USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people, Vol. I > Part 55
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On the opening night at Germania Hall a reception and ball was given complimentary to the red plumed knights and it was a most brilliant affair. As many of the members of the order appeared in uniform, it was a semi-military event and the mingling of the beauti- ful costumes of the fairer sex with the showy regimentals of the Knights, together with the music which rose with rapturous swell- and half drowned the merry laughter of the dancers,-made a seene of brillianey long to be remembered. Joplin was profusely decorated with the colors of the order-red, yellow and blue-and the two hotels which served as headquarters. The Keystone, for the Grand Lodge offieers, and the Clarkston, for the Pythian Sisters, were decorated most tastefully and in a manner reflecting great credit on the manage- ment of these two hostelries.
The badges given the delegates on the occasion were most unique and emblematie of the mining district. On a triangle of zine, mixed with aluminum, was a raised representation of the King Jaek mine. This novel souvenir was suspended from a neatly arranged bow of red, yellow and blue ribbons, making not only an attractive but valu- able keepsake.
At the Joplin convention of the Knights of Pythias Hon. George J. Crowther, of St. Joseph, former congressman from the Fourth dis- triet, was elected grand chancellor.
At the conclusion of the third day's session the local committee chartered six of the big interurban cars and took the out-of-town visi- tors, including the ladies, through the mining distriet, concluding with a visit to the then famous King Jack mine, which was represented on the zine keepsake mentioned above.
In the prize drills Sicilian Company No. 1. of Kansas City, won the first prize ($150.00), and Webb City Company No. 11, second ($100.00). Both of these companies put up excellent drill and won
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round after round of applause from the spectators. The exhibition drill of the Girard company was excellent and won for them repeated applause.
GRAND COMMANDERY, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
The Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, of Missouri, held its annual convention in Joplin May 22-23, 1906. It was one of the most successful encampments which that body has ever attended and the white plumed knights were loud in their praises for the hospitality which had been extended them by the Jasper county Knights; for, in reality it was a Jasper county affair, the Carthage and Webb City Knights joining with the Joplin commandery in making the event a brilliant success. There were five hundred Knights in the city and many were accompanied by their wives.
The feature of the first day was the grand parade, which was participated in by twenty-eight commanderies. The line was in com- mand of Gib W. Carson, of St. Louis, generalissimo of the grand com- mandery, Grand Commander Campbell Wells, of Platt City, with the other officers of the grand commandery and distinguished guests reviewed the line of march from the baleony of the Elks elub house. The parade was a magnificent affair and was witnessed by 15,000 peo- ple. The parade, however, brought with it a sadness in the death of Peter Schnur, first editor of the Joplin Daily News and a Mason of many years standing. During the parade Mr. Schnur became pros- trated by the heat and was obliged to drop out of the line and by a strange coincidence he fell out near his home, No. 626 Sergeant avenue. In a few hours after being taken to his home he died, and a feeling of gloom was cast over the city as the news of his sickness and death passed rapidly from lip to lip.
After the parade the Knights repaired to Barbee Park where the prize drills took place. About two thousand people witnessed the ex- hibition drills of the craek organizations of St. Lonis and Kansas City. Colonel Sinclair was in command of the St. Louis contingent and Captain Samuel Hooker, of Kansas City, appeared at the head of the famous Oriental Commandery drill team.
A combined band of one hundred and fifty pieces was provided for the occasion, and rendered a pleasing concert before the com- mencement of the drills. The St. Lonis commandery was the first to appear on the field and in a series of wonderful evolutions, executed almost without a flaw, won tremendous applause.
Several members of the Grand Commandery occupied seats in a box, from which floated the Grand Commandery flags of the white and black and the national emblem.
Only by the closest attention could the slightest break ever be deteeted in the ranks of Colonel Sinclair's fine organization, and when extended in line and the viewpoint was from the side, a momentary glimpse of one man marching by was seen. It was a thrilling sight to watch the manoeuvres, and Colonel Sinclair was but a reflection of
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the evident pride felt by the men as their work brought out round after round of cheers.
Oriental Commandery, with its own band, took the field and also gave an excellent drill. Their execution of the sword manual brought them the loudest applause.
