- Masonic Lodge (Freemasons Lodge) on Athy Road, Carlow next to
The Seven Oaks Hotel.
- Donated by "Carloman"
The following extracts have been supplied by: Michael Purcell
Masonic Lodge, Athy Road, Carlow, 1897.
Carlow Sentinel.
August 7th, 1897.
Carlow Masonic Bazaar.
We feel
great pleasure in being able to announce as the opening sentence of our
notice, that this Bazaar was a grand and unqualified success, the only
tinge of regret b eing that it was considered deserving of local
ecclesiastical censure.
We do not,
however, intend dwelling further on this point, particularly as it did
not injuriously affect the success of the Bazaar, whatever other effect
it may ultimately have.
Our readers
are doubtless aware that about a year ago the first announcement of the
Bazaar appeared, the object as then stated being to clear off a debt on
the Carlow Masonic Hall recently erected, and which it is not too much
to say, is an ornament to the town and a credit to the craft.
In this age
of bazaars it is scarcely necessary to say that the element of novelty
has to a great extent passed away.
They are
regarded with jealousy and dislike by a certain section of the male
community, who declare that the "thing is overdone" and predict nothing
but failure and disappointment from any venture bearing the name
commencing with a big B.
False
prophets they generally prove to be, for despite the sneers of the cynic
and the sighs of the un-sympathetic, the Bazaar survives.
The fact is
that regard them as we may there is some irresistible charm about the
Bazaar, and we fancy we have discovered the secret.
It is
essentially "women's work," and affords abundant proof -- if such were
needed -- that any task, however arduous or venturesome that ladies
undertake with warm hearts and willing hands is crowned with success.
This Bazaar
exemplified this truism, and must be regarded as a great victory for the
fair sex and a great compliment to the Masonic Order.
An
attractive feature in the programme was the opening ceremony, which took
place at 2 o' clock on Wednesday, by which time the hall and stalls and
every available space were crowded by a fashionable assemblage.
Brother the
Right Honourable Lord Rathdonnell, her Majesty's Lieutenant for the
County of Carlow, very kindly accepted the invitation of the Managing
Committee to open the Bazaar.
At half-past
1 o' clock the members of the local Lodges (116 and 91) assembled in the
board-room and having given a warm welcome to Lord Rathdonnell, formed
in procession, wearing full Masonic regalia, presenting a pleasing
contrast in color and design.
Lord
Rathdonnell escorted by Colonel P.D. Vigors and Captain Duckett-Steuart
(all three wearing the gorgeous regalia of Prince Masons) marched up
the room to the strains of the National Anthem, God Save The Queen,
heartily sung by the whole assemblage to Brother Dr. Malone's
accompaniment on the pianoforte.
Lord
Rathdonnell, on rising to formally open the Bazaar, was lustily cheered.
Having read
a telegram received that day from Brother H.P. Lloyd Vaughan (High
Sheriff of Carlow) expressing regret for being unavoidably prevented
from attending and taking part in their proceedings, he said it afforded
him great pleasure to be present that day to open their Bazaar.
In doing so
it was scarcely necessary to remind them of the purpose for which it was
held -- namely, to clear off a debt which remains on the new Lodge
buildings, recently erected at a cost of £1,000.
He should
like to bring before them one very good reason why the numerous visitors
to the Bazaar should spend their money freely.
Owing to
this debt being still upon the Lodge, the Carlow Masons had not been
able to subscribe as largely to the funds of the Masonic Schools as
formerly.
Every penny
therefore that would be spent at that Bazaar would enable the Lodges all
the sooner to resume their former donations to that most excellent
charity (applause). That surely should be an inducement to people to
spend their money freely, remembering the laudable object in view
(applause).
Having gone
round the different stalls and examined the varied and tempting wares,
he could say the ladies in charge had not put too high a price on the
goods for sale, a mistake sometimes made at bazaars.
He would
therefore assure intending purchasers that they buy boldly, without
having that uncomfortable feeling of having been "done" (laughter and
applause).
He was, said
Lord Rathdonnell, in the habit of keeping on his dressing table a diary
with mottoes, and of tearing one off daily.
Happening to
be from home for some time on his return he had several to tear off, and
found the one for the 3rd August 1897 was very appropriate for that
occasion, and read thus:--
"It does not
follow the more talkative a person becomes the more successful he is"
(laughter).
As he had
many friends in that room, he would act on the advice contained in the
motto (laughter).
Another
leaflet torn off contained the motto: -
"A word in
earnest is as good as a speech."
His closing
"word in earnest" would be the hope that everybody would come to the
bazaar with full purses and leave with empty ones (applause).
His Lordship
then formally declared the Bazaar open.
On the call
of Brother Dr. Stawell, Lord Rathdonnell was saluted in Masonic form,
and according to ancient usage, by a fire of eleven.
The Bazaar
open, business commenced briskly, the six large stalls which occupied a
considerable portion of the space, were decorated and dressed with
consummate taste, each apparently vying with the other in these
respects, and the whole presenting a charming effect.
They were
all well laden with a splendid and varied collection of goods, useful,
ornamental and valuable, including curios from far-off climes, as well
as home-made wares, many of them rare and artistic specimens, and most
of them the work of amateurs, who entered on the "labour of love" with a
will worthy of the cause they so generously espoused, and who felt amply
compensated by the admiration and patronage with which their efforts
were crowned.
The Bazaar
was continued on Thursday and Friday, mid-day and evening, and was well
patronised all through.
The produce
stall (presided over by Mrs. W. Fitzmaurice) presented an agreeable
contrast to those devoted to fine-art and fancy purposes.
