USA > New York > Onondaga County > Past and present of Syracuse and Onondaga County, New York : from prehistoric times to the beginning of 1908 > Part 70
USA > New York > Onondaga County > Syracuse > Past and present of Syracuse and Onondaga County, New York : from prehistoric times to the beginning of 1908 > Part 70
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
The beginning of the work to ereet the Odd Fellows' Temple, a site for which has been chosen upon Billings Park and plans drawn, marks the highest tide in the waves of Odd Fellowship yet reached here. The idea of the lodges uniting to erect a temple had been considered sinee 1898. The Odd Fellows' Temple organization was incorporated on April 17, 1900. and from February 17 to February 24. 1906, a great fair was held in the old State Armory for the benefit of the project. The history of the I. O. O. F. reaches back to the time when Syracuse was a village. The semi-centennial celebration of Onon- daga Lodge No. 79 was held on January 6, 1893, when George Judd Gardner, fifty years a member, was a guest of honor, and Mr. Gardner was the recipient of a public reception, also in honor of his half century of Odd Fellowship, by Star Rebekah Lodge No. 52, on December 29, 1892. The strongest lodges to join in the temple project were Lessing, 163, instituted September 29, 1851; Americanus, No. 607, organized June 13, 1891; Alphadelphia. No. 44, insti- tuted April 28. 1846, and Onondaga, No. 79, instituted January 6, 1843. Be- sides there was Canton Syracuse No. 6. Patriarehs Militant, mustered into serv- ice February 10, 1886, with which No. 46 was amalgamated in 1893, and Cynosure Encampment. No. 14. instituted November 13, 1843.
It was with the institution of the Home Lodge on June 19, 1874, that Pythian Knighthood, which has been so prominent in fraternal work in later years. gained its foothold in Syraense. So strong did the work become that it was the occasion of a great entertainment of the Knights of Pythias Grand
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Lodge, thirty third convention, Grand Domain, State of New York, July 23, 24 and 25, 1901. The ceremonies of institution of the old Home Lodge were conducted in the Shakespeare Hall block, which was used as the place of meet- ing until the block was destroyed by fire on November 23, 1891. The Bastable block, which replaced the Shakespeare Hall block, was again oceupied until 1893, when the lodge moved to the Freeman bloek in East Jefferson street. Other lodges eame in this order: Prospect, July 18, 1881 ; Syracuse City, May 30, 1884: Engineers' and Mechanics' July 29, 1891; Genesee, December 22, 1899.
Of the Uniformed Rank. Knights of Pythias, there were Syracuse Com- pany No. 7, organized June 14, 1892, and Prospect Company No. 15, besides Troop Phil Sheridan Mounted Division No. 32, organized August 22, 1892. Of Troop Phil Sheridan it was said that at the time of the organization of the company there was no cavalry company in the state and but a few in the United States organized under the Uniformed Rank, Knights of Pythias. For many years after organization it had the distinction of being the only cavalry troop of any kind in the city, and furnished a unique feature to parades and military demonstrations.
Of the kindred societies of Pythian sisterhood, drawing membership from the wives, sisters and daughters of the Pythian Knights, there were Prospect Temple No. 9 of the Rathbone Sisters, organized June 23, 1897; Syracuse As- sembly, Pythian Sisterhood. January 24, 1901, and Troop Phil Sheridan Auxil- iary, January, 1894.
In the list of societies in 1907 there were also the Past Chancellors' Asso- ciation, and Endowment Ranks. Sections 236, 3162 and 3476.