Following the prize drills there was a dress parade which was par- ticipated in by the Grand Commandery, a feature of which was a monster band, made up from the combined bands which had taken part in the parades in the morning and their musie made the welkin ring.
BALL IN A MINE
Perhaps the most unique and novel entertainment accorded the Templars was a ball which was given by Colonel and Mrs. W. R. Caulkins, of Carthage, which occurred at the plant of the Yellow Dog Mine and was probably the first occasion where a ball was given under such unique and peculiar circumstances. It was not only the place in which the gathering was held, but the fact that, mingled with the music of orchestra, and the merry passage of jest and repartee among the dancers, was the whirl and rumble of the big mill; for, by special arrangement with the employers, a sufficient force of "top men" were working a half shift to enable the guests to enjoy the exceedingly novel and interesting sensation of dividing their time between the grand ball in progress at the north end of the great building and a stroll among the varied equipments of a modern leviathan mining plant in full operation. The north end of the Marigokl-in other words, the Yellow Dog-had in very truth been converted, through the artistic work of the decorating committee, into a grand ball room such as was wholly in keeping with the dignity and grandenr of the ancient organi- zation under whose auspices the gathering was held. By most dexterous manipulation of black and white drapery, used interchangeable, looped streamers and the liberal use of bannerets bearing the Masonie and knightly mottoes, "Magna est Veritas," with the maltese eross and "In Hoe Signo Vinees," with the Saint Andrews cross, a strikingly charae- teristie transformation was obtained from the bare walls of the mill building to a really beautiful assembly hall. An orchestral stage had been erected at the north end, which was draped with the red, white and blue of the stars and stripes, with knightly banners and other ideals of the art decorative, creating a fine background as seen from the body of the hall. Viewed from the orchestra, there was a brilliantly illuminated vista stretching more than 350 feet in a direct line, the hall itself being about half that distance.
The programme began with a grand march in which all present par- ticipated and was followed by twenty-six dancing numbers. It was long after midnight when the guests departed and by all the occasion was voted to have been most enjoyable and memorable.
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STATE ENCAMPMENT, UNITED CONFEDERATE VETERANS
Jasper County Camp No. 522, of United Confederate Veterans, en- tertained the State Encampment at Joplin September 26-27, 1906. This gathering brought to Joplin two hundred and fifty delegates, besides a large number of old veterans with their wives and daughters who accom- panied them to participate in the reunion. The sessions were held at the Club Theatre. At ten o'clock Wednesday morning, September 26th, the doors of the theatre were thrown open and in a few moments the building was filled with the Confederate veterans and their friends. After the band had played Dixie, which was loudly cheered, James B. Gant (then a member of the Missouri Supreme Court), major general commanding the Missouri division, U. C. V., rapped for order and intro- duced Mayor C. W. Lyon, who in turn, introduced 11. Clyde Compton, who delivered the formal address of welcome to the veterans. He re- viewed the history of the nation with special reference to the principles of government which have been established. In reviewing the Civil war he paid a glowing tribute to the courage and ability of the Southern leaders and soldiery. When he conelnded there was no doubt of the sincerity of the welcome which the city extended to the visitors.
"It is one of the chief joys of the Confederate veterans that his children are not ashamed of his record," said Commander Gant in in- trodueing William L. Butts, who welcomed the visiting Sons of Confede- rate Veterans. Mr. Butts' address was a delightfully eloquent one and met with a hearty reception at the hands of the audience. At this juneture the band again played "Dixie," and the old soldiers went wild with the enthusiasm which the old song provoked.
Commander Gant responded to the welcomes in a short address which aroused the greatest enthusiasm. In part he said: "The Con- federate Veterans of Missouri already knew that the hearty welcome to Joplin was theirs before this morning. Already the visitors in this eity know that all that Joplin has to offer is theirs. The city of Joplin is a wonder to many of the old soldiers who fought in the battle of Carth- age forty years ago when there was no Joplin. Permit me to say that the men who are before you, Mr. Mayor, are worthy of the welcome whieli has been extended. Among them are men who followed Lee and his peerless lieutenants through the four years of the great confliet. There are those who followed the stars of Hood and Johnston and the great cavalry leaders, Forrest and Shelby. Not to be forgotten are the men from Missouri who, without money, arms, food or equipment, joined 'Pap' Price and fought some of the hardest battles of the war.
