The Van Buren press., 1876-07-11
CRAWFORD COUNTY.
The Centennial Fourth !
1776 6sA 1876
Three Thousand People Assembled at
Alma.
Grand Assemblage at Arkloe

Gay and festive was the crowd that
sstAssed at the depot last Tuesday morn
ing, and anticipation of glorious time
was written on every coun,enancc. The
cars we're soon crowded and at 9 o'clock
n the conQuctor called "all aboard" and
tts taair+ started for Frog, ~ you, bridge.
the barbecue ground. AS the train NOV
ed out ofthe depot the City Cornet Band
struck up Hail Columbia" which
brought shout from the patriotic hearts
of our people
HALF an hours ride brought US to the
barbecue grounds where many hundreds
of people had already collected The
cars were soon emptied Of their smiling
human freight, who scattered over the
grounds in all directions.
At 10 o'clock the train from Ozark
brought up large crowd of over 300 to
swell the already tremendous multitude.
Dense indeed was the throng, but the
grounds were large and capable of ac-
commodating ALL The lowest estimate
reports over 5000 persons on the grounds,
while great many say 5000 will not ex-
cecd the number 1t was a good cure
for heart sickness to stand and look up
on the vast multitude of smiling faces.
The woods fer several hundred yards
was filled with vehicles of every conceiv-
able kind and quality and hundreds of
horses.
When Col M. F. Locke, of Alma mar
.,shdl Of the day, had called the assembly
to order, and the mass had gathered
around tho speakers stand, the exercises
Of the day were opened by beautiful
and impressive prayer from Rev, Mr..
Kragle. After which the Declaration of
Independence was read in clear, dis
tinct voice by Mr.. A. j. Ward, Of Van
Buren,. After our band had played one
of their soul. stirring pieces MIR. p. II.
Hillycr took the stand and delivered
very pretty and appropriate address.
The Hon. Jesse Turner, orator elect,
pvt heinaeresent.lII Hon. ntea j. Brown
of Van Buren, was called on to off1ciate
in his stead, which he did in manner
highly creditable to himself, to Mr.. Tur-
ner and the people of Van Buren, max
ing one Of the happiest orations of the
day. After Mr. Brown ceased speaking,
Col. Locke announced that dinner was
next in order, and every one sought their
baskets and proceeded to satisfy the era.
wings of the inner man. Sumptuous was
the fare, and bounteous the supply, thou
sands satiated and enough left for thou.
sands more.
After dinner was disposed of the space
formany yards around the speakers stand
was again jammod and Hon. Hugh F
Thomson was announced and took the
stand, and addressed the crowd in his
usual happy manner. Gen. Burrow was
next called on and took the stand and
delivered we'll timed and appropriate
speech. The speaking throughout the
day was splendid, nothing said that could
jar upon the nerves of any present. Har-
mony and good fellowship was the order
ofthe day, and good order prevailed
throughout, we never saw closer or more
respectful attention from crowd Of
such magnitude before. The Van Blu
rem Cornet Band added greatly to the
pleasures of the day by their beautiful
music, which was furnished between each
of the speeches.
Our Ozark friends soon bid us adieu
amid many hand -shakings and good
wishes. After the departure of the Ozark
train a string band was brought out and
many proceeded to trip the light fantas-
tic in spite Of the extremely warm wealth
er Enjoyment reigned supreme, and
every body was happy. At o'clock the
scream OF the locomotive warned al.
Z. straglers that night was coming on and
pleasure must cease. We crowded pell.
NELL into the cars which were soon filled
44s~we left the depot at Alma some inspir-
ed patriot cried out, "God bless our
glorious fourth" which was responded
to by three laundering cheers.
The ride home was delightful and every
one was sorry that the day was such q
short one. Disembarking form tho train
hands were shaken all around, congratu
lations exchanged and we slowly return
cd to our respective homes, happy in the
knowledge that Crawford County was
second to none in the celebration of oul
National Birthday.
JASPER TOWNSHIP
The preparations for the celebration
Of the 4th in Jasper, had so far progress
cd, before they knew of the contempla
ted celebration at Alma. that they could
not well postpone it Consequently W.
had two grand celebrations in Crawford
The public spirited citizens of Jasper
never behind those of other toweships
quite oyerdid themselves in their exer