It is a cloudy, dreary afternoon and few people are seen. But the weather has not chased them indoors. This is Decoration Day, a reverent observance in this city. Although rains could begin falling any minute, virtually everyone has gone downtown for the dignitaries' speeches in front of the Court House and the veterans' parade. Walking down Market Street hill, the traveler passes the city high school where Market and Ross streets intersect.
Tomorrow is graduation day, but today the school is empty.
Across the Pennsylvania and Erie Railroad tracks and past the city's small but modern hospital he enters the commercial district. Farmers hawk fresh meat and produce from wagons along the curb. Sidewalks are crowded with stalls vending wares. The muggy air is redolent of horses, onions, sausages and smoked fish. A bakery offers bread for five cents a loaf.