Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 November 1891 — The Oldest Social Organization in America. [ARTICLE]

The Oldest Social Organization in America.

The oldest social organization in America is "The Fishing Company of the State of Schuylkill,” which reuehed its one hundred and sixtieth birthday tho other duy. At a former anniversary the Prince of Wales, in compliance, with the society's method of entertaining its guests, officiated as a waiter, and the lute President Arthur once helped prepare the dinner, which was eooke I and served by the members and guests under tho 1 direction of the governor. The lust i meeting was culled to order by ex-Gov-ernor John Wagner in exactly the same - words used by Thomas Stretch, first governor of the colony, in 1732. He then ordered Frank Field, as caterer, and three assistants to prepare n bowl of “fish-house punch." according to a formula, which has been followed by the olub for Hit) years. When the four gentlemen had mixed the punch to their own satisfaction, the company coroner, H. Carlton Adams, was ordered "to sit upon it.” He impuneled a jury of three, and after the first brewing had been tested thoroughly, the jury reported that the caterer was a fit ana uroper person to prepare punch, and that gentleman was forthwith ordered to make a second

brewing. Then Caterer Field summoned overy freeman present to the kitohen. where each was, by a proclamation ol the governor, compelled to don a straw hat and a long white apron of coarse material und assist ill the preparation oi tho meal. The caterer and the apprentices did yeoman service on this, but each bad to do something. When all was iu readiness Caterer Field, after ringing a big bell, began the recital of an ancieiU proclamation bidding “all good and worthy members with their henchmen t< enter and partake of such food and drink as can be found within, being careful to tako with them good appetites.” He concluded with the words; “God save our colony,” after whieli all entered the dining-room and sat down to the feast.— [Chicago Herald.