Magnitude of Masonic Surpasses Anything Hoped For

Five Hundred at Fitzgerald Banquet
SECOND SITTING IS REQUIRED FOR BIG CROWD
Affair Given in the New High School Auditorium

Last Friday evening the high school was all lit up and about six o’clock people commenced to assemble. At six thirty it began to become clear that the crowd had already reached the place where heads had been and not bodies could be accommodated. It was a case of either turning some away or waiting until the first half of the banquet crowd had been served and then seating another crowd. This latter plan was adopted and it worked out nicely. The banquet was handled by the Home Economics class of the school and was served in our new auditorium. Of course, when the quota to be served exceeded the capacity of seats in the structure, it put a tax upon those serving which in all cases normally could not be met. It was a real undertaking for the class in any case.

The hospitality extended in the great dining room, by Grand Ledge could not otherwise than make a hit. The large spacious dining rooms which looked so inviting and which has been so cleverly arranged were as neat as a pin, roomy, pleasing above, and satisfying below.

Not only did the house shine but those serving as well. In the first place, the Economics class had their basket of teachers who stood at tables and were stationed to direct traffic. In the first place the tables looked so nice and pretty. In the third place, the teachers directed traffic without any neglectful stride but quietly and neatly and conducted things so that the second serving was remarkably well done.

During the march to the places and also during the banquet, Nettie Little’s Orchestra furnished music. As soon as the places were filled, Rev. C. G. Wright gave the invocation.

Before the banquet and during the course intermissions with Clare Stark at the piano and Bert Towne sending greetings and community songs were enjoyed.

As soon as the last course had been disposed of, Worshipful Master L.D. Briggs called on a few men to offer kind remarks or comments toward the program over to Judge Edward M. Boyles, deputy attorney general who served as toastmaster in his easy and humorous manner. Judge Boyles spoke of Frank Fitzgerald as one of Grand Ledge boys who has made some remarkable strides both backward and forward in his youthful days of Frank Fitzgerald.

Senator John B. Chaddock also brought his usual array of humor, wit, English dry wit, French wit, Scotch wit, Irish wit, American wit (as an editor’s note we hope that this editor’s note will not be taken too seriously). He said he liked wit and liked even to talk about it.

W.N. Clark was introduced by Rev. C.G. Wright who presided at this spot, and Mr. Clark offered his views on accounts related to Grover C. Dillman, our state Highway Commissioner made quite a humorous talk referring facetiously several times to Mr. Fitzgerald’s office and manner of conducting same, but closed his remarks with a few words of warmest commendation and congratulation to Mrs. Frank Fitzgerald and Frank’s mother, Mrs. Carrie Fitzgerald. It was a pleasure to have Gov. Elect Wilber M. Brucker and his wife present, and the new governor was next called upon by Mr. Boyles as “his boss.” Mr. Brucker told quite a string of humorous and interesting incidents pertaining to the campaign which he and Frank Fitz had made together. He finished by calling attention to the fact that Frank Fitzgerald would after the first of January be keeper of the great Seal of the State of Michigan. Mr. Brucker enlarged upon the gravity of this public trust and stated that he would be very glad to have Frank Fitz occupy the seat which from now on he will at the sessions of the administrative board.

Then came the high point when Frank himself was called upon. Frank told some interesting stories concerning his entrance to politics and his first election which was for supervisor in 1912. It seems that he was the first republican supervisor which Grand Ledge had elected to that job. He paid a beautiful tribute to his Grand Ledge constituency, to his wife, to his mother, and to Frank F. Rogers who was formerly state highway commissioner.

This is probably the greatest political love feast which has ever been given in Grand Ledge. It was a huge success and no end of credit goes to the Masonic Master Roy Briggs, Charles Porter, Lem Dunkin, and Wayne Robinson.