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The Spirit of Progressive Cleveland, Ohio 

The Caterers' Association, Cleveland, Ohio, incorporated November 22, 1905, has a membership of nearly one hundred men, employed as caterers, head waiters, butlers and service men, is generally acknowledged as being one of the best institutions of its kind anywhere west of New York City.  The organization has grown and become prominent because of the opportunities its members have in the meeting together on business as well as a social plane.  They have recently leased and fitted up a house at 2629 Central avenue; it is a business exchange, having telephones and a competent steward and secretary who receive orders and makes assignments according to requests or demands.  The members do not have to run around from one catering establishment to another every day looking for work or ride on the caterers' wagons.  They meet at the Association rooms.  Men are furnished by the Association on call to all the leading caterers, clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, Masonic Temple banquets and private family entertainments.

Through unity in this Association, the colored men keep up their prestige and control the major portion of work in their line; it has established a good fellowship among the men, created greater confidence among the people they serve and gained the respect of the entire community on account of their forward movement and progressive spirit.  Their rooms are furnished in club style.  The first floor contains parlor, sitting and reading rooms, reception and secretary's office; also the smokers' den.  The second floor contains card rooms, committee room, bath, etc.; billiard and lunch rooms in basement.  No games of chance or gambling are allowed.  Many prominent visitors to the city are invited and entertained.  Social evenings and smokers are the main features to which friends of the Association are invited.  They give an annual reception each year at which the caterers have a chance to show their skill in serving most elegant suppers to their many patrons which are always held at the Cleveland Grays' Armory hall, one of the largest in the city.

The Association has two stag clubs which give an annual dinner to its members.  The senior stag has been organized since 1905 and is rather a saving society, having in its treasury several hundred dollars.  They serve a splendid dinner every year on Lincoln's birthday.

The junior stag club, whose cut heads this article, has fourteen members recently organized for the benefit of social and mutual interests.  It gave its first dinner Monday, February 1, 1909, at the restaurant of Mr. L. G. Adkins, at which the following gentlemen sat down at beautifully decorated tables: Messrs. Lumen Page, president; R. Warren, vice- 

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THE COLORED AMERICAN MAGAZINE     139

[[image - black and white photo of 13 men in formal wear sitting and standing at a dinner table]]