Newapaper Tidbits from Rick B Saturday, March 4, 2006 "The South Bend Weekly Tribune", Saturday, January 15, 1898, page 5 SOCIETY Tuesday evening for the first time since the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks could boast of a loyal following in South Bend, the ladies were entertained by the local lodge at a social session, informal to a degree, but none the less brilliant because of the enjoyable absence of that social quality that forbids the fervent grasp of extended hands and the promiscuous exchange of opportune greetings. Many times the members of B. P. O. E., No. 235, have gathered in social session in their attractive meeting hall, corner of Main street and Colfax avenue, but never before last evening were the ladies permitted to share the unrestrained hospitality which is a predominant characteristic of a true Elk. The innovation proved so superlatively successful and so entrancingly enjoyable that the antler bearers look with pardonable pride upon the auspicious termination of their inceptive efforts. The home of the South Bend Elks never wore a prettier or more ingeniously patterned gown than that which greeted the eyes of guests last evening. Festoonings of evergreen hung from ceiling to chandelier and from chandelier to ceiling in graceful curves and loops, with dainty pink carnationsnand drooping roses springled prettily among the bewildering picture of artistic adornment. The environment was irresistably conducive of an interningling of guests. The lodge room, in which the musical programme of the evening was given, was made attractive by banks of palms and ferns in either end of the hall backed by American flags beautifully draped. In the center of the room was a pedestal of ferns, palms, roses and carnations, surmounted by a ball of the same which hung from the chandelier. The windows and doors were beautified by portiers of rope evergreen. The banquet hall was decorated similarly. Large bouquets of pink roses sat on each table, and a rose of the same ! color was opposite each plate. The tables were done in ferns and carnations. The musical programme begun at 8:30 o'clock. The Elks' orchestra from Elkhart, rendered four striking selections in its inimitable style and responded to several prolonged encores. Miss Oral Miller sang "Our Baby" in a delightful manner, with Miss Maude Miller as accompanist. Mr. James Stenberg then gave an amusing imitation of a farmer looking for a small town on a railroad map, at the conclusion of which guests were escorted to the banquet hall by the ladies on the reception committee, Mrs. G. H. Wenger, Mrs. William Toepp, Mrs. Max Cohn, Mrs. D. A. Westbury, Miss Maude Miller and Mrs. Charles W. McCann. More than 150 guests were seated at the tables and for more than an hour gave themselves over to the consumption of an elaborate supper. The last course finished, presiding officer D. A. Westbury, rapped for silence and in a few appropriate remarks thanked the ladies who provided the superb decorations and bade them welcome to the home of the Elks. Mr. Frank Dunnahoo followed with a toast on "Our Ladies," in which he eulogized the fair sex generally. District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler A. B. Armstrong, of Kokomo, Ind., was next introduced, and although he spoke briefly his remarks were appropriate and highly congratulatory. Mr. Max Cohn told the ladies a few things regarding "Our Lodge" and brought considerable mirth out of the corners of the hall. As one who has decided to venture within the lair of the rolicksome Elks Mr. Stuart McKibbin spoke briefly on "Our Expected," a subject which he treated very humorously. This concluded the toast making and the guests re! turned to the lodge room proper where Mr. Louis Cohn gave a perplexing example of mind reading; Master Frank Davis sang several catchy selections; Miss Marie Blowney appeared in a popular ballad and responded to an encore, and Prof. James F. Boyer, of Elkhart, rendered several piano numbers. Guests were then invited to the hall room where to music furnished by the Apollo orchestra, they danced until quite early Wednesday morning. The gentleman's reception committee was composed of D. A. Westbury, William Toepp, Frank Donnahoo, Fred J. Warrell and Charles Bortz, who together with the ladies already mentioned received the guests. [Dunnahoo and Donnahoo are spelled as printed in the newspaper.] There were in all about 200 guests in attendance. The following were here from out of the city: Charles Thennes and wife and Charles Fethke, Michigan City, Ind.; Fred Henock, J. J. Geunther and wife, Laporte, Ind.; A. M. Barren and wife, E. A. LeFerbe, wife and daughter, John Wiler and lady, E. A. Manning and wife, A. M. Smith and wife, George R. Hascall, James F. Boyer, G. Raatz, Jules Stenberg and B. G. Young, Elkhart, Ind.; Mrs. W. A. Roberts, Chicago; Charles McCann and wife, New Carlisle, Ind.; H. M. Geiger, Fort Wayne, Ind.; H. M. De Graff, Jackson, Mich.