Delaware County, Indiana - Chapter 14: Clubs, Fraternities and Social Diversions, 1924

Chapter 14: Clubs, Fraternities and Social Diversions

In the reminiscences of the late Nathaniel Fuller Ethell it is pointed out that "I have reason to refer to some of the sports and amusements prevalent in those days of heroic struggle with a primeval forest - some of them rude, many of them, from necessity, far different from those which a more advanced civilization affords, but none the less hearty and full of cheer. In the country there were quilting parties for the women and log-rollings, corn-huskings and barn-raisings for the men. The pioneers were helpful to one another, - and many a pleasant gathering was held in their homes. Occasionally there was a dance, but these were infrequent, the quality of the pioneers being somewhat too austere for such indulgence. The men and women who made farms in the wilderness were mostly Methodists and Baptists, attending their churches whenever it was possible. If they lived within a few miles of town they came in their wagons or on horseback and listened to the words of their preachers, of whom there were vigorous expounders of the Holy Scriptures and eloquent prayers for the unregenerate.

"Hardshell Baptists held their associations at divers places. to which the people of that faith went many miles to attend. Then there were the camp meetings of the Methodists, with the excitement of revivals, when many who strayed were reclaimed. Steady old Presbyterian preachers also held their followers in the straight and narrow paths of foreordination. As a whole, the community of pioneers were of a religious turn; no foolishness in their reverence for the Bible and the teachings of their ministers. The stern life they were compelled to lead fitted into their aspirations. Their occasional diversions were necessarily somewhat severe. .

"Diversions in the town were more elaborate and varied than in the country. Bonfires and fireballs instead of modern pyrotechnics were made to do service on Fourth of July and at political rallies. The Fourth was usually ushered in with the firing of anvils, cheers and all sorts of noises, the louder and more varied the better. Fire- balls were balls of cotton wicking, soaked in turpentine, and thrown blazing from one to another of adventurous salamandered hands. They made quite a showing at night. The town boasted of a colored barber, one Scott, who furnished the music for dances and balls. 'The Arkansaw Traveler,' 'Money Musk' and other tunes sawed off on his fiddle would set the legs and the feet of the hilarious saltatorians jiggering up one side and down the other of the room in fine shape. Warren H. Withers, who was publishing the Muncie Journal, was for several years the prime promoter of balls. These were mostly given in the dining room of the hotel. After the erection of that building, in East Main street, balls were 'pulled off' in Putnam Hall.

"Political rallies were made attractive with barbecues. An ox was killed and roasted near long strings of improvised tables in the grove west of town - now part of Beech Grove cemetery. The women of town and country supplied the pies and cakes, bread, pickles and other comestibles, and waited upon the hungry partisans gathered thither from all parts of the county. The country people came in delegations, with banners, fife and drum, cheers and voicings of malediction upon the opposite party. There was speaking, of course, but the gathering was gay with fun, the making of friends, visiting of the outlying committees foregathered for a day's outing. I'm afraid in the purlieus of whisky shops there was more or less drinking, with an occasional fist-fight to make life more enjoyable in a way. When one party had a barbecue the other side was bound to offset it with another, each vieing with the other in getting together the biggest crowd and producing the most noise and making the most recruits. The meeting were events long to be remembered."

Clubs And Fraternities Of Muncie

Supplementing the social service activities of the churches and allied bodies in Muncie there are many clubs and fraternal organizations which carry on their respective activities apparently in a fine spirit of mutual regard for the general social good of the community. Particularly helpful among these various social movements is the work of the numerous women's clubs, whose activities cover the county and which are banded together for general mutual helpfulness under the name of the Federated Club of Clubs of Muncie and Delaware County, an organization which was effected in 1896 on a general "get-together" basis and which since then has been in a position to do much in the way of stimulating general local social service work. There also is an active local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Paul Revere chapter), which was organized in January, 1897, and which has proved helpful along the lines prescribed in the scope of activities of this national organization. The initial officers of Paul Revere chapter were Mrs. Elizabeth Kirby Heinsohn, regent; Mrs. Nannie Hemingray, vice regent; Mrs. Ella Edwards Durham, secretary; Mrs. Harriet Huston Neely, treasurer, and Miss Nannie C. Love, registrar.

The Federated Club of Clubs of Muncie and Delaware County now comprises the following women's clubs and sororities: Alcestes of Cowan, Art League, Athenaeum, Business and Professional Women's - Club, Conversation, Culture, Delta Sigma, Delta Theta Tau, Entre Nous, Friday Afternoon of Daleville, Home Economics of Perry Township, Alice M. Burnett Circle of Kings Daughters, Mary-Martha, Martha Washington, Matinee Musicale, McRae, Monday Afternoon, Philomathean, Psi Iota Xi,- Research, Round Table, Shakespeare, Sorosis, Teachers' Federation, Twentieth Century of Albany, Washington Township League of Women, Wednesday Afternoon of Eaton, Wit and Wisdom of Eaton, Woman's Club of Daleville, Woman's Club of Muncie, Woman's Club of Selma and Woman's Club of Yorktown. The current (1923) officers of the Federated Club of Clubs are: President, Mrs. S. G. Jump; vice president, Mrs. Fred Watson; recording secretary, Mrs. George Piepho; financial secretary, Mrs. C. W. Throop; treasurer, Mrs. Walter Kirkpatrick; custodian of special funds, Mrs. Thomas Owens; custodian of records, Mrs. Arthur McC. Smith, and auditor, Mrs. Arthur McKinley. It was this federation of local women's clubs that in 1922 carried out a program of tree planting on Plum and Twelfth streets and the renaming of these thoroughfares as Pershing Drive and Memorial Drive and in the spring of 1923 caused to be placed in Heekin park a great native boulder which bears a bronze tablet carrying the following inscription: "This boulder, symbol of rugged courage, commemorates the heroism of the Delaware county soldiers, who served in the Civil war, the Spanish-American war and other wars which have menaced this beloved land.

"This boulder also marks with remembrance and gratitude the tree memorial, Pershing drive and Memorial road, a living tribute to the Delaware county soldiers, sailors, marines and nurses of the World war.

