Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1899-06-22

Onawa and Nlissousi Valley teams
Erie street presented q Midway sp-
pearance last night. The gay decora-
tions and the gay and loving townfolk
mingled with each other in various
pleassntries. Staid matrons, sober
minded business men and the bewitch-
ing, enhancing and lovsble summer
girls were out enmssse. In silk waists
and skirts aud flower bedecked bon
nets, the engaging, winsomea and sylph-
like young msidens gave vent to long
pent up signs as they promensded the
crowded thoroughfare. The sisters
brother and the brothers sister made
merry with each other and the refresh
ment men were accordingly happy.
The soda fountains and the ice cream
parlors did business to standing room
only" and the men who sold extra
pale" stretched their conscience and
the kegs's contents to an amazing de.
gree. The cane man lariated good
many stray dimes and the customers
corralled but few canes. Fresh roast
ed, double-jointed Virginia peanuts
and hot, buttered popcorn were sold
in "blocks of five" for FIVE and badges,
bouquets and "all the latest songs of
the day" were consigned to the eager
purchasing element. An exuberant
stranger with high "C'' voice, from
up the creek, gave rendition of "On
the Banks of the Wabash" He got as
far as the banks where he must have
fallen in-at least the sad refrain sud-
denly ended. The Turkish hsrem
moved its attractions further down the
avenue and the man with peacock
busters moved further up. The
Noble Comedy compsny's band parad-
cd and entertained the good natured
crowd with choice musical selections
and they In turn were entertained
with choice schooners of beer. From
afar and near the man with resonant
voice and plaintive wall announced
"the star, the lucky star" and the "red
and black" and the knowing one, and
the erring one and the wondering one
still have opinions of their own about
dot little game"
The arches were brilliantly lighted
with $50 incandescent lights in each
arch, while the business houses added
extra globes to their wires, making the
streets bright and beautiful. At 10
o'clock most of the citizens were max
ing preparations for the coming day.
Seven thousand people witnessed the
6remen's parade today. Every avail
able nook, crook and corner along the
line of march was crowded to over
Gray-haired men and aged
mothers mingled with the younger
people and recalled the pleasant mem.
cries of past carnivals. The parade
was q grand success-interesting,
and of high merit. Six hum
dred flremen were In line and many
prominent and old time fire fighters
were pointed out. Thomas Ayres, of
Cedar Rapids, rode with Chief Wistler
at the head of the parade. The Vet
Grams of Council Bluffs contained men
who had fought fire back In the Cos,
whose sstep was firm and elastic, their
carriage erect and military and their
gray boards and honorable scars bore
silent testimonials of those who fought
the fire demon in days when paid
companies In the western region were
few and far between. AS they passed
along the line of march the populace
with bowed and uncovered heads
greeted them with applause of deep
and lasting quality. The advertising
man and hustling business man found
opportunity to herald their articles of
merit to the vast multitude. These
WIN oVAN WOC SOCOo 0ouO GuOAA CA
hibits very attractive. Sam Richards
man on stills was a "long-drawn.out"
affair asand Henry Blocks lager beer
saloon on wheels was q touch of the
"real old thing" A "knight of the
road" chsperoned Blocks aggregation,
using broom as baton and Jesse
James disguise upon his face.
The parade as seen from the review
ing stand came along in the following
order:
First Prize Winners--$l5O.OO
The X. p. band of Odebolt, led the
parade, dispensing superior quality
of harmonious music, followed by
Chief Wistler. city officials and board
of control in carriages. The Marion
and Cedar Rapids city officials were
also in carriages, directly in front of
the Asrshalltown company, who car