Weekly Arizona journal-miner., 1905-07-05

With all due Difference to the past
efforts of Fourth of July committees,
and to the many successful efforts in
the preparation of celebrations, the
electric decoration this year is so
far in advance of all past displays that
this particular feature is worthy of
especial notice. At no time since
Prescott has been county seat has
there been the same taste and the same
expense gone to as is shown this var.
The decoration of the county build
ing was exepeted to be just what it is,
and it is most attractive feature of
the evening illumination, but others
in the same line are a surprise to every
one who looked for the old-time bunt-
ing and flag idea. The first private
building to decorate with electric
lights on a big plan was the Palace,
and the outline of its front, when
shown in ineandescent globes was
pleasant surprise to all who saw it.
After placing these lights to good eff
feet a monster liberty bell made of
right, white and blue paper was sus-
pended in the front of the building ov-
er the upper porch. This was later COW
cred with mass of electric lights, and
the illumination is now second to none
in the city.
Up the street is seen beautiful star
made of differently colored lights in
front of the Star saloon. This is also
handsome work of artistic electric
decoration, and is the cause of much
comment from visitors. The Bashford-
Burmister company is in the lead, as
usual, in preparing decorations, and
their front is picture. The light eff
feets are superb, and the center piece
showing an enormous star, enclosing
the monogram of the company, is the
most attractive part of the handsome
display. The salesrodom of the Electric
light company is decorated on the ex-
terror in a novel manner, showing
mass of lights, placed to outline the
front, these lights being arranged so
that they change color at intervals, all
making a most pleasing display.
Probably. one of the most historical
features of the celebratieR is a flag pole
in front of the residence of Barney
Smith, on West Gurley street. A hand
some flag foated over this old piece
of Arizona timber, and there are few
who saw it that knew It's history.
This pole was cut by A. S. Clough, a
pioneer in 1864, during the month of
September. At the time he was chop
ping on the tree a guard of six men
stood, over him to prevent the Indians
making rush upon the man who had
the. nerve to chop down tree with hos
tile Indians all around him. 1t was
first erected in front of the old Over
land, Stage Office on Montezuma street.
There it was used as a fiagpole until
the first move was made to grade the
streets. when 1t was taken from the
earth ami laid out on the plaza. Barney
Smith. knowing the history of the old
bit of timber, finally bought it. and
planted il in front of the Cabinet sa-
loon, where it stood about one year.
Later upon improving his home on
West Gurley street. he moved it there
to serve a flagpole in front of his
home. 1t happened that the first time
he had occasion to raise the flag on
the pole after moving it was when the
news of the death of President Me-
Kinley was sent to Prescott Yester-
day this historic reminder of early
days was surmounted with a handsome
silken flag, and was one of the most
interesting of all the displays of the
national colors among those who knew
the real history Of this stick of tim
btr.
In order to save the pole in its orig
iusl state it has been necessary to wrap
a part Of it with wire, at = point where
it has rottod. but paint covers the
blemishes. and the old standard is
still good for many years service.
Supervisor Smith is justly proud of
this emblem of the olden time in
Arizona, and says he win take espe-
eial care TO Preerve it as long as pos
siHfe.