So great was the interest taken in the work of the Foresters of America in Syracuse that shortly after the convention of the Grand Court of the State of New York, held in Syracuse May 9 to 12 inelusive, 1899, there were five courts established in this city and nearby villages. These younger courts are Court Lodi, Court Montefiore, Court Ephraim Webster, named after the first settler of Onondaga, Court De Witt and Court Liverpool. The formation of Forestry in Syracuse was organized by L. A. Stimis, who came from Court Brooklyn, and in 1884 advertised in the newspapers for any Forester who, like himself, felt lonely. R. Potter and William Wildridge answered that they were Foresters from England, and these three started ont to get names for a court, which materialized with a charter on October 20, 1886. This first club, known as Conrt Syracuse, was instituted November 11, 1886. Court Onondaga, insti- tuted July 11, 1892, was the second court for Syracuse. Court Central City was instituted April 29, 1896. Court Salina was organized November 6, 1890. but never flourished until its reorganization into a German-speaking court. which took place June 30, 1895. Court Salt City was instituted November 2, 1896, and Court Monarch followed on May 5, 1897. Court Solvay was insti- tuted August 24, 1897, and Court Salt Springs the following November 15. Court Arsenal, instituted at Elmwood August 24, 1898, was the first conrt in Onondaga county to dedicate a hall to Forestry, and Northrup Hall, Elm- wood, was the one chosen, the name soon after being changed to the Foresters
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ONONDAGA COUNTY ORPHAN ASYLUM.
UNIVERSITY HILL.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ONONDAGA COUNTY
of America Hall. The place was fitted up, but on the evening of October 29, 1898, was completely destroyed by fire. Court LeMoyne, named after the Jesuit father who came to Onondaga in 1655, was instituted January 18, 1897. The formation of C. J. Cook Conclave, Knights of Sherwood Forest, dates baek to the fall of 1893, when a chutb of sixteen members of Court Syraeuse united for the purpose of giving entertainments to Foresters, formed the idea of making a Conclave, which was instituted April 18, 1894. The Companions of the Forest of America, which admits women, dates from 1888 in Syracuse. but the organization of that time was short-lived. In 1894 another trial was made and the Pride of Syracuse was instituted December 11, 1894. The . oldest circles of the order now in Syracuse are, besides the Pride of Syracuse. Central City, Crystal, Alpine, Star of Syracuse, Salt City and Crescent.
The Independent Order of Foresters boasted eleven courts in Syracuse in 1907. They were: Court West End, Court Tirrell, Court United States, Court Durker, Court Fire Brigade, Court Umbria, Court. Dana, Court Burnet, Court Mayor Baldwin. named after the first mayor of Syracuse, Court Kruger and Court Hotchkiss. There was also Camp Columbia of the Royal Foresters, and Courts Martha Washington and Bernadette of the Companions of the Inde- pendent Foresters.
The Modern Woodmen of America have four camps in Syracuse, the Syra- euse Camp, Northside Camp, Solvay Camp and MeKinley Camp.
Fairly modern orders which have made great strides in the city are the Onondaga Council, Degree of Pocahontas, Onondaga Beneficial Degree Coun- eil, Waseka Council. Mohawk Council, Modainim Council, the Central City Haymakers and the Syracuse Haymakers' Association.
The Ancient Order of United Workmen, in the '80s one of the strongest fraternal organizations in the city, had four lodges in 1907. They were the old Central City (November 20, 1878), Salt Springs (1879), Harmony (March 4, 1895), and Union Lodges (March 2, 1894).
A record of six tents of the Knights of Maccabees had been made in 1907, with five hives of the Ladies of Maccabees. These were the tents: Alemania, Brown. Onondaga Oak, Solvay. Svraense and West End. The hives were Alemania, Good Will, Solvay, Syracuse and West End.
Three councils and the Unity Association made up the Daughters of Liberty roster for Syracuse in 1907, the councils being Acirema, Garfield and Harmony.
