The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-08-22
Soldiers, Picnic Day.

Friday was Soldiers Day at the County
Seat, and the town was befttingly attired for
the reception of her honored guests, "the
boys in blue" who came in goodly numbers
from all over the county, to participate with
their Ravenna comrades in the pleasures of
the basket picnic given under the auspices
of the Portage Battalion, composed of Mark
Horton Post, Garrettsville, Bentley Post,
Mantua A. H. Day Post, Kent, Vactor Stan
ford Post, Randolph, Douthitt Post, Edin-
burgh. Earl Millikan Post, Windham, and
David Mcintosh Post, Ravenna. Represent
atives of each of these Posts were present,
with ther families.> Mayor Cole gave the
visiting veterans and their Ravenna brethren
cordial invitation to "take the town."
which sentiment met with warm endorse
ment from the citizens, who have not for
gotten the great service rendered by the
brave men who endured the horrors and
hardships of war for the cause of a united
country and the vindication of civic liberty
and popular sovereignty. On every hand
was seen some evidence of welcome and
mark of esteem for the soldier citizens and
the cause for which they fought. The stars
and stripes waved in undulations of glory
from the steel mast in front of the Court
House, awakening generous feelings ofpride
and love for the institutions of democratic
polity on which the Republic was founded
and on which it is going forward to still
higher attainments. Business houses hon
| ored the occasion with profusion of patriotic
emblems, and the very air seemed laden with
| the spirit that took possession of every heart.
The delegations began to arrive ere the
morning had waned very far, and soon
Court House Park presented a lively scene
of animated humanity, intent on the pleas
ures and duties of the day.
| At 12 O'Clock, Philo Bierce, Captain, and
Jas Vair and T. B. Humphrey of Ravenna,
and Moses James of Freedom, members of
the gun squad, fired salute of Is guns
which awoke in grand echoes responses to
the voice of artillery, and thrilled the pulse
of the assembled auditors.
| The picnic dinner was partaken of on long
tables prepared under the foliage of the fine
naples that adorn Court House Park, a large
! company taking seats around the bounteOus
spread. After dinner the Mcintosh drum
corps took their station in the park and rem
dered in excellent time and manner several
martial selections that inspired the veterans
to enthusiastic expressions of approval. The
corps is composed of the following gentle
men, under the leadership V. f. Matthews
V. F. Matthews, George Hasbrouck, L. K.
Clements, Filters E. w. Talcott, ]. II. Will
liams, F. Thompson, and J. P Canning,
Snare drummers and Ed. Clearwater, Bass
drummer. The organization will accompany
the Battalion to the National Encampment
at Pittsburgh.
After playing few pieces the long roll
was beat, to which the veterans responded,
forming in line for the public march or pa
rade. There were about 100 men in line, the
Battalion being under command of Col. W
S. Krake Adjutant J. II. Furry acted as
| color bearer. The line OF march was on
Main street. east and west, returning to the
Park, where the speaking look place.
Department Commander Mutt, of Sidney
O., was expected to deliver the address, but
for some reason was unable to be present,
and Rev. B. F. Ashley, of this city, kindly
consented to take his place, and delivered an
earnest, entertaining and inspiring address,
of which we give the following outline
When first came to Ravenna it was as one
| DartIy determined to retire entirely from the
| clare of platform life in which | had lived for
| over thirty years. | laid down two general rules
for my conduct while enjoying the shades OF re-