"The record of the Confederate soldiers is commendable not only for his military accomplishments, but for what he has done for the south since the close of the war. With his parole, he returned to his once happy home often to find nothing left but the charred chimneys. With nothing left but his honor, his manhood and his trust in God, he began again the battle of life. How magnificently he has succeeded all the world knows. The universities, schools and churches have been
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rebuilt. The New South is prosperous and happy as the result of the work of the Confederate soldier." Following this he spoke briefly of the accomplishments of Confederate soldiers in the eivie affairs of Missouri.
One of the pleasant features of this meeting was the extending of a hearty welcome by the members of O. P. Morton Post, Grand Army of the Republic, who appointed a reception committee to assist in en- tertaining the boys who had worn the gray.
Perhaps the most pleasant and delightful bit of entertainment ex- tended the visitors was a reception given at the Keystone Hotel in honor of the Maids of Honor. The parlors were crowded during the hours of the reception. The sponsors and maids of honor who had taken part in the ceremonies of the morning were all in attendance at the reception and were the center of attraction during the afternoon.
Some of them had acquaintances here while for many of them it was their first visit to the mining metropolis. Little time was required for making the acquaintance of the hundreds of Joplin ladies who welcomed them here. The reception will long be remembered in Joplin as a bril- liant social function.
The division sponsor and Maids of Honor appointed by General Gant are Miss Helen Chestunt, of St. Joseph. sponsor ; Maids of Honor, Miss Jewel Weidemeyer. Clinton; Miss Blanch Kilgore, Carthage; Miss Florence King, Joplin ; Miss Genevieve Boadman, Springfield ; Miss Vir- ginia Allen, New Madrid; Miss Ada Allen, Liberty ; Miss Audrey Budd, Jefferson City ; Miss Katheryn Mercer, Independence; Miss Grace Me- Culloch, St. Louis ; Miss Mary A. Ingram, Nevada.
That evening a "love feast" was held by the old soldiers at the rooms of the Commercial Club and proved to be one of the most pleas- ing of features of the entire day. Despite his protests to be exensed, the veterans insisted that Commander Gant should make another speech. Among those gathered there were a number of the members of the local post of the G. A. R. and they enjoyed the occasion as much as any of the others. Commander Gant made a delightful talk which showed clearly that he held no malice toward the soldiers against whom he fought. He was followed by W. Jones, of the local G. A. R., who spoke in the same spirit of good fellowship. Both were heartily received. As the last speaker was nearing the elose of his talk, the band from the Lyric theater drove under the window and began playing "Dixie." The speech-making ended with a wild cheer. Three cheers were then given by the old soldiers for the Commercial Club and Joplin, and ad- journment was taken to the billiard room where, at the direction of the club. William Drawe had served a splendid lunch. There were sand- wiehes of every deseription and liquid refreshments to accommodate all tastes. It was 11 o'clock before the merry assemblage, after much story telling and happy incidents, adjourned.
Perhaps the most active of the Grand Army of the Republie in enter- taining the Confederate Veterans was Judge L. A. Fillimore. There were a number of others who assisted him in the promotion of good feel-
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ing which was a feature of the day, especially at the meeting last night. Mrs. E. R. Botkin, of the Women's Relief Corps, was also active in the entertainment of the visitors and rendered excellent service to the reeep- tion committee on many occasions.
The ball given that same night by the local eamp of Sons of Con- federate Veterans for the sponsors and Maids of Honor attending the reunion was all that could have been desired. The splendid ball room of the Elks' Club, which had been donated for the purpose by the elub, was beautifully decorated. Kachelski's orchestra furnished the music, which was exeellent to a degree.
At nine o'clock the musie started and the large number of guests attending the ball filled the room completely. Among the donors were a number of the veterans, who once more gave themselves up to this pleas- ure. They did not indulge to any great extent, however, fearing the results of stiff joints and sore museles. The young people daneed until a late hour.
The following morning a closed session was held in which John B. Stone was elected to succeed James B. Gant, who had stated positively that he was not a candidate for reelection. Then they adjourned at 1:30 in the afternoon and a large dinner was served at the park, at which S. A. Cunningham and Major Newman made addresses.
