USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 1 > Part 89
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The work of the Association is divided Into the following classes : religious, soclal and educa- tional, physical, boys' department, finance, mem-
972
HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
bership, house and property. And the work is under the direction of the following commit- tees ; Religious Work-I. R. Diller, Dr. Grafton Munroe and Johu H. Neher; Social and Educa- tional Work-Johu A. Barber and John Malda- ner; Physical Work-Warren E. Lewis, Colburn F. Buck ; Boys' Department-Charles W. Zum- brook; Finance-George E. Coe, James H. Ma- theny and John E. George; Membership-Will- iam A. Bradford, Johu H. Ruckel and John H. Neher ; House aud Property-Dr. Don W. Deal, Charles T. Bisch and Warren W. Lewis.
In closing this short sketch it may be well to add that much time has been given to looking for old records of the Association, which would at the present time be of interest; but that it now transplres that some years ago the Secre- tary in charge, iu cleaning up the building, con- signed them ail to the flames and so the history of these years cau be picked up ouly from the memory of those grown old in the service.
YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
A Young Women's Christian Association was organized In Springfield in 1909, about the tique of William Suuday's evaugelistic campaign in that elty, aud during the uext two years it met with encouraging success in the increase of its membership and the extension of its influence among the class for whose benefit it was estab- lished. A large proportion of leading ladies of the city, in soclal, educational and domestic life, as well as those most closely connected with church affairs, took a deep Interest in the move- meut and managed its affairs with marked success.
In the latter part of the year 1911 a move- ment was started for the erection of a building as a home for the society for business purposes, with roomiug aud board accommodations for regular members and visitors. It was estimated that there were approximately 5,000 self-sup- porting women and girls in the city of Spring- field, of whom 350 were engaged in teaching and other professions, a like number employed as clerks iu stores, 1,000 as stenographers, book- keepers and office-workers, besides others .em- ployed in households, hotels, restaurants, inau- nfactories and other lines of work, but mauy of them without private homes, aud it was for the accommodation and protection of this class that
the plan for the erection of a commodious build- ing, under the management of the Society, was projected. Within a perlod of a little more than two years, during which the society had been in existence and prosecuting its work under re- stricted couditions and in rented quarters, it had received nearly $33,500 from memberships, lunch room, gymnasium and educational accommoda- tions, of which nearly $2,500 was in surplus over expeuses, aud this amount was promptly contrib- uted in furtherance of the scheme for a new building.
During the first part of the month of Novem- ber, 1911, the plau for raising the desired fund of $100,000 was inaugurated. The work was taken up with great enthusiasm, and at a meet- ing held a day or two before the actual canvass began, the sum of nearly $20,000 was subscribed to the enterprise, and within the ten days be- tween November 8th and 18th, by vigorous and systematic canvassing on the part of members of the Association and its friends among the busi- ness men of Springfield, this sum was increased to over $64,000. Later subscriptions have added to the fund uutil, at the present writing (Decem- ber, 1911), it amounts to more than $66,700-or more than two-thirds the sum originally pro- posed. While the movement has not been at- tended with the complete success hoped for, there is an evident purpose on the part of the zealous meinbers of the Association and numerous friends in the city of Springfield, to prosecute it to the end, in the belief that it will be finally successful in establishing one of the most im- portant and influential benevolences in that city.
The success of the Young Women's Christlan Association In Springfield is shown by the fact that, according to its annual report for 1909-10, its membership aggregated 1,884, which it Is be- lieved has since bceu well sustalued, making It the strongest Society of its kind In the State of Illinois.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
FRATERNITIES-MUTUAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES
-
EXTRAORDINARY GROWTH OF FRATERNAL ORGANIZA-
TIONS IN THE UNITED STATES-ESTIMATED
JOHN R. WOODCOCK
MRS. JOHN R. WOODCOCK
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
ANNUAL INCREASE OF JIASONIC FRATERNITIES- INTRODUCTION OF ODD FELLOWSIIIP IN SANGAMON COUNTY-LODGES AND MEMBERSHIP-ORDER OF REBEKAIIS-KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS AND AUXIL- IARIES-IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN-HIBER- NIANS AND FORESTERS-ORDER OF ELKS-EARLY HISTORY OF MASONRY IN SANGAMON COUNTY- MODERN WOODMEN-KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS- COURT OF HONOR-ROYAL BENEFIT SOCIETY-BNAI BRITII-OTHER FRATERNAL AND SOCIAL ORDERS IN SPRINGFIELD.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES. (By Gen. Alfred Orendorff and Miss Alice E. Orendorff.)
