Knights of Honor

Knights of Honor

Type	Non-profit government organization

History

The Knights of Honor. The Sixth Anniversary: Parade and Picnic at Highland Park

• The Knights of Honor. The Sixth Anniversary: Parade and Picnic at Highland Park; An Address by John VanNostran

Monday last was the sixth anniversary of the organization of the first Lodge Knights of Honor, of the U.S., and it was considered a proper time to have a picnic and public manifestation of the life of the Order in Wooster. The proposition to have a festival day was carried unanimously, and the following committees were appointed at once.

Committee on General Arrangements--

• Past Dictators: Geo. Plumer, Daniel Funck
• Dictator: D. W. Bechtel
• Vice Dictator: Isaac Johnson
• Brother: J. T. Maxwell

Committee on Transportation and Provisions--

• Brothers: H. J. Kaufman, H. R. Harrison, John F. Barrett, Albert Plank, D. B. Ihrig

Committee on Tables--

• Deputy Dictator: James Numbers
• Past Dictators: James L. Gray, and Frank W. Miller
• Brothers: Jacob Lawrence & David Nice
• Also the following ladies: Mrs. George Plumer, Mrs. D. W. Immel, Mrs. Jehiel Clark, Mrs. H. R. Harrison, Mrs. J. F. Hill, Mrs. Samuel Ames, Mrs. Jacob Balmer, Mrs. Harry McClarren, Mrs. E. B. Childs, Mrs. J. H. Carr, Mrs. James L. Gray and Mrs. D. C. Curry.

Committee on Music--

• Brothers: T. P. Baumgardner, Geo. W. Reid, A. G. Rich and Daniel Pierson

Committee on Amusements--

• Brothers: J. H. Carr, Samuel Ames, R. N. Warren and J. W. Nimmons

Chief Marshal--

• Past Dictator: Jehiel Clark
• Assistant Marshal & Past Dictator: Daniel Funch

Monday came with beautiful weather, a cool atmosphere and dust-laid streets. The parade took place in the forenoon, the Knights assembling in their hall in the Iron Block at 10 o'clock. The committee on music scored the attendance of the Congress Band, who under the competent leadership of Mr. John H. Brown, afforded the best of music. Sixty nine Knights were found in double column, in the following order:

• Chief Marshal, Past Dictator Jehiel Clark
• Guardian, H. R. Harrison, with drawn sword, escorted by F. Abinger, with banner.
• Congress Band
• Assistant Marshal, Pastor Dictator Daniel Funch
• The Vice Dictator's Banner borne by John A. Moore
• Knights wearing badges
• Guide J. B. Hartman and Reporter H. J. Kauffman
• Financial Reporter: D. W. Immel and Treasurer Harry McClarren
• Vice Dictator: Isaac Johnson and Assist Dictator Jesse McClellan
• Chaplain: J. F. Barrett, with open Bible
• Dictator: D. W. Bechtel, with gavel;, escorted by J. B. Childs, with banner
• Past Dictators: J. C. Plaumer, Frank W. Miller, J. W. Crismore and GEo Plumer
• Sentinel: Andrew Reed, with drawn sword, escorted by John Dague, with banner

The line of march was from the hall west on Liberty to Grant Street; south on Grant to South Street, east on South to Market, north on Market to Larwill Street, east on Larwill to Bever, north on Bever to Liberty, west on Liberty to the hall, where the Knights were disbanded.

At two o'clock p.m. the picnicers began to assemble at Highland Park, the most beautiful place of resort within many miles of Wooster, and soon the Park was thronged with a gay and joyous company. It was the first public picnic held on the grounds this season, consequently the improvements that Mr. Quinby has recently made were looked upon for the first time. A convenient and artistic depot has been built at the landing by the roadside, the pillars which support the porches were taken from the old Court House. A dam, with a water wheel attached, is one of the novelties about completed across the creek. An elevated bridge spans the deep ravine that divides the steep bluff on the west, and we mistake not that lovers will linger in this sequestered spot, looking down into the shining miniature lake below, trying to discover the bliss for which they sigh. It is hoped no discarded or discomfited admirer will ever jump from that lofty height into a watery grave. There is no telling to what extent Mr. Quinby will allow his enterprising spirit to lead him in the adornment of High Park. It has already become the pet of the public.

Surrounded by interesting contests in croquet, panic-stricken at times by the approach of an exciting game of football, lulled to ecstatic imagination by the delightful music, the table committee of ladies carried on their work on arranging and preparing the vast quantity of provisions that poured in on every hand. Their efforts were crowned with success, and when supper was announced, there was nothing for the people to do but sit down on the lap of mother earth and be fed. The Knights appointed for the purpose, with other volunteers, passed round the paper platters and Eighth of January silver_____ closely followed by Mother Snyder's hot coffee, the sandwiches, cold tongue, sliced ham, chicken, & c., pies, cakes, lemonade and pickles, and when all had been fed there were several basketfuls left.

National Affiliations/Denominations

Knights of Honor

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