ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS BANQUET

 

Cortland Evening Standard, March 17, 1903.

THE A. O. H. BANQUET

To Commemorate the Birth of Ireland's Patron Saint.

A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL AFFAIR.

Two Hundred and Fifty Were Present—Enjoyable Reception—Elaborate Banquet Served by Ladies' Auxiliary—A Fine Toast List and Excellent Speaking—District Attorney Dowd the Toastmaster—Officers and Committees.

Taylor Hall Block, Cortland, N. Y.

   Never before did the local division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians meet under more auspicious circumstances than those of last night to commemorate the birth of the patron saint, to recall in song and flowing oratory the valor and chivalry of the illustrious sons of old Erin, to rejoice in the glory of the fatherland and to mourn because of the reverses that came through enforced subjection. Wit and humor and enthusiasm and ardor were rampant.

   The banquet was the sixth that the local division has given, and it is safe to say that it was one of the very best of its kind ever held here. Taylor hall, the banqueting place, presented a remarkably pleasing appearance. Decorations of red, white and blue together with green transformed the hall into a veritable wonderland. The tables were neatly spread and as the guests to the number of 250 came into the room most favorable comments were heard upon the beautiful scene that was afforded.

   The supper was furnished and served by the Ladies' auxiliary of the A. O. H. and was excellent in every particular. At 9 o'clock, after the reception that was held at Empire hall, the guests went to Taylor hall and were seated around the festive board. During the time that the supper was being served, and later in the evening, McDermott's orchestra furnished spirited music that elicited well earned applause.       The menu follows:

Emeralds.                       Shillalaha.                       Hibernian Wafers.

Hot Roast American Turkey with Dressing. Cranberry Jelly.

Oyster Paddies.                         Chicken Salad a'la Shamrock.

                        Creamed Mashed Irish Potatoes.

                                Hot Murphy Rolls.

Killarney Cakes.                             Limerick Jelly.

                                     Fruit.

Colleens.              Blarney Stones.                    Coffee.

   After the inner man had been satisfied beyond any question of doubt, District President James F. Dwyer called for order and gave a hearty welcome to the guests. He then introduced as the toastmaster of the evening, District Attorney Thomas H. Dowd, who briefly stated the object of meeting at this time. He spoke of the significance to Irishmen of St. Patrick's day and spoke of Irish fealty and patriotism and of loyalty to this their country by adoption. He spoke of Ireland as once the leader of the nations of the world, but now a broken remnant of the past. He predicted, however, that in the near future Ireland would be allowed to enjoy her full quota of freedom. He then asked all to stand and join in singing "God Save Ireland." This was heartily sung by the banqueters, led by the Apollo quartet.

The Speakers and Their Responses.

   In introducing the first speaker of the evening the toastmaster said that the person who should respond to the sentiment first given on the list should be one who was born in Ireland and had seen all the phases of Irish life. He then called upon Rev. Thomas Conway of Truxton to respond to the toast, "The National Characteristics of the Irish."

   The most marked characteristics of the Irish people, said the speaker, are loyalty to their religion and allegiance to their country. A great feature of the race is that it is not satisfied with leaving its religion at home, but that it wishes to extend this. "Plant an Irish family in any land and you plant the seeds of Christianity," said he.

   The toast, "The Emerald Isle," which was to have been responded to by Edwin Duffey, had to be omitted, as Mr. Duffey was unavoidably detained from the meeting.

   The Apollo quartet then sang, to the satisfaction of all, "Let Erin Remember the Days of Old.'' The quartet is composed of F. W. Lanigan, J. P. Byrnes, W. P. Walsh and Edward Hillick. Its music was one of the features of the evening.

   James F. Tobin responded to the sentiment "Irish Progress," and in so doing he portrayed the marked advancement, the keen instinct and the social, political and educational qualities of the Irishman. The speaker showed a keen appreciation of the subject which he treated and was enthusiastically received.

   A solo, "Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded," was sung by J. F. Byrnes in his usually pleasing manner.

   Charles B. Dowd, one of Cortland's youngest orators, but one who has been heard here upon a few occasions and who recently won laurels as a member of the Cornell debating team, was the next speaker introduced. His sentiment was "Robert Emmet," and in presenting this he added fresh laurels to his list of achievements. His voice is rich, deep and attractive and he possesses remarkable magnetism. He gave an excellent interpretation of the character of Emmet and was tumultuously applauded for his effort.

   It was announced that on account of illness Patsey Conway of Ithaca was not present to give the cornet solo that was promised. Earl B. Maas, however, furnished a trombone solo in fine style.

   J. David Enright of Syracuse responded to the toast "The Ancient Order of Hibernians." The speaker knew well the subject, and in a very forceful manner gave an insight into the work of the organization.

   E. W. Hyatt of Homer was called upon at this time to speak of the Emerald Isle, the sentiment to which Mr. Duffey was to have responded. The toastmaster said that the speaker had such fertility of imagination that he could tell all about Ireland although he had never visited the country. Mr. Hyatt responded by giving a witty talk and by telling stories, of which he seems to have an endless supply.

   A solo by Wm. P. Walsh, entitled, "Rose of Killarney," was sung in a very pleasing manner.

   "St. Patrick and Ireland" was the subject of an inspiring talk by Francis E. Cullen of Oswego. Mr. Cullen was in Cortland last year and was most favorably received again this year.

   Hon. T. P. Heffernan of Dunkirk was unable to attend the banquet, and the ceremonies were concluded by the singing of "America" by all the guests.

   The banquet was one of the most enjoyable ever held. The speeches were all good and the sentiments expressed were elevating. Plenty of fun and repartee mingled with the rest. Mr. Dowd, as toastmaster, displayed the happy faculty of keeping things moving smoothly and rapidly and of turning jokes freely.

   Much of the success of the evening was due to the hard work of Chairman D. M. Roche of the committee of arrangements, who spared nothing of labor in making the affair what it was.

   The division officers and committee of arrangements and reception committee are as follows:

Reception Committee.

   J.  E. Lonergan, Chas. Corcoran, Thos. J. McAuliffe, Thos. Kane, Thos. Drake, Jas. F. Tobin, Edwin Duffey, Thos. H. Dowd, John McCarthy, P. O. Burns, John O'Donnell, John Lynch, J. L. Hannon, Thos. Allen, Jas. W. Barrett, J. T. Davern, Wm. Gerard, M. T. Roche, Martin Davern, John Hammill, E. C. McEvoy, J. J. Reider,

Division Officers.

   President—James F. Dwyer.

   Vice-President—William P. Walsh.

   Corresponding Secretary—Joseph Dowd.

   Financial Secretary—M. L. Mellon.

   Treasurer—William Kennedy.

   Sergeant-at-Arms—William T. Callahan.

   Sentinel—John Dalton.

   County President—Daniel M. Roche.

Committee of Arrangements.

   D. M. Roche, John Dalton, Timothy Noonan, M. F. Cleary, Wm. P. Walsh, Jas. F. Dwyer, William Kennedy, John F. Dowd, John A. Kennedy, Joseph Dowd.

 

Reception and Dance.

   Mr. R. F. O'Brien will hold a reception and dance in Red Men's hall this evening. All persons holding invitations are cordially invited to attend.

 

Maple Sugar Social.

   The Epworth league of the First M. E. church will hold a maple sugar social at the church parlors Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 8. Music by orchestra. All are invited. Price 10 cents.