The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1917-09-06
Hand Co. HOnOrS
"BOyS of 1917"
More Than Four Thousand People in Miller
For Farewell Reception

The citizens of Miller and Hand
County honored their soldier boys
Tuesday with a celebration, never be-
fore equalled in the history of this
community. 1t was a fitting farewell
on the eve of their departure for the
various training camps, where they
will begin the work Of making sol
diers for Uncle Sans army, and al
though tinged with sadness it was
pronounced a most successful cele-
bration.
Arrangements were in the hands of
volunteer committees, under the dir
ection of Miller's Commercial Club and
Mayor Halloween, and no expense or
effort was spared in their desire to
demonstrate the community's pride in
these boys, who are making every
sacrifice to answer their country's
call.
Crowds began arriving early and. at
noon it was estimated more than fouI
thousand people thronged the streets
and Court Yard Park. The boys from
Hand county, already enlisted and
.tot;onod ~ D;orro ond II,ron ANNA
in on morning trains wearing their
khaki uniforms. Red, white and blue
badges bearing the inscription Boys
of 1917" were worn by all the soldiers
and by this badge they were admitted
to everything free. The day opened
with a band concert by the Firemen's
band, following which the band led
the crowd to the Court Yard Park,
where under a large canvass, tables
were spread for the soldiers banquet
and where many others enjoyed a pic.
mic dinner about the park. A barbe-
cue dinner, under the direction of G.
NJ. Dryer, was served by Red Cross
ladies in uniform, as the Boys of
1917" lined up around the two Ions
tables and the Boys Of 81" were
seated at one smaller table, all doing
justice to a very fine meal.
The parade formed Immediately af-
ter dinner at the park grounds and
headed by Mrshall of the Day N. john
son, proceeded one block east to Main
street, thence south along Main to
First street, back on Main and return
ed to the park. Taking part in the
parade were the Miller and st. Law
renee bands, members of G. A. r.,
Spanish wal veterans, Boys of 1917,
members of the Red Cross, Ladies
Relief Corps, Fife and drum corps,
Boy Scouts, Woodman camp, A. o. U.
w. Lodge, Yeomen Lodge, Squad of
Miller Ffremen, and a complete re-
presentation of the forty-eight states
by little girls dressed in white headed
by Uncle Sam and Columbia.
DdCh at Nv pain thC SlO"u aooShi
bled around the speakers stand for a
patriotic program, which consisted of
usual national airs, band music, and
a splendid address by Judge Frank
McNulty, of Aberdeen. Following the
address Commander r. T. Sedan, In
behalf of the citizens of Hand County,
presented the new soldiers with a
beautiful flag. The gift was accepted
and unfurled by Walter. Dewey, who
was chosen to go with the first men
from Hand County and who left on
Wednesday to report for duty at FIT.
Riley, Kansas. A movie man from
Omaha was present and secured pic
lures of the parade, the crowd at the
park and individual pictures of the
soldiers which will doubtless be
shown at the local theatre in the near
future.
The Firemen's band entertained the
crowd with a second street concert
in the evening and many attended the
Red Cross Benefit entertainment at
the Opera House.
At eight o'clock the bowery dance
began and in less than an hour the
big floor was taxed to its full capa-
city with merry dancers. The paw
lion erected on Second street was
deliberately decorated in flags and
bunting and music vas furnished by
a seven piece orchestra, the dance
being conducted On the bowery plan.
The Main street and dance pavilion
were brilliant with decorative light
ing in the national colors installed by
Manager Vim. Saltmarsh and his
crew OF. electricians.
Altogether it was a big day for Miller
and Hand County and largely made
so by the cooperation of committees
and volunteer service rendered to
make the affair a success.