The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-10-28
COLUMBUS DAY
The Four Hundredth Anniversary of
The Discovery of America Pro-
perly Celebrated
Some of the Exercises that Took Place
at the Different Schools of the
Civ

If the day that Columbus discovered
America was as beautiful ia every re-
spect as this has been it is wonder
that he ever went back to the Ole
World. Nature left nothing undone
in this section to make the 400th an
niversary of the discovery of America
a perfect day. The sun rose in splen
dor and soon dissipated the frost and
warmed the air, which was as pure
and serene as only Minnesota air car
be.
The day was quiet one in the city
The banks and postotfice were closed
and the national coloIs were displayed
at various places.
.The'day was notable one in all OF
the schools of the city. Exercises
were held appropriate to the occasion,
there was flag raising, etc. Commit
tees of Wilkin post were on hand.
There were numerous visitors.
Promptly at eight o'clock this morning
the Normal School assembled to do honor
to the memory of the countrys discoverer.
All of the students marched into the chap
ell, filling it to Its entire seating capacity.
Before the beginning of the program,
the members of the G. A. K. who were
present were invited to take seats upon
the platform. Their appearance was greet
ed by the rising of the entire school.
Two verses of Nearer My God" were
sung in a most animated style. Rev. Mr..
Marshall lead in reading the ninety-sixth
Psalm, and Rev. Mr.. Rule conducted the
prayer service. This was followed by the
chorus refrain.
President Soaring opened the meeting by
a few remarks
Columbus Day" was sung by the
school.
Columbus Day Grafton" by Mr.. Hay
don, was rendered in an emphatic man
ner
Flag of the Free" was sung by the
school, followed by reading of the "Colum-
bus Day Ode" by Miss Bertha Carpenter,
in manner deserving much credit. Fol
lowing this the school sang THE Red,
White and Blue" and of all the songs this
one came nearest being the writer's ideal
of perfectly rendered song.
The next number in the program was
alag Drill, " by the Model School. This
was very pleasing and finely executed for
children so immature. They went through
many complex movements. Some natu-
rally wondered whether they would not get
themselves mixed up; but they would un.
ravel their positions in the most pleasing
manner. No number on the program was
more earnestly applauded. The choir sang
Dear Native Land" 1t is unnecessary
to say that it exhibited high standard of
perfection.
"The Columbus Drama" came next. In
this number Miss Nora Warner person
ated the Indian maiden while Miss Fannie
Keene represented the Genius of Discov
cry. 1t was not only pleasing but inter
esting and instructive.
Lorin Cray was introduced and said that
our great land was not long since drenched
in blood, and there presents to US now the
rising clouds of a coming storm, through
which our country must be guided. The
labor trouble is that rising storm, and it re-
suppress it. 1 would suggest to you the
Suppression VI tuC u IN ioihS.
Col. Thomas, after being introduced,
concluded the program by making few
remarks. Freedom and slavery, he said,
cannot long exist together. Patriotism led
the young men to give up friends and home
to guide their country through the storm.
1t is a good thing that every school has its
flag at the mast head today and it is the
most certain proof of coming and increas-
ing patriotism AS you salute the flag af-
ter the close of my few remarks, may you
exclaim within your hearts. Dear flag you
shall never sink to earth.
The school sang Banner of the Free. "
and in an orderly manner marched from
the room to pledge anew their allegiance to
the flag and the Republic for which it
stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all.
1t was pleasant hour well spent all
present enjoyed it, and went to their homes
thinking it was good for them to be there.