At the afternoon session which was an open one, there were several reports by Captain George H. Jones, of Springfield, treasurer, W. E. Hall, of Carthage. and several others.
A ladies' quartette, composed of Mrs. C. V. Buckley. Mrs. Harry Miller, Mrs. John MeKinsey and Miss Olive Smith sang two numbers, "My Old Kentucky Home" and "Old Black Joe," which aroused much enthusiasm.
The wildest enthusiasm prevailed, however, when Miss Northrup, of Kansas City, in response to a hearty encore came smilingly to the front of the stage and before the veterans realized what she was doing began singing the words to "Dixie." In an instant the veterans were on their feet cheering wildly and waving their hats. Miss Northrup had almost. completed the stanza before she could be heard again. After singing the chorus she started to leave the stage, but was recalled. She started the second stanza of the song and again the tremendous cheering began. Incidentally, Miss Northrup sang the song with wonderful sweetness and charm.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC MATTERS
The Missouri Department. Grand Army of the Republic again met in Joplin in 1909 the session occurring May 12-14th.
The meeting brought to the city a large number of the old veterans. It lacked, however, the scenes of excitement and the brilliancy of the eneampment of 1893, for the reason that during the sixteen years that had passed away since the great meeting of the nineties, the Grand Com- mander of the Universe had summoned many of the men who partiei-
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pated in that gathering to join the Grand Army Triumphant, and many others, now enfeebled by age, eould not participate in the festivities.
E. W. Beach, who had been the grand marshal of the parade in 1893, and Galen Spencer, J. V. Pierce and F. M. Redburn, who were his aides- de-camp on that memorable occasion, were among the number who had passed to the great beyond.
L. A. Fillmore, Henry Digby, P. L. Swarts and HI. W. Davison were the committee of arrangements and left nothing undone to make the gathering a sneeess; and so well did they perform their duties that the delegates were royally entertained and they received from the depart- ment a vote of thanks for their magnificent efforts.
At the opening of the eneampment addresses of welcome were made by Mayor Guy T. Humes; A. II. Waite, president of the Commercial Club, and Henry Digby, past commander of O. P. Morton Post, No. 14. G. A. R. Responses were made by the department commander and others.
On the afternoon of the first day there occurred a parade which was participated in by 427 members of the Grand Army, Henry Digby. Post No. 14, being the marshal of the day. A notable feature of the parade was the few who dropped out of the line during the march, nearly every one of the gray-haired veterans remaining in the line to the close.
The Woman's Relief Corps and the Daughters of the Grand Army of the Republie, both ladies auxiliaries of this organization, also beld their annual conventions in this city, Mrs. Mary F. Botkin, of Joplin, at that time, being the department president of the Woman's Relief Corps. One of the annual features of the Corps is the presentation of a United States flag to some one of the public institutions of the city where the conventions are held, and at the Joplin meeting the emblem of liberty was given to the High school, the presentation speech being made by Mrs. Jilson, of Appleton City. City Councillor Mereer Arnold, as a member of the alumni and on behalf of the schools, made the speech of aeeeptance. These exercises were very imposing.
Three splendid entertainments were given in honor of the visiting veterans and their ladies: A smoker eamp-fire at the Club Theater; a "Duteh lunch" at Germania Hall and a reception and ball at the Elks elubhouse-all of which were mueh enjoyed. At the reception Mayor Guy T. Humes and department president, Mary Botkin, led the grand march and began the dance.
At the election for department officers in the Grand Army of the Re- publie, L. A. Fillmore, of Joplin, was ehosen junior vice department commander, and P. L. Swarts, also of that city, one of the delegates to the supreme eneampment.
COMPANY F. SECOND REGIMENT. M. N. G.
Company F was organized February 24, 1910. The first officers of the company were: Captain. F. W. Manchester: first lieutenant. Chas.
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F. Gottfried ; second lieutenant, Lonis E. Hooker ; first sergeant, George F. Wolfe. In July of this year business changes made it necessary for Lieutenant Gottfried to retire from the company and he was suceceded by Lieutenant Hooker. The same month Sergeant Wolfe was promoted to be first lientenant and battalion adjutant. Thomas S. Bradshaw was elected second lieutenant and James B. Blankenship was made first sergeant.