It was
appropriately decorated with verdant foliage, and had quite a rustic
appearance, well stored with fruit, flowers, fowl, etc. Taken altogether
the stallholders and their lady assistants are to be warmly
congratulated on their taste and tact in exhibiting and disposing of
their varied and valuable stock-in-trade.
In addition
to the stalls above referred to a "Wheel of Fortune" worked by Miss
Bell, made a gallant attempt at perpetual motion, and piled up the pence
into pounds, an interesting operation, at which the popular "dip" and
Jocko's jump lent valuable help.
Another of
the many attractions was the shooting gallery, presided over by Brothers
Gash and Douglas, who "charged" and "rifled" in the very best Bazaar
fashion.
The Cafe
Chantant was a source of pleasure, amusement and profit. On each
afternoon and evening of the Bazaar it was well filled with audiences,
highly delighted with the half-hour concerts and other entertainments
provided for them, under the direction of Dr. Malone.
The following ladies and gentlemen gave valuable help:-
Mrs
Alexander (violin), Miss Carey, Miss Swanzy, Miss Longfield (piano),
Miss D. Rawson (violin), Miss Malone (piano), the Misses Plewman, Miss
Mollie Malone, Fraulein Ruedy, Miss Bayley (piano), Drs Carey and
Stawell, Messrs Anderson, Hutchins, Toomey and Brownrigg, Reverends J.H.
Bradish, A. I. Mitchell and others.
A most
enjoyable little play called "Cheerful and Musical" was acted by Miss
Carey and Miss Swanzy in a manner that displayed histrionic ability of a
high order. Of course the dances arranged for on Friday night were very
much enjoyed and largely availed of, excellent dance music being
supplied by a number of Ladies present.
The
following is a list of stallholders and assistants:-
Stall 1.
- Presided over by Lady Rathdonnell and Mrs Stuart, assisted by Mrs G.
Fishbourne, Miss Roger, Miss Twigg, Miss Fazer.
Stall 2.
- Presided over by Lady Burton and Mrs Browne-Clayton, assisted by Miss
Butler, Miss Shackerly, and six daughters of the Browne-Clayton family,
Brownes Hill.
Stall 3
- Presided over by Mrs Massy and Mrs Maffett, assisted by Mrs H.
Fitzmaurice, Miss Duckett Steuart, Miss Carroll, Miss Ada Carroll, Miss
Goodwin, Miss Weldon, Miss Murielle Weldon, Miss Adeline Herring-Cooper,
Miss H. Herring-Cooper.
Stall 4
- Presided over by Mrs W. Fitzmaurice, assisted by Miss Harding,
Miss D. Rawson, Miss Drillma, and Master Fitzmaurice and Master Harding.
Stall 5
- Presided over by Mrs and Misses Langram, assisted by Miss N.
Coghlan, Miss H. Coghlan, and Miss Bell.
Stall 6
- (Refreshments)- Presided over by Miss Thorp, assisted by Mrs May
Thorp, Miss Crosthwait, Miss Head, Mrs Stawell and Mrs Frank Brown.
In
conclusion a word of praise is due to the Bazaar Committee, and
especially to Brother the Reverend D.H. Massy, President of that
Committee, upon whom the lion's share of the work devolved.
The Carlow
Masonic Committee gratefully acknowledge receipt of a cheque from Mrs
Toler-Aylward, Shankill Castle, Whitehall, towards the Bazaar Fund.
Result of
the Ballot (Draw):-- Winners -- Joseph Boyle, Marble Clock.
---George Douglas, Suit of Serge -- Lieutenant Beaumount , Tea Service
--- A.E. Hull, Double-barrelled Gun --- Boileau and Boyd, Chest of Tea,
---W.G. Jacob, Fat Sheep.
|
Advertisement.
Carlow Sentinel, July, 1897.
Carlow New Masonic Hall.
A Grand Bazaar And Fancy Fair.
In Aid of Building Fund will be held in
the
Town Hall, Carlow.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, August
4th, 5th and 6th, August, 1897.
Under the Patronage of
-
Lord and Lady Rathdonnell,
-
Lord and Lady Duncannon,
Sir Thomas Pierce Butler, Bart, and Lady
Butler, Sir Charles Burton, Bart, and Lady Burton, Sir
Anthony Weldon, Bart, and Lady Weldon, Major and Mrs
Alexander, Mr and Mrs Toler-Aylward, Mr and Mrs D.R.
Pack-Beresford, Mr and Mrs Browne-Clayton, Mr and Mrs
Stewart Duckett, Colonel and Mrs Eustace, Dean and Mrs
Finlay, Captain and Mrs Duckett-Stewart, Dr. and Mrs Rawson,
Mrs Fleming, Mrs Greenwood, Archdeacon and Mrs Jameson, Mr
ans Mrs J.F. Lecky, Captain and Mrs Newton, Mr and Mrs R.
Lecky Pike, Captain and Mrs Thomas, Colonel and Mrs Vigors,
Mr and Mrs T. Anderson, Mrs Vessy. Mr S. Vessy.
The Three Provincial Grand Masters - Mr
Lloyd-Vaughan (High Sheriff), Colonel Cosby and Colonel
Pratt Saunders.
The following, amongst others, have kindly
consented to preside at the Stalls:-
Lady Rathdonnell, Lady Burton, Mrs Stuart,
Mrs Maffett, Mrs Masey, Mrs Fitzmaurice (Kelvin Grove), Mrs
and the Misses Langran.
Cafe Chantant.
Theatricals, Tableaux Vivants, Wheel of
Fortune, Palmistry, Shooting Gallery and a variety of other
Entertainments.
The
Bazaar
will be
Opened
at 2pm on Wednesday, in Masonic Form, by Right Hon. Lord
Rathdonnell, His Majesty’s Lieutenant.
Contributions either in money or in kind will be thankfully
received by any of the Stall Holders.
|
