The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-09-03
IN QUEER TRAPPINcs.
Silent Steeds, Caliy Decorated, Seen
on Portland's Streets.
The Annual Lantern Parade OF INC
Local WheeI Clubs.

4 IN
al d,snIovad in various unique and curious
taeh,ons On bIcycles of all sizes and makes.
oouhIned to form most interesting specta-
ole last evening. 1t was the annual lantern
| narade of wheelmen. and 1t was, as usual,
complete success. While there lacked few
of being quite as many wheels in line as last
year, there were more elaborate and novel
features In the procession,
The streets were crowded with people, par
tlcularly around the club house, as the hour
for starting approached. There was OF
course the usual-more, If anything, -hum-
Der of young boys circulating around, and
their comments were anything but inspiring
at times. The crowd congregated far more
rapidly than did the decorated wheels, as
was of course to be expected, but when the
procession started there were sixty or more
bicycles in line. The club house was finely
decorated with flags and lanterns. High
street was lined with people as the machines
moved across Congress street and down
toward Cumberland.
Among the fine displays may be mentioned
the Man in the Moon" design of Wallace
Robinson. The rider sat In the hollow of
the new moon, and over his head hung the
point of the crescent. from which was sus-
pended star and lanterns The whole was
covered with tlnsel.
John G. Stevens propelled what might be
called "high-roller." windmill, or a cir
cular saw; he stated that 1t had not been
named. and before the procession had pro-
ceeded far the whole affair lost its identity
and want n cn1aHn mo nufortuuato
for the design was most original
Harry Stevens rode beneath 3 mammoth
umbrella. from every point of which lanterns
were hanging. Perhaps he thought 1t might
rain. as It so often does when the wheelmen
set out TO have a good time.
Another feature was the kicking donkey,
which young Mr.. Hudson handled with the
skill of jockey, maintaining his balance
like veteran. never once losing his seat.
FL. b. Hart had his Eagle dressed up to
look like sunfower, and the representation
was quite natural, too.
Walter Griffin steered his yacht design over
the course with all the skill of an "old SALT"
as did likewise Johnnie Kilborn, who was
captain OF more pretentlous craft-that is.
he called 1t ship. 4e.
II. r. Merrill rugged his machine up to
represent kite, but the wind never once
took him off the ground, although the design
was SO good that people knew at once what
it was.
W. w. Jordan futtered around with his
butterfly.
NJ E. Dunlap was another man who was
navigating a ship, and worthy one 1t was,
too.
A. Southworth had an arch of lanterns cir
cling over bis head, making pleasing sight.
Charles Dyer had his wheel prettily fixed
up with flowers, as did also P. T. Tucker,
the latter wearing tall. white campaign hat
and looking every inch politician.
Up near the front was w. 81. Buxton, who
wore mask and dressed otherwise as a
clown. with rags pending not only from his
clothes, but all parts of the spokes of the
wheel as well. He rode an ordinary, and
had to take considerable chatting from the
crowd; but that was just what he de-
sired
Along the route were many fine illumina-
lions. Dr. Foster, John F. Rand and A. d.
Sweetsir Illuminated. James Day, on Cum
berland street. gave fine display of fire.
works; Messrs. Calderwood and York on
North street. hung out lanterns; the gongs
In the engine house on the hill were sounded
as the wheels went by; Murphy Brothers
sent up lot Of fireworks; DIR. Palmer, H.
Illuminated. F. T. Merrill & Co., Federal
street. displayed much red fire; Col.
Smith. Deering street. Mr.. John e. Dewitt
and others Illuminated; Mr.. Prince on Con-
gress street, lii up the surroundings to a lur-
Id color; W. S. Eaton and Geo. G. Shaw IL
Illuminated, as did DR.. Weeks L. A. Cloudy
decorated his residence splendIdly with Lam
terms and flags and displayed fireworks pro-
fusely. John Calvin Stevens's house looked
we'll in Its lantern decoration, as did also
Lawyer Frank Woodman's residence on
Thomas street. VIM Stevens, State street.
displayed lanterns.
Mr.. +. M. Brown 0fficiated as captain of |
the parade and acquitted himself with honor. |
But the success Of the affair is largely do to
the energetic efforts of the joint committee
from the Wheel Club aud Pine Tree Wheel |
men. of which Mr.. E. z. futile was the
chief and moving spirit MIR. Swasey in
team 10 advance occasionally sounded the
bugle call, while red fire was displayed from
the same team by Mr.. Tuttle.
The difficulty Of keeping the lanterns
lighted, with all the shaking which a bicy-
Gle impsrts. is serious obstacle to glitter
ing display, but as whole the lanterns re-
NAMED Illuminated very we'll last evening.
The judges as to the prize winners were
Messrs. G. W. Merton, W. Q. Emerson and
Robert Rexdale. They did not make public
their decision last evening. 1t is under
stood, however, that they unanimously
awarded the first prize for the best decorated
safety to Mr.. Stevens, taking their observa-
lions when the procession started. Whether
the fact that Mr.. Stevevn's display was
burned before he had proceeded over much
Of the route will cause any change of decis-
ion could not be learned. Many favorable
were made regarding Mr.. Robin
sons design. The first prize for safety was
a fine watch chain, presented by F. L. Mer-
rill & Co.; second prize. a luggage carrier
given by 81. w. McCausland; first prize or
1inary, pair of opera glasses, donated by
E. futile; second prize, bicycle horn,
given by Mr. McCausland.