Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1918-07-11
THE FOURTH WAS
FITTINGLY OBSERVED

The 4th of July was fittingly OBJ
served in Audubon this year. 1t
was strictly patriotic and absolutely
safe and sane. The attendance was
good and in every way, but the wea-
Their, the celebration was fully up to
the expectations of the people.
Elaborate arrangements had been
made to present a new and novel
method of decoration. This import
ant part of tho celebration was in
the hands of II. j. Halyorsen, man
ager of the Alderman Co.. store He
did splendid job and found many
eager assistants. The principal
part of the material for decoration,
of course, was bunting. Many OF
the trees in the park We're decorat-
ed, the band stand was neatly dres-
sed and the electroliers on both sides
of Broadway were covered with the
bunting. while the lighting system
in the park for evening had been
neatly arranged to make q pleasing
appearance The only thing that
spoiled the decorations w2s the rain
In the afternoon.
On the streets around the park
there were several booths where re-
freshments and lunches were served
all Of which was under the supervis-
ion and direction of the Red Cross
During the morning hours and until
shortly after dinner, the booths did
a good business, but when the rain
came, business was at a standstill
The weather was threatning and
the rain kept falling until time for
the afternoon program to begin. 1t
was deemed best to hold the speak
ing at the Presbyterian church
This was announced in the park, but
only small crowd greeted the two
speakers. DR.. Il. d. Ecklin and Rev
Rowland Hansen.
The address of welcome was given
by Mayor John Graham. Supt. NJ
NJ McIntire was president of the day
and he filled the part well. yet il was
under most trying difficulties that he
carried out the days program. Rev,
G.. b. christensen also made a short
but highly pleasing address All OF
the addresses were bubling over with
patriotism. In fact, the entire eel
ebration was of thorough patriotic
nature, much more so than we have
seen for many years past.
The evening program had also
been announced for the Presbyter-
ian church, but when nine o'clock
came only a few had gathered at
the church. 1t was finally decided
to go to the park, as the weather
was much better and a good crowd
heard Hon. H. j. Furgeson. He
made a splendid talk but aroused the
spirit of some of the preachers for
making the statement that no man
in the ministry of draft age had
ought to remain at home. He
said. when this war is over the
preacher between 81 and 80 who
did not enter the army would be red
in the face explaining to the boys
when they return home why they
(the preachers) did not shoulder
gun instead of staying home
simply because the government Of
fered them exemption on account
of their profession" The ministers
| in the audience were divided
about fifty fifty on the question.
The Audubon Concert Band was
out in their uniforms and rendered
a generous amount of patriotic
music. The boys are to be compli-
mented for their excellent work
They are doing some diligent prac.
ticing and their work Is showing
marked improvement over last year
The celebration of 1918 will &c
down in history as one Of the best
ever. OurSpeople were ready and
willing to make the necessary sacri.
fees by staying out in the rain to
hear the programs or do whatever
was expected of them. May we
have a celebration next year in
which all nations will Join.