Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1895-07-09
July 4th.
TWAS A GLORIOUS
DAY AT WILLMAR.

LA l. IA L. w AAxlAA1AAVs
Big Crowds, Good Program,
Lots of Enthusiasm.
Willmar does not often cele-
brate the Fourth. but when she
does, it is ON grand scale,
Thus last Thursday, as the
gray dawn in the east came steal
ing on, the guns and omnipres-
ent fire-cracker began to- roar.
Young America was in his ele-
ment. and the day being fine,
was enjoyed by all.
Early in the day teams by the
hundreds streamed in from eve-
ry point of the compass, and the
trains unloaded big crowds, so
by ten o'clock the streets were
thronged by thousands of people
from the remotest towns of the
county and from outside towns.
It also at that time become APP
parent that the business men of
Willmar were preparing grand
Industrial parade. They had
caught the genuine 4th of July
enthusiasm, and when the pa:
rade swung into line and float af-
ter float wheeled by, it proved
no tritling affair. About thirty
rigs. fixed out in every conceiva-
bic manner, manned with people
with varied costumes, exhibited
well almost every phase of our
extensive business interests.
Headed by the Benson Cornet
Band followed in regular order
the float representing the states,
the industrial parade. city, and
county officials and speaker of
the day, G. A. R. mounted, the
Norway Lake Cornet Band: Will
mar Fire Department, bicycle
riders. etc. The procession star
ted from the Court House square
and marched through the princi-
pal streets to the Park. where
the exercises of the day came off.
Elk. Lieut.. Gov. Rice, the Pres
ident of the Day, opened the pro-
gram at the park in his usual
happy manner. Alderman Cra-
mer spoke for the Council. Next
followed Hon. G. NJ. King. the
orator of the Day, with an excel
lent address. DR.. johnson spoke
shortly at the close, as the repre-
sentative of the press.
In the afternoon the various
games and races came off.
The ball game was the attrac-
tion of the crowd for a couple of
hours. The official score of the
game will be found on the third
page of this issue. Itwas a pref
ty spirited contest, ably condnc-
ted on both sides, We are
pleased to notice that the Benson
boys were so well pleased with
their visit here Notwithstanding
their defeat in the game. They
are noble lot of athletes.
We will also say that the Ben
son Band entertained US in great
shape. The committee made no
mistake in engaging them.
The Norway Lake Band also
deserve thanks for their good
services. Their white summer
dress made a snowy appearance,
and the excellence of their music
was really more than could be
expected from a country band.
The fireworks in the evening
were enjoyed by a large and ap'
preciative concourse of people.
Only one accident of a serious
nature marred the pleasure of
the Day-the fall of VIM. Sperry
caused by the breaking of one jof
the Fire Co. ladders. The escape
of Mr.. Sperry from serious inju-
~ or instant death was almost
miraculous. He sustained bad
bruise Of his left, shoulder espec-
iially, besides other minor contu.
sions. He will no doabt recover
ii 9 couple Of weeks. ........ =.
Altogether the celebration was
9 grand success Various ru.
mors about small pox circulated
il the country 9 couple Of days
before probably kept some away.