The thirty-fifth annual convention of the Great Council, Reservation of New York State, Improved Order of Red Men, was held in the city hall in Syracuse on August 13. 14, 15 and 16, 1907. This fraternal order, which makes the claim of being the greatest purely American fraternity extant, has a strong and numerous following in Syracuse. The mother tribe in these hunting grounds is the De Kanissora No. 316, the council fire of which was kin- dled October 22, 1896. Its name was taken from an old Onondaga chief, De Kanissora, prince of Indian orators and diplomatists, who flourished between 1680 and 1730. The Walla Walla tribe No. 387, was instituted April 20, IS98. - Other tribes with large memberships here are: Oneutaha No. 400; Cayuga
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No. 429; Scanandoah No. 441; Watonga No. 444, and Mosawa No. 401, of Cicero.
The Syracuse Lodge, No. 31, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was instituted on March 1, 1885. The institution was held in the old county elerk's building at North Salina and Church streets, and the lodge has had several changes of quarters, the last previous to its own building, in process of erection on the site of the old Lyceum theater, being in the old Chase Music Hall building south of the Onondaga Savings Bank building. The lodge has had a thousand names upon its roster. Many celebrated actors have been entertained by the Elks of Syracuse and have given benefits for the order, among the latter being Richard Mansfield and Frederick Warde.
On March 23, 1908. the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Aerie No. 53, celebrated its eighth anniversary by opening a new clubhouse in the old Freeman build- ing at .Jefferson and Grape streets. The rooms were remodeled and redeeo- rated, and it was made one of the handsomest Eagle clubhouses in the state. Prior to this establishment of a clubhouse of their own, the Eagles oceupied the rooms of the Elks order in South Salina street.
The Supreme Yadoya of the Imperial Order of Tycoons meets in Syracuse once in three years, and it is in this city that there is located the Mikado Ya- doya No. 1, Yoga Yadoya No. 5 and Satsuma Yadoya No. 8.
Of the Harugari Syracuse achieved seven lodges. the Walhalla Comtueri. which was No. 4, Augusta Lodge, Deutsche Wacht, Elizabeth, Freie Brueder, Humboldt and Walhalla Manie.
The seventh annual session of the Grand Council, State of New York, United Commercial Travelers of America, was held in Syracuse June 7. 8, and 9, 1906, under the auspiees of Central City Council No. 221. The Central City Couneil was instituted in Syraeuse on January 3. 1902.
The National Association of Letter Carriers held its fourteenth annual convention in Syracuse August 31 to September 5, inclusive. 1903. Branch No. 31 of the United National Association of Postoffice Clerks was organized in Syracuse on February 4, 1894. The General Dwight H. Bruce Branch No. 134, of the National Association of Letter Carriers, was organized in Syracuse on January 11, 1891.
The eighteenth annual convention of the New England Water Works Association was held in Syracuse September 13 to 15, 1899. The twenty- seventh annual convention of the International Association of Fire Engineers was held here from August 22 to 25. 1899. Syracuse also had the third annual convention of the League of American Municipalities on September 19 to 22, 1899. The American Water Works Association visited here on June 17, 1898.
The first regular meeting of Thomas Merriam Camp No. 52. Sons of Vet- erans. was held at the courthouse August 12, 1886. and William E. Walters was made the first captain. The subsequent history of the camp has been one closely identified with all patriotic movements of the city, with many de- termined efforts to get a soldiers' monument. Sniper Camp No. 166, was ori- ginally organized in August, 1886, as Camp No. 66, but at its reorganization in 1890 was given No. 166.
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The twelfth annual encampment, New York Division, Sons of Veterans, was held in Syracuse July 2, 3 and 4, 1895. A public meeting, ball and parade were features of the encampment.
Lilly Post No. 66. New York Department G. A. R., was organized June 29, 1869. Root Post No. 151, was organized April 16. 1880.
Root Relief Corps No. 20, New York Department, W. R. C., was organized February 21, 1884. Lilly Relief Corps, No. 172, was organized in February, 1891.
