Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1910-07-08
OVER 2OOO PEOPLE ATTEND 4TH
OF july CELEBRATION
FINE PROGRAM-COOL SHADE
The Grants Pass Commercial Club
Band in Attendance and Does
Good Service.

The Fourth of July celebration at
Merlin was certainly a large event
in the history of that town. The
great number of people assembled
was a surprise to everybody. They
came from nearly all parts of the
county. Grants Pass, which had q
kindly feeling toward Merlin be-
cause of its big turnout at the cele-
bration here a year ago, attended in
large numbers. Overt 500 took the
morning train from here and a good
ly number went over by the after
noon train. Others went by auto
mobiles and other conveyances.
The good people of Merlin had
made every preparation and the
celebration was pulled off in a man
ner that did credit to the citizens
committee who had the affair in
charge. 1t goes without saying that
they fully appreciate it. The large
number Of visitors came with right
good will to do their part in making
the celebration what it should be.
a grand success, which it was. There
was plenty to eat, a barbecue sup
plying a hearty meal to all who ac-
cepted the invitation to come and
eat The hotels had prepared din
ner for a large number and they
were not disappointed, while the
citizens of the place entertained
many persons at dinner and supper.
The grateful shade of a forest
which fairly surrounds the little ham
let of Merlin offered accommodation
for campers as well as shade for
those who did not care for camping
privileges. The celebration proper
and exercises connected with the
opening ceremonies were conducted
in delightful grove about two
blocks west of the main street of the
city. There was room enough for
all and If any went without a seat
II was through preference and not
because there was none to be had
1t was generally estimated that there
were from 1000 to $500 people who
attended the celebration The day
was all that could be desired, the
weather being simply delightful. The
cool breeze Of the morning continued
throughout the day and those at
tending the celebration could find
no fault with the delightful Fourth
of July Oregon climate.
The train from Grants Pass was
late and this made trouble with the
program, but the general disposition
was to make the best Of everything,
so soon after the arrival OF the train
from the south the ceremonies com
menced.
First there was a flag raising, par
ticpated IN by the Merlin Girl
guards, who were dressed in red
skirts. white waists and blue sashes.
They were armed with regular rifles,
and as they presented decidedly
military appearance were spoken of
as the Merlin Amazons. The music
for the flag raising was furnished
by the Grants Pass Commercial Club
band and, taken altogether, the rails
ing OF the stars and stripes on the
tall pole furnished specially for the
occasion was an appropriate COM
mencement for The grand Fourth of
July celebration. This first mum.
Der on the program was certainly
appreciated by all who were present.
~ouowlrv tho flag raising came
the procession, led by the band and
the Amazons. II was a handsome
turnout and followed the road lead
Ing 10 the camp ground. The large
crowd found seats around the stand
and as soon as all the visitors were
located the opening ceremonies COM
menced. Stephen jewell OF the coun-
" court offered prayer, and follow
ing this WIN. NJ. Richards, one OF
the leading merchants OF Merlin,
made the address OF welcome, which
was well received by the visitors.
The reading Of the Declaration Of
Independence by Mrs Arthur pouo-