from the "Shelby County Sun" newspaper, December 1, 1911
On the night of Tuesday, November 21st., Shelby Iron Co's No. 2 furnace at Shelby, Ala., was blown in, it being the twenty-first blast for this stack. Miss Maddie Elliott, of Vincent, Ala., acting as mascot, applied the torch, made of bundles of waste,saturated with oil, attached to a long pole, which was adorned with a beautiful bow and streamers of white ribbon.
A large number of Shelby people, principally those most interested in the operations of the works and their families, gathered at the New Dannemora Hotel, where they were received by Miss Greene and Mr. Joe Ramsey. assisted by Mrs. Trost and Mrs. Ingersoll. About 9 o'clock the word was passed that all was in readiness. Preceeded by the Shelby band, a procession was formed and all marched to the furnace where the manager, Mr. Keffer, in an appropriate manner, introduced Miss Elliott as the mascot. The torch was then applied and as it was seen that the fire was properly kindled, a murmur of satisfaction ran through the crowd who had gathered to see the real beginning of, what all Shelbyites hope and believe, will be a New Era in Shelby. Mr. Keffer again requested the attention of all, and in his most charming manner, presented the mascot, on behalf of the employees of Shelby Iron Company, with a beautiful gold bracelet. Miss Elliott, in a few well chosen words, expressed her pleasure at the honor of being the one to light this blast and her sincere appreciation of the beautiful gift. Mr. Keffer referred humorously to the good-luck omen of the fact that this was the 21st blast, beginning on the 21st day of the month. While these ceremonies were taking place, the band played almost continuously, and just as the torch was being applied, they rendered "A hot time in the old town tonight".
Shortly after the presentation ceremony, all the invited guests returned to the hotel where Miss Vivian Greene, and Mr. Joe Ramsey, very appreciably assisted by Mrs. Ingersoll, had arranged a delightful programme for the evening's entertainment, at which the mascot was the guest of honor. There was an old fashioned spelling match, Mr. Searless and Mr. Trost selecting opposite sides. Mr. Keffer being the Professor. Mrs. Ferrar won first prize, a beautiful box of paper, and Mr. Brymer was awarded the consolation prize, a bottle of toilet water. In a contest, the answers in which were the names of noted personnages, there were four perfect scores and it was necessary to resort to the old time method of drawing straws to determine the winner. Miss Attie Ingersoll and Mr. Farrar, partners, won the prize. After this contest, a salad course was served, followed by delicious nut ice cream. Mr. Farrar presided as toastmaster, and in a brief talk, spoke of the loyalty and good will existing among Shelby's people and expressed the sentiment of those present towards the manager, Mr. Keffer, who coming from the North, where conditions, both in business and socially, are so different from those here, has by his charming personality and stalwart character, endeared himseld to all and won for himself an enviable place in the esteem of his daily associates.
After the toasting and speechmaking, it was announced that dancing was now in order and that pleasant pastime was indulged in until after midnight, when the happy participants in this memorable event prepared to leave, all expressing their appreciation of and delight in the evening's celebration.
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