Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1889-07-06
The Fourth.

celebration In the LIN lily on the 4tn
ever witnessed in the place, if not in the
Hills, and it is especially gratifying to
us to be able to announce the fact Of our
prediction having been fully verified.
The number in attendance was large,
surprising even our most sanguine e
pectations. 1t is estimated that more
than a thousand visitors participated
with us in celebrating the day. many OF
whom arrived several days prior % the
celebration. The weather was of the
most favorable character, being clear
and bright, and the cooling breezes
which ever prevail in this place at this
season of the year, rendered the day
exceptionally pleasant and agreeable.
With the exception Of the race between
Flynn's Comanche and Nights Pickle,
which by agreement between the own
ers was withdrawn, the entire prog
ramme was faithfully and satisfactorily
carried out.
The procession, which was the largest
and most imposing ever seen in this
place, was formed in front Of the court
house on Custer avenue at 10 O'clock,
and after marching through the princi-
pal streets, brought up at the grand
stand, where an artificial grove, attrac-
tive in appearance, and ample in its
dimensions, afforded an agreeable shade
for the masses during the delivery Of
the opening prayer by Rev. Macomber,
and the speaking which Immediately
followed.
After a few appropriate and well
chosen remarks by the president, in
which a hearty welcome to Custer was
extended to all, that officer introduced
MIR. A.. L. Van Devorl, the orator of the
day, who addressed the audience at
considerable length, dwelling mainly
upon historical events having a bearing
upon the formation Of the American
republic AMI its wonderful progress, as
compared with the most prominent
nations Of the world. The address was
pronounced an able effort, upon a well
worn, but always interesting subject,
and was given the marked degree of at
t~ention it's merits warranted. Mr.. Van
Devort was followed by Mr.. B. r. Wood
of this ely, who addressed the audience
briefly in his usual happy style. During
the course of his address he was inter
rupted by the arrival of a lady courier
with a dispatch from President Harri
son, which he was called upon to read
from the stand, setting forth the impor-
tant and very gratifying fact, that this
occasion would POSITIVELY go down in
history as the last 4th Of July celebra.
ton ever held in the Tin City during
Dakota's history as a wild and woody
territory. This dispatch, coming as i
did from such a high and reliable sonrc,
gave infinite satisfaction, as evidenced
by the deafening tokens of appreciation
which followed its announcement.
Rev. w. ID. Atwater followed with al
able and appropriate address, which wa.
well received. Judge Johnson, of Buff
falo Gap, a pronounced favorite, who's,
native %eloquence and pleasing style o
oratory is always appreciated, was ther
introduced, and held the attention 0
the audience, without a break, for
period Of twenty minutes, a consumma
ton rarely attained upon occasions o
this kind.
E. II. Flynn of this place, was mex
announced, who, in his usual happ,
vein, discussed the popular and appro
pirate theme Of American liberty to tn,
evident satisfaction Of his hearers.
Mr.. w. Z. Bower, Of Hermosa, wa
. then introduced, who. in a very elo
:, quent and forclble manner, treated tn
: subject appropriate to the occasion
). which closed this order of exercises.
The Buffalo Gap and Custer bras
bands discoursed elegant and appropri
: ate music at the close Of each address
:, which was highly appreciated by al
present.
, The archery tournament followed
which attracted considerable attention
!, and closed the order Of exercises for the
forenoon. The first prize was awarded
to Charles Wier, and the second to
Frank Walsh, both of this place.
After dinner the time was devoted to
games and sports in the order of their
announcement upon the programme of
the day, a full account of which is nee
e~ssarily excluded by reason of a lack of
space.
The match game Of base ball between
the Tin City and Buffalo Gap teams,
resulted in a victory for the Tin City's
by q score Of IL to Is.
The silver medal hung up for the best
band was captured by Buffalo Gap; the
best band in the Hills.
The bicycle contest between M.
Smith of Buffalo Gap, and T. V. Gar
lock Of this place, resulted in a collision,
and the division of the purse between
the contestants. 4
The first prize in the horse race for
the $40 purse was won by ~"Slip-away,"
owned by Chas. Stotts, Of Beulah, Wyo.,
second money by "(,ountry Grip owpaJ