The Coconino sun. [volume] (Flagstaff, Ariz.) 1891-1891, 1891-07-11
THE GLORIOUS FOURTH.
How the Day Was Observed
In Flagstaff.

In Flagstaff.
Our Nations birthday, the Fourth
OF July, is being more iitly observed as
yeais roll by than any other holiday
throughout the universe. The small
boy and the aged veteran join hands
on that day, and in the words of some
unknown poet make Rome howl, the
junior member anxiously anticipating
the discharge Of bis duties in exploding
hrecrackers and sending rockets of
colored fire heavenward, while his
senior is content with unfurling "the
old flag" and commingling with COM
rades who ''swapped chaws" with him
in the army. 1t is only few short
years since the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, which we all so dearly love
to hear read, vas signed, but as years
go by the hearts of young and old come
closer together in their affections for
the story whi.h tells of American in
dependence and freedom-suchan in
dependence and freedom as is not
known under any other Government
than that flying the stars and stripes.
Not to be behind in the forward
movement being taken by her larger
and older sister cities, Flagstaff done
herself proud on Saturday last. AS
had been announced in these columns,
grand celebration was arranged for
the occasion - and it was indeed a
grand celebration, one that our people
may well be proud Of People came
from near and far to join us, and by
Friday evening the town was over
flowing with people, every hotel nd
lodging-house being taxed to its utmost
capacity.
The morning Of the Fourth was one
of the most beautiful pen could de-
scribe, and those who were trying to
take little extra sleep in anticipation
Of being well tired out during the day,
were sadly disappointed, for at sun
rise the pealing of guns awakened the
soundest sleepers, thus notifying them
that it was time to get up and help
celebrate the glorious Fourth.
At 1890 a. m. the procession
formed on Railroad avenue, from
whence it marched to the picnic
grounds south of town, the following
being the order of procession: Coco
nino Cornet Band; Company G, N. G.
A; chariot containing Goddess of Lib
erty and thirteen young ladies; Ran
som Post, G. A. r.; citizens in car
riages and on foot.
Arriving at the grounds, the follow
ing programme was rendered: Prayer,
Rev. Norton; reading of Declaration
of Independence, Harry z. Zuck;
grafton, j. W. Ross; defamation.
'Ous Coun..,t-s Flag AL r...,i-c
Morse. w. L. Van Horn acted as
master of ceremonies.
In the afternoon the crowd had
swelled until the large grove was liter
ally alive with people, all anxious to
see the sports which took place.
The first race on the programme,
running half-mile dash. was won by
Sam Chilson's horse, Bert, with Dave
Stan6eld's Bud close second.
In the trottiug race, best two in
three, P. J. Brannens Arizona Chief
came out victorious, George Primes
Index second, and Daggs Bros Jim
+ third.
The quarter-mile running race for
saddle horses was close contest, be-
ing won by Dave Stanfeld's Fox, with
Sam Chilson's Mollie coming in for
second money.
The 250.yard dash for saddle horses
only was won by Dave Stanfeld's Fox,
with Sam Chiisou's Mollie second.
The last race Of the day called was
the l00-yard foot race, free for all, in
which there were q number Of entries;
J. O. Phelan proved the feetest of
foot and captured first money, jeff
Turner coming in second.
The baseball game between Flagstaff
and Milton mines resulted in victory
for the latter.
The next and most exciting event of
the day was the steer-tying contest, in
which there were some ten or twelve
entries The first prize was awarded
to William jackson, time 81 seconds;
second prize, AL CASTOR, time l:27;
the next best time, l:3l, was made by
j. w. Palmer. The time made by
these three men was very good, con-
sidering the start the steers were given
80 yards. 1t would surprise any
one wbU has never witnessed such an
exhibition to see how quick cowboy
can get his rope on steer, throw him,
dismount and tie him in such manner
that he cannot get up. Giving the
animal so yards start and then roping
and tying him in less than a minute is
pretty rapid work, yet better time has
often been made.
The last number on the programme
was the broncho riding, which proved
amusing as well as interesting. Some