The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1903-07-09
Madison Celebrates.


The most successful celebration in the
history of the place, and one of the best
in the state, was held here July 4th.
The fun began at Il o'clock Friday night
by blowing the whistles and ringing the
church BELLS At sunrise the bells were
again rung for one hour.
Various estimates place the number of
strangers at from eight to ten Thousand.
The |. o. o. F. block was a mass of
bunting and many of the private resi-
dences along the route Of the parade
were tastefully decorated, as was also
the new bridge.
The best of order prevailed throughout
the day, not single arrest being made.
Soon after O'Clock the fantasies and
horribles formed on the premises of the
Great Northern Paper Co. There was
long line Of march.
Three local hits created much amuse-
ment. The first was float representing
an electric light station on which were
three dummies representing the electric
commission laid out with this inscription
over them, mot dead but sleeping
Another was a wheel barrow loaded with
ference to a recent seizure made by a
local fficer, took box of fireworks 10
charge, mistaking 1t for liquor. The
third hit was a take off on prominent
citizen Of Arson who was very active In
opposing the movement for the free
bridge.
AT ten came the principal feature Of
the day, an industrial and merchants
no or 10 yUh MIL
not be beaten Ia quality anywhere.
Nearly every business firm in town was
represented.
The team representing the dry goods
establishment of L. II. Soper & Co.,
took the second prize. The two teams
II ON the Great Northern Paper Co. took
the third prize. The three teams from
the Madison Wooden Mills took the first
prize.
The antics of trick elephant, that
appeared on Main street at various inter-
walls created much amusement. Every
team In the procession was beautifully
trimmed with flags. At noon there
was hose laying contest at the foot of
Madison street, between the two
branches Of the fire department. The
prize WAS won by the hose BOYS who
and had the water on Ia 45 seconds.
der department for the same feat was
one minute. This concluded the pro-
gram for the forenoon.
AT two O'Clock came foot race. That
was won by Mr.. VIM. Maxim, the second
by Mr.. Hubbard and the third by Mr.
John Burwood, Jr. The crowd then
m hn no hau
there was hotly contested game for a
purse of twenty-five dollars between the
local team and the Oaklands. The final
score was 4 to in favor OF the visiting
team; next came the creased pig and 1t
WAS at this point that the only hitch in
the proceedings of the whole day came.
The pig 10 spite of repeated urgings and
two trials, baked and absolutely refused
to run. At half past seven, band con-
certs were given on the lawns of the
Weston house and Hotel Hilton.
As soon as it became dark, there was
fine exhibition of fire works, which
were set off from the bluff on the east
side. of Pine street on the land of Mr..
VIM. Jones. Much credit Is due CON-
mittees for the energy and hustle shown
by them, as the first meeting to formu-
late plans was held less than three
weeks ago.
The citizens of Arson also gave hearty
cooperation as the days program was
partially to celebrate the free bridge
victory.
In the account Of the parade men,
ton should have been made of the float
from the store OF c. II. Mckenzie which
was one Of the finest of the mercantile
exhibits.