Birth Announcement, Clara Ellen Wright, 1916

"Found, A Girl," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 28 March 1916; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 29 March 2015).

Found, a Girl -

Dr. J.E. Hall reported to the Times-Tribune that there was rejoicing in the home of Virgil Wright, two miles south of the city, this morning over the arrival of a baby daughter.

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Though it doesn't mention her by name, this is the birth announcement of my maternal grandaunt, Clara Ellen Wright (1916-2005), daughter of Virgil Lee and Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright.  Clara Ellen was the oldest of their three children.

Virgil Wright, I.O.O.F. Initiate, 1916

"I.O.O.F. Initiation," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 25 March 1916; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 29 March 2015).

I.O.O.F. Initiation -

Five candidates received the initiatory degree in the I.O.O.F. lodge last evening.  The candidates were : Luther Hall, Virgil Wright, Leslie Evernham, David A. Taylor and Charles Norris.  Three applications were received for membership at the meeting last night.

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My maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972), as an initiate at the I.O.O.F. lodge in Alexandria.  The I.O.O.F. stands for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization that still exists today. Many cities and towns have cemeteries that were started by the Odd Fellows as one of their civic works, along with caring for the poor.

I will have to write to the headquarters of the Indiana lodge to see if there are any records that mention Virgil in the organization.

Second Place at the Halloween Party, 1915

"Halloween Party," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 1 November 1915; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 29 March 2015).

HALLOWEEN PARTY

A masquerade party was enjoyed by a number of friends Friday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Manring on East Eleventh street.  At 9 o'clock all marks were removed.  Miss Elsie McCord won the first prize.  Virgil Wright second and Kenneth Stoughton third prize.  Games and contents were followed by a Hallowe'en luncheon.  The home was beautifully decorated in black and yellow crepe ribbons, candles, pumpkins and yellow crysanthemums.  Attending were the Misses Elsie McCord, Hazel Foland, Mablel Wright, Mary Manring, Olivia Wright, Sarah Damens, Frances Wright, and Charley Sexton, George Harcastle, William Knopp, Kenneth Stoughton, Kenneth Allen and Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Lawler, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Frazier, Mrs. Mary Danils, Mrs. McDonald, Mrs. Ada Stroughton and Clarence Smith, of Muncie.

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My maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972) and great-grandmother, Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968), attended this Halloween party shortly after their marriage with a number of friends and relatives.  I wonder what customer grandpa Virgil wore to win second prize?

Other relatives include Mabel Wright, daughter of James and  Clara (Hicks) Wright, Virgil's first cousin, as well as her other sisters Olivia and Frances Wright.  Frances Wright's future husband Charles Sexton was also in attendance.