USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Official report of the centennial celebration of the founding of the city of Cleveland and the settlement of the Western Reserve > Part 24
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The formal opening of the floral exposition at the Central Armory occurred at 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the 18th. It marked the com- mencement of a series of orchestral concerts which were continued each
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afternoon and evening thereafter. Speeches were made by Mayor MeKisson, President Cowles, of the Chamber of Commerce, Director- General Day, and by President Graham, of the Cleveland Society.
Late in the afternoon of the first day the delegates, accompanied by their wives, set out for a trolley ride. There were five hundred in the party for which a specially chartered train of eight cars was pro- vided. The cars were gorgeously decorated with flowers and were freely admired as they passed through the streets. The destination was Woodcliff, the home of Mr. J. M. Gasser, on Lake avenue, where the president's reception was held. The guests, about five hundred in all, were cordially received by Mr. and Mrs. Gasser on their lawn -a floral park of great beauty -- and the company was later photographed. Refreshments were served under a canopy on the lake front, and after this came dancing and other amusements. Fairy lamps and Japanese lanterns were hung over the grounds, making the effect after nightfall very pretty.
A public meeting at which prominent horticulturalists delivered ad- dresses on the general subject of plant culture, was held in Army and Navy Hall on Wednesday evening, August 19th. The speakers and their subjects were as follows: Robert Craig, Philadelphia, "Foliage Plants for Home Adornment; " Edwin Lonsdale, Philadelphia, "Flowering Plants for Windows; " E. G. Hill, Richmond, Ind., " Roses for Out- doors; " Professor J. F. Cowell, Buffalo, " Cannas;" J. C. Vaughan, Chicago, " Pansies From Seed; " G. P. Rawson, Elmyra, " How Not to Do It;" J. M. Jordan, St. Louis, "The Care of Cut Flowers in the Home."
Coincident with the convention of the Society of American Florists were held the annual sessions of the American Carnation Society, the Chrysanthemum Society, and the Florists' Hall Association.
On the closing day a carriage drive, or floral parade, was tendered the visitors by the Cleveland Society, the route traversed being Euclid avenue, Wade Park, the Boulevard and Gordon Park. Between forty and fifty vehicles decorated with gladiolas, carnations, hydrangeas and evergreen, were occupied by members of the party. On the return trip the delegates amused themselves by throwing flowers to crowds of street urchins who thronged about the carriages and engaged in vigorous scrambles for each handsome prize.
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CHAPTER XV. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS ENCAMPMENT.
AUGUST 22-29.
Near the middle of August a tented village similar to that on the west side of the river rapidly took form in the vacant pasture fields on Payne avenue east of Hazard street. A little later in the month this village became the home of 8,000 Knights, representing 50,000 mem- bers of the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias of the World, an army almost twice as large as the standing army of the United States. Camp Perry-Payne, as it was called, at once became the Mecca of thousands of citizens and Centennial visitors. The location was an ideal one, easy of access and admirably adapted for camp life. Upwards of 2,000 tents were erected, covering about thirty acres of territory on either side of the street.
" Pythian Week " was observed from August 22d to August 29th, the city being favored during that period with the biennial encampment of the Uniform Rank, and the convention of the Supreme Lodge of the order. These important assemblies were first awarded to Minneapolis, but owing to unfavorable transportation rates were transferred to Cleveland. The task of preparing for them, on account of the lateness of the transfer, was a heavy one, but the local committee proved. fully equal to it, taking hold with com- mendable vigor. Headquarters were established by the committee in the Ar- cade, and in a very short time the sum of $16, 700 was raised to defray the ex- penses. Of this amount the subordin- ate lodges contributed $3,335 and the
MAJ. GEN. JAMES R. CARNAHAN.
Centennial Commission $5,000, the remainder being secured by in- dividual subscriptions and the sale of privileges at the camp grounds.
