The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1905-07-13
A Pleasant Country Celebration.

A Pleasant Country Celebration.
The neighborhood celebration held at
j. +. Garber's on the Fourth was glor-
ious success in every particular and
will long be remembered by those pres
ent as "the Fourth when we had such
good time," for all agreed that for a
good jolly time it surpassed any big
blow out" they ever attended on the
anniversary of our Independence. At
ll:3OSthe exercises of the day commenc-
ed with grand parade which was head
ed by two country greenhorns, followed
by Uncle Sam and the Goddess of Liber-
ty in one horse shay; two squaws
with papooses strapped on their backs
were followed by the camel (owned by
Glenn Petticord hitched to chariot
with man seated in the back leading
the lost sheep. Another feature was
the clowns automobubble. The pro-
pelllng force was white horse with
the rider standing on it's back, hitched
to the back of the machine. At the
last, instead of the first as is customary.
came the three elephants driven by the
three marshals on mounted steeds.
When the parade was over the ele-
phants hunted up their goslings and re-
turned to their duty of caring for them.
The crowd went to the field north of
the house to witness some expert shoot
ing. Soon came the dinner hour, the
most expressive hour of the day. All
present, over 125, repaired to the din
ing room, which was under large can
| vass in the front yard, and were seated
at two long tables prepared for the oc-
casion and partook of feast of good
things which the ladies, with the assist
ance OF their husbands, know so we'll
how to prepare. When all had eaten
until they could eat no more, there
were about twelve basketsful remain
ing. We were then entertained with
fine literary program consisting of pat
riotic songs, and addresses by Sister
Gibbons, j. F. CARRIER and John Elliott.
Some splendid recitations were render
ed by goodly number of children and
young people. ]. F. CARRIER delivered a
very appropriate welcome address after
which all joined in singing the good old
song America" A special word Of
praise is due Mrs. Frank Lewis, Miss
Lucy CARRIER and Miss Hazel John.
Their recitations were very good and
their oratory fine. After the literary
exercises the contests and races were
enjoyed by both old and young. Purses
OF five to twenty-five cents were made
up for the lucky winners. Every one
did his best but of course some werS
doomed to disappointment. Special
mention should be made of the fat mans
race and the sack race. The contest
ants were Mr.. Elliott and Abe McyeyI
Mr.. Elliott winning both races. Abe
could not hope to win out with an ath- 4
letic man like John. The ladies did
some good sprinting, Mrs. D. Davis
carrying of the prize. Every one knows
OF Glenn Petticords athletic qualities
and were not surprised when he came
out leading man in most of the contests.
The children's races were enjoyed by
all, the winners feeling justly proud Of
their honors. Much praise is due the
marshals for the way they kept the
ball rolling for a good time all day.
Soon we began to realize that the day
was far spent and all went home with
out that tired feeling which usually
accompanies one after celebrating the
Fourth. Many thanks are due Mr.. and
Mrs. CARRIER and those who assisted in
making the day enjoyable for all. ~