The Shasta courier., 1865-07-08
Celebration, July nth, 1865.

Never was there more beautiful day for
the ceremonies and for the comfort of visitors
than that day in Shasta. 1t had been
thought for several days previous that it
would be too warm Providence took care
of the people and made them comfortable.
The programme as published in cards to
attending persons was carried out to the sat
faction, we believe, of all.
As we do not like to write long articles to
be passed over unread, we do not propose to
elaborate in describing our Fourth of July
celebration. Suffice it, then, that at least
thousand people presented themselves at the
spacious pavilion, and there found seats and
o com Portable, airy shade.
The Goddess of Liberty, arrayed by the
skillfull hands and exquisite taste of Mrs.
Carrie Scuddcr, was personated by Miss
Ellen Wills, surrounded by a galaxy of
thirty-six of Shastas beautiful young Misses.
trained and adorned by the same tasteful
hand. The singing by the young girls, as
also by the Harmonic Society, " brought
down the house" enthusiastically. All were
perfect, all anxious to discharge their duties
and give pleasure to the vast crowd, and
none failed.
Mr.. Parker's reading of the Declaration of
Independence was unexcepsional as scho-
lastic effort For the occasion little more
enthusiasm, little more rim might perhaps
have been more acceptable to many. But it
was well done, and when we consider that
the reader had to throw bis voice a vast dis
tance against the wind. requiring an effort
too great for much stouter men unpracticed
in the art. we must concede that he done
more than well.
The grafton, bv Rev. l. N. Hurd, was a
most scholarly and patriotic production. In
the delivery the same unfortunate obstacles
to enthusiastic delivery that marred Mr..
Parker's reading. was severe drawback on
the orator. So strong was the wind against
him, that at times he had to pause to get
breath. One hour and ten minutes were
consumed by Mr.. Hurd in delivering the
oration, and during the whole time he was
listened to attentively. the audience mani
Testing appreciation by frequent rounds OF
applause.
After the oration, more songs, music by
the Brass Band-now a fixed and excellent
institution that amt afraid to exhibit its
powers-and lunch was announced. A
thousand hungry stomachs found the where
withal to satisfy themselves, which done the
seats were cleared from the centre of the
pavilion and the childrens' sports began
and ended much to the satisfaction of chill.
dren and parents.
Before sundown the whole assemblage
broke up and repaired to town for wash
up" preparatory to witnessing the fire.
works. joining in the dance at Armory Hall,
and partaking of the supper to be prepared
by Mr.. Charles Anderson.
The fire works display was net as satisfac.
tory as was hoped by the Committee The
intervals between the firing of the pieces was
too long. Again, there was an opposition in
the form of a bright moon.
About 10 O'Clock Armory Hall was light.
ed for the the dancers; and then such a
crowd Not less than FIVE hundred persons
were there. They danced though, and kept
ondancing until brood daylight. Those who
left latest assured us they were satisfied.
The supper, in quality and quantity was
good. Anderson always looks out for that ;
yet there was fault, and we tell it in no
spirit of unkindness. 1t was in the want Of
attendants. For hours the tables were filed
with waiting guests. many of whom went off
without eating. Could every one have been
served in reasonable time, that department
would have been a complete success.
All in all it was great celebration and
gave general satisfaction.
APPoINTEd-Hon. I. B. Shannon has
r