Special mention is due the Woman's Club of Muncie as one of the real pioneers in the woman's club movement in Indiana. The Muncie Woman's Club was organized at a meeting held at the home of the late Mrs. Emma Montgomery McRae, then active in local school work and afterward and for many years connected with the work of Purdue University, January 29, 1876, and was constituted with the following initial membership: Mrs. Clara Shipley, Mrs. Samantha Bacon, Mrs. Emma Mont. McRae, Mrs. Carrie J. McCulloch, Miss Nellie Smith, Miss Lizzie E. Willard, Mrs. J. A. Husted, Mrs. Marc. Smith, Mrs. Juliette Riley, Mrs. Millie Ethell, Mrs. Susan Kilgore, Mrs. A. C. Mellette, Mrs. Ella Mellette, Mrs. Hattie L. Patterson, Miss Minnie Young, Mrs. Ellen Smith, Miss Jennie Neely, Mrs. Mary G. Sample, Mrs. Florence C. Brown, Mrs. Mary Marsh, Mrs. Henrietta Hodge, Mrs. Ida A. Harper, Miss Lillie Brotherton, Mrs. A. Winans, Mrs. Mary Mc. Smith, Mrs. M. Louise Cassady, Mrs. Mary Little and Miss Mary Little. The initial officers of this now venerable club were: President, Miss Nellie Smith; vice president, Miss Jennie Neely; secretary, Miss Minnie Young; treasurer, Mrs. Carrie J. Mc- Culloch, and standing committee, Mrs. Emma Mont. McRae, Mrs. Millie Ethell and Miss Lizzie E. Willard. .

In 1896 the Muncie Woman's Club became affiliated with the Federated Club of Clubs of Muncie, in 1900 with the Indiana State Federation of Woman's Clubs, and in 1915 with the Indiana Federation of Clubs. The current officers of this historic club, now nearing its fiftieth year of usefulness, are as follows: President emeritus, Mrs. M. Louise Cassady; president, Mrs. Arthur D. McKinley; vice president, Miss Emma Hetherington; recording secretary, Mrs. Carl Brown; financial secretary, Mrs. Charles Souders; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Myrtle Williams; treasurer, Mrs. Charles Watkins; custodian, Mrs. Mary. McCulloch Smith. The club carries on its activities through departments or groups of its membership, these including the departments of literature and art, history and current events, sociology and civics, and dramatic art, a very comprehensive program. The club now has more than 150 active members and thirty associate members. The "In Memoriam" roster carries the names of fortyfour deceased members of the club, this list being headed by the name of Mrs. Emma Mont. McRae, the founder of the club, who died in 1919. The club presidents since its organization have been Miss Nellie Smith, 1876; Miss Jennie Neely, 1876-77; Mrs. Emma Mont.

Development Of The Fraternal Spirit

There are some who say that Muncie is "overlodged;" that is, that there are too many secret societies carrying on their respective activities here in proportion to population. This, of course, is wholly a matter of viewpoint. Many men find a very useful social outlet in lodge work; others apparently are not in the least attracted in that direction. These latter perhaps would conclude that there are too many "lodges." The former very probably would be willing to welcome more. Be that as it may, it is true that in Muncie there may be found a lodge home for just about all the generally accredited fraternal organizations in the country, and two or three of these fraternities maintain more than one "lodge." The Freemasons and the Elks, in particular, have admirable lodge and club quarters and the new Masonic temple now under course of construction is designed to be one of the best such edifices in the Middle West.

The Freemasons, as usual, were the first of the fraternal bodies to get a start here. On October 7, 1842, a dispensation was granted for the institution of a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Muncie and in this dispensation Dr. Samuel P. Anthony was named as master, Patrick Justice as senior warden and John Brownlee as junior warden for the purpose of instituting the lodge. On March 20, 1843, at a meeting held in an upper room in the home of Doctor Anthony (a picture of which old house is shown in this work) the lodge was instituted with ten members present and on the following May 23 was given its charter as Delaware lodge, No. 46. The old Anthony home stood on the east side of High street (No. 116) on the south side of the alley between Main and Jackson streets and many years ago gave way to construction progress. Not long after its institution the

Masonic lodge secured the use of the grand jury room in the court house as a place of meeting. It appears that this room had been turned over to the lodge with a rent-free understanding, and it was so occupied until in the spring of 1846, when the county commissioners made a demand for rent and the lodge moved into a room in the dwelling house of George B. Norris at the northwest corner of Main and Jefferson streets. Doctor Anthony then erected a small building on the south side of Main street just east of High for the uses of the lodge, but this room proved unsatisfactory and presently the lodge entered into an arrangement with the county commissioners whereby the upper room of the old court house was taken over as a lodge room and remodeled to suit the uses of the lodge. In the meantime Frederick E. Putnam had put up the Globe block and had fitted up a hall in the same occupying the third floor, and in the fall of 1853 the Masonic lodge was moved into this Putnam hall.

Ten years later, in 1863, the Masons bought the lot at the northwest corner of Main and High streets and on June 24 of that year laid the corner stone of the old Masonic building which still is standing there, a three-story brick building which remains as one of the distinctive landmarks of the "down town' section of the city. This building served the purposes of the Freemasons for lodge purposes until the present Masonic temple on West Main street was erected, the corner stone of this latter edifice having been laid with appropriate ceremonies on November 9, 1905. And then in 1923 work was begun on the new Masonic temple, a thoroughly "modern" building of ample proportions, occupying the whole of the quarter square at the northeast corner of Main and Elm streets.

In the meantime Freemasonry spread in the community and on November 10, 1870, another Masonic lodge was instituted and given the name of Muncie lodge, No. 433. Capitular Masonry was introduced into Muncie in 1855 and on May 22, 1856, a charter was granted to Muncie Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 80. Cryptic Masonry was introduced in Muncie in 1863 and on December 15 of that year a dispensation was granted to Muncie Council, Royal and Select Masters, No. 30. Six years later work in the York Rite was introduced by the institution of Muncie Commandery, Knights Templar, No. 18, which was granted a charter on April 7, 1869. On December 9, 1890, there was organized a local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, the woman's auxiliary to Freemasonry, under the name of Muncie Chapter, No. 104. The ambitious building program being carried on by the Masonic bodies in Muncie is sufficient evi- dence of the strength and solidity of these continuing bodies in that city. There also are Masonic lodges at Albany, Anthony lodge, No. 171, instituted in 1854; at New Burlington, Whitney lodge, No. 229, instituted in 1857; and at Eaton, Eaton lodge, No. 606, instituted in 1896. At Albany there also is a local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Odd Fellows, Knights Of Pythias And Others

