St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1876-07-07
The Fourth in St. JOhnSbury.
The County Celebration--AG Great Crowd
Brilliant Display--But a Wet Day.


Brilliant Display--But Wet Day.
When st. JohIsbury proposes to Gel
brate, then look out for Il rain. In 1850,
she got her patriotism up to celebration
pitch, but Il soaking, all-day rain-storm,
Grafton having nearly all passed away,
in lS6S she attempted to appropriately
dedicate ii beautiful monument to her
fallen heroes when again Il wet blanket
was thrown upon the exercises. Feign
ing to forget former experiences, she
Joined with her neighhoring towns this
year for grand County Centennial
Celebration. The only thing that
married this event, were frequent and
muddy, and giving to people and things
IA hedraggled and disguised look.
THE MORNING.
The Centennial Fourth was ushered
in at sunrise with the ringing of bells
and firing of cannon. Early in the
morning the people from surrounding
towns began to gather. At halt-past
eight o'clock, the Antiques and Horri-
hlcs formed III procession, and marched
through the principal streets OF the
town, drawing up at the railroad sta
ton Ahere they awaited the arrival OF
the morning trains.
THE BURLESoUE PROCESSION.
Our pen cannot do Justice to this
the crowd of people i'll the early part OF
the day. The party were all disguised
with masks or otherwise, and every CON
crivablr vehicle was put i'll requisition
some drawn 10y the noble equine, some
10y the the gentle bovine, and other,
10y the patient mule. The Representa-
tivrs of one hundred Years ago and
now. i'll both people and carriages, wert
unique and striking. The hurlesque>
of several local organizations and insti
tulions, were particularly good. such a.
the Flanders Pump, Choral Union, Edi-
t"rial staff, etc. The pump did throw
water. much to the astonlshment ol
some of the 10y ISLANDERS. On the al
rival of the morning trains, this bur
ltsque company marched again through
the streets, and then disbanded.
THE MORNING TRAINS
Brought large numbers from east, west
north and south and by ten o'clock
onr streets We're black with humanity.
NOT DOWN ON THE BILLS.
Before noon the threatening cloud.
began to give down rain: and hetweel
twelve and one. when the several or
ready To form in procession, there were
quite heavy showers. This drlayt,
matters, but about two p. NJ, it partial
~ broke away. aud
THE PROCESSION
formed and marched through the streets
making splendid display. The leader.
of the CdiedOnidn are already familiar
with who WAS to compose this process
sion, and We shall not speak in detail ;,
much as We otherwise should. TIL.
Marshal. Police and Band, had IL caval
~ escort. of men VIII" had seen service
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Was II marked feature. The Sturd,
men with their bright uniforms. all,
fire apparatus all decorated with flag,
aud hunting, WAS il sight good to lool
upon, and when seen il could he NOR.
readily understood how proud the tow
is OF her tiremrn.
THE SOCIETIES.
81. Patlick's and 81. John Baptiste So
cietics We're out in force. aud with thei
handsome rcgalia and orderly march
ing added much to the procession.
About as pretty thing as there wa
lads from twelve to sixteen Years old
dressed up in old Continental style
with white stockings, cooked hats. an,
who had been drilled tor the last weel
OF two in military tactics.
Behind these came IL company of vol
unteer soldiers. armed and equipped
also men dressed up to represent al
nations attractive part of the pro
ceSSiOn.
THIRTY-EIGHT YOUNG MISSES
Were dressed III white and drawn in
huge carriage, representing the severa
states.
Bunker Hill monument, the surrende
of Ticonderoga, the Trades in activ,
operation, etc, completed the process
sion. These, headed by the President
Marshal, and Orator of the dav
marched through the principal streets
and then Ia the large tent pitched or
the Carpenter lot at the head of tn,
Plain.
DECORATIONS EN ROUTE.
The public and private buildings were
beautifully decorated, some with flag
only. some with bunting and flags. an,
others with evergreen added. Sus
pended across Main street were thes
notices:
! ........-...
This Day is Sacred :.
To the Liberty and Rights !: