Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1878-07-11
The Celebration Of the Fourth

thusiasm, which found vent in the
s'hurrahs'' and hootings of regiment
Or more Of '<Young America" repre-
sentatives, who woke the echoes at
II on the night of the Sd. Every
body seemed to understand that it was
to be day of s'music,' y Of feasting,
of drinking, of oratory, and of dan
cling when twilight should let her cur
tain fall and pin 1t with star-not
policeman's star, but one Of the old
singers of the old chorus. The day
cane in clad in fire, we judge, for
seemed hotter than those regions Of
which Bob. Ingersoll talks so much
and knows so little.
At an early hour our streets began
to show signs Of activity. Our broth
ers and sisters from the country hun
gering and thirsting for a patriotic
feast, came in on foot, in teams, and
on horseback till our streets were lit
orally full. Preparations having been
made for a grand celebration by the
Brass Band Of the I. O. 0. T., the
necessary arrangements for 4 good
time were prepared on the fair grounds.
A huge booth had been erected where
cart loads of good things were con-
stantiy reckoning to the hungry and
thirsty ones, and who were not hungry
and thirsty? Bountiful tables were
spread where Melinda and Josiah, or
Jane and Augustus could eat, and
talk sweet things to the hearts content
All the appointments, in short, were
perfect.
At IL A. NJ. the procession -ormed
in front of tie Rablin House, and it
will not be an exaggeration to say that
it was the finest and largest ever ap-
pea1ing in our streets. First came
the Cornet Band, followed BY the fire.
men IN full dress, Next came the
Orator and Reader in fine carriage.
following came the Temple Of Homer
boys seventy-five strong in regalia with
banners. The St. Johns Society
turned out in goodly numbers in rega-
liza with banners, with the Infant St.
Ohm and symbolic lamb, in a finely
decorated carriage. 4 long procession
of citizens brought up the rear. The
procession moved to the grounds under
the direction Of Marshal Lavigne,
where limited number CT seats were
prepared, not enough however for the
vast assemblage. the exercises at
the stand were opened with "Amcrica''
by the choir. Invocation followed,
when ''The Anvil Chorus" was given
| by the choir with anvil accompani-
ment. Supt G. L. Williams, of Cen
,ralla, read the 'Declaration Of indie
pendence, > prefacing the reading by
we'll chosen remarks, giving brief
history Of the great occasion which
prompted the grand old $50" to sign
what was by very many construed to
be Their death warrant, a century ago.
The Grafton was delivered by Nr. J.
w. Cochran. The Grafton was excel
lent eliciting the closest attention to
its close. After the Grafton, a Patri-
otto Glee closed the exercises at the
stand, when the great multitude dis
persed to enjoy the remainder of the
day as they chose. The exercises were
under the direction Of President
Brundage. The programme was car
ried out to the letter with no unpleas-
ant features whatever. A grand bal
loon ascension occurred Immediately
after the exercises, which was entirely
| successful. The balloon foated off to
the westward till either lost or con-
sumcd.
In the afternoon the grounds were
opened to the multitude who were ad-
mitted upon payment of a trihing sum,
80 witness the sports and races. The
afternoon was passed pleasantly, Two
races-a trotting race between Nc
Cormick's stallion and Biron's roam,
the best two in three, mile heats, was
won by Mccormick. The best time
was 800. The running race was ex-
citing. Three horses were entered
Wards Iceberg, Paterick's Doll Baby
and Morrell's Greyhound. The Doll
Baby and Greyhound few the track,
but the Baby by missing was got to
place again, after losing rods and
won by length, Iceberg being second.
The next heat and race were Baby s
half mile stretch, best two in three
time So seconds. The boys had lots
Of fun. Baseball was feature Of
the amusements, a good game being
played between the Rapids club and a
club from Sigel. Glass ball shooting