The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-07-23
THE CAMP is OPENED
Tall Boys Arrive at Their Sum-
mer Home.
THE STARS AND STRIPES RAISED
Band Played the "Star Spangled
Banner" Amid Hurrahs of Com
pany A and the Visitors.
THE STARS AND STRIPES RAISED

Sunday morning ais the Thompson
steamed up to her dock the strains Of
muse fioated across the waiter, for this
was the military event of the season and
Company A, o. N. c., with Homan's
Metropolitan band were on their way to
Camp GsarhaG't. "A number OF prominent
Astorlans Joined the parity and all were
soon landed at the railroad bridge. Here
was found a long train on the Seashore
road waiting Ito convey the soldiers to
camp. Superintendent Lester had made
all preparations Ito handle the large
crowd with dispatch and rendered every
assistance in transferring the baggage to
the train. Through the kindness of Super
inItendenIt Lee of the o. r. & N, who was
aboard THE steamer, the boat hands all
aided dn loading the large amount Of
luggage incident to the movement of so
many men bent on pleasure and recrea-
ton. 1t was also evident, from the size
and nature of the packages, that khe
boys did not intend Ito starve.
Arrived ait Gearhart park, Captain Ru-
tenic mustered mis- men in line, and pre-
ceded by THE band, marched them to
their new quarters. Many OF the men
were accompanied by the families and
friends and the camp at once took on
an aspect of busy activity. Ut was found
that Sergeant Thornton and his advance
guard had left Little to be done to make
the camp hahJtable. The first thing done
was to formally open Camp Gearhart,
which was accomplished by raising the
colorts on the Flagstaff, The entire company
gathered around, while the band played
the Star Spangled Banner. The flag was
saluted and three rousdng cheers were
given, when the business of the day COM
menced. The finishing touches were put
to Uhe camp and soon all settled down
to routine. During the afternoon gold
and silver medals were awarded to Ser
geanlt Thornton and j. M. Smith, the
winners In the recent rowing races at
Portland.
AIT O'Clock dress parade was gwen
in honor of the hundreds of visitors from
the neighbortng RESORTS and cottages. The
grounds were covered with Interesting
spectators who enjoyed the fine sight and
the stirring music. Retreat was sounded
at 7, the colors hhuled down, guards
stationed, and preparations for night
made.
During The bathing hour at noon al
most the entire company took plunge in
old ocean. Thus wal pass the days of
camp life, dr-ll and discipline, fun and
recreation. All of the members were
loud in their praise of the beautiful camp
site selected by their captain, with its
perfect parade ground, fine climate and
Interesting surroundings. Mr.. +. H.
Posey, one of the new members, recently
from the east, and who has just had
his first glimpse of the Pacific, remarked
that he was MOST agreeably surprised.
He had heard much of the beauties of
Clatsop beach, but had met with so many
disappointments elsewhere in discovering
THAT the glowing accounts of different
countries and resorts were only a de-
lus.on and snare, while the accounts
of Oregon only told hah of her great
resources and natural advantages.
The camp has the proverbial Mascot In
the shape OF beautiful black hound
while zan Edwards Dureka Colored con-
cert quartette furnishes vocal music for
the boys.
After dark in camp many amusing In
c,dents may be seen. Here a bare foot
Sticking out from under the canvas, and
there an arm or leg, reminding the
observer that the ordinary army tent is
NOT built for giants. The men of this
company are SO tall that they are Obliged
to use two blankets Tapped in order to
cover them from the cold.
AT last all is quiet, lights are out and
the deep repose which only nature can
give TO her children in natures haunts
has enveloped aid dn close embrace.
A foragng expedition was organized IN
the afternoon, under the leadership. of
Mr.. Ray of ldhe hotel. A large bucket of
CLAIMS for breakfast was quickly caught,
Sergeant Eubanks proving to be the boss
clam catcher