The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-07-06
THE NATIONS ANNIVERSARY.

DAY-BRILLIANT FIREWORKS AT NIGHT
SPORT OF THE SMALL BoYs-ETC.
The first intimation that Stauntonians had of
the National Anniversary, was the awakening
from theirmornlng dreams by the sonorous notes
OF 4 big bass drum paradetl around the streets
about o'clock in the morning, by some patri-
otto citizens and very noisy juveniles Short
~ afterwards the bells commenced ringing
and continued about fifteen minutes, when ev-
erything again assumed its wonted quiet. and
enthusiastic humanity closed its escape valves.
In compliance with proclamation of Mayor
Balthis, nearly all the stores were closed and
many OF them displayed flags, festoons and
banners before their doors. The most attract
i've decorations were those before thedry goods
establishments OF G. A. Gladke and Levy Bro
Tiers, on Main street. At the former festoons
of the national colors were tastefully suspend
ed from the awning, and at the latter profns
ion offiags were flying. In the window was the
Goddess of Liberty" a very ancient looking
matron costnmcd with national flags, and to
all appearances, summoned from the sepulchre
to Join in the celebration. With a Candor
very questionable in these modern days, she
made no endeavor TO conceal the ravages OF
time, but Oh the contrary, was placardcd-
''Born l77G.'
During the morning the streets were very
Sunday-like, as quiet as a quaker meeting, and
an air of sanctity pervaded the usually busy
thoroughfares. All OF our demonstrators left for
Co. tb,t
there would doubtless have been parades of the
military and fire companies, as we'll as civic
displays. indeed, it was the purpose of the
Fire Company to hold grand picnic at the
Fair Grounds, but so many of their number de-
parted that it was thought best to postpone it
until the 18th.
In the morning several games of base ball
were played at the Fair Grounds. The first be-
tween the ''Augustas" and the Rough and
Readys," in which the former scored 80 to the
latter's Is, and the second game between the
"Augustas" and Il picked nine, in which the
club was again victorious, scoring 20 to s. A
few more such achievements. and the final
overthrow of the independents" will redeem
the "1Nugustas" 'srep." from the gatherings it
has lately received
Quite number Of parties left the city to en-
JOY. a quiet picnic and day of recreation in the
country One party going to Elliott's Knob,
another on fishing excursion to Middle River,
aid SO on.
In the evening considerable excitement was
caused on the street by the trial of the new
Water Works, at which many Il lovely small
boy had the exquisite pleasure of getting thor
oughly ''ducked, - and one unconscious urchin,
who was most probably absorbed in the con-
temptation of the grandeur Of the Centennial
occasion, and whilst wrapped in such patriotic
meditation, utterly oblivious to surrounding cir
cumstances, was elevated about ten feet from
the ground and made to perform some very
interesting acrobatic exercises by having an
inch and a-quarter stream of water to strike
him full in the rear, and land him son his ear, -
after Which came very strong solo. interlard-
ed with such wicked and uncompllmentarY re-
marks as s'd--m fcol,' and accompanied by a
series of beligerent attitudes and threats of
dgn and speedy punishment to those against
whom his Indignation was excited.
AT night there was & brilliant display Of fire
works. About o'clock a large crowd head
ed by the Stonewall Band, proceeded to the
hill in front of the American Hotel, and after
building great hondfre, awaked the sur
rounding echoes by the firing of cannon crack
ers, squibs and the like, and illumincd the city
with number OF brilliant and beautiful rock
cts, Roman candles and calcium lights, while
the band dscoursed its sweet music, and the
men and boys yelled themselves loarse. 1t
was by far the most successful display OF fire.
works ever seen in Staunton, and was enjoyed
immensely. .s&E
Considering the absence of the military and
a number of our citizens, the Fourth of July
Celebration of the Centennial Year was very
creditable. 1t was the first observance of the
day since the war.