The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1918-07-05


least 5000 visitors from out OF town
here to assist Lakeland in observing
the Fourth Of July.
The cars began pouring into town
early, and by 10 o'clock the streets in
every direction, and far into the resi-
dence section, were lined with ma
chimes. The streets were as crowded
as big city thoroughfare, and up
to noon every moment was filled with
interesting features staged in the
downtown section, starting with the
mammoth parade and concluding with
the sports, which were witnessed be-
tween Kentucky avenue and Tonnes
see avenue on Main street.
The big parade started from the
corner of Orange street and Kentucky
avenue, and began to move about
1918 Led by the mounted police,
the Veterans of the Civil War fol
lowed, headed by the American flag
carried by Veteran V. V. VanHuss
Two other Veterans, Messrs. Winters
and A. c. Shaffer, also walked, but
the remainder of the Veterans were
in cars.
The Battalion band, from Winter
Haven, came next in uniform, and the
splendid music made by this fine or
ganization was big feature of the
parade as well as the Battalion drill,
held in the afternoon.
Led by their band the five full cont
panies Of the Polk County Home
Guards came next, and the splendid
military appearance this fine body of
men made was an inspiring sight long
to be remembered and never forgot
ten. Made up of business and work
ing men Of all trades and profess
sions, the Home Guards stack right
up with some of the best trained army
men, and all Lakeland and Polk coun-
ty were trebly proud Of their mill
tary organizations, which, when unit
ed into one large marching body, COM
pose an organization for which there
is entertained the deepest respect. All
along the line the men were given
enthusiastic "hands" and they were
made to feel that the time and energy
they spend in perfecting themselves
to protect the lives and homes of the
county, is deeply appreciated by the
people.
The Kaiser in chains was feature
which took" big with the crowds, and
which was a feature of the Knights o.
Pythias contingent Jack Scarlet was
the Kaiser and he acted and looked
the part, carrying out the idea in
tended in a most excellent manner
He was guarded by G. g. Fletcher,
who was in Home Guard uniform.
About twenty-five automobiles filled
with charming Red Cross workers,
representing all the Red Cross Chap
tiers in the county, the ladies all be-
ing in Red Cross uniform, came next
and they certainly made beautiful
and inspiring sight. The great work
the women are doing was impressive
" brought to the attention of the
throngs when they viewed car after
car of earnest women, each proud OF
the part she is able to play in the
war work at home, and with this
splendid example of patriotic en-
deavor before them, 1t is safe to say
that hundreds of women who have
never before aided in this work,
were inspired yesterday to go to the
Red Cross rooms Immediately and
ask to be put to work.
The City Officials we're next in line
followed by the Lakeland Band
which made an excellent showing
After the parade the local band
played in the Band stand the greater
part of the day, thus enlivening the
occasion and furnishing excellent
music for the thousands who spent
the day in and around the Park.
The Rebekahs in cars, followed by
the Odd Fellows, marching sixty
strong. came next and this organiza'
ton certainly made a showing OF
which every member had right to
be proud.
The Woodmen and the Woodmen
Circle also made an excellent show
ing. This contingent was followed
by Mr.. o. NJ. Eaton's car, decorated
in the Elks colors, and driven by Mr.
Eaton. This car was filled with Elks
and they carried the Elks' service
flag, which holds over so stars and
also the American flag. Another
beautiful feature of the Elks contin
gent was Mrs. W. S. Twins car
which was decorated in pure white