Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1895-07-12
AT THE MOUTH OF BEAVER.

AT THE MOUTH OF BEAVER.
Up to noon it looked as though there
was not going to be much of crowd
present but, soon after midday, people
began to arrive, and by the time the races
commenced over 200 people, big and lit
tie, were counted. Those who had not
visited the mouth OF Beaver this year
were astonished at the improvements
that had been made by Mr.. N. X. Shor.
man, on whose grounds the celebration
was held. In his dwelling there is a large
front room--large enough to be termed a
hall-with strong, smooth floor. and
"the hall'' is highly appreciated by the
young folks and others who enjoy the
pleasures of the mazy dance. Opposite
the dwelling, on the other side of Beaver,
there is a level, tlmbered plot around
which the creek curves. All the under
brush has been grubbed out and removed,
and foot-bridge has been built from
bank to bank. In this grove, under the
shadow of the trees, large and firm
platform has been built, and here the
dancers kept time to good music fur.
nlshed by George Whalen and Geo. Car.
many. who also played for the house
dance at night. Notwithstanding the
heat in the sunshine, it was comparatively
cool and pleasant in the grove.
During the afternoon much amusement
was created by the appearance of a raga.
muffin squad. who marched through the
grove and Joined in the dance. Then one
Of them, Miss Lucinda Washington Caesar
Ponnaff onforfo,pSrnp I,tH
the refrain of which was whoa, Mule !!
Along in the shank of the afternoon
the people adjourned to the race track
about half mile from the grove. And
here, again, those who had not been q,
Shorman's for some time were much sur
prlsed, for they saw before them a half
mile course that would do credit to 8
good.slzed town. It is q little oblong IN
shape, the sod having been removed and
banked up on each side, and there is d
well.built elevated judges stand, with 6
small room underneath for the sale OF
lemonade and cigars.
Sheriff Shier and Messrs. W. A, Patter
son and w. E. Petrie were, chosen as
judges, and the trottinE race, one mile,
best two in three heats, was called. The
entries were F. Z. Walkers black stallion
Tempter s. and L. E. Pierce's bay stallion
Clinker, Jr. The first heat was taken by
Clinker, Jr.; the second by Tempter s.
the third by Tempter s., but 1t was or
dered to be run over, as both horses were
galloping when they finished the heat
and the fourth heat and the race were
won by Tempter 8.
Next was free.for.all running race,
half-mile heats, two in three There were
five entries, and Billy Knox, ridden by
Rornnv Rpprhono in xun Of uht
heats.
Then came the pony race, quarter mile,
best two in three, with four entities.
Billy Knox won the first heat and the
next two heats were taken by Minnie,
ridden by Willie Lee.
The decisions of the judges gave entire
satisfaction, and there was not sem
blance of a contention or squabble of any
kind--an unusual thing IN Fourth of July
horse races, so far, in Emmons county.
At night there was dance in the Shor.
man residence, and q good.sized crowd
all that the hall would comfortably hold
enjoyed themselves until the break OF
day.
It was the unanimous voice of all who
took part in the celebration that Emmons
county now has, within a few hours ride
of all parts of the county, beautiful
place for picnics and celebrations-with
the cool and shady grove on level ground
cleared of underbrush, the creek where
those who like boat-ridlng can enjoy
themselves, the permanent dancing
platform in the wood, the roomy house
near by, and the well-kept circular race
course not far away. And picnics and
celebrations gotten up by anybody will
be given free use of the grounds.