Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1879-07-10
The Fennimore Celebration.

The morning of the 4th broke chill and
damp. Heavy clouds hung low, hushing the
birds songs and clothing all nature with
melancholy mood. Many youthful hearts, as
lads and lasses gazed into the murky sky,
felt keenly the sting of disappointment. Old
er heads said, "The 'Firemen's Excursion
will be failure, it will surely rain"
However, as the hour of departure drew
near, people began to congregate at the de-
pot; some determined to venture, Others
wishing yet fearing to go. At 730 the train
drew slowly out of Lancaster with about 200
pleasure-seekers on board and sped away
toward Woodman. The ride to Fennimore
where few (your correspondent included)
were to spend part of the day, was delight
full. The clouds yelled the sun. A gentle
breeze waited the fragrance of wood and
field to the happy company, which, added to
the exhilarating motion of the cars, sent the
blood rushing through their veins with an cleo
trio thrill of pleasure. How the eyes of all
sparkled, and, as the weather promised to
deal gently, thereby removing all feelings of
uneasiness, what peals of hearty laughter
went echoing away through the neighboring
hills |! A cloudy morning followed by such
lovely day adds enchantment to its pleasures.
But | promised to stop at Fennimore; let
Others tell of the excursionists
At 1890 the procession formed and
marched to the Bowery which, by the way,
was very nicely arranged and covered with
oak boughs. The Marion Brass Band dis
coursed some very fine music. The opening
address by Mr.. MeNair, President of the day,
short and pithy, expressing noble senti,
ment, was followed by beautiful song,
'Hail Our Country's Name To-day" by the
Choir with elegant TASTE A prayer of
thanksgiving by Elder Lewis was fervent and
filled with good thoughts. He petit;oned that
we $50 conduct ourselves that we may enjoy
the blessings of prosperity and that the dis
tinction of nations may be blotted out" The
next song was well rendered, and the read
ing OF the Declaration Of Independence. by
Elder Jones, a mastery effort. The Orator
of the day, Mr.. r. G. Orr, was introduced to
the audience and for As minutes commanded
rapt attention. His grafton, though not
lengthy, bespoke careful study and an apt
selection of words. He spoke of the general
advancement of nations, morally. mentally,
politically and financially; of the past con.
dition, the present and the prospect of tn
future of our nation; and although he dealt
with subjects that have been discussed and
rediscussed, yet he clothed his thoughts with
such beautiful language and presented them
to his hearers in so pleasing a manner that
all were entertained. After the Grafton the
Choir sang. sGod made all Nations Free"
beautiful song, though old yet eyer new TO an
American citizen. The Band played "Yankee
Doodle" beginning with very slow time and
finishing with double>quick, and everybody
went to dinner.
After dinner the Hi-ho-o-hardly>p
able.name display was very laughable indeed.
The boys tried to 10 well and succeeded ad
miraby. The Base Ball game was in pro-
erosion when the $3.50 train screamed her
approach and reluctantly " departed to visit
the excursionists at Woodrnan Fennimore's
celebration was success no accidents, no
discord, everything passed off smoothly, and
the crowd which was large indeed went home
well pleased. COSMOPOLITAN.