Popper was tops with oysters

 Brookville Democrat Jan 23, 1908

FAIRFIELD

Knight and Pythian Sisters

Enjoy Oyster Feast Prepared

by Brother Popper

Fairfield, Jan. 20 -- Popper came, he saw, he conquered!

Mr. Popper came to Fairfield to serve some of his real oysters to the Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters.  He had served oysters before to several different parties, but he had never struck Fairfield.

No doubt he had heard of the eating propensities of our people and so he came prepared. He brought a whole barrel and other articles needed in his line.

The battle didn't open until late in the evening but Popper soon saw that he had no small task on his hands.  Every knight and lady, their grandmothers and grandchildren came, and Popper got busy.

While legions of brave knights cheered on by their ladies, under the leadership of such valiant soldiers of eating as Jim Johnston, Dick Logan and Clint Dare, made broadside attacks on Popper and his fortifications, but after about two hours of very severe fighting, the smoke of battle cleared away and there stood Popper, coatless and hatless, serene and calm, master of the situation, and with plenty more to serve all that should come. He had indeed conquered.

It was a great event and one of the best social occasions in lodge circles this winter. Come again Brother Popper and may your shadow never grow less, and "when the western hills obscure life's sun, may you rest secure in the promise of a never ending dawn."

NOTE: Ignatz Albert Popper was a Brookville businessman who had a propensity for taking part in a variety of social events around the county. He was called "an expert cook and entertainer." His clothing store was in business well into the 1990s. Lifespan 1848-1923. Wife's name was Laura. Popper's obit said he was the town's oldest businessman at the time of his death, a career spanning 43 years.

Pythias was one of several fraternal organizations in Fairfield. Not sure to what degree it was successful. People just joined secret clubs in those days. Most references above were clear to members, and it's obvious the news release was an "inside story."