The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1876-07-06
CENTENNIAL IN KENOSHA.
GRAND CELEBRATION.
JULY 4th, 1876.

| of the Declaration Of American Independence YVES
announced by the ringing of the bells at mid
night, pealing fourth their rejoicings that "Uncle
Sam was one hundred years old.
During The night light rain descended for
several hours. ana strong fears were felt that the
day might be wet and disagreable. But the
SEQUEL proved the contrary, for there could not
lave been balmler, pleasanter day than follow
ed this pre-centennial shower.
Atsunrise the cannon under the manipulation
of Captain Cook and his assistants belched forth
its salute of 70 guns, rousing the sluggerd from
his drowsy couch, and causing "Yonng AmeTica"
to spring from his "trundle-bed," exclaiming at
the top of his voice, ''where are my fire-crackers
and the. general racket began which lasted I'LL
late into the evening after.
From early morning until the following mic
night the streets were perfectly alive with
throng of moving humanity in search ofpleasure
and the means of showing their good feelings
toward our happy country and all the world
besides. Every one seemed intent upon search
| ing for the most enjoyment of the kind suited
to their several tastes, and willing that others
should do the same. This feeling no doubt con-
tribated in a great measure toward the noticeable
uuietness and the orderly manner in which the
day passed.
At ten O'Clock in the morning the people began
assembling around Market Square, where the
lprocession formed in the following order:
National Band, Carriage with President of the
Day Speaker and Clergy. Mayor and Common
| Council in carriages. Wagon with 80 young
Ladies in white. Carriage with Soldiers of1Sl2.
Steamer I. W. Webster. Fire Department.
Calathmnpian Band. Citizens on foot and in
Carriages
The finest feature of this procession was the
wagon of Hook and Ladder Company, who had
arranged their ladders so to form sitting room
for IS lasses, beautifully dressed in white. each
one carrying flag upon which was the name
of a state. These little American Ladies were
drawn through the march singing and cheering
as they went guarded by the members of the
company. The other companies of the fire de-
partment were out with their engines and hose
| wagons splendidly decorated with flags, flowers
and evergreens, presenting a very gay and attrac.
| tive sight TO the people on the streets through
which the procession passed. The most attractive
| feature however, was the Calathumpian Band,
composed of the following striking pieces. The
eephant-as natural life grand drygoods-box
chariot, surmouEted by goddess of liberty sur
rounded by her children; LiVingstone's trained
lion and cubs, and their keeper; a company. of
real mlnstrels-real good; group of 'greaser''
indians; barbarous barber shop-by the tonsorial
artist of Kenosha and his yictim the family OF
| long noses; and large number of other charac-
| tiers. The thanks of the band is due to Mr..
Eich Gilman and his assistants for the capture of
the SPLENDID elephant from Central Africa,
| situated in Doan's store.
The procession passed through several of the
streets of the city, but Omitted just one half of
the route advertised IN the programme, to the
great disappointment Of very large number of
people who remained at home to see the pro-
cession pass, and were thus kept away from the
park till part OF the exercise there were over.
The tag payers who raised the funds residing on
the omitted portion of the route were thus
cheated out of their share of the show If the
committee could have heard all the anathemas-
strong and deep-that were heaped upon them,
they would never do again.
Arrived at the park the exercises as given in
the programme were had. The President OF the
day. Mr. L. B. Nichols called the throng TO order.
This was followed by the National Band playing
"staz spangled Banner" in fine style. Rev. W.
E. Walker, invoked he Divine blessing upon the
people present and our beloved and freedom-lov-
ling lard Mr.. j. 81. Yermilye read, in clear,
ringing voice, the"Declaration ofIrdependence' ;,
showing by his manner that he appreciated the
truths and principles it contained. Rev. II.
NJ Simmons then read the Listofy of Kenosha
County for 1885 and 1886; the time which he could
reasonably devote to the reading precluded his
reading more, He begun by stating that fifty
years ago, Wisconsin had but two white inhab-
itants. The FIRST settlers in somers were Hugh
LoDgwell and Jacob Montgomery, in 1884. A Mr.
Barlow visited the Island here in the same year
In 1885 Horace Woodbridge came to what is now
! the town of Somers. Mr.. N. r. Allen, is the
Oldest resident of Kenosha CITY, In 1885, was
built the first store located near HaTrson's Shop
Mr. David Crosit opened the first blacksmith
| chop. And the first church organized as Metho-
dists In 1886 Elder Jason Lothrop started the
first school; and with few type and drygoodG
tox printed the fret publication in the county
and the second one in the state. Fhe first child
was born, of Mrs. Post. who died at the time and
the child soon followed its mother. This year
Hon. Charles Durkee and wife were driven ashore
. from the vessel on which they were going further
north, by terrible north.easter
: Rev. E. D. Huntley, of Madison, then delivered
the Grafton, replete with freedom of thought
: patriotic numbers, religions sentiments an6
"Spread Eagleism" He said he believed il
liberty, and his hearers were at liberty to leave
" whenever he had talked enough. We were
q brought together by the chimes of the nations
1t jubilee, and that our nation is the embodiment
:. liberty. That Ethan Allen had founded thi,
? nationality in the shame of God and the Cont
e mental Congress" and by these had the natio,
r; stood for one hundred years He extolled II
}. glowing phrases the four corner stones of on
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. religion, immigration ant
education, by these has the nation passed its frs