Smyrna times., 1897-07-07
A GLORIOUS FOURTH.
The Great Natal Day Celebrated in
Smyrna With Brilliant Success
Before 5000 people.


Before 5000 people.
A Splendid Parade Nearly Mile Long
Patriotic Speeches Magnificent
Fireworks.
Monday was a red letter day in
Smyrna. From the time the great
natal day was ushered in by the peal
ing of church bells, until the last rock
ct was shot into the heavens and de-
scended in beautiful pyrOtechnic dis
play of falling stars, the one theme of
thousands of people was patriotism.
Enthusiasm ran high and the celebra-
ton for this reason, possibly eclisped
that of any ever given in Smyrna
Early in the morning, the small boy
and his shooting cracker was in evil
vence. "Old Glory" was proudly un-
furled to the breeze and most every
residence and business place was drap-
edand festOOned with bunting and flags,
that in many instances made rich
display. We could not give too much
praise for this decorative art, nor
could we give special mention of any
particular street. Suffice it to be said
that the people responded earnestly to
the request of the executive committee
and fairly wrapped the town in stars
and stripes. 1t was glorious Fourth.
The day though ushered in hot and
sultry, was not so murkey after the fog
lifted, but the calOric rays of cold Sol"
streamed down the whole day on a
surging, seething mass of humanity
that filled our streets to the number of
five OF six thousand people. 1t seemed
they came from every part of the State
and the Eastern Shore. Vehicle after
vehicle of all shades and description
made Smyrna their objective point
The P. W. & B. railroad brought hun
dreds to town. Dover, Middletown,
Clayton, Cheswold, and Kenton were
more largely represented, while in ad-
ditiOn to these, the cOlOred Odd Eel
fows drew large delegations from this
vicinity, Newark and Chestertown, Md.
The parade formed at 10 O'Clock in
the morning under the charge of Chief
Marshal George H. Dick. The rendez-
vOus was "Spruance City" The bi-
cycles led the line, about hundred
and fifty in number, with beautifully
| decorated wheels. Following them
came the North East, Nd. Band. The
Junior Order United American Me-
chanics, knights of Golden Eagles
Grand Army Post, Hose Company and
the diff ferent Temperance and Benevo
lent organizations of the town. Oul
Hose Company especially attracted con
sidattentiOn in their white duel
trousers and splendid equipment.
The eqestrian part of the parad,
was prominent as well as the differen
temperance organizations who made
good showing. The ludicrous side o
the parade was seen in the grotesqu,
costume of the Mogullians, who elici
ted applause along all the line. Eacl
member was masked representing citi
zens of every nationality. The blacl
comedians also offered much amuse
ment.
The course of the parade was as fol
lows: From "Spruance City" dOwl
Commerce street to East, to South, t
to Main, to Lake Como, countermarc
to Frazier, to Delaware, South, t
Union, to Mt. Vernon, to Delaware
to Commerce, to Market, to Mt, Vel
non, to Church, to North, to Main, t
South to School House Campus
There the parade disbanded.
Prof. Charles Howell LeFevre thel
read the Declaration of independent
in a clear distinct voice. There ha
been erected a speakers stand in froI
2 of the school house which the King
r Daughters wrapped and shrOuded wit
? "Old glory" Extending from IL
: speakers chair to the street, seats 0
: the camp-meeting style were built fC
the accommodation of the listeners, viii
, all around the campus, stretched frOl
c tree to tree, were miniature flags an
bunting, that presented a beautiful e
feet.