There are two lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Muncie - Muncie lodge, No. 74, instituted on November 9, 1849, and Energy lodge, No. 652, October 3, 1889. Muncie lodge in 1872 erected the present three-story Odd Fellow building at the northeast corner of Walnut and Jackson streets. The corner stone of this building was laid on June 8, 1872, and the hall was dedicated to the uses of Oddfellowship on October 28, 1875. In the lengthy account of the 'event carried in the Times in its issue following, it is pointed out that "early in the morning the trains began to pour in visitors and lodges and later large numbers came in from the country, till the city was literally jammed with people. The arrangements had been well projected and were smoothly executed. The Odd Fellows and Knights Templar bands escorted the lodges to their respective places of rendezvous and at 10 o'clock the grand procession formed and took up its line of march for the hall, where the beautiful and impressive ceremonies of dedication were performed. The hall was. elegantly decorated and with its new furniture presented a grand appearance. ; The occasion was enlivened with music and songs, and altogether was one of which the order may well feel proud. The Newcastle lodge came in force attended by an excellent band of that place, which was an object of interest throughout the day. The vast crowd of visitors left our city highly pleased with the hospitalities and kind treatment they had received." Oddfellowship is further exemplified in Muncie by the two encampments, Muncie encampment, No. 30, organized in 1852, and John Reynolds encampment, No. 297; by Canton Muncie, No. 4, Patriarchs Militant, organized in 1885, and by two lodges of the Daughters of Rebekah - Naomi lodge, No. 3, the third such lodge organized in the state of Indiana, instituted on January 18, 1869, and Industry lodge, No. 339. There also are Odd Fellow lodges at Eaton, Yorktown, Gaston, Albany, Daleville, Wheeling, Cowan, Cammack and Bethel and a Rebekah lodge at Albany.

The Red Men were next in order to get a start along with other fraternal bodies in Muncie, the first "wigwam" of this order, De Ember Tribe, No. 30, Improved Order of Red Men, having been instituted on June 26, 1873, at a meeting held in the old Willard block at the northeast corner of Walnut and Main streets. Along in the 90s, with a growing population, this order began to expand and other "wigwams" and "councils" were set up here, the Degree of Pochahontas taking part in 1897, until now there are no fewer than eight working bodies of this order in town, four of the Red Men and four of the Degree of Pochahontas, these latter working as Musco council, No. 7; Iona council, No. 92; Washtella council, No. 37, and Seneca council, No. 150. There also are organizations of these bodies at Albany, Eaton, Gaston, Daleville, Selma, Oakville, Cammack, Royerton and Progress.

And then in that same year (1873) came the Knights of Pythias, the preliminary meeting of persons interested in this body having been held in the meeting place of the Odd Fellows in August of that year. Sufficient interest was manifested to secure a dispensation for the institution of a lodge here and on January 28, 1874, a charter was granted to Welcome lodge, No. 37, Knights of Pythias. This lodge held its meetings in the Wysor theater until in 1904 when the present lodge building on Washington street, north side of the public square, was erected. With the growth of the order there came a demand for another lodge and on June 12, 1894, Silver Shield lodge, No. 403, was instituted. A temple of the Pythian Sisters (No. 28) was instituted in February, 1890. There also are lodges of the Knights of Pythias at Daleville and Albany and a temple of the Pythian Sisters at the latter place.

The Knights of the Maccabees came in 1890, Muncie tent, No. 38, of that order having been instituted on October 18 of that year with fifty-five charter members. On October 20, 1896, the Ladies of the Maccabees formed an organization here, Golden Hive, No. 60, and about ten years later, May 15, 1905, another "hive" was instituted, No. 71. The Maccabees also have "tents" at Albany and at Eaton.

The Elks A Strongly Organized Body

It was in 1892 that the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks became represented in Muncie, Muncie lodge, No. 245, of that order having been constituted at a meeting held in the hall of the Heath- Iron building on Walnut street on the evening of August 25 of that year, with nearly forty charter members. From the beginning this order has proved itself a strong force in the community and the - club rooms it presently established in rented quarters were made the most attractive rooms of the kind in town. These quarters sufficed until the present admirable club house on Main street, west of High, was erected in 1921, the Elks having there one of the best fitted club houses in Indiana. It also was in 1892 that the Ancient Order of Hibernians organized at Muncie and in 1898 a ladies' auxiliary to that order was organized.

A local council of the Knights of Columbus (No. 560) was organized at Muncie on April 28, 1901. A year later, May 2, 1902, the Fraternal Order of Eagles became represented (aerie No. 231). Not long afterward came the Loyal Order of Moose, which purchased the old Red Men's building, a three-story building at the northwest corner of Jackson and High streets, a picturesque and unusual bit of architecture carrying on the face of the building the pattern of a Navajo blanket, originally erected by the Red Men. The fraternal insurance and beneficiary societies are well represented in Muncie and there is a long list of such organizations, including Muncie lodge, No. 752, of the Independent Order B'nai B'rith (Jewish) ; Victory Homestead, No. 6200, Brotherhood of American Yeomen; Post R of the Travelers Protective Association; Council 439 of the United Commercial Travelers; Castalia Court, No. 18, Tribe of Ben Hur; Delaware council, No. 4, Junior Order of United American Mechanics; a camp of the Modern Woodmen; Victory Council, No. 22, Sons and Daughters of Life; Loyal Council, No. 1, Patriotic Ladies of America, and Columbia Council, No. 9, Daughters of America. There is an admirably equipped Country Club with one of the best golf courses in the state, which entertained the Indiana state golf tournament in the summer of 1923. The Muncie Country Club was incorporated on May 16, 1904, with the following seven directors: R. G. Hemingray, George C. Benham, R. E. Walker, J. R. Marsh, William C. Sampson, W. E. Hitchcock and H. R. Spickermon. There also is a serviceable Press Club, Zenobia Stewart, secretary, and various clubs of one sort and another, such as the Muncie Club, Rotary, Exchange, Kiwanis, Optomist and Lions, formed for social and mutual benefit purposes. Mention of the commercial organizations and of the patriotic organizations based upon military service has been made elsewhere. For the young men who are attracted to the snappy drill of the army there are three active units of the 150th Field Artillery of the United States National Guard of Indiana to choose from, a service battery, Capt. Guy T. Hagerty

Muncie has long been noted for the strength and solidarity of its labor organizations. The various bodies thus represented are aligned with the Muncie Trades Council, composed of representatives of the various labor unions, which meets twice a month, and with the Muncie Building Trades Council. The local labor unions affiliated with the trades council are those of the barbers, the carpenters and joiners, plasterers, flint-glass workers, iron molders, pattern makers, bricklayers, printers, cigar makers, printing pressmen, the allied printing trades council, stage employes and motion picture operators, painters and decorators, women's union label league, electrical workers, plumbers and steamfitters, railway carmen, railway clerks, railway maintenance of way workers, window glass workers, sheet metal workers, hod carriers and building laborers. In this connection it is interesting to recall that the present strong organization of the International Women's Union Label League had its inception in Muncie and the Muncie chapter of that body thus holds charter No. 1 of the league. This league was organized in Muncie in 1899. The annual convention of the international league was held in Muncie in August, 1923, and a feature of the meeting was a visit by the delegates to the old hall in the Patterson block, southeast corner of Main and Walnut streets, where the initial movement in this direction was carried forward nearly a quarter of a century ago. In the last week of this same month the Indiana State Federation of Labor held its annual meeting at Muncie.

