MASONIC.

Arcadia Lodge, No. 249 A. F. & A. M., was organized U. D. in November 1868, with twelve members. It received its charter in June 1869. The present membership of this lodge is thirty-three. Regular communications are held on the Thursday evening, on, or before the full moon in each month.

During the early part of the present year, a new and commodious hall was leased, and the lodge now meets therein. This hall is very neatly and tastily fitted up and adorned—located on Onondaga street, over the hardware store of Messrs. Lucas & Foster. This organization is in a very healthy and promising condition. Its present officers are, W. D. Lucas, W. M.; S. L. Lucas, S. W.; H. T. Martin, J. W.; H. P. Lods, Treas.; D. A. Bigelow, Sec'y; W. H. Granger, Sen. D.; Geo. R. Turner, Jun. D.; Isaac Black, Sen. S.; W. G. Wright, Jun. S.; W. G. Wright, Tyler.

INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN.

In the fall of 1869, steps were taken to incorporate the town of Ames, and the project, on being submitted to the popular vote, was approved by a large majority. At the first election of municipal officers, Wm. West, Esq., was elected Mayor. He soon after resigned and was succeeded by Wm. D. Lucas, Esq. Mr. Lucas was re-elected at the regular election in March 1870, continuing in office until March 1871. The results of incorporation have been very satisfactory. Under municipal control and guidance, public improvements have been undertaken, such as drainage, grading of streets, building of sidewalks, &c. Concert of purpose and action have also beeu induced in putting out shade trees, and otherwise beautifying and adorning the town.

There is at present no difference of opinion, among our citizens, in regard to the wisdom of the act of incorporation, and all classes are earnest in the hope that ere long Ames will be a model town in appearance, as it already is, in the morals and intelligence of its citizens.