The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1884-07-18
THE FOURTH IN RILMOT.

THE FOURTH IN WILMOT.
The following was received too late
for last weeks issue
WHMoT, WIS, July 9Th, 1884.
Mr.. EDITOR Notwithstanding the in
dications of the unfavorable weather on
the morning of the Fourth, large num-
bers OF teams were seen driving into our
village from all directions quite early in
the day. And as the day advanced the
streets and school-grounds were throng-
ed with men, women and children, who
had come to celebrate with us the one
hundred and eighth anniversary of our
nations birth.
| In accordance with the programme,
the calithumpian parade came first In
order, and although they were not many
IN number, yet the completeness of the
different rigs" reflected great credit on
| the committee in charge, and showed a
lively imagination and keen conception
of the ridiculous in those who took part
in the parade.
About 10 o'clock A. M. the Wilmot
Cornet Band marched to the grounds,
followed by long procession. The
Band made an unusually fine appear
ance with their new uniforms and bright
| ly-polished instruments. And it is I'M
necessary to say that each member per
formed his part in most mastery
manner.
Vocal music was furnished by the
Glee Club, and, although they were
obliged to prepare themselves on very
short notice, the singing was very en-
tertalning part of the programme.
What We most regret is, that our ora
tor failed to put in an appearance.
Doubtless great many of the citizens
who patronized this place on that day
came expecting to have the pleasure of |
listening to a good Grafton, and we feel |
it our duty, in behalf of the people oil
Wilmot, to explain to the public the
cause of this disappointment.
The undersigned committed had been
appointed to secure an orator for the
occasion, and accordingly had made ar
rangements with Hon. James Cavanagh,
of your city, to act in that capacity.
The reason for his failing to meet the
appointment is set forth in the following
letter written by that gentleman We
publish it as it came to us
"KENosHA, WIS, July 4th, 1884.
" JAMES McVEY, ESQ,
Wilmot, Wisconsin
=" MY DEAR SIR started for Wilmot
this morning at o'clock and got out
ten miles, and my horse gave out. The
roads were in such bad condition that it
took me three hours to drive the ten
miles. I am exceedingly sorry that l
was not able to get there. 1t rained very
hard here last night. Will you be kind
enough to explain to the people of VIII
mot why was not on hand? / tried to
get team to push on with, but could
not. The races here are postponed until
tomorrow on account of the rain. / am
sorry that the thing has turned out this
way, as have spent considerable time
in preparation, and hated to lose my
chance to spread eagle
Hoping I shall be more fortunate
next time, am truly,
JAMES CAvANAGH."
After the reading of the Declaration of
Independence, one Mr.. James, of Hi
nois, made a few remarks, which elected
some applause.
Dinner was served on the grounds by
the ladies of the Methodist Society, and
of course the wants of the inner man
were well supplied.
After dinner came the different races
and other sports, which made good
deal of amusement for young and old.
Prizes were awarded and won as fol-
lows First prize for calithumpian par
ade-gold-plated chain-won by Edward
O'Maley and VIM. Dowell second
prize for same-silver-plated cup-won
by Thomas Randall and James O'Maley
third prize for same--revolver-won by
James McDougall.
Prize for sack-race -napkin-ring won
by George Davis.
Prize for foot-race silver butter-knife
won by L. Wilcox.
Prize for WheelbarroW race-silver cup |
won by one Otis.
Prize for tug-ofwar-box of cigars
won by the married men,
Other sports, not included in the pro-
gramme, were gotten up on the grounds,
small sums of money being awarded to
the winners
OF course the different amusements |
were interspersed with music by the |
band, and, upon the whole, the celebra-
ton proved to be a most enjoyable and
entertaining occasion. And it is crafty |
ing to say that, Notwithstanding the di
versity of character and temperament
that is found in such mixed assemblages,
no disturbances of any kind nor accident
of a serious character occurred during
the day. By some accident the fire
works caught fire in the case, and quite
large portion Of them were destroyed |
and consequently the display was not as
good as we had hoped it would be.
The opening party in Tabor's new
hall was a decided success in every
respect. Wilson's full orchestra furnish
ed the music.
The Wilmot Cornet Band, under the
management the celebration was gotten
up, report the financial result to be very
satisfactory indeed. And they wish to
express their thanks to the public for the
liberal patronage they received.
J. B. STEVENSON,
J. HI. MCVEY, Com.
J. F. THOMPSON,
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