Local Social Diversions Fifty Years Ago

The Good Templars, back in the days when that organization was recognized as an effective influence in promoting the temperance movement in this country, had a strong lodge at Muncie and was active in social and general "uplift" work. A note in the Muncie News for January 10, 1877, says that "the Good Templars lodge of this city will 'keep open house' next Monday evening and cordially invites the citizens to come up and partake of the 'bread of life'- - genuine old, moral-distilled temperance doctrine, which will be dispensed 'without money and without price.' A programme has been arranged for a special session of the lodge, which will consist of declamations, recitations, dialogues, etc., etc., and everybody will be admitted into the hall."". The Good Templars evidently were relied on for service in other than a merely social way, for in another paragraph the News called attention to the fact that "our town pumps are sadly in need of tin cups. Suppose the Good Templars attend to this matter at their next meeting."

The Good Templars, however, not always were in the good graces of the local newspapers. The Delaware County Free Press for December 14, 1865, Joseph F. Duckwall then editor, says: 'The Good Templars gave a festival at their hall last Friday and Saturday evenings which, we understand, was quite successful. They did not seem to desire our attendance, consequently we did not trouble them with it. We are credibly informed that they went to a small printing establishment to get their admission tickets printed, requesting to have them done in such a manner that neither the editor of the Times nor ourself could counterfeit them. . . . The persons who conceived that idea are certainly low enough to steal rusty bacon from a printer. We do not hold all the Good Templars responsible for this display of puppyism, but we do think that the sooner the organization is rid of such miserable scallawags the more it will be to the credit of its character and professions. God save the poor unfortunate drunkard if such are the people upon whom his salvation depends."

The Mechanics Dramatic Club

This, however, was not the only social outlet at that time. In the same issue of the News as above mentioned, it is announced that ''our home troupe, who so successfully played 'Little Brown Jug' have been requested to and will repeat it at the Opera House Saturday, January 13th, 1877. To be followed by a stump speech and songs by Maj. Gardner. They have also substituted one of the most laughable farces ever presented to the public, entitled "Two Ethiopian Sharpers Entrapped by an Arkansas Greeny,' instead of 'Once on a Time.' Go, one and all, patronize home talent." The next week's issue of the News, referring to this local-talent production, said that " 'Little Brown Jug' was again presented by the Mechanics Dramatic Club at the Opera House Saturday night last and to a larger audience than at its previous presentation. The club acquitted themselves well and their efforts would have proved remuneratively successful had it not been that some person or persons, not fearing the wrath of God or the dignity of the law, printed and circulated quite a number of bogus tickets, which cut the dividends of the club down considerably." of the News Editor Ethell lamented that '' 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was not played, the troupe finding a financial stress at Richmond. The News has an order on them that it will hypothecate on the most favorable terms. Also four complimentary tickets."

Some other social diversions announced in this and subsequent issues of the newspaper during the continuance of that social season are to the effect that "the colored people enjoyed a dance at the West End last night ;" "a revival meeting is in progress at Simpson Chapel M. E. church;" "there is to be a wedding in the First ward in a short time - let us hear from the other wards;" "several of our young people attended the Kellogg [Clara LouiseJ Opera Troupe at Indianapolis last Saturday night;"' "the Universalist social will be held this Friday eve at Mrs. Mollie Smith's - come everybody;" "the Muncie lodge of Knights of Honor are about organizing lodges at several different points in the county;" 'Rev. D. C. Tomlinsons will lecture in the Universalist church next Saturday eve - let all the young people of Muncie turn out and hear him;" "the Lotta troupe failed to put in an appearance last Friday eve - it is supposed they were detained by special request;'"' "some of the 'boys' have not eaten a square meal since they made their New Year calls - they are still too full for utterance;" "the temperance social at the residence of Dr. S. O. Budd last Friday eve was characteristic of the hospitality of the genial host;'' "the girls that gave the entertainment for the poor last winter are going to give another in a short time for the same purpose," and so on.

Local-talent productions were not confined to the Mechanics Club. Other dramatic activities were afoot; one of the news items for this period having it that "the 'Hoosier School Master' has been dramatized by Mrs. McRae and will be played at the Academy tomorrow eve by the Academy scholars." Muncie rarely has been without a cornet band of some sort or another, and not infrequently has been favored by a multiplicity of such organizations. An item in the News of that season had it that "the Lockwood band gave some music from the balcony of Walling's Hall on last Monday eve. This band is good for a new one. We have four bands now, and not hardly any music." Other items about that time had it that 'the young folks had a masquerade at Mrs. Ed. Winchester's on last Saturday afternoon. They had a pleasant time before unmasking. They promenaded the streets, causing no little excitement;" "there will be a dance given this even- ing at the Kirby house by some members of the Universalist choir ;" "there'll be fun at Wysor's Opera House next Friday night - Eli Perkins will speak until somebody tells him to stop;" "the revivals now in progress among the churches appear to be doing a great deal in the way of converts ;' "the young folks belonging to the Presbyterian choir are practicing for a concert - a new organ is what they want;" "the young fellows of Muncie have caught the 'ye-ho-o-o-oh' doleful ery of some traveling chimney sweeps and at the woebegone hours of 1 and 2 o'clock at night that everlasting yell can be heard in all parts of town - they beat any Modoc that ever 'cocked a lip.' "'

School activities, naturally, during the winter came in for proper attention and the social side of school life was made much of. The monthly meetings of the local teachers association were well attended. A news item of that period stated that "there were eighty teachers present at the Teachers Association at Daleville last Saturday. The teachers feel under obligation to A. W. Clancy for the success of the session." The "pound party" then was in vogue, for instance: "The surprise pound party given for the benefit of Mr. and Mrs. Crawford on South Monroe street was a success. About 100 pounds was contributed." Theatrical attractions, which were not so frequent as to satiate the public taste, generally seem to have been well attended, one item having it that "the Wallace Sisters had an immense crowd out to hear them last Thursday night." Semi-military spectacles, even as now, attracted attention. The News noted that "the Delaware Guards gave a street parade on last Thursday. They are a credit to our city." Women's clubs were being organized, an item of this period having it that "the Woman's Reading Club met on Tuesday evening last at Miss Jennie Neely's. The next meeting will be at Mrs. John Marsh's on Monday evening next."