The camp was laid out on the plan of a modern town with streets, dining-halls, newspaper offices, telegraph and telephone offices, a post- office, and other facilities and conveniences rendering it almost indepen- dent of the city except for supplies. It was provided with electric lights and favored with an abundance of water from the city mains. The Ohio Brigade occupied 734 tents, while Pennsylvania, Indiana,. Michi- gan, Illinois, New York, Virginia, West Virginia and other States com-
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prising the great Pythian sisterhood, with 500,000 adherents, were well represented. Cleveland, the banner Pythian city of the Union, estab- lished headquarters near the entrance to the camp, where a hearty wel- come was extended to all. The divisions began to arrive on the 2Ist. They were met at the depots by details of the Second Regi- ment, composed mostly of Cleveland men, with bands of music, and were escorted to the camp grounds. Major-General James R. Carna- han, head of the Uniform Rank in the United States, and Brigadier- General J. C. Howe, of the Ohio Brigade, were among the early arrivals. Others came rapidly, and on the evening of August 23d the city was in full possession of the plumed host. This was Sunday, and throughout the day the camp was thronged with visitors, the total number for the day being estimated at 50,000. Late in the afternoon a dress parade was given, and in the evening special services were conducted by Rev. E. G. Sanderson, Chaplain-in-Chief of the order, at Epworth Memorial Church. Strict discipline was enforced daily at the camp, the following routine being observed: Reveille, 6 A. M .; breakfast, 7 A. M. ; dinner. 12 A. M. ; regimental parade, 5 P. M .; supper, 6 P. M .; retreat, 6:30 P. M .; to quarters, 10:30 P. M.
At 4 o'clock on the afternoon of August 24th the camp was dedi- cated with impressive ceremonies. Shortly before that hour a battalion of the Second Ohio Regiment marched to the City Hall and accompa- nied Mayor McKisson and members of the Centennial Commission to the parade grounds, where the exercises were held. The officers and members of the various staffs, resplendent in their uniforms, assembled at the headquarters of the major-general and proceeded in a body to the grounds. Sir Knights, to the number of several thousand, followed in divisions and formed an open square around the flag-staff. A large American flag and a streamer bearing the words, "Camp Perry-Payne," were then unfurled amid lusty cheers, and the rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" by the band. Chaplain Sanderson offered prayer, at the conclusion of which Chairman Dunn took charge of the programme. In a few remarks he presented Director-General Day, who spoke on be- half of the Centennial Commission. Mr. Day attributed great credit to the Committee of Arrangements for the success of the encampment. He said :
The attitude of the Centennial Commission towards the Knights of Pythias is one of cordial appreciation and hearty welcome, but back of that we have a feeling of re- spect and regard for the Knights of Pythias, because there are few orders or great bodies of men who would have inspired us to such enthusiasm as did the prospect of having the Knights of Pythias encamped in our city during the Centennial year of Cleveland. The heaven's arch is wide, but it is no wider than our welcome for you.
In the name of the Centennial Commission of Cleveland I bid you welcome-a welcome as deep as Cleveland can give. We feel assured that your part in the Centen- nial celebration will go down in history as one of the most beautiful and appropriate events of the year.
Mayor MeKisson, himself a member of the order, then welcomed the Knights on behalf of the city, and formally christened the camp. In the course of his address he said :
It is appropriate that this camp should be christened Perry-Payne, and that it should be dedicated on this day. The opening of your pleasant encampment, though not generally known, is almost coincident with the birthday anniversary of Perry, the gallant commodore, whose battle on Lake Erie stands forth illustrious in our naval
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history. Cleveland is soon to engage in a fitting celebration of that notable and signif- icant victory. The family name of Payne has always been closely identified with that of Perry. Through the kindness of Mr. Payne, these grounds were obtained, and it is but natural that his name should be associated with the camp.
One of the chief characteristics of your order is patriotism and devotion to country. This element is strongly exemplified in the uniform rank, where is to be found an army of men ever ready to assist in any righteous cause, and ever willing to co-operate in the maintenance of peace and good government. I like the military feature of the order. Its discipline and drill are conducive to sturdy manhood, to health, and above all to that regard for order and right which should possess the heart of every true citi- zen. One of the best means of fostering this life is the encampment, where oppor- tunities are afforded, nowhere else to be found. I wish to congratulate your commit- tee upon the very successful outcome of their efforts to make this camp a success. Be- ginning late, in comparison with other cities which have entertained the encampment, they have labored steadily and hard to have everything in readiness when the opening day arrived. General Carnahan, I notice, now says that this is the most complete camp he ever saw, and General Carnahan has seen quite a few.
