From the Chenango Union of Norwich, NY
Thursday, August 26, 1875

Odd Fellows' Excursion to Ithaca
A Large Party and a Wet Time

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   Thursday of last week was the day fixed upon by the Odd Fellows of this village, for their Third Annual Excursion, and Ithaca was the place which they decided to visit. Early on the morning of that day, when the picnickers, with baskets in hand, and umbrellas upraised, approached the Broad Street crossing of the Utica, Ithaca & Elmira Railroad, it was a question whether " Old Probabilities " had not gone back on them and whether the decidedly moist and unpleasant weather of the previous day was not to be repeated.

   Promptly at seven o'clock, eight cars left the crossing, with upwards of five hundred excursionists, the train drawn by the mammoth locomotive " Leviathan ", that was constructed for the purpose of climbing the hill at Ithaca, upon the track at some future time to be laid by the Company, from the present terminus of the road on the (Cornell) University grounds. The heavy clouds in the meantime had slowly disappeared, and sunshine took the place of showers. At the various stations along the line, large additions to the numbers were made, and at Beaver Meadow a platform car, with temporary covering and seats, was attached to the train, and was speedily filled by those who chose that method of conveyance.

   Notwithstanding the rather crowded condition of the cars, the utmost good feeling prevailed, as the train rushed past village and hamlet, while the waving of hats and handkerchiefs by those on board was cordially answered by the groups who had assembled at various points to witness the passing of the largest excursion train that had ever traveled the road.

   At half-past eleven the train halted at the Ithaca depot, on the University grounds, where the hundreds of excursionists quickly alighted from the cars, secured their baskets, and proceeded to their respective destinations. A large majority passed through the grounds of the University, which were deservedly admired, to the grove at the head of the Gorge, which had been selected by the Committee, where tables had been prepared for the accommodation of the party; while others obtained conveyances, and visited the village below, and various points of interest; and others still preferred to visit the University buildings, the chimes of which were run as the picnickers passed.

   The long line of pleasure seekers, laden with baskets containing the many delicacies which had been carefully packed at home, had scarcely taken possession of the grove, when a drenching shower set in, which caused a commotion among those who had assembled among the pines on the border of Fall Creek; and, despite the good humor which prevailed upon its commencement, the party was soon compelled to vacate the woods, while most of the dainties which they had hoped to there enjoy were water soaked and useless. Before they had reached the University buildings, another and more severe shower set in, accompanied with heavy thunder. The nearest houses were eagerly sought for, where every attention was received by those fortunate enough to reach them; while the University buildings were thrown open to the dripping delegation from Norwich. Many procured conveyances to town, where they had opportunities to overhaul their soiled and dipalidated wardrobes.

   Those who remained upon the hill were courteously shown through the various departments of the University, and enjoyed a rare treat in visiting the library, museum of natural curiosities, and many works of nature and art there exhibited. Among the attractions at the library were the flags won by the Cornell Club, in the recent regatta at Saratoga.

   About two o'clock the storm ceased, and the sun once more came out with increased brilliancy and warmth. Groups of Norwich people were soon visible in the streets of Ithaca, in carriages and on foot, and all seemed determine to improve what pleasant weather was left to them, in interviewing the town, the Gorge, the Lake, etc. During this time the Comet Base Ball Club, of this village, who had accompanied the party, were engaged in a friendly game with the Athletes of Ithaca, on the old grounds of the latter, near the steamboat landing.

   The playing was spirited, and the Comets more than held their own until near the close of the game, when, from carelessness or some other cause, the allowed their competitors to win the game. On the ninth inning the game was a tie, and the tenth resulted in favor of the Athletes, on a score of 10 to 11.

   Half past five was the hour fixed for the departure of the train; and long before that time the cars were well filled, while the sunny side of the coaches displayed a miscellaneous assortment of ladies hats, shawls and table linen, which had been hung from the windows to dry, and the ground was strewn with the damaged and discarded contents of lunch baskets. At the time designated, " All aboard! " was the order, amidst a rush for seats; good byes were said between old and newly formed acquaintances; the Base Ball Clubs cheered each heartily; and the " Leviathan " commenced its labors.

   It was uphill business for the engine, and progress at the start was slow, the train twice coming to a halt within a few rods of the depot; but it was off at last, in the relief of those who were now thinking of home. When near Freeville Junction, another terrific storm burst upon the party, accompanied by thunder, lightening and hail. Those who occupied the platform car were compelled to vacate their seats, and seek shelter in the other coaches, which were now more than crowded, and through the roofs of some of which the water was dripping upon the heads of their occupants, who, with umbrellas spread, were attempting in vain to keep dry.

   The storm accompanied the party for many miles. At Cortland the " gondola " was left, there being no further use for it. Before reaching home, the storm had ceased, and the moon shone out clear and pleasant. At 11:30 in the evening the train stopped at Broad Street crossing in this village, and the party dispersed to their homes, well pleased with the excursion -- all but the rain.

   Financially the trip was a decided success for the Lodge; and while the Committee are grateful to their friends for their attendance, they of course regret with them that the pleasures of the day were marred by the storm. The thanks of all are due to Conductor Judd, who did all in his power for the comfort of the large party under his care, and discharged his duties in a careful and satisfactory manner.