Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1905-01-05
ELEMENTS
INTERPRETED

The Mummers had very successful
parade Monday afternoon, considering
the way they were handicapped by the
elements. Notwithstanding the pleas.
ant weather of Sunday and that the
bureau had predicted a continuance OF
the same, a great change occurred DUR
ing the night. A torrent of rain was
falling in the morning, with no indica.
tions Of let up. 1t continued all day
and until late Monday night.
The enthusiasm which Mummers and
all others interested in the success of
the event had felt the day before was
somewhat lessened at the outlook.
Undaunted, however, the manage
ment prepared to do the best they
could. hoping against hope that the
storm clouds would scatter, and the
rain cease to fall by noon, at least
In that they were disappointed, as it
was raining as freely as it had at any
time since commencing. The streets
were in a deplorable condition for
! marching. Slush. mud and water pre-
vailed everywhere. They were hard
proposition to tackle viewed from ev-
cry standpoint
But there were only two ways to
overcome the obstacles. They had
either to be encountered, or the parade
called off and as the latter would have
been too great disappointment to the
many people lining the sidewalks to
witness the pageantry, the former was
decided upon. Previous to that word had
| been sent to headquarters that eight
floats would not appear in line, because
of the fabrics with which they were
trimm, d being too delicate to stand
the rain. Similar disappointing an
nouncements came from other quart
ers. The South Side delegation could
not get here, and many residing at
Berwick, Bloomsbury, Uatawisss, Mil
ton and Sunbury who expected to par
! ticipate in the parade, gave up the trip
on account of the weather. The ven-
ture in the face of all these difficulties
was finally made.
The parade formed on Market street.
at the Washington Engine house. and
moved at 80 O'Clock. The rain was
still falling, but the masqu Graders
m owed along to the music in advance
apparently as well satisfied as though
the sun was shining. The spectacle
was better than was expected, the few
in line making fine appearance and
causing much amusement to the
crowds on the sidewalks along the
route of parade.
Chief Marshal Ralph Kisner and his
aids were followed by squad of fire.
men as a guard Of honor, Then came
the Mechaniosville band, rendering a
lively rag time air for the benefit Of
the fantastic division directly in their
rear. The majority of the costumes
and make-ups of the mummers, while
amusing were not Of the unusual. 9th
the care and study the designers had
given them in order to attract special
attention. and to receive the applause
of the spectators and, perhaps, some of
the prizes offered by the committee.
The Washington Drum Corps came
next and behind it a division CON-
posed of floats and wagons, the latter
appropriately trimmed and decorated.
Among the most amusing and in
the following:
A miniature electric light plant on
float. On one side of the wagon was
the inscription: "l6 to / - on the
other "Danville Municipal Electric
Light Plant" and at the rear, Keep
your hands off the Engine and Dy-
nsmo." A tribe of Indians on horse
back and in costume and native war
paint was not only an amusing, but
an interesting feature.
A large road wagon filed with lot
of rural looking people and represent
ing delegation OF farmers coming to
town, attracted its share of attention.
Miller's junk wagon was elaborately
decorated with gum shoes, rubber
boots, rags and paper bags.
Charles Johnson in the garb Of a
hunter, gained many complimentary
remarks as he moved along the streets,
loaded with a rife and lot of game.
Two business floats were much ad-
mired. That Of the Stem Shoe Com
pany was prettily trimmed, containing
samples of the goods made by the
firm and bore the inscription: EN-
courage Home Industry"
DeloamF's Ice wagon was another
pretty turnout. 1t was appropriately
trimmed.
John Hollister personated double
man. His upright hands encased in
shoes and an imitation of head sns-
pended downward between his knees,
gave him an unique and comical ap.
paarance.
Little Donald Mcclure, the z year
old son of W. l.. Mcclure, cashier of
the First National Bank, took the role
of Ms. Chadwick and did his part
well With sstohels and plscsrds in his
hands and suspended from his person,
he informed the public who he was and
that he had in his possession cash,
bonds and mortgages to burn.
A. O. Amesbury with his hand organ
and goat attracted his share of atten-
tion.
A giraffe with neck towering high
above everything else in the parade,
attracted a lot of attention. Its pro-
pelIiDg powers were furnished by three
boys, Frank and William Baker aud
@. Lake. and it was unique adver-
tisiDg scheme devised by Oleaver, the
uop5c daulor