A distinet impetus was given to broadening charitable work in 1902, when, on January 13. the Associated Charities of Syracuse was organized, uniting moribund and live efforts in both a generous distribution and a suppression of indiscriminate charity. The association was incorporated March 25, 1902. The able management and subsequent work of the Associated Charities proved the wisdom of the plan. The Associated Charities succeeded the Bureau of Labor and Charities, which had been organized in 1878 . The first office of the Associated Charities was in the Snow building in Warren street, with Miss Marion I. Moore general secretary and Minnie D. Crozier assistant secretary. Later Arthur W. Towne became general secretary, and when he took up pro- bation work in Albany in 1907, J. J. Everson became secretary. In 1907 the Associated Charities was located in an old homestead at East Jefferson and South Warren streets.
Upon October 14, 1907, there was celebrated on the occasion of the state convention of the societies for the prevention of cruelties, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Onondaga Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Chil- dren, a society which had accomplished much in its long and honorable history of saving and starting the young right. For many years this society had had the advantage of the management of that scholar and humanitarian, Rev. C. D'B. Mills, and through his influence had risen to a prominent place in the city's charitable work. Miss Arria S. Huntington was the first president of the Syracuse society, and at the time of the anniversary celebration Abram T. Baldwin was president. Fillmore M. Smith the general secretary and Stanley Bagg the treasurer. The Bureau of Labor and Charities, from which the so- ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was an off-shoot, was organ- ized at a publie meeting held in the city hall on December 20, 1878. Rev. C. D'B. Mills resigned his long and faithful work as seeretary of the Bureau of Labor and Charities on April 1, 1898.
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Although established in 1877 and incorporated in 1878, and always finding a field in which its noble endeavors seemed but to touch the outskirts, the Shelter for Unprotected Girls has grown into one of the most important and necessary institutions in more recent years. Its work is as broad and compre- hensive as the name implies. The effort had been begun in a building at Irv- ing and Adams streets, and later a new Shelter was ereeted at Irving and Van Buren streets, which in the later '80s was moved across town to a site in Roberts avere. In the summer of 1902 the main building was burned, one assistant teacher losing her life. The loss proved a needed spur to the appre- eiation in which the work was held and led to the building of the fine strue-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ONONDAGA COUNTY
ture where the work has been carried on under the supervision of Miss A. A. Kendall, with a board of trustees drawn from the charitable workers of the Protestant Episcopal church of the city. On November 1, 1902, the new Shelter was dedicated.
In the work of caring for unfortunates, the Board of Supervisors on De- cember 20, 1905, created the office of Superintendent for the Placing in Homes of Dependent Children, with a salary of $450. Mrs. Florence A. Grannis was named to this office on May 7, 1906, and it was resolved that after January 1. 1907, the annual salary of the office should be $900. The superintendent was provided with offices in the new courthouse.
The Syracuse Boys' Club began in the Boys' Evening Home, which for nine years met in May Memorial church parlors. On January 17, 1901, the old home changed to the present name, under which it was incorporated in 1902, taking rooms at 429 South Salina street until the fall of 1901. Then quarters were taken at 227 East Fayette street. In September, 1903, the three-story building at 240 East Water street. just west of the city hall, was taken and occupied until September, 1907, when quarters were taken in the basement of Prescott school. The president in 1907 was Benjamin J. Shove ; secretary, Roderick S. Burlingame; treasurer, Charles F. Bennett, and super- intendent, Arthur W. Towne.
In the fall of 1884, the Bureau of Labor and Charities appointed as a com- mittee to consider the establishment of a day nursery, Mrs. Celeste P. Fuller. Mrs. S. B. Larned, Miss Arria S. Huntington, Miss E. C. Lawrence and Mrs. E. C. Stearns. From this sprang the Women's Union for Home Work, of which Mrs. Fuller was the first president. A small house in Noxon street was rented from May, 1886 to 1887. In the fall of 1887 the name was changed to the Women's Educational and Industrial Union, and a larger home in Onon- daga street was taken until May, 1888, when the house at 329 Montgomery street was purchased for $10.000. The Union was incorporated January 18. 1888. There were several changes in the building, many charities had quar- ters there, and it became the center from which sprang many noble efforts by women. Owing to the negligence of a contractor upon an adjoining build- ing the Women's Union building collapsed and was ruined March 2, 1907. The Employment Society which had been doing a great work since 1870, was in- corporated in 1904.