Few among the six million members of nearly three hundred secret societies, fraternities and sisterhoods in the United States are familiar with the origin, history or function of these several organizations. The extent of the in- fluence of these fraternities may be inferred when we read that 30,000 members are annually added to the rolls of Masonic lodges in the Uni- ted States, quite as many join the Odd Fellows and one-half as many join the Knights of Pythias, and more than 150,000 join other secret societies.
ODD FELLOWS .- Odd Fellowship originated in the eighteenth century. The first permanent lodge was instituted in the United States in 1819, the objects of the order in this country are to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, educate the orphau, and to improve and elevate the character of the man. In the lodge proper the degree work is based upon the legends of the patriarchal period of Hebrew history.
The advance of the Order has been marked by a series of evolutions out of which have grown the encampment branch, the Chevaliers of the Patriarchs Militant, and the Rebekah Lodges. Sovereign Grand Lodge met in Spring- field iu September, 1897, and the iron arches at the four corners of the Court House square were erected at this time.
Sangamon Lodge .- The first Odd Fellows Lodge in Springfield was Sangamon Lodge. No. 6, instituted on the 19th of May, 1840, by James E. Starr, P. G. Eleven men, who were interested in having the Lodge, fitted up a hall, sent to Jacksonville for help and three hrothers came to institute the new lodge, and they, with two living in Springfield, made five charter members. From St. Louis they obtained some necessary specialties, and the initiation consumed two days
and evenings, thirty-five members constituting the Sangamon Lodge. The first officers choseu were: Samuel Clark, Noble Grand ; B. F. Jewett, Vice Grand; and W. T. Holtzman, Secretary. At the fiftieth anniversary celebration in 1890. Past Grand Master Starr was present and told the story of the trip from Alton to Springfield to install the Lodge. The present membership is 599.
Teutonia Lodge, No. 166, was instituted as a German lodge, February 7, 1855, with nine charter members, viz .: T. W. Church, Thomas V. Owens, J. F. Pritchard, Sidney Lamphier, Theo, Marcuse, Conrad Loch, Christ Link, Will- iam Busher, and John Hahn. The first four- named members withdrew the same night to join the Mother Lodge, No. 6, again.
The officers were : Theo. Marcuse, N. G .; Con- rad Loch, V. G .; Jolm Hahn, Sec. ; G. Hartman. Treas. New members for the first year were 27; for the second year, 27; and third year, 18. Four members joined the army during the Civil War. January 24. 1866, the lodge bought one- half interest in the present property owned on Fourth Street, paying therefor $1,800. July 1, 1867, it exchanged two lots in Hutchinson Ceme- tery and paid $177 for six lots in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Octoher 8, 1902, the lodge changed from Ger- man to English. At present it has a member- ship of 131. The present officers are: W. S. Crowder, N. G .; T. J. Clifford, V. G .; Emil Heintze, Sec .; Fred E. Wilde, Treas. Mr. Heintze was installed as Secretary for the first time in July, 1886, and has served ever since, with the exception of three terms.
The Prairie State Encampment was instituted in 1857. The present membership is 235.
Springfield Lodge, No. 465, was instituted October 4, 1871. Its membership is 302.
Mr. William Bekemyer, Noah Divelhiss and Col. J. D. Roper, members of the I. O. O. F. of Springfield, have been presented with the honor- ary veteran jewel signifying fifty years con- tinuous membership.
Three Representatives to the Sovereign Grand Lodge have been members of Springfield Lodge, No. 465, namely : James R. Miller, Gen. Alfred Orendorff. and Judge J. Otis Humphrey.
