The daily gazette., 1876-07-05

ED WITH FLAGs-ILLumINATIo AT
EIGHT-GRorEsoUE PARADEs, SALuTEs
AND FIREwoRKs-THEP PUBLIC CENrEN-
NAL Observation-Disclosures, ETC.
The celebration of tie Centennial
Fourth of July in Wilmington was
more general and extensive than on
any Independence day ever observed
in this city, Weeks of preparation for
the auspicious event eliminated on
Monday evening in a city arIayed with
the flags of all nations tastefullv ar.
ranged, and with rows of lanterns
which were lighted up at night with
brilliant effect. Not square in the
city was devoid OF some evidence of
patriotic feeling, and but very few
houses i'll the cuIire city were without
some external evidence of the "day we
celebrate"
Market street from end to end was
resplendent with bunting and ablaze
at night with lanterns and illumina-
tions. The other streets were scarcely
less attractive, as people seemed to vie
with each other in the extent and char
acter of their displays, In one square
eighth street between Poplar and
Lombard) each house had its bunting
decorations by day and illumination at
night. Conspicuous among the houses
OF this row were the residences of Chas
McCloskey and Councilman McMena-
min, who not only covered the fronts
of their houses, but decorated their en-.
tire premises in the most beautiful man
ner. Mr.. McMenamin's green silk
banner, on which is emblazoned the
golden harp OF Erin, was greatly ad
mired for its imposing beauty.
The p, W. and b. r. r. depot was
another point Of attraction during the
day. the bunting decorations being
profuse and artistic. The yard in front
of the Delaware II. II. office was par.
ticularly admired, with its arches of
evergrecns gracefully festooned with
the national flags.
Atnight the illumination was grand.
All the buildings were ablaze with
lights, and rows of colored lanterns,
strung on the tlag.pole halyards. were
swung high In the air. The effect was
indescrlbable, and hundreds of persons
VISITED the Imposing scene.
| The different engine houses were
decorated in the most artistic manner
and were visited by crowds of people
day and night.
AT The water Witch house the from
was Adorned with hags, but the chic
decoration was the grand triumpha
canopy which spanned the street il
front of the main entrance. The can
opy was formed of evergreens gail,
decorated with tri-colored bunting
and hung with numerous lantern.
which lighted it up at night will
splendid effect. The canopy was alsc
hung with the flags of all nations, anC
the iron posts on which the whole
structure rested were adorned witt
beautiful evergreens. This was one Of
the most magnificent decorations oi
the day.
The handsome and imposing front
of the Fame Hose house was still fur.
ther beautified by flags, lanterns and
evergreens, which, with the brilliant
illumination of the evening presented
scene of most enhancing beauty.
The Delaware House also made a
liberal show of bunting and lanterns,
brilliantly Illuminated, the effect of
which was greatly heightened by beau>
tiful evergreen arches over the front
doors. 1t was one of the handsomest
buildings in the city.
The broad, handsome front of the
Washington House was most elegantly
decorated, and when illuminated at
night was the centre of attraction in
the eastern part of the city.
The Friendship House, at the head
of Shipley street, was brilliantly illu,
minated from top to bottom of its i'm
posing front. The bunting decora-
tions were tasteful and artistic, and
were much admired.
The Phoenix House, Fourteenth and
King, was decorated and Illuminated
in manner which, considering the
size OF the building, was not exceeded
by any other engine house in the city.
The Reliance House, On East Fifth
street, was literally adorned with
bunting, and the illumination at night
was very fine.
AT the Weccacoe House, Jackson
street, below Second, the members ex-
ercised their taste in artistically array
ing the front with large and small
flags, and lanterns. The effect was
very fine.
%AhL 81 IL WAS all over lHc cltf, the
houses presenting an appearance of
beauty and gorgeousness, at once plea
sing to the eye and gratifying to the
taste.
THE OPENING CELEBRATION.
By seven o'clock Monday evening
the people began to move towards
Market street, and until long after
midnight that thoroughfare was
crowded with excited pleasure SEEK
ers. The street was brilliantly illus
minated. and the effect was greatly
heightened by the burning of red
lights and the discharge of numerous
fireworks.
AboutS o'clock band of serenaders
Enthusiastically arrayed and grotesquely
masked, left the Fame Hose house and
paraded around town, They were
headed by drum, which beat the
rogue's march, and each man bore
torch. Their appearance was hailed
with shouts of delight. Several simi>
lar bands paraded the streets in vari-
GUS parts of the city and rreated mncb