Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1902-06-19
VETS HAVE A
JOLLY SESSION
Bloomington Reunion a Big
Success in Every Detail.
RAIN SPOILS ONE DAY
Officers Chosen in Associations for Next
Year. CarupfireS, Speeches, Parade
and Sports Entertain Visitors

many OF the reunion plans al DlOOm-
| ington, but there were 100 of the old
| soldiers in attendance, and they re-
port good time and royal enter
tainment at the hands of the hospita-
b people of that village.
Gorgeous decorations were arranged
but the showers of Wednesday and
Thursday nights spoiled so much
bunting that the people became some
what discouraged.
Thursday afternoon was devoted to
an address, of welcome by Mayor
Frazier, response by Hon. A. R.
Bushnell, short addresses, music by
choir and Langstadt's celebrated band
of Lacrosse. A heavy storm filled in
the space between afternoon and eve
ming, but stopped in time to allow the
band to give an enjoyable concert on
the street.
The evening exercises were in the
hall. They consisted of music, reci-
tations and remarks by a few OF the
veterans. Here, as elsewhere. the
music by the band was a pleasing
feature. The speaking by the chill
dren was especially fine. Blooming
ton is proud of her child speakers.
The city hall was crowded, yet the
attention was first class.
Friday dawued fair, and hasty prep
arations were made to carry out the
program, which had been partly
abandoned on account of rain. The
parade was little late in starting,
but when it did appear it was pleas
ing spectacle.
First in order was Mayor Frazier
and President Ivey of the association,
followed by Rev. Schoenfeld with
Amos P. Wilder, orator of the day.
Then came Langstadt's band, leading
the long line of veterans. 1t is an
inspiring sight to see the old boys.
still firm of step, marking off time
to the martial music. The rear was
carefully guarded by the now-and-
former Hayden Summer drum corps.
Then came Chinese outfit. Follow
ing this was grand float carrying
Knights of Pythias in glittering arm
or, led by Sir Knight on horseback.
Geo. Humphreys wagon then ap-
peared hauled by the little horse.
Then came fine float carrying the
Rathbone Sisters, followed by the
Lance Music store wagon. Thence a
tribe of bowling Indians. menagerie,
citizens carriage, Ludden & Co. IS
wagon. company of gentlemen on
horseback, a splendid float carrying
representatives of the order of the
Eastern Star in full costume, glitter
ing Roman chariot, large float of Roy
al Neighbors in their pretty costumes,
delegation of Filipinos in native cos
tune, and last, wagon carrying a
big log guarded by Modern Woodmen.
This parade was considered success
by all who witnessed it.
The feature of the day at the grounds
was the address by Amos P. Wilder of
Madison. This speech was one of the
finest ever listened to in this section.
Mr.. Wilder dwelt at length on the
magnificent service rendered the I'm
ion in it's darkest hours by Grant
county and Wisconsin generally.
The sterling character of the Wiscon-
sin soldier was registered on nearly
every bloody field of the south. Mr..
Wilder also dwelt for considerable
space on present day questions. He
decried the improper use of money in
politics, society and education. The
individual who measures success SIM
ply by the amount of money acquired,
regardless of character, is failure
and a menace to society. Looking at
present conditions through optimistic
eyes he saw many indications of ad-
vancement in moral as we'll as ma
terial sense. Never was there time
when people took such an interest in
the welfare of neighbors. With
language shining like FURNISHED sill
yer the orator held the large outdoor
meeting spell-bound for an hour. The
listeners, one and all were greatly
charmed with his scholarly Grafton
and the entertaining manner in which
it was delivered.
Music and several short addresses
filed the time until noon.
After dinner the society held its
business meeting and took up a couple
of valuable hours. The boys should
choose some other hour in which to
transact business, when they are by
themselves.
The time and place for holding the
next reunion was left to the executive