Editor Scores Actions Of Local Rowdies

Editor Ethell was unsparing of his criticism of manifestations of rowdyism that apparently not infrequently marked public assemblages in those days, but just what effect on the offenders his verbal castigations produced is not apparent on the face. One of his items in July, 1877, said that "the social connected with the Muncie Normal came off last night at the lower school house yard. It was very largely attended. The Knights Templar band and the Muncie Glee Club were present and enlivened the occasion with some excellent music. Those present spent a very pleasant evening. We had, of course, the usual accompaniment of a few base creatures who do not belong to civilized families, but to the brute creation, whose only happiness consists in making hideous noises. It is a pity an abortion had not been practiced in their cases." This closing comment no doubt was prompted by the fact that just then there was on trial in the court here a peculiarly shocking case of criminal abortion, the newspapers devoting much space to a report of the trial and the circumstances leading up to it.

In those days the editorial prerogative of free tickets to local entertainments was closely guarded, and neglect of its observance was not passed unnoticed, as instance the following: 'The concert given by the Knights Templar Band and Muncie Glee Club is reported to us as being one of the grandest things ever given in Muncie. By some inscrutable providence our complimentary did not reach us and having seen nary a fipennybit for a long time we were too poor to purchase a ticket, hence our absence. The show went on without us, however. We have musical talent in Muncie second to none in any city. We have the best band and best glee club in Indiana." Editor Ethell was unreserved both in compliment and in castigation and this community is fortunate in having so large a volume of his newspaper outgivings definitely preserved in the files of the News at the public library, a faithful reflection of the times and the manners during the period of his labors here.

It is apparent that music has ever formed an agreeable form of social diversion here. An item in the Muncie Free Press for March 9, 1865, with reference to a local talent concert, said that "there is to be a grand concert at Walling's hall on Wednesday evening, March 22d, for the purpose of raising funds for the relief of soldiers' families. The singing is to be done by the musical celebrities of our city, than which but few cities are able to boast of better. The concerts given by the musicians of Muncie have always pleased the people and we believe and know that the proposed one will meet the highest expectations. The songs will consist of the comic, patriotic and sentimental, so that the tastes of all will be gratified.

The singers have volunteered their services and we hope that a good house will be the testimony of appreciation for their patriotism and their reward for the great labor which must be bestowed in preparing to give the entertainment. Let everybody procure tickets. Tick- ets can be had at nearly all the stores. Price, 50 cents - children, half price." In another place the editor said: "We think that no one will refuse to buy the tickets liberally, as the concert will be far better than that given by the celebrated Peak Family, which carried off from our city about $400. Can't we do as much for the families of our soldiers as for an itinerant band of catch-penny singers?"

A later published report of this relief concert committee, by J. A. Maddy, treasurer, and T. E. Burt, assistant, discloses total receipts of $301.58, with expenses aggregating $68.78, the chief items of which were $24.50 to Mark Walling for the hall and $28 to J. F. Duckwall for printing, leaving net proceeds of $232.80. In its account of the concert in its issue of March 23 the Free Press said that "'the concert yesterday evening was well attended, there being over 400 persons present. The entertainment was one of rare excellence and creditable to both the performers and our city." It is a matter of regret that the Free Press's reporter did not mention the names of those who provided the concert. In 1861, according to files of the Times, the Muncie Lyceum was going strong as a medium of local entertainment and cultural improvement. An item in the Times on April 11 of that year says that "the Muncie Lyceum, we are happy to state, is in a hearty condition and destined to do much toward training the young men and the youth of the town and vicinity in the art of public speaking." And then the next day Ft. Sumter was fired on by rebels; then came the President's call to arms. The country was at war. And the aspiring Lyceum no doubt became a secondary consideration in the local mind.

On the evening of December 13, 1877, the women of the Muncie Presbyterian church gave a supper in the basement of the church, charging 25 cents for the same. The "bill of fare' printed in the News as an advertisement for this supper revealed preparations for the serving of the following viands: Soup - oyster; Meat - Maltese turkey, boiled ham, roast goose; Entrees - raw oysters, escalloped oysters, cold slaw chicken salad, pressed chicken, pork and beans; Side dishes - pickles, cold tongue, celery; Game - quail, hare, wild duck; Dessert - pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, ice cream, jelly, cake, coffee, milk, tea - which, in the light of present-day conditions, would seem to be considerable of a "supper" for 25 cents.

The log-cabin period had long passed, with the passing of the pioneers who had formed the settlement here, but even at the period here referred to there were still remaining a few examples of this form of woodscraft architecture in Muncie. A little item in the News for February 28, 1877, said that "the log cabin that for years has been on the corner of Council and Main streets is now a thing of the past. One more remains in the First ward and it will soon be gone."

In the Muncie Weekly Messenger for May 24, 1856, it is announced that "the May party, on Tuesday last, passed off very pleasantly, and, we understand, was altogether a nice affair. We were absent from town at the time and returned too late to get the particulars." Happily, a bit of particulars, probably contributed, is carried in another item in this same issue of the paper, where it is stated that "the 'little ones' of our place had a 'May walk' on Tuesday last. They marched from the residence of Mr. Charles Willard to the grove just west of Dr. Garst's warehouse, where a table loaded down with sweetmeats was spread under a nice shade. Here they had a nice time of it. Several older persons were present and appeared to enjoy the happiness of the children as much as the juveniles did themselves. The 'Sax Horns' furnished music for the occasion and expressed themselves well paid for their labor by the artless thanks of the little innocents."

Mention has been made above of the activities of the Good Templars in a social way. Of course other "lodges" were carrying on their social activities, for Muncie has been a good "lodge" town from the time back in the spring of 1843 when the Freemasons got a start there, this having been the first formal organization of a secret society in the town. Six years later, in 1849, the Odd Fellows set up a lodge in the town and these two orders naturally did much in a way of proper stimulation of the social and fraternal instinct in the growing community, so that there was no lack of social diversion. The Knights of Pythias did not get in until 1873 and then in turn, as the "lodge" spirit grew, other fraternal orders set up local organizations until in natural development Muncie came to be recognized as one of the most active "lodge" towns in the state, a distinction it still claims; for, as set out elsewhere, there are representative lodges here of nearly all the going fraternal organizations in the country.