The New York Trades School for Girls, which was established by the Women's Union and received the five thousand trade school fund from the State Federation of Women, was located in the Women's Union building, and. after the collapse, was moved to the old Hawley homestead in East Onondaga street.
The Onondaga Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution was in- corporated in 1904.
The Political Equality Club, composed of many of the leading women of Syracuse and the county, had grown to such strength in 1908 that the city had become a center for woman suffrage work, and from here was published the New York Suffrage Newsletter, of which Harriet May Mills was editor. The Newsletter had reached Vol. IX. No. 4 in April, 1908.
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The Home, founded by that noble society, the Syracuse Home Associa- tion, which dates back to an original incorporation of 1853, had fifty-six in- mates in 1908, every room in the building at Townsend and Hawley streets being occupied, and many worthy ones hopeful of an opportunity to come to the Home. One of its largest bequests of late years was fifty thousand from the estate of James J. Belden. The realty value of the Home property, with furniture, in 1908 was seventy-five thousand dollars, with total assets figured at two hundred thousand dollars.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, auxiliary of the state W. C. T. U., organized in Deceniber, 1877, was incorporated August 20, 1892. In 1906 this work has reached the proportions of eighteen unions in the towns of the county, nine in the city, with seven senior loyal temperance legions and eight junior legions. It was a great response to women's organized effort to increase the interest in temperance reform in all classes. Of the Independent Order of Good Templars there were two lodges.
In December, 1890, the Central New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was formed, the charter of the branch society which then existed being recalled by the parent society. In January, 1891, the society was incorporated, and O. Robinson Casey made special agent. Mr. Casey later became superintendent, a position he has held until the present time. In 1908 Wilber S. Peck was president of the society.
The Educational Council of Onondaga, composed of male teachers, has not only gained much by the meetings but has spread its influence by the pub- lication of many thoughtful essays upon the work of the profession. The Council was organized in 1884.
Although the history of trade unionism in Syracuse is far from being en- compassed within a score of years, it is within that period that the idea now so overwhelmingly prevalent has achieved its greatest local extension and power, uniting thousands of workers. Even a short history of uuions would take a volume in itself, but there are many dates which should be preserved in the general history of the city. That union of unions, congress of interests and gathering of representatives of labor organizations of Syracuse and imme- diate vicinity, the Central Trades and Labor Assembly, was the result of a call for labor union representatives to meet at Ryan's Hall on March 5, 1885. and. on March 15, a constitution was adopted. At the first meeting on March 16, these labor unions were represented : Typographieal, Moulders', Tailors', Pro- tective, Stone Cutters', Stone Masons', Painters' and Paper Hangers', and Cigarmakers'.
