Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1894-05-25

NORWEGIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY.
A Big Celebration at Hegge's Grove De-
spite the Stormy W Gather.

Thursday of last week was the first
day for nearly week that the elements
and atmosphere indicated u change. Five
days of hot scerching weather gave way
on the morning Of The 18th to damp,
cool air and mist. and by noon it was
raining on the devoted heads Of those
who had assembled at Hegge's grove to
do honor to Norwegian Independence
Day. The committee of arrangements,
consisting of Lewis Strand, Ole Hoel,
VIM. Odegaard, John Hanson and Ole
Thomodsgaard, had worked faithfully to
provide for the convenience of all who
might come. A band stand, speakers
stand, and dancing floor had been erected
by this committee and everything did
that would add to the comfort Of all.
By one oclock it was raining pretty free
ly and everything out doors was getting
soaked. Mr.. Hegge has hay loft over
his main stable, which is capable of hold
ing 1900 people, and it was decided to
celebrate there rather than give up. In
accordance with this change in the pro-
gram the celebration took place in
Hegge's grand hay hall. The committee
of arrangements transferred a good part
of the dancing floor to the hay loft and
made seats and the celebration proceeded
in grand style. Nelson'Larson, president
of the day, was unable to be present, and
J. E. Hotter was selected to preside over
the deliberations. The Normanna Brass
Band Of Norway, was present and opened
the program. Then the Grieg Society
thrilled the patriotic hearts of all present
with their songs. Hon. Lasse Bothun Of
Minnehaha, had been invited to deliver
the principal address, but asked to be
relieved of part of the responsibility, be-
cause he had been up all night previous
and worked hard getting out the first
issue of his paper, the Fremad. Rev.
Crosness of Iowa, was present and was
asked to divide the honors with Mr..
Bothun. who spoke briefly in opening.
Rev. Crogness devoted his time to a re-
view of Norwegian Independence, ard
C. B. Kennedy, who had been selected to
speak on Independence Day, which ap-
piled to this country as well as Norway.
Mr.. Kennedy covered the ground in one
Of the strongest and happiest speeches he
has delivered for some time. The cheers
of that great crowd testified their ap-
probation OF the sentiments expressed.
About 80 the main part Of the program
had been finished and those who did not
want TO remain for the evening program
4
large number of Cantonites were present.
and, Notwithstanding the rain. seemed to
enjoy themselves. Mr.. and Mrs. Hegge
did everything in their power TO make
everybody happy and comfortable, and
they succeeded. Mrs. Hegge kept an
open house and furnished a warm dinner
to hundred or more. She spared no
expense to provide refreshments for all
who would accept. There were fully
1000 people present and the utmost good
feeling prevailed. The American and
Norwegian flags were conspicuous from
temporary flag statfs. The Normanna
Brass Band did wonders by way of
furnishing music, and the Canton Grieg
Sangforenlng added to their splendid
reputation. Gilbert Satrang proved to
be the champion marksman, and Dr..
Hendrickson the most graceful dancer.
The following named gentlemen compose
the Normanna band: Prof. Indseth.
leader; H. Peterson, A. Gubbrud, Oval
Exile. Ed. Ingebretson. Carl Pedel son,
Lewis Strand, Olaf Exile, Simon Rise,
Ole Roadway, William Odegaard, Ed.
Thomodsgaard, John Hanson. Hedge
Rogness Ole Thomodsgaard. Ole Hoel,
Knute Rise, Albert Wilson. Chris Grew
los and Ole Skorheim. The boys played
Marching Through Georgia" in a way
that proved them splendid musicians.
Only for the rain the Hegge celebration
would have been one Of the finest ever
held III this county.