Gradual Development Of The Club Spirit

In a review of the various phases of social development that mark the growth of a community, few of these phases offer more of interesting speculation than that exhibited in the variety of social diversions with which former generations sought relaxation from the probable monotony of the "daily grind." From the beginning the people of Delaware county were a social lot - "sociable," indeed - and all evidences point not only to ample opportunities. for social outlet but to an interesting variety of such opportunities. Mention has been made of the proper development of this social instinct in the Muncie "settlement," and of the variety of social performances, plays, lectures, concerts, dances, suppers, "sociables" and the like, not taking into account the continuing performances of one kind and another based on the social activities connected with the town's ambitious school life and the perhaps somewhat more sedate social activities connected with its church life. It is but proper to say, however, that these various social activities were not confined to the county seat town - naturally not, of course. The other "settlements" in the county were equally active in thus seeking a social outlet and their social programs were just as ambitious, in proportion to population, | as were those of the county town, and neighborhood gatherings and social gaieties were as common in the lesser centers as in the greater. In due time women came to an appreciation of the value of the "lodge" spirit and with the organization of women's auxiliaries to the various fraternal bodies the social side of these latter was greatly stimulated and the sphere of their local influence increased. And then came the broader step of the women toward independence of social action and women's clubs began to be organized, the first of these in Muncie having been the Woman's Club, which effected its organization in 1876, the centennial of American independence. The importance of the woman's club movement as a social development not only in this community but throughout the country cannot be too highly estimated by future reviewers. Much, very much, has come out of this movement and much is yet to come.

Perhaps the earliest manifestation of the "club" spirit in Muncie was that which actuated the members of an informal organization of local men of affairs here which popularly came to be known as "The Senate," and no review of social conditions hereabout ever will be complete without proper mention of this apparently very choice coterie of kindred spirits back in "the good old days." In the Helm review (1880) mention is made of this then continuing "club," an apparently familiar review worthy of preservation here. In referring to "The Senate" this review says: "How that particular name happened to be selected is hardly known. It is simply an association of long-time acquaintances and personal friends, for purposes of recreation and amusement. The members meet quite promptly every evening except Sunday, as darkness begins, and close, quite as promptly, at 9 o'clock. The amusement is almost invariably a game of cards for which no name is given, in which the whole pack is used at every hand dealt out, the trump suit changes at the appearance of every ace in dealing, every card being exhibited as dealt, and the winner of the game is the loser; that is, he who scores fifteen points first, loses. So wedded are they to this particular game that it has never been changed for another since it was learned. Among the members are J. H. Wysor, W. B. Kline, W. Brotherton, A. F. Patterson, G. W. Spilker, C. A. Willard, D. T. Haines, A. J. Claypool, John Long, Frank Ellis, M. C. Smith, John R. Mason, John V. H. Cassady, L. R. Baldwin, C. H. Russey, N. F. Ethell and C. E. Shipley. The meetings commenced in October, 1858, and have been regular since some time in 1865, always being held in the office of Mr. Shipley. One feature of the association is the annual supper, furnished by each member to his associates on the anniversary of his birth, proving a highly enjoyable occasion for lookers-on as well as themselves.

"The present ages of the members range from thirty-four to sixty-two, and the oldest manifests his enjoyment of the amusement of the nightly meetings and his appreciation of the good things at the annual reunions, as heartily as the youngest. By tacit consent, without the adoption of any real regulation, the discussion of political and religious questions likely to excite differences and contention, has always been avoided. Quarreling is never heard at their meetings. Never a death has occurred among the membership, and sickness sufficient to keep a member away from the 'Senate' has seldom invaded their ranks. Wagering has never been proposed, and nothing has ever been either lost or won at their meetings.

"The building in which is their place of meeting is popularly known as the Senate block. The zest and heartiness with which they engage in their evening recreation, the fun and the laughter at the discomfiture of a player, testifying to the fact that men advanced in years can yet retain their boyish freshness. One must meet with them to enjoy even this brief description. To hear them allude to each other as 'the gentleman from Berks,' or 'Wythe,' or 'Fayette,' or 'the Blue-grass region,' or 'the Hawk's Nest,' in allusion to the county or the locality from which they came, or as 'the trustee,' the 'senator,' or the 'president,' will provoke the laughter of a stranger. Good feeling always prevails and fun is uppermost." This was something more than a mere "lodge" meeting. The spirit that in good course and in the natural course of social demands inspired Rotary and Kiwanis even then was moving in Muncie.

Literary And Scientific Association

Another local social organization of the late '70s which is mentioned in this same connection was that of the Literary and Scientific Association of Muncie, which under the direction of Dr. T. J. Bowles was organized at a meeting held in April, 1878, at the law office of Blount & Templer, with the following persons present: Prof. H. S. McRae, William Lynn, Sr., S. A. Haines, Frank Ellis, L. T. Wilson, George H. Koons, T. J. Blount, C. B. Templer, R. S. Gregory, O. J. Lotz, J. A. Keener, T. F. Rose, Dr. J. B. Summers, Dr. T. J. Bowles, Dr. G. D. Leech, Dr. H. M. Winans, Dr. E Beckwith, Dr S. O. Budd, Rev. George W. Blodgett, Charles Alf Williams, A. W. Clancey and L. A. Kirkwood. Thus was effected a formal organization whose objects were stated to be "scientific investigation and promotion of literary culture'? and which in the review referred to (1880) was referred to as having "achieved the distinction of being one of the fixed institutions of learning in the city of Muncie."

A list of some of the titles of papers read before this association of what now might be termed "uplifters" and published in that connection, reveals a quite ambitious program, among these titles having been "What is Mind?" "Physiology of Life and Death," "Obvious Reasons for Evolution," "Man Before Birth," "Geographical Distribution of Man," "Law," "Love," "Science in Eating," "Spontaneity of American Eloquence," '"Turko-Russian War," "Unseen Forces," "Tolerance and Intolerance," "The Liquor Traffic," "Taxation," "The Ottoman Turk," "Mental Force," "Right and Wrong," "Evolution and Religion," 'Ultimate Destiny of the Earth," "First Traces of Man on Earth," "Rudiments of Government," "The Ruling Passion," "Functions of Government," "The Moors in Spain," "Poetry and Eloquence," "Superstition in Therapeutics," "What We Are and What We Need," "Monopolies and Taxation," "The Follies of Modern Times," 'The Bible," 'Remembrance of a Presentiment," "The True Ideal," 'Capital and Labor," "Legal Effects of Marriage," "Patriot- ism vs. Dishonesty," "What Shall We Teach Our Boys?" "Relativity of Knowledge," "Relation of Science to Morality," "Simplification of English Spelling," "Mahomet and His Religion," "Hard Times," "The Decline of Intolerance," "Utility of the Christian Religion," '"Prohibition in Maine a Fraud and a Failure," "The Religions of Asia," "The True Idea of Inspiration," "The Unseen, the Permanent Side of Nature and of Life," ""Advances and Aspects of Our Social Life," "The Christ of Humanity," "Intellectual Culture," "Freedom of Speech," "Relation of the African Race to Our Government," "Graves and Graveyards," 'The Earth and Its Motions," "Origin and Destiny of Man," "Evils of Our School System," "Telegraph Monopoly," etc.

