's appreciation of the luscious oysters fresh from Tampa Bay, with the accompaniments, was a matter of comment, if not concern, and the Cortland colony, most of whom sat at the same table, were equal to the occasion. Of course it was a financial success.

   C. I. Page was the pioneer from Cortland, followed by the Morses, Stephens, Balls, Bierces and others. Those coming for their health have been benefited, and I do not know of a more healthy place in Florida, or a better place for raising oranges. M. S. Bierce has a very promising field of Irish potatoes growing. They retail here at 60 cents a peck. By the way,—Why are not some of those bulbous roots raised by paupers and carried for ballast, dumped at Tampa? Four dollars a barrel ought to pay. [This question was a pointed reference to the tariff on potatoes and past editorials found in the Cortland Democrat—CC editor.]

   Yours truly,

   JAY BALL.

Blaze in the First Ward.

   An alarm was sent in from box 123 about 10:00 P. M., Friday in the midst of a heavy fall of rain. The second call was just sounding as the Emeralds pulled out of their quarters and with the Hitchcock hose cart were speeding to the scene regardless of the weather. The Protectives and Excelsior hooks started soon after; but the Hooks having no team and being light on the drag rope experienced much difficulty in hauling their apparatus.

   The fire was in a house owned by D. D. Ufford of Cincinnatus, and occupied by A. C. Upson on Taylor street, near the E. C. & N. round house. The distance, weather, and all disadvantages considered, Cortland's fire boys did efficient and timely service in staying the flames. Loss by fire and water about $1,000, covered by insurance.

Too Much Married.

   Some months since Wm. E. Hubby of this place went to Syracuse and secured work in the Steam Gauge and Lantern works in that city. The shipping clerk of the firm, one H. P. Parker, boarded at the same house with Hubby. The latter it seems was susceptible to female charms and he soon became smitten with one Nora Bidlock of that city, and in August they were married and Hubby brought his charming bride to Cortland, where he secured work in the Trap shop and engaged board at a respectable boarding house.

   Every thing went along smoothly until last Monday, when Parker appeared at the Trap shop and announced to Hubby that Nora was Mrs. Parker at the same time exhibiting his marriage certificate which ante-dated Hubby's. The pair confronted Nora and she admitted that what Parker said was true, and Hubby told her to pack up her goods and chattels and go, which she proceeded to do. The Syracuse Standard says that no such man as Parker is known in that city and that his name cannot be found in the directory.