Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1893-07-06
A GALA FOURTH.
The Principal Attraction was at
the Tumbling Dam and the
Golden Eagles Entertain q
Great Crowd.

That sentence sums up the whole
thing. The people were pleased, there
were tons of patriotism, and the crowds
went home late at night, just a little
tired, but perfectly happy.
Bridgeton Castle, No. 13, K. g.. E.,
has often appeared before the public.
Never has the organization here un-
dertaken any thing that was not sue
cess, and Tuesdays demonstration at
the Tumbling Dam was a crowning
triumph.
When the sun dawned it was blaz-
ingly bright, and people began early
to be astir, making arrangements to
visit the splendid resort the Tumbling
Dam. Early in the morning, before
seven O'Clock picnic, parties were NOV
ing toward the resort. They went in
boats, In the naphtha launch and In
carriages. The earlier the parties ar
rived the better were the location of
the place where the day was spent.
At eight O'Clock the naphtha launch
began taking good many people up
the race.
Promptly at half past eight O'Clock
the City Band left their South Laurel
street rooms and marched, to the tune
of lively march, to the Race PaviI-
ion, followed by great concourse of
people. There the Band embarked In
large skiff and while waiting for the
launch played spirited music. A little
after nine the launch was heavily
loaded, as was also large barge that
had been built for passenger traffic,
and the skiff with the band was yet
in the rear. The little steamer gayly
pulled the tow up the race, the band
playing all the while, and the landing
at the east side of the Tumbling Dam
was made about half-past nine.
The party was welcomed by large
crowd, fully one thousand people be-
ing on the grounds that early.
All over the immense grove, the pic
mic parties were located. The small
boy and his fire cracker were every.
where. The big boy and his cannon
cracker were almost as numerous, and
the din was kept up all day.
A band stand had been erected In
the centre of the grove, and from ten
until twelve o'clock the musicians gave
delightful concert, presenting a su-
perb and well selected program.
One cannot but family imagine the
pleasures of the day. Lazily scattered
about the groves, under the DER
spreading branches were the picnic
parties, many in hammocks, others
lying prone upon the grass and still
others snugly ensconced in comfort.
able, easy chairs. The music-sweet
harmony-filled the air, falling dream.
lily upon the ears of the listener, and
the effect was most exquisite.
Refreshments were everywhere. B.
F. Horner had his root beer stands In
operation. The little house was filed
with candies, fruits and nuts, and
down on the waters edge was a big
tent where ice cream was enjoyed at
comfortable tables.
Over on the opposite shores were
herds of picnicers, and the pound
was dotted here, there and every
where with boats, the oars falling In
musical rhyme in the water, softly
propelling the gay crafts.
At twelve O'Clock, down under the
shade of two great trees, at the resi-
dence of Officer Murphy were long
tables, where dinner was served to
the multitudes. Chicken pot-pie and
roast beef, with all the accompanying
delicacies soon disappeared.
Two o'clock was approaching. The
band is mounting the stand, and soon
an overture of rare merit is most
artistically presented. Past. Chief
Charles H. Allen rises upon the plat
form. He is facing several thousands
OF people, and he announces the pro-
gram.
Miss Lizzie Shiller, an accomplished
elocutionist, with charming grace, and
in full round voice, wonderfully clear
and distinct, reads that document
drawn by Thomas Jefferson, declar-
ing III years ago that this country
was free and equal.
After selection by the Board, Post
Grand Chief William N. Hewitt ad-
dressed the multitudes concerning the
organization represented, detailing to
some extent the objects, and the work
accomplished, together with the won
derful progress of the order.
Another band selection, and Hon.
J. L. VanSyckel made the address of
the afternoon, consuming about one
hours time. The eloquent ex.Assem.
blyman was at his best, and his az
dress indicated great care in prepara-
ton, and the thoughts advanced were
of the highest type. The oratory of
the speaker was grand, and as he
closed with q more than superh peora-