From the January 21, 1909 Skidmore New Era (Skidmore, Missouri), page 1:
Rebekahs Had Big Time.
There was plenty doing at last Thursday night’s meeting of Opal Rebekah Lodge No. 487.
One of the features of the evening was initiation of four candidates by the team of Alert Rebekah Lodge of Maryville. This team, with S. F. Clark as captain, was made up of the following ladies: Mesdames Carry Anderson, Jacob Moore, Fannie Wyant, John Awalt, May Denney, Misses Rose Frazee, Nany Pride, Dora and May Estes, Maude Stafford, and two Misses Williams, assisted by Mesdames Lockhart and Masters and Misses Mary Hughes and Mertie Mast of Opal Lodge. The four candidates who were fortunate enough to be the “victims” of these teams were Rev. L. W. Gunby, John Lockhart, Frank Lawson, and W. E. Linville. Those who are in a position to know, say that the work put on by Alert Lodge was very fine.Another feature was the installation of officers for the year 1909. The installation was conducted by District Deputy Mrs. Ella Vandeventer of Mound City assisted by Mesdames Moore, Wyant and Anderson of Maryville and Mrs. Thomas of Skidmore. The officers are: Cora Mitchell, N. G.; Mrs. Carrie Masters, U. G.; Miss Edith Collins, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Lilly Bosley, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Mary Pfeiffer, Treasurer; Mrs. Lina Jordan, Warden; Miss Mertie Mast, Conductor; Ray Strickler, R. S. N. G.; Mrs. Laura Strickler, L. S. N. G.; Mrs. Vernie Lockhart, L. S. U. G.; Miss Maud Linville, Chaplain; W. L. Mitchell, I. G.; L. D. Jordan, O. G.
The most important feature (at least it is considered so by some) came last. That was a midnight lunch of sandwiches, pickles, peaches, coffee and cake. It is not necessary to say that the lunch was thoroughly enjoyed by all.