"This association, like all others of a similar character," observed the Helm review, "has failed to secure the good will and friendship of all professed promoters of progress. To some, it partakes too much of religion; to others, too largely of science; to some, not enough of either. Indeed, some whose cherished opinions and beliefs have suffered by coming into contact with the relentless argument of others, have irreverently and uncharitably charged infidelity as the prevailing sentiment. Occasions of its adjournment have been seized upon to write and publish its obituary by those whose wish has been father to the thought; but while numerous examples of the instability of human affairs are constantly passing our notice, the Literary and Scientific Association of Muncie, now upon the threshold of the fourth year of its existence, never gave better promise of continuing to edify .all who will attend its meetings, and of wielding an influence for good in the community where it seems to have a permanent lodgement."

Both the "Senate" and the Literary and Scientific Association were kept up for ten or twelve years, or until the "boom" days dawned and the members' minds became otherwise diverted. Dr. T. J. Bowles, organizer of the scientific club, is the only surviving member of that once popular organization.

Further Local Cultural Expression

The schools, of course, in season, were at that time also carrying on their debating societies and many topics equal in variety to those above set out were being aired from the rostrum of the school, a forum whose importance to the community and whose value to those who participated in its forensic struggles perhaps has never been rightly estimated. There apparently was no end to the variety of discussion going on here in those days. Talk was more highly prized and cherished then. There were fewer social outlets than now and of the outlets then available argumentation apparently was the chief. Joint debates, both political and religious, were cherished forms of social diversion. Personal opinions not only still carried something of weight but possessed a measure of value now contemptuously denied them. The newspapers had not yet begun to teach men to do their own thinking.

Not only has the cultivation of true musical tastes a sought here almost from the days of the beginning of the community's real social development, but a similar stimulation of the dramatic instinct has been provided. For nearly forty years the work of the local Ladies Matinee Musicale has been a stimulating force in the way of better musical expression and this organization points with pride to the fact that it now is one of the oldest continuing organizations of the sort in Indiana. It was organized in September, 1889, at a meeting held at the home of Miss Nannie Love and its initial membership included the names of the foremost among the women of the town who then were taking a leading position in the cultural activities of the community. It is difficult properly to estimate the benefits of the fine influence exerted in the community during all these years by this admirable association.

Local dramatic expression found an outlet here early in community development and the old files of the newspapers carry many a story of the performances of "local talent'? companies of one sort and another. One of the most notable of these was the old Muncie Dramatic Club, which was organized during the days of the Civil war period not only as a means to help raise money for soldier relief work but to help lighten somewhat the mental stress of the time. The first entertainment and play given by this club was in 1863 and the play was given in the basement of the Universalist church. Among those who took part in the play were A. L. Wright, M. D. Helm, L. M. Neely, W. H. Stewart, J. H. Case, Miss Julia Andrews and Miss May Shipley. Then along in the late '80s and continuing for some time in the '90s was the formerly popular Apollo Club, "made up of forty men," according to a current newspaper account, "whose musical entertainments are notable events in the town." The Conversation Club, organized in the summer of 1894, gave a coterie of local women a somewhat similar outlet for expression, a play being an annual feature of the club's program. This is a continuing organization.

Military And Patriotic Organizations

It was not long after the close of the Civil war until the ex-soldiers began to feel the need of local organization for mutual benefit purposes. Apparently the first formal movement of this character in this county was the organization in 1871 of the "Muncie Guards," the primary objects and purposes of which were set out in the following clause of their articles of association: 'We, the undersigned citizens of Delaware county, Indiana, hereby agree to organize ourselves into an independent volunteer military company, under the name and style of The Muncie Guards, at Muncie, Ind., under the laws of the state of Indiana authorizing the formation of voluntary associations: For the purpose of assisting at the funerals of deceased former soldiers in the service of the United States and for such other purposes as may by said company be deemed proper. By-laws for the government of the company, and prescribing conditions of membership may be adopted by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting of the company; and we hereby mutually agree to conform to such by-laws." This agreement was dated at Muncie, August 5, 1871, and was filed for record on the following 11th, with the following names attached: Frank Ellis, William S. Mitchener, Sidney A. Jewett, Robert I. Patterson, Will H. M. Cooper, Abram J. Buckles, Amos S. Wilson, Thomas B. Earickson, James Cumeford, W. C. Langdon, John Fulhart, Reuben Pritchard, O. M. Todd, Peter S. Fogle, Irvine Graves, S. H. Huffer, Isaac Branson, George W. Perdue, Orlando H. Swain, J. W. Petycrew, John Ludlow, E. James Reeves, George W. VanMatre, James H. Cray, C. Kegerreis, Jeptha Straion, Lewis H. Keener, James McClellan, Andrew J. Slinger, O. L. Daugherty, W. N. Jackson, William Rich, Harrison Turner, John Turner, Miles S. Smith, Samuel Gayman, Phil A. B. Kennedy, John M. Russey, Oliver P. Brown, John B. Howell, W. Kinsley, William H. C. Hatfield, Joseph Turner, Dillard Drake, John Randal, Jerry Andrews, Joseph Walling, W. B. Sears, George W. Taylor, H. W. Little, Hiram Allison, Robert H. Harter, Michael Fonner, John Hines, Samuel J. Gooden, Henry Sheets, Charles E. Bloom, James M. Campbell, Joseph Kirk, Theodore Laboyteaux, George W. Reeves, John H. Miller, John 8. Willcoxon, W. G. Rainier, John O'Neill, Joseph Prutzman, Brose S. Wilson, John S. Motes, Isaac Kirsted, John Kirk, Jap Legally, Robert Nidy and Samuel Shafer.

organization of ex-soldiers had as its primary object "to instruct and perfect ourselves in military drill and tactics and to assist at public parades and at funerals of deceased soldiers and other persons where such assistance shall be desired and proper, and to do and perform such other acts peculiar to military organizations which future exigencies may render proper and necessary.'"' The subscribers to the articles of this new organization were Horace E. Williams, Lewis P. Everett, C. C. Jones, O. H. Swain, William Kinsley, John Hamilton, John E. Banta, William R. Millard, William Daugherty, Irving Graves, F. H. Benadum, M. S. Smith, Sidney A. Jewett, Web H. Mitchell, J. E. Dare, John Mildown, Albert L. Wright, R. G. Lay, Don Hunter, W. R. Wells, T. C. Wilson, C. E. Howell, C. A. Wilson, W. W. Jones, William C. Smith, John Fifer, John Kirk, John R. Ervin, John H. Moody, W. B. Reynolds, Andy Kinsley, C. S. Westlake, J. H. Nottingham, George W. Robinson, I. W. Witmyre, E. J. Reeves, J. J. Cook, John Randle, M. J. Boland, Nathan Tilberry, Frank Ellis, Alexander H. Clift, Dillard Drake, John B. Turner, John Roach, James L. Truitt, John J. Shields, Joseph Kirk, Robert Patterson, E. E. Matthews and Samuel Gibson.