This will be a gala week for Cleveland. This city is the Pythian star in Ohio. A large number of her citizens know that you come not as strangers to her gates, but as broth- ers, bound by the strongest ties and tried in the crucible and exacting lines of friend- ship, charity, and benevolence. Then should we not all feel proud and rejoice in the dedication of this camp because of the beauty and sublimity of the principles taught and carried out in your order? Pythian knighthood means much to the true citizen. Its past has been glorious; its future, I believe, is assured. On behalf of the great order of Pythian Brotherhood, on behalf of the city of Cleveland, and on behalf of the brother Knights of this city, I present this beautiful camp, and christen it Perry-Payne, and dedicate it on this day to you all in Pythian fellowship and patriotism.
In receiving the camp, Brigadier-General Howe said :
I accept this camp, Mayor McKisson, on behalf of the loyal Sir Knights of Ohio, knowing full well their appreciation, and feeling positive that the results of this en- campment will be beneficial to all those who participate, both as members of the order of the Knights of Pythias, and as good citizens of our commonwealth.
To the second regiment of the uniform rank, located in this beautiful city, a great share of the splendid success which we believe will attend this encampment belongs. No less interested has been the great body of the subordinate lodges of the order of this city, of whom there are more loyal, devoted, enthusiastic, and earnest Knights than in any city of our beloved country, numbering as they do, almost, if not quite, five thousand men.
To you, Supreme Chancellor Richie, it is my duty to formally tender this great Pythian home, this camp Perry-Payne, to you as commander-in-chief of the order uni- versal. In your hands and under your guidance nothing but success will attend it, and the officers and Sir Knights of the Ohio brigade know that you can in words most expressive make each Sir Knight in this camp feel perfectly at home, knowing that the welcome extended is from the heart, and is in fact the welcome extended of one Sir Knight to that of another.
General Carnahan, the major-general commanding the uniform rank, every officer and Sir Knight of this great body is personally acquainted with, and every order issued from this source I know will be fully and carefully carried out in its full meaning and intent.
A stirring speech was delivered by Supreme Chancellor Richie, to whom the camp was presented by General Howe, and who in turn handed it over to General Carnahan. Mr. Richie playfully addressed his fellow Knights as "boys," following this with the following statement :
I said "boys," because I am one of you, and am with you in everything that tends to uplift mankind. I am proud of the fact that I am one of the boys, because there I find men with hearts and souls of honor. It is for just such men that this beautiful camp has been arranged, and as I look over it and see its wide pastures and green sward I am proud of the fact that the boys have found that their lines are cast in pleasant places. I deem it an especial honor to have this great gift in my possession, and as gifts become the absolute property of the donee, so camp Perry-Payne is mine to do with it as I please: I am proud as a Pythian to receive it; I am proud as an Ohioan
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that it is located within the State. Ohio, the greatest State in the Pythian domain, in this camp receives all the brother Knights of the world. I. am also proud to receive the camp in the city of Cleveland, the greatest city in the Pythian world.
Turning to the Mayor and the executive committee of the Centennial Commission, Mr. Richie said: "How the boys cheered that flag as it was drawn heavenward! We teach loyalty to country, and in this country we teach loyalty to that flag, Old Glory. If there are any boys here to-day from across the border, we expect them to be loyal to their country, as we are to ours.
You see before you a representative number of 50,000 Sir Knights, an army of the greatest and best men in the whole world. This is my gift. To whom should I bestow it? There is but one answer. It must be given to the boys, but it should be placed in trust in the hands of that one man who is here, and who has given his best years to Pythianism, and to him the camp shall be turned over.
To you, General Carnahan, I transfer what I consider the greatest gift I ever had the pleasure of making, feeling sure that no stain or dishonor shall ever come to camp Perry-Payne.
As General Carnahan advanced to respond, he was given a hearty cheer. His address was replete with eloquent passages.
He began by thanking the Centennial Commission and the city for the camp, and said that he spoke the sentiments of every one of the vis- iting Sir Knights within the city. Touching upon the wonderful growth of the uniform rank, he said :
It was here in this city of Cleveland, nineteen years ago, that we sought the first legislation for the establishment of the uniform rank. Now there are 50,000 men who stand as ready supporters and defenders of the flag at the top of that staff. The men who fought, bled, and worshiped that flag in the dark days that have gone by still worship it in the uniform rank as the one great and brilliant star in American liberty and free institutions. They who wore the gray love the flag as we do. It is the flag and emblem of one common country, and we as Knights of Pythias revere it.
