The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1916-04-07
Big Event Is In Charge OF Local
D. A. R.; Ideas
OUTLINE OF THE PROGRAM
Certain to Be the Most Brilliant
And Spectacular Affair
Held Here
from Saturdays Daily.

rTOfn SATURDAY . DaitS'
Mankato will have one Of the
most memorable Fourth OF July
celebrations ever held in any city if
present plans of the Daughters OF
the American Revolution do not mis-
carry, and there seems to be no inz
dfcations that anything will in
terfere with the pleasurable event
in store for Mankato and surround
ing towns which are invited to fore
go their own preparation for the
Glorious day, and join in the Man
kato celebration.
At the March meeting of the
Anthony Wayne Chapter, D. A. K.
it was suggested that the organiza-
ton put on historical pageant,
which would be of value both from
an educational as well as pleasurable
standpoint, and would without doubt
be eagerly welcomed by the COM
ruunity. Plans for such pageant
were presented and were enthusiast
tically received A committee COM
posed of Mrs. c. II. Cooper, Miss
Nellie Burt, Mrs Theodore Will
Hams, and Mrs. j. r. Brandrup
was appointed to look into the mat
ter and find out what cooperation
might be expected from the Womens'
clubs and other organizations, as
we'll as citizens in general. One
member Of the committee carefully
reviewed the history of this locality
and picked out ten historical events
which seemed of special significance
as showing the development of the
city, and which would prove of value
as material to be used for a basis
upon which to plan the pageant
Upon beginning their work of in
vestigation the. committee found
everyone whom they interviewed en-
thusiastic and ready to cooperate,
expressing the opinion that such a
historical pageant would be an ex-
cellent way of reyiving the history
of the past, ard showing how the
present prosperous city of Mankato
had grown gradually from the desc
late wilderness of forest, hills and
marsh land, and although still prac-
tically in its infancy was destined
to become the leading metropolis OF
this section OF Minnesota.
Suggestions Were Made
AS the committee continued their
work of interviewing the citizens,
suggestions were made, and the prof.
ect grew and developed into greater
magnitude than was at first dreamed
of by the Daughters of the American
Revolution. 1t was decided to hold
the pageant on the Fourth-of July,
and make it truly patriotic celebra-
ton, and also Home Coming day,
when all former residents could re-
visit the city and be sure of meeting
their old friends and neighbors. 1t
was also suggested that some well
known man, and one formerly res
fdent Of Mankato, be invited to de-
liver a patriotic address on that day.
Mankato city council, both as a
body, and as separate individuals,
expressed favor of the. plan, and
offered cooperation. The council
will have, the streets decorated, will
give the use of Sibley Park, and will
erect the seats for the thousands of
spectators who are expected, and
also furnish band.
Given Hearty Support.
The advisory committee of the
Commercial club has signified its
willingness to render aid, both finan-
cially, and with the publicity work.
The womens' clubs and all organiza-
lions have received the plan for this
0t1rfh Af T,,lx
with enthusiasm and there has been
no difficulty in placing the ten
scenes which have been outlined for
the pageant, as each organization, or
group OF people have signifed their
willingness to take charge of a
scene and be responsible for it's pro-
duction.
Plans as far as developed are to
fill the day with patriotic and his
torical events as well as having d
genuine home coming for former
residents. The big doings will be
held>h Sibley Park, which is one of
the most beautiful as well as histori-
cal spots of Mankato During the
forenoon there will be nag raising.
and the Declaration of independence
will be read, and program made up
OF patriotic music, songs, and an ad-
dress by some prominent man will
be given. Early in the afternoon the
historical pageant will commence.
and the plans as outlined are as fol-
lows, subject to change upon receipt
OF good suggestions.
Recalls the Early DAYS.
Scene |, s. Original inhabitants of
this locality, a large number Of In
dams, who will be impersonated by
citizens dressed in Indian costume,
will appear on Sibley Mound before
the immense audience that will be
awaiting the pageant, and with In
dian ponies, dogs, teams, wigwams
and papooses, will interpret the life
of an Indian village.
Scene II. Coming of lie Sueur and
his nir1eeen men in 1900. lie Sueur
having heard that there were valu-
able copper deposits here came up
the Minnesota river in canoes, and
assembled the Blue Earth river, where
he built a fort and spent the winter
He mined the blue clay, held contro-
yersies with the Indians, and de-
parted the following spring, taking d
0f h0