Morton Commandery, Knights Templars: Reception, Templar Drill, and Ball

Event Information

Venue(s):
Academy of Music

Price: $5 admitting gentleman and ladies

Event Type:
Band

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
25 April 2025

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

22 Dec 1873, Evening

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Seventh Regiment Band

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 12 December 1873, 2.

Marking the “semi-centennial.”

2)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 14 December 1873, 7.

“Morton Commandery. No. 4. Masonic Knights Templar.”

3)
Announcement: New-York Times, 22 December 1873, 8.

Preparations suggested it “will prove one of the most brilliant reunions of the season. The occasion which it is intended to celebrate will be the fiftieth anniversary of the formation of the body of the Knights Templar…Grafulla’s combined dance and promenade bands (comprising 100 pieces) will furnish the music, and the dancing will be preceded by a drill of the Templars…” No further mention of music.

4)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 22 December 1873, 2.

A card from the police captain on renting coaches for the occasion (location, prices, etc.).

5)
Review: New-York Times, 23 December 1873, 4.

Notes success of the event and describes venue. “…Grafulla’s Dance and Promenade Band (consisting of 100 pieces) furnished the music of the evening, which, it need scarcely be said, was excellent, and greatly contributed to the general enjoyment… After the drill had been concluded the general company were admitted to the floor, and the annual formality of the opening march was gone through, after which the programme of dances was proceeded with and carried out to its end with great zest.” No further mention of music.