The Rutland weekly globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1873-07-11
The Fourth at Ludlow.

Among the few towns in Vermont that
celebrated the ninety-seyenth anniversary
of our National Independence, was Ludlow,
and the citizens of that pleasant village are
to be congratulated on the admirably ar
ranged order of exercises for the occasion,
and the successful manner in which it
was carried out. AS soon as sold Soils"
face graced the eastern horizon the crock
ribbed hills" trembled with the boom of the
cannonading echoes, the bells rang out in
joyous peal, and Young America was on
hand with the inevitable torpedo, and all
the various contrivances for making a noise
were set in operation. The early morning
train from Rutland brought Washington
Engine Co. No. 2. They were met at the
depot by a large delegation, and greeted
with three hearty cheers A procession
was formed, the Alert fire company of
Ludlow and the Altimont Cornet Band,
acting as escort to the Rutland company,
marched to the Ludlow House where break
fast was in readiness for the party. Half
an hour later the train from the east came
bringing the Yosemite Engine Co. of
Chester, and a large delegation from that
direction. This company was received in
the same manner as the Rutland company,
marching to the quarters assigned them.
At an early hour representatives from
tho neighboring towns began to como in,
and the streets seemed to wear holiday
appearance.
The first order on the programme, and
one that every one was eager to witness,
was the parade of the antiques and Horri-
bles." This motley crew made their APP
pearance on the street at few minutes
past nine o'clock, commanded by Major
Warren Adams. Rugged men in the dir
tiest apparel, disguised in masks, did duty
as clowns, negroes, outlandish men, and
"women of the period;' the latter being
telling hits on the prevailing fashions of
the day, as carried out by the fair sex.
The ''happy family" drawn by four of the
bovine specie, created considerable amuse
ment by its extreme righteousness. The
rear was brought up by the crankiest fire
company of the day. After parading tho
length of Main street they halted in front
of the Ludlow House, where the roll was
called, and "A burlesque Grafton delivered
by the Grand Bashaw. The patriotic sen
timents enunciated by this worthy gentle
man were heartily applauded the Rutland
boys giving one of their lusty ''tigers' fol
which they are so famous.
One of the principal features of the day
was the procession which moved at half
past ten under the direction of Gardner
Howe, chief marshals of the day, ASSISTED
by assistant marshal Jehial Simonds and Il
g. Pettigrew, in the following order
The line of march included the principal
streets of the village, and terminated at the
grounds of Geo. w. Billings, Esq, where
the exercises of the day were appointed t.
be held The residences and places of bust
ness along the route were quite generally
decorated. Hammond & Stimson's block
being particularly noticeable for its profusC
display of bunting and evergreens. The
appearance of the procession as it moved
along the street was brilliant in the ex
IRENE, The musicians played their sweet
est strains, the engine companies attracted
especial attention, and Major Ross seemed
prouder than ever of No. boys, as ht
marched at their head through the streets
of his native town, greeted by waving
handlkerchiefs on all sides
Washington engine never looked hand
somer; it glistened like a new gold piece
right from the mint, and was the observed
of all observers.
Yosemite company made fine appear
ance, being as noble body of flremen al
is often seen on parade, This was theil