The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1882-07-13
THExF0URTH AT VERNDALE.
1 Great Gala Daysand Grand Good Time

! Monday was gloomy day and wet, foreboding
Il poor day for the Fourth and the races, but when
Tuesday morning came, and with it q clear sky
; and rcfulgent sunshine, and nature in her hap
picst mood the heart of the patriotic youth leaped
forth and rcjoiccd.
\ national salute began two weeks ago and
:: ended at daylight on the morning Of the 9Th.
, People were astir unusually early, making
; ready for the events of the day, and hy ?oclock
the streets and walks were filled with the young
and old of all classes.
On the morning passenger came Capt. Sleeper,
of Braincrd orator of the day, with Others from
Brainerd and other intermediate points, who were
duly received by the committee.
The forenoon train from the West brought loads
Of jolly gophcrs to doors, and were welcomed
by tn. band at the depot.
Repairing to the bowcry we listened to an in
tcrrsting programme, as per printed bills.
The opening prayer by the chaplain, H. W.
Troy was admirably wor,l.d and applicable to
the occasion.
Prof. G. \. Whitney read the Declaration Of In
dependence in clear full voice. The good old
Declaration is ever new
The oration was rcpcte with so,lnd advice and
wholesome words, but 10 be fair and candid,
think it savored rather much Of politics and the
Fifth Congressional district for the Fourth of July
is the Nations day. and its exercises should allow
full and perfect enjoyment of the anniversary.
without any thruSts of private opi1lio,r purely
local matters. 1t is the Nations day and on this
day we want to throw aside all feelings of pre-
jutlice and i'll will. and feel that VIC all broth
erS in one of the noblest that engaged
the attention and cn,r y of a people. Outside
from this (what We would term ali imposition
and altogether unfair) the Grafton of Capt Sleeper
was eloquent, terse and conclusive.
The programme waS made much more intcrc:t-
ing by the music of the brass band.
After the completion Of thv programme, dinner
! was in order.
At | o'clock tho glaSs-t contest took place
cast of town. III which twelve engaged. The
match was exciting, and resulted in s. &. Mason
winning first money: Dean Fessc,den second;
Dan Rhodes third. and Steve Rhodes fourth.
At O'Clock the greatest feature of the day lin
! the eyes of some) came off: we mcan of course,
| the horse racing. The result is here given:
Quarter-mile dash. best two in three, three
horses entered; the Jackson mare. Taylor mare.
straight heats and easily.
III Hnf,mile If ;l'sl, d; three ho,ses COW Pony won m
second, and Taylor's gray third
III the mile trotting race, best two i'll three two
horses entered, Montgomcry's Frank F, and In
ga KS ModeSty Me1lesty won.
IIalf-mile trot Pcrllam bay Maud and 1Mlorne's
bay Dick. Dick took first money.
The much talked Of race between the Perham
horse, Charley Merrill. and Buffers gray male.
Orphan Girl, was the most exciting Of all. Bet
ting was heavy the Butler mare, with few
takers. Orphan Girl won easily.
Now comes the DOwerv dsncc and Fireworks
and the evenings fun. Bowery aud hall were
both full! of ladies and gentlemen bent pleas
ure
Take it all in all, the Fourth Of July, 1SS2, in
Verndale was grand success.
'IIurrlh for the Red, White and Blue
Glorious ensign! flag of the free and brave.
Long may the breezes kiss thine ample folds
Inspire with hope each c,ir>e-bound slave
Who in his heart some love of freedom holds
VERNON