I. O. O. F. LODGES IN SANGAMON COUNTY .- Following is a list of I. O. O. F. Lodges in Sangamon County, with location, year of organ- ization and membership :
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
Sangamon, No. 6, Springfield. Instituted, 1840. Membership, 53S.
Tentonla, No. 166, Springfield. Instituted, 1855. Membership, 131.
Barry, No. 26, Custer. Instituted, 1891. Mem- bership, 26.
Diveruon, No. 200, Divernon. Instituted, 1900. Membership, 94.
Rochester, No. 268, Rochester. Instituted, 1869. Membership, 37.
Globe, No. 323, Mechanicsburg. Instituted, 1866. Membership, 71.
Williamsville, No. 363, Williamsville. Instl- tuted, 1891. Membership, 32.
Pawnee, No. 441, Pawnee. Instituted, 1892. Membership, 52.
Clear Lake, No. 445, Riverton. Membership, 54.
Springfield. No. 465, Springfield. Member- ship, 282.
Auburn, No. 543, Auburn. Instituted, 1874. Membership, 137.
Industrial, No. 550, Barclay. Membership, 83.
Welcome, No. 770, Pleasant PlaIns. Insti- tuted, 1890. Membership, 56.
New Berlin, No. 881, New Berlin. Member- ship, 64.
Sampson, No. 885, Dawson. Instituted, 1899. Membership, 70.
Loami, No. 901. Instituted, 1903. Member- shlp, 119.
Illlopolls, No. 912, Illiopolis. Instituted, 1904. Membership, 58.
America, No. 920, Sherman. Membership, 82. Cnrran, No. 960, Cnrran. Membership, 28.
and in other ways, further the benevolent move- ments of the Odd Fellows, the two organizations helping each other In numerons ways.
Lilla Lodge, Rebekah, was instituted April 24, 1873, with ten charter members. They have a sewing circle which meets once each week to sew for the I. O. O. F. Home at Lincolu, Ill., where they have furnished and maintain a dormitory for sixteen boys. They also send
help to the Old Folks' Houc at Mattoon. The present membership is 250.
The Triple Link Lodge was instituted Decem- ber 11, 1902, with twenty charter members. They also help support the Odd Fellows Orphans' Home at Lincolu and the Oid Folks' Home at Mattoon.
LIST OF LODGES IN THE COUNTY .- The follow- ing Is a complete list of the Rebekah Lodges in Sangamon County, with location and mem- bership :
Lilla, No. 63, Springfield. Membership, 219. Moreland, No. 573, Rochester. Membership, 24.
Ifelena, No. 221, Mechanlesburg. Membership, 41.
Triple Link, No. 577, Springfield. Member- shlp, 222.
Manila, No. 531, Auburn. Membership, 116. Mary B., No. 267, Divernon. Membership, 62. New Berlin, No. 135, New Berlin. Member- ship, 19.
Primrose, No. 537, Dawson. Membership, 50. Lols, No. 605, Loami. Membership, 53.
Mayflower, No. 641, Sherman. Membership, 19.
ODD FELLOWS' BUILDINGS .- Sangamon Lodge, No. 6, in conjunction with Teutonia Lodge, No. 166, built the Odd Fellows Temple, located on Fourth Street. The cornerstone of the building was laid July 20, 1899. The building was built under the direction of Trustees of these two Lodges, known as the Joint Board of Trustees.
The I. O. O. F. bullding on Monroe Street was built by a corporation composed largely of Odd Fellows.
The "Odd Fellows Herald," published In this building by John H. Sikes, Grand Secretary, and Mrs. Mary P. Miller, is the official organ of the order. It has a circulation of about 7,000.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS .- The Knights of Py- thias is a fraternal benevolent order with two
The Endowment Rank was founded as a branch of the Knights of Pythlas in 1877, and has about 5,400 local sections.
