The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1875-07-08

OR CELEBRATIoN.-I The Ceiebra-
! ton of the 99ih auniY arsary Of onr
National independence on Saturday
last was, in every respect. complete
success. We shall not attempt to give
detailed account OF the transactions
of the day as it would occupy alto
ge,her too much space, and we fear
would result in an utter failure.
Our streets were finely decor ated
with shrubberv and innumerablc flags
aad banners, giving the town very
pleasant and imposing appearance.
AT an early hour tie people began to
pour in from every quarter and by 10
o'clock there was larger crowd upon
the streets than at any time before in
twenty years. The number present is
variously estimated at from 1000 to
10000.
The programme was carried out in
every respect in most admirable
manner, and we believe to the entire
satisfaction of everybody present.
The parade Of the Fire Department
which took place at IL o'clock, was a
fine affair. The procession was COM
posed of the Steam fire engine Com.
pany, with their fine machine, Phenix
Fire Co., No. l. with their Hand En-
CINE, Rescue Hook and Ladder Com
pany, with their truck and implements
! and three Hose Companies, with their
Carts and Reels, the members in uni
form and the machines finely dccorat-
cd with flags. flowers and evergreens,
marched through the principal streets
presenting a magnificent appearance
and winning the admiration of all.
Folio wing them in the procession was
burlesque on the steamer. got up by
about twenty young men in town,
which was very amusing. The Com
pany was called the .'P Nuts No. g.
The engine and hose-cart. as well as
the uniforms which they had impro-
vised for the occasion were indestrib-
ably funny, and created a vast amount
Of amusement for all beholders.
Next came the Mulligan Guards, or
whatever they may be called, mounted
on horseback, uniformed i'm every
conceivable style of oddity. and pre-
senting very grotesque and funny
appearance as they dashed through
the streets ON their fierce chargers.
The exercises at the stand at l
O'Clock, were of very interesting
character, though we presume not a
tenth part Of the vast audience were
able to hear the able Oration of Rev.
Mr.. Capers. -,
After this wheelbarrow race for q
purse of So, took place, but We were
among the unfortunatcs who could
not get within gun shot of the per-
formance. The prize was won by Mr..
Si!as Cox, of this town. 81 ffE+t 4
A few minutes before three o'clock,
Professor Thurston announced that he
was ready to set sail in his air vessel
the Flying Cloud-and all eyes
were turned in the direction of the
balloon. AT the hour appointed the
Pro lessor entered the basket and the
ropes were cut and the balloon swiftly
and majcsticalfy assembled, and taking
a northeasterly direction was soon out
of sight behind acloud.- a but soon after
came in view again. 1t finally landed
safely upon the farm of Mr.. Cooley III
the southeast part of ShaIersville, hav-
ing travelled some five or six miles.
The Professor returned to town with
his balloon before dark that evening.
The ascension was very fine one and
Professor Thurston has proved him
self to be skillful ;eronaut as we'll as
an affable gentleman.
The exercises closed with fine dis
play of fire. works in the evening, and
at about 10 o'clock the display was
ended and the village resumed its
wonted quiet appearance, everybody
retiring to their homes with univer-
cal vote that this was the grandest
celebration ever held in the county.