Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-06-25
ST. JOHNS DAY
As Observed by the French Socieites OF ST.
Paul at Union Park and White Bear
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The oath day of June is day dear to
the heart of every Frenchman, and its
annual recurrenceis always observed by
those who claim a connection either di-
rect or remote with sunny France. The
day and its observance has special in
terest to the citizens of st. Paul, COM
posed SO largely of a French population.
This nationality were among if not the
founders of the city. The different So
cieties had made preparations for the OBJ
servance of the day, and, notwithstand-
standing the unpropitious state of the
weather during the early part of the day,
the programme was carried through, and
most enjoyable day was spent
AT UNION PARK.
The observance of the French national
holiday at Union park yesterday, in all
its details, was most satisfactory and ex-
ceeded the expectations of its most san
guine friends.
st. Louis church, where divine service
was held, and which was the point Of
rallying for the Society st. Jean Bap-
tiste, under whose auspices the celebra-
ton of yesterday took place, was filled to
its utmost capacity, and after going
through the usual religious ceremonies
of the occasion, in which the choir did
most excellent singing, the most dis
tinguished amateurs OF music of the
congregation being present, the solos be-
ing we'll rendered by Mesdames J. LIE
febrie and L J. Demeules, Miss Melina
Demeules and Messrs. q. Quesnel, Alfred
Dufrene and J. B. Servis. After short
but inspiring and touching sermon by the
pastor of the parish, Rev. A. Payette,
the procession formed its ranks near the
church, corner of Wabashaw and Ex-
change streets, and proceeded, headed
by platoon of police officers and
the Great Union band, through
the latter street, St. Peter, Washington
and Third street to the union depot. The
procession both in point of number and
marching was very creditable; the society
Union Franchise, an organization of fif-
teen years existence and numbering at
least one hundred and fifty members, fig
ured in the parade as the invited guests
Of the former society.
The II O'Clock train took the excursion
lists to Union Park, which, after the rain
of yesterday morning, presented most
charming view and was all that nature
and it's enterprising proprietors, Messrs.
Grote s. Hinkel, could make it; in fact it
is the place par lercellence for pic-nicing
parties composed partly of families
There the president Of the Society St.
Jean Baptiste, Mr.. NJ. Binet, extended
welcome to all present in few well
chosn remarks, and was followed by
Mr.. J. B. Sirois, the efficient and ener-
getic officer of the day, who most admir-
ably made the address of the occasion.
He reviewed at length the history of the
Canadian people, and the Inauguration
of the day tee anniversary of which was
being carried out here by the French
people of the capital of Minnesota. The
programme of the amusements was then
gone through with, and the following
were the happy winners of the prizes:
Fat Mems Race---First prize, F. Bar
beau; second prize. Joseph Neveux.
Boys Race---First prize, U. Gadbout;
second prize, D. Lanoux.
The checker game Thy the club) Frank
HILBERT.
&. Considering the weather and all
circumstances the Society St. Jean Bap-
tiste may Justly feel proud of its work
yesterday, representatives of many
points in Minnesota and elsewhere being
present, and the number at the park es-
timated at 1000.
AT WHITE BEAR LAKE.
Notwithstanding the very unpropitious
weather which prevailed till about 10
O'Clock yesterday morning, not less than
200 of our French fellow citizens left the
union depot, with the Great Western
band in full force, for White Bear, where
they were met by delegations from neigh
boring localities, till the number of peo-
pie on the grounds swelled up to fully
$780,
High mass by Rev. M. Cotton, of New
Canada, thence the people returned to
Leip's park, where dinner was taken,
partly at the hotel and partly in groups
under the trees, in perfect picnic style.
Immediately all those feeling so inclined
and they were numerous repaired to an
elegant pavilion and gave themselves to
the pleasures of the dance, to the excel
lent music of the band. At $3.50 p. m.
dancing was suspended, and the large
crowd gathered around stand in the
park, where several speeches were de-
livered and apparently highly appreciat-
ed. The opening address was made by Mr..
N. Bernard of st. Paul, who was followed
by J. B. A. Paradis, also of this city
Gen. II. FL. Sibley then spoke in English,
after prefacing his remarks in French,
and was also loudly applauded. After
another very happy effort by Mr.. Ed. Pei
letter of Centreville the speaking was
concluded by Mr.. L. Author OF Centre
vile.
Dancing was then resumed and continu-
ed till about 6 o'clock, when the whole par
ty adjourned to their respective localities,
highly pleased with the days exercises.
On the whole, it was one of the most
thoroughly enjoyed celebrations ever
held by the French population Of this
vicinity. The st. Paul party are unani-
nous in their praise Of the management
of the picnic, not forgetting the courteous
and attentive treatment of mine host of
the Hotel Leip, and the delightful music
of the Great Western band.
Taking the day altogether, its obser-
vance was delightful success, and St..
Johns day of 1882 will long be looked
back upon as a day of unalloyed plea
sure.
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