Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1859-07-06
The Fourth Of July.

The morning which dawned brightand clear,
was ushered in by the firing of cannon and
ringing of bells.
1t 10 O'Clock A. NJ, the FIRExEy, dressed in a
neat uniform, their engines and hose carriages
handsomely decorated with eYergreens and
flowers. preceded by the Warren Brass Band,
made a fine appearance as they passed through
the principal streets. Accompanied by the citi-
zens, they congregated arcuad the speakers
stand ut about half past ten. Hon. G.. F. Brown
called the assembly to order, and announced the
order of the proceedings. After an eloquent
and appropriate prayer by Rev. Mr.. Tribby,
the Declaration of Independence was read by
palm, Esq. The Grafton, delivered by j. W.
Tyler, Esq, was one of the best to which we
have ever listened The Orator left the beaten
track, and while every thought and word was
appropriate to the time and place, there was
none of the usual stereotyped Fourth of July
GRAFTON, about it. Mr.. Tyler has a strong, clear
and pleasant voice, and distinct enumeration;
and could be heard by the whole assembly,
which was large. We have heard but one opin-
ION expressed as to the merits of the Grafton.
At each change in the exercises, there was a
single discharge OF cannon, and music by the
Band.
The old mill on the west side of the river,
which has been an eye sore and u nuisance, was
purchased by a few liberal individuals, and
was sold on liberal terms by the proprietors, for
the purpose of affording the fremen an oppor-
Unity to exhibit then. skill and the power of
their engines. Fire was applied to it in several
places, and about eight minutes after, the flames
burst from the roof. The fremen waited until
it was completely enveloped in flames, then
commenced to play uponi il, each engine throw
ing two streams of water. In less than five min
utes the flames were got under, and would have
been entirely quenehed in five or ten minutes
more, had not an occurrence happened which
was not on the bills. The strong north west
wind blowing at the time, carried the burning
shingles over the river into the south west part
of the town, setting the roof of the Methodist
Church on fire in several places, and also the
roofs of six or seven other buildings in the
vicinity, and one almost down to the canal
The fire bells now rung in earnest, and the fire
mea had real work to do. Engine No 1, was
Immediately taken across the river, and CON-
menced to play upon the Church, while No 2
was left to finish the work of extinguishing the
burning mill. The Company with the latter,
had a difficult and fatiguing task, as they
must have played nearly three quarters
ef an hour without intermission, throwing two
streams all the time.
The Firemen of No l, soon extinguisbed the
roofs which were burning in the town, e~xerting
themselves bravely, and climbing over roofs
more like squirrels than men.
Next a company of Fantasies paraded the
streets, mounted on horseback, dressed in most
grotesque style, having music to correspond.
The bass drummer attracted particular atten-
ton. Two men were mounted upon one horse,
4one facing the horses head, the other facing
the other extremity. The latter horseman car
sied the drum, beating it most perservingly.
Three balloons were sent up during the day
and evening. The display of Fire Works, in
the evening was decidedly the best ever ex-
Giuiteu III tnis Piace-
Here too, there was one item not down on
the programme. A rocket stick or some spark
from the fire works, fell Oh the roof of the
bridge which soon began to show strong symp-
toms Of getting up a disI lay on its own ae-
: count. Ithere would nothaye been much mourn
ing if it had) but the fremen soon extinguish-
ed it. The exhibition closed by a torch light
Procession by the fremen, half of them in
stead of ordinary torches, carried Roman Can
Sles. which Vkre constantly sending off their
sainiature rockets Of different eolors.
On the whole, it was the most brilliant cele-
bration of the Fourth of July, which this place
hss witnessed. and the Firemen deserve great
credit for the spirit and zeal with which they
carried it through. I