The Ale and Porter Brewers' Union was organized October 19, 1887; Iron Moulders' No. 80 in 1864; Journeymen Tailors' No. 45, organized in 1863, locked out and ended in 1877, and reorganized as the Tailors' Protec- tive in 1885; International Association Machinists' Lodge 381, organized in November, 1895; Malsters', 48, May 6, 1894; Meat Cutters' and Butchers', 5969, February 4, 1893; Brotherhood of Stationary Engineers', 6708, May, 1896; original Typographical Union organized in 1855 and went to pieces in 1861, "old union" organized in 1864 and met dissolution in strike of
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1876, and Typographical 55 organized in 1883; John E. Sweet Council 6, American Order Steam Engineers, organized April 27, 1886; Assistant Pressmen and Feeders' 32, April 26, 1900; Barbers', 18, October 23, 1889; Bartenders', 76, 1897; Bakers', 30, 1887; Bedding and Cushion Workers', 92, May 15, 1902; Beer Drivers', 49, March 6, 1888; Boiler Makers', 157, June 15, 1903; Boot and Shoe Workers', 159, September 30, 1899; Brewery Work- ers', 11, March 23, 1887; Bridge and Structural Iron Workers', 60, February 10, 1903; Broom Makers', 72, December, 1902; Carpenters', 15 organized March 13, 1887, and No. 26, organized October 14, 1896, consolidated July 1, 1903; Carpenters', 192, June 23, 1897, and then District Council, central head of all carpenters' locals, organized ; Carriage and Wagon Workers', 39, May, 1898; Cigarmakers', 6. 1864; Cigar Packers', 241, November 19, 1892; Clerks' Local, 243, August 19, 1898; Clothing Cutters' and Trimmers', 128, 1886; Coopers', 98, August, 1886; Electrical Workers', 43, 1892; Elee- trieal Workers' (line men), 79, October 6, 1899; Garment Workers', 95, 1892; Garment Workers', 111, April 12, 1891; Garment Workers', 135, Novem- ber 22, 1897; Garment Workers', 142, March 25, 1897; Garment Workers', 143, December, 1897; Glass Blowers' Brotherhood, 32, 1890; Hod Carriers' and Building Laborers', 40, 1906; Horseshoers', 36, July 3, 1891; Bookbind- ers', 68, December 21, 1897 ; Machinists', 381, November, 29 1895; Machinists', 514, 1902; Metal Polishers', etc., 15, June, 1903; Musicians' Protective, 78, October 1, 1888; Painters', Decorators' and Paper Hangers', 31, June 1, 1887; Painters', 151, Baldwinsville, September 10, 1900; Pattern Makers,' April 14, 1905; Plasterers', 51, May 29, 1891; Plumbers' and Steam Fitters', 374, January 23, 1904; Produce Peddling Drivers', February 6, 1904; Sheet Metal Workers', 39, June, 1897; Sign Writers', 468, September 6, 1898; Silver Workers', 1903; Soft Beer Bottlers' and Peddlers', 8934, April, 1901; Stationary Firemen's, September, 1896; Steam Engineers', 11, June, 1896; Suspender Makers', June 22, 1903; Theatrical Protective, 9, May 10, 1891; Tobacco Workers', June 16, 1902; Wholesale Grocers' Employes,' May 13, 1906; Women's Union Label League, January, 1900; Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers', 151, March 19, 1904. Other unions affiliated with the Trades Assem-
bly include the following : Allied Printing Trades' Council; Carpenters', 1211; Coal Drivers' and Carriers', 665; International Hod Carriers' and Building Laborers' Nos. 40 and 68; International Wood Carvers' Association, Syracuse Branch; Journeymen Stone Cutters' Association, Syracuse Branch ; Laundry Workers'; Milk Peddlers' Protective; Printing Pressmen. 66: Stereo- typers', 23; Structural Building Trades' Alliance; Garment Workers,' 112; Garment Workers', 128; Waiters' Alliance, 150; Women's Union Label League, 10.
BENCH AND BAR OF ONONDAGA COUNTY
By A. J. Northrup.
CHAPTER LXVII.
The history of the Bench and Bar of the county of Onondaga, properly begins with the year 1794. In that year Thaddeus M. Wood, the first law- yer within the present limits of the county, came to Onondaga Valley, or Onondaga Hollow, as it was then called, and there began his professional and business life. He had a forceful and conspicious, and somewhat eccentric career long remembered.
There was then no Syracuse, and the Valley, where the fair city now stands, was an almost impassable swamp. From the days of the one lawyer. a long procession increasing in numbers, of the now dead and the still liv- ing. has followed, until in this year of 1907, according to the best estimates and records, there are approximately four hundred and seventy-five lawyers in the county, nearly all of whom are in active practice at the bar or serving on the bench.
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