Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1895-07-04
4th OF JULY IN MINERAL POINT
1895 VS.. 1850

Point there is no formal celebration,
but flags are flying from the newly
erected city staff and many other
places; the small boy, in defiance
of orders to the contrary by the COM
mon council, Il expending his nick
les and exploiting his patriotism in
the usual fire-cracker and toy pistol i;
hundreds of our people are off to
Darlington, Dodgeville, Waldwick
and other places where celebrations
in usual style are in progress; those
remaining at home are generally
observing the day in quiet way,
with family gatherings, picnic din
ners, etc.
Fourth Of July celebrations Of late
have come to have too much of a
mercenary character in the larger
towns and cities. A desire to attract
people more for the purpose of maxi
ing money out OF them then with Il
view to stir their patriotism and love
of country, is too conspicuous. Only
those who expect to realize direct
profits can be persuaded to contri-
butte to the expenses of the occasion
-and every man seems to determine
his action upon the basis OF show
much is there in 1t for me2n In the
long ago it seems TO have been diff
ferent, judged by areport Of the cele-
bration in this place in 1850, published
in the TRIBUNE that year, as follows:
"The anniversary of the birth Of
liberty was celebrated in this village
in manner that must have been
truly gratifying to all who wish to
perpetuate the memories of our fore
fathers, and instil in the minds of
the rising generation a love for the
principles of freedom and equal
rights i Notwithstanding
unfavorable weather, the procession
was large, which, headed by the
Mineral Point Band lwho did much
credit to themselves and added
greatly to the interest of the occasion)
moved to Millions Grove, under di-
rection of Chas. l.. Stephenson,
marshal, and r. S. Sprague and +. D.
Pulford assistants.
There the ceremonies consisted of
a solemn and appropriate prayer by
Rev. Jas. De Pui; reading of the
Declaration of Independence in a
very pathetic manner by Gen. VIM.
r. Smith, (whose venerable appear
ance on the stand was sufficient to
call to mind the hoary- headed vet
erans of the revolution) and an elo-
quent and patriotic address by
Francis j. Dunn, Esq; the whole en-
livened by frequent airs by the
band. The procession being REFORM
ed, marched TO the Franklin House,
where a dinner had been prepared
by Mr.. Chas. Skinner, to which
ample justice was done by hundreds
Of guests, all Of whom testify to its
excellence and abundance.
After dinner the following toasts
were read by John b. Terry, presi-
dent of the day, and drank with
much good cheer. tHere follows q
list of Is toasts, Of which the follow
ing are samples:
by Moses Nj. Strong-The Union
Ia the language OF Senator Chase,
we look upon it as we look upon the
arch of heaven without thought
that it can ever decay or fall
by John II. Vivian-The consti-
tuition of these United States-Born
under an aristocratic monarchy, we
can the better appreciate the inn
munities Of republican institutions
AT 4 o'clock p. m. the infantry Of
the place, about 800 strong, under
charge of the superintendents and
teachers of the different Sabbath
schools, formed procession, filing
nearly every street Of the town, and
with their flags, banners and mottos
made fine display. The good order
that prevailed among them was an
evidence Of the beneficent influence
of the Sunday school. After a short
march through the streets, the pro-
cession gathered around a stand,
where brief address was delivered
by Rev. De Pui, which was listened
to with much attention by the child
dren. This being ended the children
marched back TO their respective
churches and were dismissed by their
superintendents.
In the evening rich display Of
fireworks under the superintendent
of Dr. j. III. Vivian, was Witnessed
with much pleasure by large con-
course Of men, women and children,
whose frequent and long repeated
shouts Of applause gave evidence Of
the delight with which they enjoyed
the exhibition.
A bali was also held at the Frank
lin House iii the evening, where all
who take delight in such amusement
had the opportunity Of shaking the
dust from their slippers III the most
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