Bridgeton pioneer., 1890-07-10
THE GLORIOUS FOURTH.
A DELIGHTFUL DAWN WHICH
TO ATE.
The q. A. R. Boys Have q Grand
Demonstration ON the
Fair Grounds.

The Fourth is over, and it seems as
if everybody did something to make
themselves and other people happy.
The day did not open auspiciouslY.
Lowering clouds lowered around an
anxious populace and the weather
wise shook their heads in any but a
re-assuring manner. The more hope
fal, however, declared that they would
not have rain, the sun would gain the
mastery finally, and the Gay could be
spent happily.
And so it'd d. About ten o'clock Cd
Sol showed his smiling face, and the
people came out wreathed in smiles,
forgetful of ali trouble and care, de
termined 20 celebrate the Hath ami
versery of the National Independence
in manner truly patriotic, with more
or less enthusiasm.
The big twelve pound cannon was
belching forth early in the morning,
and almost in a twinkling the small
boy was out, and the festive fire crack
er and toy pistol were adding some
thing to the general din. The pro-
clamation of the Mayor was highly
cultured literary effort, but to prevent
the small boy from "whooping 'er up'
on the Fourth, was dismal failure.
The people who remained in town
were many, and A. L. Robeson Post,
G.. A. R. was the only organization
that offered any attractions. But the
Fair grounds was the center of amuse-
ment and entertainment was furnished
for all. Early in the morning the To-
lanthe Band marched to the grounds,
aud then the people began pouring
through the big gates. thrown hospit-
ably open. All was life and activity
upon the groonds. Flags and gay
bunting floated their glorious colors
to the breeze, making truly patriotic
picture.
In the large exhibition rooms the
stands were stationed. James Hicks
and James Putnam we're at the en-
trance with soda water, and how the
fountain fixed and sizz!ed away. Hun
dreds of thirsty ones were about there
and the two comrades were kept more
than busy. On the other side Comrade
William Bennett with assistants, was
handing out fruit, peanuts and candies.
Buyers were plenty, and the shekels
rn11o1 in ynorrilu
Comrade John Hubbs, with corps
of helpers, was running around several
great big ice cream tubs, and they
certainly put out the frozen delicacies
in a manner which indicated excellent
business. Mrs. Broomall was kept con-
stantly busy looking after the cash
box at this busy stand Comrades
James Simpson and Charles Pierce
stood guard over the cigar counter,
and when Jim wasn't putting out the
weeds at a nickle per put, he was
drumming up a crowd, and the drums
never failed to do their work.
A big barrel of ice cold lemonade sat
near the cigar stand, and Comrade
Isaac Nixon, happy and prespiring, sat
near it. He was happy because h- was
getting money for every glass, and pre-
spring because the people kept him
constantly dipping. On the other side
of the building Comrade iona. Hustled
had Root Beer fountain, and in the
evening he was too busy to think
twice. His fountain was a good one,
and made the Post some money. Com
rade Vandegrift had charge of the
Oyster Bar, and he took in a good
deal of money for his luscious bivalves.
Raw oysters and rich stews caught
the peoples appetite, and they kept
Mr.. Vandegrift and his assistants as
busy as pipers.
Over in the big dining rooms of the
grand stand, dinner was served. The
Lacies of the g. A. r. had charge of
this important branch of business.
The ladies were tastefully and patriot
ically dressed. their aprons being OF
red, white and blue bunting. The
dinner was an excellent one. Chicken
pot pie, cold meats, vegetables, coffee,
cakes, etc., etc., were served in abund-
ance, and when the shades of night
were falling fast, and supper had been
served, all the great quantity of prov.
ender had been disposed of. Great
credit is due the ladies for their excel.
lent management Of the dinner de-
partment.
At two O'Clock, Comrade William N.
Hewitt announced in a neat intro
ductory, an Grafton by Rev. John
Handley. The oration was heard
by many. 1t was 10 every way a mas
terly effort. 1t was thoroughly Amer
lean, and filed with the American
ideas. 1t wss an address of the pres
ent. full and replete with practical
thought; something to mediate upon,
and something If lived up to would