To you who have reposed your trust in me for twelve years, I want to say that I am one of you and my life shall be devoted to you because I find in the uniform rank hearts that are true and men that earnestly work day and night for the betterment of their fellowmen. Into your hands this camp is entrusted, with the full belief that by your actions no taint shall come upon the order. In the name of all the honor and purity you profess, each one of you, remember that you are responsible for the outcome of camp Perry-Payne.
This concluded the exercises of the afternoon. A general reception of visitors was held at the camp in the evening, a large crowd being in attendance.
Tuesday morning the Supreme Lodge convened in the Pythian Temple. The representation was very satisfactory, only a few vacan- cies being reported. Supreme Chancellor Walter B. Richie, of Lima, called the meeting to order and introduced Mayor MeKisson, who in a brief speech extended the greeting of the city. Mr. Richie happily responded, saying that Cleveland was the greatest Pythian city in the world in comparison with its population. The routine business of the convention was continued through this and subsequent sessions.
The event of greatest public interest during the encampment was the parade on Tuesday afternoon, August 25th, which was one of the most brilliant displays of the summer. It brought out great crowds of spectators, only the parts of the streets reserved for the marchers re- maining unoccupied. Pythian flags and banners were freely exhibited, and the Centennial Arch was appropriately decorated for the day. The officers of the supreme lodge, together with their families and friends, occupied official reviewing stands on Superior street, of which on this occasion there were two.
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BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF CAMP PERRY-PAYNE.
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At a few minutes past 4 o'clock the head of the procession entered Superior street from Payne avenue. Quietly the column moved like the flowing of a river, the plumes of red on helmets of white mak- ing a surface billowy and beautiful in the light of the declining sun. The line was gay with banners and floats, while many bands of music marked the time for the divisions. It was a demonstration such as only an order of this kind could present in a great modern city on a gala day. There were, according to estimate, 12,000 men in line.
First came a platoon of police, followed by the Cleveland Grays as escort to Major-General Carnahan and staff. Then in order came the Indiana brigade, in charge of Brigadier-General James R. Ross; the Michigan brigade, with Brigadier-General William G. Gage; the New York brigade and District of Columbia brigade, with Brigadier Charles A. Lutton ; the Virginia brigade and West Virginia brigade, with Brigadier-General William H. Starbird; the Ohio brigade, with Briga- dier-General James C. Howe, and various other brigades from different parts of the United States. The Ohio brigade was viewed with special interest and pride by Clevelanders.
The First Ohio Regiment in line was the Eighth, under command of Colonel A. J. Criss, of Canton. The following divisions marched in this section: Canton, No. 38, with an ax brigade; Enterprise, No. 73, of Massillon; Yellow Cross, No. 85, of Alliance; Trumbull, No. 18; Buck- eye, No. 97; Western Reserve, No. 103, of Warren.
The Second Regiment, under command of Colonel Albert Petzke, of Cleveland, was escorted by the Sixth Regiment Band, of Tiffin. The divisions in line were Garfield, No. 13, of Sandusky; L. W. Ward, No. 87, of Fremont; Norwalk, No. 111; Elmore, No. 184; Toledo, No. 35; William Tell, No. 16, of Toledo; Kenneth, No. 90, of Bowling Green; Kenton, No. 25. Thayer's Military Band led the second battalion of the regiment, which consisted of the following divisions: Akron, No. 21; Argonaut, No. 42, of Cleveland; Golden Rod, No. 113; Standard, No. 41, Preux Chevalier, No. 3, of Cleveland, with the " Big Five " ax brigade and drum corps; Oak, No. 20, of Cleveland; Red Cross, No. 27, of Cleveland; Cleveland, No. 8; Loyal, No. 117, of Elyria; Columbia, No. 4, of Painesville; Cœur de Lion, No. 31, of Akron; Conneaut, No. 114.
The Third Regiment, from the southern part of the State, followed. Colonel John Goetz, Jr., of Cincinnati, was in command of the following divisions: Douglass, No. 2, of Cincinnati; Golden, No. 53, of Cincinnati ; Springfield, No. 44; Ironton, No. 23; Wellston, No. 58, and Ben Hur, No. 55, of Gallipolis:
Colonel Loechner, of Columbus, was in comand of Eastwood division, No. 101, of Columbus, which was followed by the Ninth Regiment, Colonel W. H. Black, of Findlay, being in command, in which were: Marion, No. 15; Fostoria, No. 59; Cardington, No. 77; Crawford, No. 89; Damon, No. 104, of Shelby; Lester, No. 116, of Zanesville; Pan- handle, No. 67, of Uhrichsville; Star, No. 100, of Canal Dover.