REBEKAH LODGES .- The Rebekah Order Is auxiliary to the Odd Fellows and its members are largely composed of wives and daughters of Odd Fellows. Odd Fellows are eligible to membership In this order and many of them belong to it. The objects of the two orders are very similar and the Rebekahs work for the in- terests of the Old Folks' and Orphans' Homes, - branches-the Endowment Rank and the Uni- forın Rank. It Is one of the best known of the secret fraternal orders. The principles of the Pythlans are Friendship, Charity and Benevo- lence. The order claims that "the sun shines on the Pythian banner somewhere in the Su- preme Domain every hour in the day."
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975
HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
The Order of Rathbone Sisters was named for Justus H. Rathbone, the founder of the Kulghts of Pythlas, and was instituted in 1894,
There are thirteen Lodges of Knights of Py- thlas In Sangamon County, three of which are in Springfield, vlz .: Capitol Lodge, No. 14, with a membership of 144; Navarre Lodge, No. 142, with a membership of 202; and Perclval Lodge, No. 262, whose membership is 175.
Election of officers takes place every six months-in the Endowment Rank.
Springfield is also the headquarters of the Iiilnols Brigade, Uniform Rank K. of P. with Brigadler General James II. Barkley, Com- manding and Col. Charles G. Averill, Assistant Adjutaut General. Eugene E. Bonc, Grand Chancellor of the Eudowment Rank, also re- sides In Springfield.
HISTORY OF THE UNIFORM RANK K. OF P .- The Unlform Rank, or Military Department, Knights of Pythlas, in its present form, was conceived and organized, with the co-operation of the Su- preme Lodge, by Major-General James R. Carna- han, now deceased, of Indiana. General Carna- han was in active service in the Union army throughout the Civil War, and subsequently was Adjutant-General of the State of Indiana, in- tensely loyal In thought and action.
There had previously been detached uniformed bodies, or drill corps, as have many other secret socletles, organized solely for fancy drill and display, In which a genuine military education is not a factor. Under the energetic direction of General Caruahan these bodies were or- ganlzed and others recruited into a Pythlan army of brigades, regiments, battalions and companies, under the command of a Major- General, modeled on the lines of the United States army and using the army drill regula- tlons exclusively, with the view of creating and maintaining a strictly military organization which would be an important auxiliary, in case of national necessity, to the regular army, and next in Importance to the National Guard of the several States of the Union. It has been rec- ognized by and recelved favors from the War Department on numerous occasions. Its mem- bers are sworn to loyalty to country and sup- port of the Government and its laws. During the Spanish-American War it was offered, as a body, to the Government and it furnished several general officers, many field and line
officers, aud about 7,000 enlisted meu to the volunteer army.
The Major-General of the Uulform Rank has now under his command, brigades in twenty-six States of the Union, besides detached companies iu other States and Territories, the Province of Manitoba and the British Marltime Provinces, comprising in all about 30,000 men. As the ex- penses of the organization, local, State and gen- eral, are borne by the individual members, few of whom are wealthy, the strlugency of the times and labor troubles have reduced its mem- bership somewhat during the last two or three years. The local company, Lincoln Company, No. 15, has twenty-five members. Its officers are: Captaln, John S. Dempsey, commanding; Flrst Lieutenant, Adam H. Bogardus, Jr .; Sec- ond Lieutenant, William M. Chlles.
IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN .- This is the old- ést charitable and benevolent secret society of American origin. Founded on aboriginal American traditions and customs, It has re- ceived the name, Improved Order of Red Men. Its clalm to be the oldest secret society having had its beginning in the United States, rests on having been a virtual continuation of the "Sons of Liberty," founded prior to the War of the Revolution. The local organizations are designated as Tribes, these belng subordinate to the Great State Councils, and the latter to the Great Council of the United States which Is the Supreme body.
A candidate for admission to membership in the Improved Order of Red Men must be a white citizen of the United States twenty-one years of age, of good moral character and have a be- lief in the existence of a Great Spirit, in whom all power exists. North Americau Indians are not eligible to membership.
The Order now numbers over 500,000, includ- ing Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas, the woman's branch of the order. The last report showed an average membership of ninety in each tribe.
