The Red Cloud chief., 1896-07-10
GRANDEST
In the History Of Red Cloud.

July 4th opened up with cloudy and
threatening weather, and heavy rain fell
in some u the adjoining townships,
thereby keeping large delegations from
coming to town; nevertheless, such n
crowd at a celebration was never wit
messed before in the history OF Red
Cloud. The day turned out to be all
that could be desired. and everybody
made the most Of the occasion.
Our citizens we're aroused at an early
hour by the loud report OF anvils, and
the hiring OF large guns, mingled with
the roar OF the canno crackers.
The parade formed at ten o'clock, and
was a display u splendor IA it wendell
It's way up and down the various streets,
the band diseoursing music. Upon the
parade arriving at the court house park.
the croud was seated and called to order
by Hon. Randolph McNitt. president Of
the day. Singing 10y the Glee club and
music by the band were the first to fill
the program. after which Capt. w. G.
Henry, orator OF the day, was introduced
and entertained the audience until the
noon hour arrived. Capt. Henry is an
interesting speaker, and relates many
humorous and sentimental stories in re.
gard to the days Of 81 10 ga.
After dinner the people re. assembled
at the grounds and short speeches were
made by the Hon. Jno. Chatiin and
others. Capt. Henry again assembled to
the speakers stand aud kept the audi
ence in an uproar for an hour or more,
after which the thropg was led to the
L hiny,la tru,1r k, H. 49,, M. ...l
was entirely surrounded by interested
spectators, and the races were hotly
contested.
In the quarter mile dasb. Willie Lee
OF Bladen took first prize. and James
Maxtield OF this place second. Mr.. Lee
also captured the half milo handicap
with Maxiield again a close second
The boys race was won by Clarence
Winters. Some Of our riders flied in a
hall mile handicap TO pass away the
time. Geo, Morhart crossing the tape
first. Harry Eek, Bladen'scrack a Jack,
was in town and rode Il half mile exhibi.
ton against time, paced by Hugh Miner
and Roy TAFT on the tandem. but the
timers misunderstood the starting and
the time vac lost.
The sports on the street were hard to
conduct, on account OF the crowd, the
water fight being the only thing to keep
the street clear. George Smelser and
Henry Diederich were the ~yictors in the
water fight. This event was probably
the most interesting Of the days sports,
as it was something new to a largo ma.
jority of those who witnessed it. The
hose race was made in good time, and
was n hard fight, The foot race, greas-
ed pig, CREASED pole, etc Of course had
their usual number Of contestants.
The band gave a concert in the eve.
nng in front of their quarters, near the
iiremen's hall, from the top Of which
building the fireworks were displayed
Tho night WAS perfect; not a breath Of
air stirred to mur the beauty Of the d02.
ceiling array Of tire N the heavy rockets
cleayed the air, and the stars and sepa.
rate parts settled slowly 10 the earth
a good selection Of fireworks wns made.
and many costly pieces were preeented
to the gaze Of the spectators.
Taken altogether, the celebration was
we'll managed, and the fire boys deserve
great credit for their hard labor in pre-.
pairing for such an occasion and carving
out the program. They cleared about
300.