Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1881-07-29
LErTER FROM wILKEsBAKkE.



ed ~ tho State Capital
WILKEsBARRE, Pa, July %, 1881.
The Sengerfest is over, and from all
that could see or learn, was one of the
most enjoyable ever held. Tue town was
filled to overfowing, every hotel and
boarding place was filed with the crowds
of blonde mustached singers.
On Monday all the incoming trains
brought crowds of visitors. One party
from New York alone, filled twenty-one
cars. From all parts of the country visi.
tors continually poured in.
On Monday the opening concert was
given at 9th regiment armory.
Tuesday evenings concert was especial.
ly fine. The chorus by the whole associa.
tion, with its hundreds of rich, powerful
voices rising and falling, swelling forth
and subsiding, was the grandcst music
imaginable. The prize singing, in which
all the clubs except those participating
from New York, filled the immense struc-
ture with burst after burst of melody. The
prizes were awarded in the following
order:
First, Scranton Leiderkranz.
Second, Hazlcton Concordia.
Third, Hawley Mennerchor.
Fourth, Lackawanna Mennerchor.
Fifth, Allentown LeiderkraDz.
On Wednesday all the associations
paraded through the principal street of the
city. The bands accompanying the organ.
izations are worthy of mention comprizing
some Of the best in this region. Leibold's
band of New York, Bauer's and the 18th
Battalion of Scranton, Ringgold of Read
ing were among the best.
After the parade all Wilkesbarrs re-
paired to the park just across the river
and had grand picnic. The scene at this
park beggars description. Imagine six OF
seven thousand people crowded together
in small park, bands playing, associa-
tions discoursing vocal music. beer wagons
rattling, glasses clinkiug, rapid feet tap
ping the dance floor, and you have but a
faint idea Of a German picnic. Booths
were erected ut remarkably short inter
walls all over the grounds and were pat
ronized in a way that filled my unaccus-
toned mind with awe. Refrigerator cars
will be scarce in other parts of the state,
l verify believe, for it must have taken an
immense lot to bring all tho lager here. 1
would fear to risk Il guess ut the amount
which passed down the throats of the
thirsty and perspirins multitude. 1t was
something calculated to fill the hearts of
the temperance community with dismay.
Although Sc much beer was put by am
glad to say that l saw no signs Of fight
during the whole day.
In tho evening and up to midnight the
park was still crowded, but the most at
tractive place was the beautiful lawn in
front Of the Wyoming Valley hotel,
"Hauptquarters des Arion Won New
York" A balcony concert by tho Arion
accompanied by Lcibold's band attracted
here immense crowds Of people till mid.
night. This morning the city is filled
with music and the tramp of departing
singers on their way to the depot.
There is much talk at present Of moving
the state capitol to this city. can inform
my Lancaster friends that a more beauti-
full or desirable place could not be found.
Tho city far outstrips Harrisburg for
beauty of location and is fully equal to it
in i sanitary point Of view. l have seen
moro beautiful residences during my
short stay in WilSesbarrc than can be seen
in Lancaster and Harrisburg both. River
street, Franklin street and Northampton
street are ono line of beautiful and sub.
stantial residences, with wide lawns and
beautiful wide sidewalks.
However, VIC will let the state legisla-
turc decide the question. &. L. H.