River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1917-05-03
Patriotic Day Pro
gram A Big Success
Monster Crowds From Town and
Country Show Enthusiasm
and Loyalty
FINE PARADE is FEATURE
Hundreds March in Grand Demonstra-
ton of Patriotism

Although gotten up literally "on
the spare Of the moment" River Falls
Patriotic Day, last Friday, was one Of
the greatest demonstrations ever held
in this section Of the state, and many
visitors from other cities stated that
Of several like demonstrations wit
messed in other places, this was the
largest and best.
All Of the business places of the
city were closed at two o'clock sharp,
and a few minutes later the parade
formed on Division street and march
ed down onto Main street, going south
as far as the Journal office, thence
back on Second street to Elm and dis
banding in front Of the stand which
had been erected for the speakers.
Leading the march was G. G..
Knowles, marshal Of the day, on a
prancing charger. Following him
came Master Elmer Tubbs, leading
his little pony, Peanuts" drawing a
miniature cannon. Then came Frank
Thayer, who drew rounds of applause
in his splendid Characterization Of
"UncIe Sam" Earl Currier, with Old
Glory, led a detail of Co. c. soldiers
bearing flags Of all of the nations
with which United States is allied in
this war. The remainder of Co. c.
boys sent here followed.
The Sargent drum corps, of three
generations, perhaps brought forth
the heartiest applause of any one
feature of the parade. George Sar-
gent, ffer in the 18th Illinois Inf.
throughout the Civil War, was ac-
companied by his son, John, and the
latter'S two sons, Robert and Howard.
The G. A. r. boys, |. n. Nichols
Post, marching with display of the
same spirit in which they left years
ago to fight for their country, stirred
every breast in the great crowd with
deep feeling OF. respect and aroused
the patriotic spirit in everyone. The
W. r. c.. ladies followed the veterans
in automobiles. The Sons of Veterans
made large and conspicuous part of
the parade.
Practically every student from both
schools was in the line, making an
impressive demonstration. The Nor
NAL school band played at intervals
along the route Of march. The sem
ior class led the Normal school di-
vision, followed by the Spirit Club,
bearing a large American flag. Mrs.
Swenson's Red Cross girls, dressed in
the regulation costumes, followed the
Spirit Club. In the parade were sew
eral floats, slillfully arranged to rep
resent appropriate sentiment Gin
coin Freeing the Slaves" Farmers
Back the Soldiers" valley Forge .
Making the Stars and Stripes"
Bringing up the rear of the parade
was company Of Boy Scouts, follow
ed by long line of automobiles.
At the conclusion Of the march a
picked squad from Co. C gave a drill,
those taking part being members who
we're with the army on the Mexican
border.
Attention was then directed to the
stand which had been erected for the
speakers on Main street park. 1t was
beautifully decorated with flags and
bunting, the flags of Uncle Sans al
lies being well displayed, and the
American eagle having a prominent
place on the rostrum. Professor J. H.
Ames acted as master of ceremonies,
and after a we'll chosen address with
a prelude and resolution regarding the
County Council of Defense, which is
herewith quoted in full. Judge w. P.
Knowles was chosen as a committee
to be selected by himself for further
action on this matter.
C. n. Wiger read a communication
regarding military training and the
following committee was selected to
attend to the appointment Of officers
for this division. Mr.. Wiger, Profess
sor karges, Professor Davidson, l. 1.
Lusk and r. S. Freeman.
Mrs. C. f. King of Hudson de-
scibed and made a plea in behalf of
the Red Cross department, telling of
the work done in Hudson, and recon-
mending that River Falls get in line
at once. Rev. D. B. Spencer gave an
impromptu address covering general
subjects concerning this country's du-
ties in the present war. Other local
speakers were Rev. G. A. Bird and
Professor Lloyd Goble, both of whom
gave strong appeal to the loyalty of
the people. F. B. Jacobson of the
Minneapolis Naval Recruiting Sta
ton, gave brief address.
Hon. Frank M. Nye of Minneapolis
was to have delivered the principal
address of the day, but owing to a