The Cleveland City Guards brought up the rear of the military pro- cession and introduced to the spectators the members of the subordinate lodges, which formed a greater feature of the Cleveland parade than in any previous parade ever given by the order. Washington Lodge, No. to, furnished sixty men mounted on horse-back, representing the cavalry
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arm of the Knights of Pythias, wearing helmets from which waved the blue, yellow and red of the order. Lake Shore Lodge, No. 6, had 150 men in line, all of whom were attired in white duck trousers, black · coats and white hats. The officers and veteran ' members rode in car- riages.
Seventy members of Cleveland Lodge, No. 61, followed in white duck trousers and white duck caps surrounded by blue, yellow and red bands. " Owatonna Lodge, No. 62, had 180 men in line, all of whom were attired similar to the members of Cleveland Lodge.
The Lake Shore Band headed Pearl Lodge, No. 163, which had two hundred men in line. They wore white duck uniforms and carried white umbrellas. Sixty men were in line with Riverside Lodge, No. 269, and about eighty men in Hesperian Lodge, No. 281. Next came Palacky Lodge, No. 317, with 150 men. They wore black coats and white duck trousers.
WALTER B. RICHIE.
Criterion Lodge, No. 68, made a fine showing with 300 men. They wore white duck suits and carried white um- brellas. Mayor MeKisson marched with this lodge. Next came Oak Lodge, No. 77, with 220 men in line. They wore white flannel shirts, duck caps, and carried canes. They were fol- lowed by Forest City Lodge, No. 78, with 48 men in white duck suits. Next came Red Cross Lodge, No. 89, with 200 men in white duck suits and caps. They were followed by Deak Lodge, No. 334, with 124 men in line, headed by the Citizens' Band. They wore light brown linen suits. Cuyahoga Lodge, No. 460, had 75 men in line in white duck suits and caps. Haleyon Lodge, No. 488, had 75 men in line in citizens' clothes. The marchers carried red, blue and yellow umbrellas.
Next came Pythian Star Lodge, which had 100 men in line, followed by Americus Lodge, No. 586, also with 100 men in line. National Lodge, No. 626, headed by a band, came next with 148 members. . They wore red, white and blue uniforms. Erie Lodge, No. 124, brought up the rear of the procession in carriages. The members carried red, blue and yellow umbrellas. The line of march of the parade was from Camp Perry-Payne, on Payne avenue, to Superior street, to Ontario street, to St. Clair street, to Water street, to Superior street, to the west side of the Public Square, to the south side of the Public Square, to Euclid avenue, to Sterling avenue, to Payne avenue, to the camp grounds. The parade was a great success and added much to the interest of the public in Pythian Knighthood.
On the evening of Friday, August 28th, the members of the Centen- nial Commission were entertained at a reception and dinner given in their honor by Brigadier-General Howe at Camp Perry-Payne. The
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officers of the order were present in uniform, and many ladies joined in the festivities of the evening. Three large tables were spread under canvas, beautifully decorated with flowers and Pythian colors. After the feast, the following persons responded to toasts: Mayor Robert E. McKisson, Major-General James R. Carnahan, Supreme Chancellor Walter B. Richie, James H. Hoyt, Esq., James M. Richardson, J. G. W. Cowles, Director-General Day and Rev. E. G. Sanderson.
The last days of the encampment were devoted by the Knights to drilling, viewing the sights of the city, enjoying lake rides and other entertainment provided by the local committee. Before Sunday many of the divisions had departed, and on Monday, August 31st, camp was broken.
Coincident with the convention of the Knights of Pythias occurred the convention of the Knights of Khorassan, the sessions of which were held in Memorial Hall, and were attended by about 150 delegates. Hon. John A. Hinsey, of Chicago, the Imperial Prince of the order, presided. A parade was given on Thursday evening, August 27th. Although rain fell almost to the hour of starting, the members bravely carried out their plans, providing one of the most unique spectacles of the summer's programme. They wore their Arabic costumes and car- ried torches with lights of various hues. Many temples from the sur- rounding States participated, the rear of the procession being taken by Jan Ben Jan Temple, of Cleveland.
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