Company F has made an enviable reputation at rifle practice. The company's score at the rifle range at Nevada in 1911 was far above the average. The following five members of the company having won marked distinction.
Expert Rifle Men-Captain F. W. Manchester, Lieutenant L. E. Hooker, Lieutenant G. F. Wolfe and Corporal L. D. Gass.
Marksmen-First Sergeant James B. Blankenship.
In order that the reader may understand the proficieney of these five we give the following military folklore. To be an expert rifleman, the soldier must make at least 295 points out of a possible 450 shots. A sharp shooter must make 185 out of a possible 250. Marksman 98 out of a possible 150.
CHAPTER XLVI
GENERAL CLUB AND SOCIAL LIFE
JOPLIN CLUB'S SOCIAL SESSION, JANUARY 1, 1900-PRESIDENTS, 1900- 1911-MISSOURI BANKERS' ASSOCIATION-JOPLIN WOMEN ENTERTAIN FEDERATED CLUBS-THE AMERICAN MINING CONGRESS-THE SALT AND PEPPER CLUB-JOPLIN CHORAL UNION.
As in the nineties, the Joplin Club continued to be the great motive power in the pushing of Joplin's interests and aecomplished much good for the city in a commercial and business way.
During the early part of the deeade many new faces were seen at the weekly meetings of the elub and the new blood, which was judieially mixed with the old. made the organization exceedingly useful. The fire and vigor of the young men, and the wise counsel of the older members, made a good combination and the club did things for the eity and eom- munity at large.
The year 1900 was ushered in with a smoker, which was largely at- tended. The speeches all showed that the men of the elub had eanght the fever for a greater and better Joplin and, because of the importanee of this meeting-both on account of the things planned and the good that came from it-we give here a brief account of the proceedings had at this initial meeting of the new century.
JOPLIN CLUB'S SOCIAL SESSION, JANUARY 1, 1900
The elub rooms were well filled with a representative gathering of Joplin's business and professional men. Good will and best wishes pre- vailed on this happy New Year's day, and there was a feast of reason, and a flow of wit, while the entertainment committee had not been un- mindful of the "spiritual" welfare of the visitors. An air of good fel- lowship prevailed, and. without doubt, this social session drew the busi- ness men of the city closer together and the plans that were laid re- dounded not only to the good of the elub but the eity at large.
The club rooms were tastefully draped with the American colors, the entire north end of the assembly room being hidden by the folds of an enormous flag and immerous smaller ones were placed here and there. The meeting was ealled to order by President E. O. Bartlett, who ex- pressed the hope that those present would profit so much by what was said and done that they would take an active interest in the club's efforts
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and well being and assist to make Joplin what it ought to be-a city of 100,000 people. He then called George B. Paxton to preside over the meeting.
Mr. Paxton said the club was the author and originator of most of the good things that had come to Joplin in recent years, but the mem- bership was too limited among business men to accomplish what ought to be done. If every business man in the city was a member of the elub and lent his efforts to its good ealling, it would be an easy matter to make Joplin a city of 100,000.
L. P. Cunningham, one of the oldest citizens, and who, as mentioned in our chapter of the seventies, was responsible for the building of the first railroad into Joplin, was called upon and responded with a happy and profitable speech of some twenty minutes' length. He gave some interesting reminiscences of the early days and pointed out elearly the fact that Joplin would be just what the people made her. What we should do in 1900 is to build smelteries here in Joplin, where the ore is produced. Joplin could get anything she wanted if she would go after it right.
Percy Wenrich was introduced as a Joplin product and rendered a delightful piano solo. He was generously encored and responded with one of the popular pieces of the day. Mr. Wenrich is now a resident and a composer and musician of note in the metropolis.
Judge Galen Spencer was introduced as the first president of the Joplin Club at its organization, October 29, 1888. The judge indulged in many pleasant reminiscences and said that what the club had done for the upbuilding of Joplin was a matter of history and everybody knew it. In connection with the coming visit to Joplin of the Kansas State Press Association, the judge referred to the visit of the Kansas bankers last fall and said that it was but meet and proper that the newspaper men should be entertained equally as well and sent to their homes with a good opinion of Joplin and the Joplin Club.
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