Springfield has two Tribes of the Order: The Pawnee Tribe, No. 66, was instituted No- vember 29, 1887. It has a membership In good standing of 230. The present officers are: J. A. Beechler, Sachem; M. J. Kelly, Senlor Saga- more; H. B. Harts, Junior Sagamore; R. H. Tierman, Prophet; James S. Sutton, Chief of Records ; B. H. Rupert, Collector of Wampum; - Withey, Keeper of the Wampum; G. H.
976
HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
Coffinan, Guard of the Wigwam; Thos. Mc- Giennon, Guard of the Forest.
Illini Tribe, No. 117, was instituted in Sep- temher, 1898. Its members in good standing number 65. Its officers are: G. H. Trimble, Sachem; Wm. Withey, Senior Sagamore; Thos. Banereiss, Junior Sagamore; Bert Faiting, Prophet ; R. W. Chiies, Chief of Records ; G. H. Duncan, Keeper of Wampum; Roscoe Tayior, Collector of Wampum.
Other places in Sangamon County having Tribes of Red Men are: Auburn, Chatham, Divernon, Illiopolis, Sherman, Pawnee, Barclay, Loami, Spaulding, Riverton and Williamsville.
ORDER OF HIBERNIANS .- The Hibernians are a secret, or semi-secret, patriotic, religious and beneficiary society, to which men of Irish birth or descent, and who are Catholics, are eligible.
It was founded in Ireland in the year 1536, and the Order was introduced into the United States at New York City in 1836. Its motto is "Friendship, Unity and True Christian Charity," the emblems include the clasped hands, the harp and the shamrock. The Ancient Order of Hihernians was organized in Springfield ahout sixty years ago and has a membership of 150. There are several organizations in the county, in ali numbering about 250 members. Yearly entertainments are given on March 17th and November 27th.
ORDER OF FORESTERS .- The Ancient Order of Foresters in the United States is the lineal descendant of the English Order, the first Court in the United States being established in Phiia- delphia in 1832. It is primarily a sick and funeral henefit society, hut while an endow- ment henefit is authorized, this is strictly op- tional.
The Independent Order of Foresters of Illi- nois was organized in Chicago in 1879 and started with 2,500 members, its Courts ail being in the State of Illinois. It increased nearly ninefold in the first thirteen years, but since then the membership has declined. In 1883 it suffered from the secession of some of its mem- bers of the Roman Catholic faith, who organ- ized the Catholic Order of Foresters. In Spring- fieid the latter number between 600 and 700, composing ten Courts ofwhich four are of Lady Foresters.
ORDER OF ELKS .- The business aud object of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is, as the name implies, benevolence, to aid and
protect its members and their families, and to promote friendship and sociai intercourse, and the subordinate lodges accumulate funds for these purposes.
The credit of founding the order is giveu to Charles Algeruon Vivian, an Englishman, an actor and the son of a clergyman of the estab- lished church. It was started in New York City in 1866 hy a few actors, but the idea that the order is made up almost exclusively of mem- bers of the theatrical profession is erroneous. While many are actors, the order contains mem- hers from all the leading walks of business and professional life.
The ruie of the order permits only one lodge of Eiks in a city, and no place with a population less than 5,000 can organize a lodge.
The Lodge In Springfield was established on January 15, 1902, with 176 charter members. The present membership is 485. For the last three years they have occupied fine club rooms in the Majestic Theatre building, furnished at a cost of $6.000. Their quarters are as fine as any in the State, and the lodge is in good finan- cial condition, having given more to charity than any other lodge in the State.
The officers of the Springfield lodge are: Dr. Percy L. Taylor, Exalted Ruler ; Mr. John S. Stuart, Esteemed Leading Knight ; W. H. Clum, Esteemed Loyal Knight ; Peter Collins, Esteemed Lecturing Knight ; Thomas C. Sharp, Secretary ; Fred F. Whip, Treasurer.
