Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-07-04

ing all the ladies of the place in the
scheme he promised to make good any
amount that might be needed after the
other townspeople had been canvassed
for contributions.
The ladies began the work weeks he
fore the fourth. Committees were ap-
pointed. and each member was to call
upon a certain number of her friends
for contributions. One lady promised
10 contribute "a large loaf of block
cake nicely frosted for the center of
the main table, two large boiled hams
and six dozen soda biscuits" Further
more, she said she would help set the
tables and give the use of her silver
spoons and cake basket This was &
prize contribution. Another lady
whose husband had already subscribed
SO promised for the event six lOaves
of cake, six dozen biscuits and also
enough cut flowers from her garden TO
decorate the tables. She also rendered
the services of her cOachman for the
day and the use of her farm horses for
conveying the provisions to the BAN
quet grounds, grove about two miles
from the village.
Powder was purchased by the ambi-
tious politician, and the village cannon
was shot off at regular intervals during
the morning of the fourth. He also
gave small change ID the boys of the
town, and this was used to Guy pepper
mint candy and gingerbread. Fi:e-
crackers We're very expensive things
then, and few boys cared to indulge n
the luxury IF using them even if they
had the financial means.
IN the mCrniEg all the people vnO
had promised provisions had them
carried TO tie vestibule of the church,
which was used rs a depot OH that
daT The streets leading to the church
were tearuing that morning with ser
wants and housewives. all carrying
baskets filled with the good things
From the church they were carried to
the grove had been completed, and the
young ladies and young men were busy
making aud setting the rude tables
also a place for the orator of the day
The latter had been invited from a
neighboring town because of his wide
repute for eloquence. He was young
man. who wore his hair long and af-
fected an artistic Indifference to the
common affairs of life. He was also
eccentric in his dress, and in ordinary
conversation used nothing but the most
ponderOus language. He was regarded
as one Of the coming men of the day
by the community and himself.
At midday all the prepare tons at
the grove had been completed, and the
people gathered at the church for the
grand procession to the festival place
A band composed Of the young men OF
the village led the way, followed by
the three finest equipages to be had
in which sat the aged Revolutionary
heroes. The 1912 veterans marched
next. and then came all kinds Of We
hicles, from the heavy farm wagon t.
the light buggy. containing the chill
dren and the very old folks. All tho
others walked, and to the mixed time
of the band made a fine showing.
AT the grove the minister offered g
prayer, and then the ambitious poll
tician read the declaration Of indie
pendence in his finest voice. Mex
came the orator Of the day, who, Of
course, took as his theme patriotism
and the great and growing cOuntcy
Here is an example of his style. 1t re
fers to the signers:
Behold those iron-hearted mer
armed with dauntless valoT. and on
cased in a panoply that no human
force could shatter, and in readiness
fer battle, stalk boldly forward, ant
with one stroke of the pen cause vi
bration that shall only cease to be fel