This Day in History: 1878-03-13

The Loyal Newcastle Lodge of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows celebrated the first anniversary of its formation in Newcastle by holding a procession of its members from William G. Leeder’s Newcastle Hotel (later the Toodyay Tavern), where the lodge met, to St. Stephen’s Anglican Church. The Newcastle Band played the marching music. After the service delivered by Rev. W.H. Pidcock, the members marched back to their lodge to enjoy a dinner. “In the evening there was a ball. At 9 o’clock precisely dancing commenced and the company tripped the light fantastic with great spirit until broad daylight next morning, when all dispersed well pleased with the previous afternoon and night’s proceedings.”

Source:
Western Australian times, 19 Mar. 1878, p.2.