The Exalted Rulers of the Springfield lodge : 1st year, Mr. F. A. Farnham; 2nd year, Mr. Roy Reece ; 3rd year, Mr. Alonzo Hoff ; 4th year, Mr. W. A. Couthway; 5th year, Mr. Thomas M. Dolan; 6th year, Mr. Ciark B. Ship; 7th year, Mr. . Burke Vancil; Sth (present) year, Dr. Percy L. Taylor.
The colors of the order are white and purple; the flower is the forget-me-not and the emblem is antlers. The watchwords are: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity, and the keynote is Humanity.
THE MASONIC FRATERNITY.
(By Edward R. Branson.)
For almost a century Free Masonry has existed in Sangamon County. While Its efforts to secure a foothoid were at first feeble, the order has steadily gained in strength and has
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MASONIC TEMPLE, SPRINGFIELD
Y. M. C. A. BUILDING, SPRINGFIELD
T
MAJESTIC THEATRE AND ELKS' CLUB ROOMS, SPRINGFIELD
977
HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
numbered among its members many of the rep- resentatlve and most progressive men of the county.
As early as the year 1822, Sangamou Lodge, No. 29,. was organized, markiug the advent of Free Masonry in the county. The charter was derived from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Within a comparatively short time before-in the year 1805-the first attempt was made to introduce Masonry in Illinois, and Western Star Lodge, No. 107, was chartered at Kaskas- kia in June, 1806.
The organization of Sangamon Lodge, No. 29, was due to the enthusiasm and the determina- tion of eight prominent residents of the county. They were Stephen Phelps, James Latham, Gershom Jayne, Stephen Stillman, Charles Wright, Thomas Constant, John More and Oran- do Ciark. The Grand Lodge of Illinois had not, at that time, been formed, and the master Masons of Sangamon County accordingly petl- tioned the Grand Lodge of Missouri. A dis- pensation was granted and the charter was con- ferred October 25, 1822. The first Worshipful Master was Stephen Stillman.
Aithough the Grand Lodge of Illinois was formed on December 9th of the same year. San- gamon Lodge was not affiliated with the State organization, but remained identified with the Missouri Grand Lodge. The career of this Lodge was somewhat erratic and uncertain and it was finally disbanded.
Seven years after the organization of Sanga- mon Lodge, the second lodge of Masonry was chartered in the county. This was Springfield Lodge, No. 26, the dispensation for which was agaln issued by the Grand Lodge in Missouri. The charter was received February 25, 1839. After the present Grand Lodge of Illinois was organized in 1840, Springfield Lodge, No. 26, re- .turned its charter and became affiliated with the Illinois Grand Lodge. It was then chartered as Springfield Lodge, No. 4, with Dr. Meredith Helm as its first Worshipful Master. Included in its membership were such men as Stephen A. Douglas, Samuel H. Treat and James Shields.
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What is now known as Central Lodge, No. 71, was chartered October 4, 1849; Tyrian Lodge, No. 333, sprang into being October 2, 1860, and St. Paul's Lodge, No. 500, was given birth October 3, 1866. The four organizations constitute at the present time the Blue Lodges of Springfield. P. A. Dorwin. Oriin H. Miner and
Nicholas Strott were the first Worshipful Mas- ters of Central Lodge, No. 71, Tyrian Lodge, No. 333, and St. Paul's Lodge, No. 500, re- spectively.
Within the last ten years Masonry has doubled itself, numerically, in Sangamon county, there belng now twelve lodges in the county outside of Springfield. Two of these-the lodges at Mechanicsburg and Buffalo-have been char- tered within the last two years. The lodges outside of Springfield are: Rochester Lodge, No. 635, at Rochester; Laveiy Lodge, No. 203, Williamsville; Ark and Anchor Lodge, No. 354, Auburn; Loami Lodge, No. 450, Loami ; Carlock Lodge, No. 904, Mechanicsburg ; Chatham Lodge, No. 523, Chatham; Riverton Union Lodge, No. 786, Riverton; Pawnee Lodge, No. 675, Pawnee ; Pleasant Plains, No. 700, Pleasant Plains ; Illiop- olls Lodge, No. 521, Illiopolis; Dawson Lodge, No. 556, Dawson ; Buffalo Lodge, U. D., Buffalo.
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