The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1885-09-12
THE PERU BAND TOURNAMENT.
Fitzgerald's Band, Of Ottawa,
Capture the First Prize.
4 GRAND AFFAIR.

4 GRAND AFFAIR.
There is probably no other city of its
size in the state that so thoroughly enjoys
appreciates and patronizes good music as
Peru. Last Sunday and MONDAY were red
letter days IN the lives of the inhabitants of
that burg. A pic mic on Sunday in Shoot
ing Park, made musical and enjoyable, In
spite of the inclement weather. by the
Galva Band, three bands from La Sale,
the Northwestern Light Guard Band of
Peru, (under whose auspices the tourna-
ment was gotten up and Fitzgeralds Band
of Ottawa, was attended by almost the en-,
tire populace of Peru, and by many hun
dreds of visitors from La Sale, Ottawa,
Chicago and other places. The bands were
in excellent trim, and We'd with each other
in creating favorable impression of their
several musical abilities and capabilities
for the next days contest. There was mu-
sic, and plenty of it, to suit the most FAST
dious classical critic as well as the mere
pleasure seeker, with nothing to do but
listen, enjoy and applaud.
On Sunday evening a concert was given
10y the Northwestern Light Guard Orches
ira at Turner Hall. The hall was crowded.
and all seemed pleased and more than sat
isfied with the performance. Many ex-
pressed surprise that Peru should be able
to furnish for the pleasure of her music
loving visitors and citizens such u carnival,
upon such short notice and with so little
effort
On Monday, at 10 p. NJ, all the bands
expecting to contest for the tournament
prizes-one each from Tonica, Galva, Otta-
wo and Streator, and three from La Sale,
together with the home band, massed to-
gether as one monster band, and preceded
by Galva's wonderfully and fearfully ar
rayed Drum Major, paraded the principal
streets, playing the most popular and mar
nal airs. This huge band, composed of
one hundred and thirteen pieces, produced
perfect musical storm. An envious La
Sale man, probably Jack Reddlck, the re
AaJle correspondent of the Chicago 1in,es,J
says he is ready to make his affidavit that
during this terrible parade three. fourths of
the inhabitants sought refuge In their Gel
Jars, thinking the town had been struck by
cyclone, and that the other fourth, who
are Second Adventists, went in search of
their ascension robes, believing the end of
the world had come, but thinking It quite
unnecessary that Gabhel should blow 30
loud In order TO wake the dead.
Shortly after o'clock the playing for
prizes began, In the Peru Driving Park
Professor Boyer, of Princeton, an eminent
composer and musician, Professor Ritter,
lately arrived from Germany, q musical
scientist, and Professor Neitzel, of Peru,
also a musician of wide reputation, were
chosen as judges, and the ball opened.
Prior to the commencement OF the contest
bets Of two TO one on the Galva Band against
the field were freely offered with few takers,
but Immediately after Fitzgerald's Band
played Its first piece the tables were turned
and bets Of five TO two were as freely offer.
ed on the Ottawa Band against the field
with no takers. From this time forth to
the end the Ottawa Band continued 70 be
the favorite with the audience, and also TO
stand the highest with the judges, easily
winning the first prize Of 800. The Galya
Band captured the second prize, s75; Strea
tor the third, $50; and the La Sale Brass
and Reed Band fourth, $25. The tourna.
ment was success in every particular, the
best Of feeling being evinced throughout.
The members of the Galva Band, who had
hoped to carry home the honors, expressed
themselves as satisfied with the BUSINESS of
the judges decision.
At the conclusion of the contest the
bands were again massed into one and
marched back to town; and, after psrtaking
OF supper, everybody attended grand ball
at Turner Hall given by the North western
Light Guard Band. The fun, music and
pleasure ended about 4 o'clock A. NJ, and
all went home happy.
And right here 1t may be truly said that
Ottawa does not fully appreciate the fact
that we have one Of the best bands In the
state; neither does our band receive the