In the meantime the general association of former soldiers of the Civil war which had been spreading over the country under the name of the Grand Army of the Republic had begun to attract attention here and in the summer of 1882 a local post of this organization was organized at Muncie. The Department of Indiana, Grand Army of the Republic, granted a charter to this post on June 20, 1882, under the name of Williams Post, No. 78, the following being the charter members of the post: W. H. Murray, M. W. Jackson, Amos L. Wilson, A. L. Kerwood, Jere Garrard, G. W. H. Kemper, J. A. Brown, H. T. C. Coffeen, Robert I. Patterson, Smith Goodin, John W. Taylor, Z. T. Crawford, D. H. H. Showmaker, S. W. Huffer, John W. Little, D. A. Geiger, L. B. Wilson, Hamilton S. McRae, D. W. Sloniker, James L. Streiter and A. C. Starden. Other posts of the Grand Army of the Republic were organized in the chief villages of the county and this sterling organization has during all the years since then carried on its beneficient work in the community. Williams post at Muncie has pleasant quarters at the court house, the county commissioners having set apart an assembly room and a social room for the veterans, this assembly room being shared now by the local organizations of the Woman's Relief Corps, the Sons of Veterans, the United Spanish War Veterans and woman's auxiliary to same and the American Legion. Williams Woman's Relief Corps, No. 19, was granted its charter on July 19, 1888, the charter members of this organization being as follows: Clara McClung, Julia Ritchie, Kate Kirby, Della Shewmaker, Deborah Carson, Sarah Little, Savannah Garrard, Elsie Bishop, Mary E. Patterson, Susan Templar, Mary Haines, Jennie Jewett, Jennie McLaughlin, Sarah Wildman and Ann M. Gilbert.

Williams Post, G. A. R., now (1923) has a roster of something more than eighty members and is officered as follows: Commander, Charles M. Kimbrough; senior vice commander, Alan Mitchell; junior vice commander, John H. Smith; officer of the day, Joseph P. Heaton; post surgeon, James McCormick; quartermaster, Eli M. Thornburg; adjutant, Theodore H. Johnson, and chaplain, Henry C. Marsh.

The officers of Williams Relief Corps are Elizabeth Pearsey, president; Della Lewis, senior vice president; Elizabeth Templin, junior vice president; Nora Horn, secretary; Luella Horn, treasurer, and Alice Baldridge, chaplain. Col. Eli Lilly Circle, No. 17, Ladies of the G. A. R., at Muncie, is officered as follows: President, Pearl Evilsizer; senior vice president, Alma Bechtel; junior vice president, Maude Wideman; secretary, Rebecca Baird; treasurer, Jennie Gamble, and chaplain, Belle Howard. The local officers of the Daughters of Veterans at Muncie are Stella Russell, president; Mary Phelps, senior vice president; Harriett Morris, junior vice president; Fannie Colway, secretary; Sylvia Prosser, treasurer, and May Lamb, chaplain, while the Sons of Veterans have the following officers: Commander, Fred E. Jewett; senior vice commander, Wesley C. Pierce; junior vice commander, O. F. Coryell, and secretary-treasurer, Cliff Hamilton. The president of the Sons of Veterans Auxiliary is Mrs. Osa Coryell; vice president, Mrs. Emma Russey; secretary, Mrs. Bertha Clemmens; treasurer, Mrs. Nellie Fouts, and chaplain, Mrs. Clara Burk.

The American Legion

Delaware Post No. 19 of the American Legion, an association of men who had rendered service in the World war, was organized at Muncie on November 19, 1919, with the following officers: President, KE. W. Huber; secretary, Paul A. Haimbaugh, and treasurer, E. Arthur Ball, the latter of whom was commander of the post when in the summer of 1923 he was elected commander of the Indiana division of the American Legion. Captain Ball was born in Muncie and is the son of Frank C. Ball. Soon after this country took a hand in the World war in the spring of 1917 he entered the first officers training camp at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, where he received a commission as a first lieutenant and was assigned to the 117th ammunition train of the 42d (Rainbow) Division. He accompanied this outfit overseas, where he was advanced to a captaincy, which rank he held at the close of the war. As the Muncie Press said following Captain Ball's election to the post of state commander of the American Legion, "thus upon his record he is qualified to handle men and situations, and his knowledge of military affairs was gained on the field of action."

The forty-fourth annual encampment of the Department of Indiana, Grand Army of the Republic, and conventions of the auxiliaries thereto was held at Muncie on May 15-16-17, 1923, and a warm welcome was given the visiting veterans. Notable features of the encampment were the ceremonies attending the unveiling of a memorial tablet dedicated to the soldiers of all wars by the Muncie Federation of Clubs and the tree planting in the court house grounds in memory of Clara Barton, army nurse, and Mrs. John A. Logan. In his official message of welcome to the veterans, Mayor John C. Quick said: "You are one in spirit of the noble band of patriots who, in a nation's need, offered all to preserve her integrity and honor. The monument you have is 'more lasting than brass and loftier than the pyramids' royal heights.' Time cannot dim your glorious record of loyalty and devotion." Through its president, John W. Dragoo, the Chamber of Commerce declared that "every civic organization in the city joins us in offering you their services in every way possible during your stay in our city." Delaware Post, No. 19, American Legion, through its commander, E. Arthur Ball, expressed itself as feeling "that we and the community will be inspired by the presence of the men who fought through four years of war to prevent the disruption of our country, and who have since devoted their lives in peace to keeping bright that glorious spirit of freedom, equality and union. We feel that we are your younger brothers - that we must learn from you and prepare to carry on." By its commander, Harold H. Milligan, Muncie Post, No. 651, Veterans of Foreign Wars, welcomed the visiting veterans and the allied organizations "not only to our city, but to our homes and hearts."