Mother Nature, in a somewhat whimsical mood, tested the power of the members of the mens club to hold their housewarming Friday night but thanks to the patron of the month, Janus, the god “of good beginnings which ensure good endings,” 41 members fared forth to inspect their new home and to see what the entertainment committee had in store for them.
Through the gloom of the night the gleaming windows and the brilliantly lighted portal of the club house signaled a welcome manifested by the warmth of the log fire in the capacious fire place and the splendor of the light and cheer within and the smiles of the entertainment committee, Messrs. D.H. Turner, Harry Lewis and H.S. Rickerson.
At 8:30 as Mr. Turner called upon Mayor Richardson for the opening remarks, gathered within the spacious room, mingled in good fellowship was a representative assemblage of the men of our town, including all ages from veterans of the Civil War to youngsters too young to get in the great war; members of every fraternal, political or civic order, and of every club in Southern Pines, and natives of nearly all the Atlantic seaboard states from Main to South Carolina; the actual count showing 36 present born in other states but now citizens of the old North State for weal or woe.
Short talks by President Mills, Secretary Merrill and Trustee Maze outlined the origin and scope of the newest addition to our club list and concisely unfolded the rather astonishing story of an association scarcely two months old, erecting a handsome home shown in our illustration in the short space of three weeks at a total cost, including land, building and furniture of less than $2,000.
A varied programme including solos by Mr. Rickerson and Mr. Gifford accompanied by Mrs. Robt. Lewis upon the piano so kindly loaned by Mother Perkins; singing by all hands, led by Messrs. Richardson, Buchan, Gifford, Rickerson and Van Camp, of the old familiar tunes dear to the heart of man, “Old Black Joe,” “Suawanee River”, “Massa in the Cold, Cold Ground,” “Carry Me Back to Old Virginia.” Stories by Mr. Turner and Mr. Ivey led up to the speech of the evening, a real he-man talk by Mr. Robert N. Page. A thoughtful talk, an enjoyable talk and to give it due meed of praise, an appreciated talk.
More music, including “Carolina” by Mr. Page Jr.; a vote of thanks to Mr. Chase for his gift of a much needed pair of andirons and the disposal of a more than generous serving of sandwiches, crullers and coffee procured from the Perkin’s Restaurant and the cheerful assemblage contributing to this auspicious start of something unique in the annals of Southern Pines departed for their homes.
From the front page of the Sandhill Citizen, Southern Pines, Friday, Jan. 23, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92061634/1925-01-23/ed-1/seq-1/
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