The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-04-13
CFLEBR ATION ONE or OLDEST
EVER STAGED IN AMERICA

Hopewe1l Va. April 12.-Hope-
wells first Anniversary Day promises
to be all that the committee dared
expect and far beyond the widest
dream of the originators to whom
the idea came several months ago.
The streets are a riot of color~-on
all sides the buildings are in gala
attire-ou the side streets and in the
rear of buildings, gorgeous floats are
being built for clubs, ORGANIZATIONS
and business concerns.
All of this afternoon and way on
into the night the various committees
were busy with final plans for the
day. Gangs OF men were busy ON the
streets, placing them in the best of
condition for the huge throng of Wis
itors expected tomorrow.
Crowds Already Coming
Beginning with noon today. the
crowds began to pour IN. and 10 night
had increased to large dimensions
Many toured the city in cars and on
foot gazing in wonderment at the
Magic city which had risen Phoenix
like from the ashes in four months
OF time; or, to be accurate, four
months and four days from the date
Of the big fire which laid the city in
ruins
All companies OF the Ere depart
10 receive their new uniforms. Bahe
began to arrive and make things live
~ and with the coming of nighl the
carnival company threw open its at
fractions to the public. The Hoise
of the bankers and the sound OF the
hammer blended into one long dra wn
ham which was music TO the ears
of the expectant citizens.
The celebration promises to be one
Of the oldest ever staged In America
for not only are the native sons pre-
pairing for the day, but the Greeks,
Russians. Italians, Armenians and q
dozen other nationalities represented
in Hopewel will show their strength
as well Nearly every nation viii
have a ioat Of it's own and will eel
citrate In its own peculiar way-~cos-
tunes from all parts Of the globe will
be shown in the parade, which prom
ises 10 be the grandest ever pulled off
In Virginia.
Baseball Field Day Events,
In connection with the events
planned by the athletic committee
Winn Clarks men will give exhibit
tons of long distance fungo hitting
trying for records in running to first
base and other similar stunts The
Wright-Crutchfeld Company Will do
nate the prizes.
The Greeks 81 ffdpewetl are going
tn make a greet show in the auui-
versary parade They will turn out
several thousand strong They also
will take considerable part In the
athletic events. one of the prettiest
badges being shown was gotten out
for the occasion by the Greek citizens
OF HopeWell
The button which is near the size
a. Il
Hopeweli before the fire with the
words: "Hupewell, Va April 3,
1915"
Two steamers are attached. one
bearing tbe/American colors, and one
the Greek colors. and printed thereon
are the words Hellenic Celebration.
HopeWell, va" several thousand of
these badges were distributed today.
How Parade WIN Move.
Many hundreds Of men and scores
of teams todays were kept busy until
nightfall clearing up the streets for
the parade tomorrow, which will start
in Dupont City, pass through p VII
iage. and HopeweU proper, finally end
ing at the rev baseball park at city
Point. Truly, Uopewel is in better
fix today than ever before, and the
thousands Of visitors who arrive here
tomorrow may won look with amaze
ment upon the tEopewelrs ACHE re-
merits.
Governor Stuart and large dele
cation from Richmond are expected to
arrive at O'Clock Congressman
Watson will probably arrive on the
Same train from Washington. Many
other notable persons are expected
here from various States of the Union.