Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1919-08-07
Grand Rapids People Spare Nothing In Giving
Them Cordial Welcome and Good Time
During Home Coming Period
THE HISTORICAL AND EDUCATIONAL PARADE
FINEST EVER PUT ON IN GRAND RAPIDS

possibly could be- None were poor,
and most of them perfect. Excellent
taste and judgment were used in their
preparation. Many compliments were
extended
A large number of visitors were in
the city from outside on both days,
but on Thursday the streets were
crowded the entire length of the pa
rade.
Chief of Police R. S. Payne and his
able corps of assistants are entitled to
great credit for the able manner in
which they handled and guided The
large crowds, on foot and in automo-
biles, so there was not single acci-
dent occurred or took place during the
two days. The order and conduct of
the people was creditable and no ar
rest was necessary during the home
coming.
Credit for the historical floats and
other beautiful features must go to
the women of the city, who aided in
the decoration scheme. The Historical
Pageant was planned by Miss Anina
DAILY and a committee composed of
Mrs. |. P. Witter, Mrs. John Far
rish and Mrs. VIM. Kellogg. Mrs.
John Parrish designed all of the
floats in this portion of the parade.
The Pageant was put on by the fol-
lowing Womens' Clubs:
| The Discovery of America, The Wo-
mans Club. p
Planting the Cross on American Soil
Catholic Order of Lady Forestcrs
The Spirit of the Wilderness Meth
odist Aid Societies.
The Landing of the Pilgrims-Con-
gregational Church Association.
Washington and the Thirteen Col
onies-Entre Nous Club.
The Veterans of '65-Ladies Relief
Corps.
Uncle Sam and the Goddess Of Lib
erty-Travel Glass.
America in the Wolrd War-Ladies
Federation.
Peace-Tuesday Club.
Swimming Pool Float
One of the best and most unique
| floats in line was the swimming pool
float. 1t represented swimming
tpool high dive, teeter-totter, sand
beach, Sun, Moon and all. Miss Mau-
rine butcher, represented Annette
Kellerman, Miss Florence Weeks,
Mabel Normand and Miss Florence
Matthews, Bebe Daniels and Hubert
Stark, Douglas Fairbanks. A pump
concealed under the drivers seat
constantly sprayed the bathers with
water and the two latter girls see
sawed up and down on the board
first one and then the other being
ducked under. 1t was easily the hit
of the parade.
Banquet and Dance in Armory.
On Wednesday evening a banquet
was served to the Soldiers, Sailors and
Marines and 750 covers were laid. The
ladies of Grand Rapids served the BAN
quet and nothing was left undone or
lacking in the service or viands. The
tables were decorated and the hall well
electric lighted and decorated. The
soldier boys appeared in full unifot tm
and made fine appearance. They
did full justice to the meal and paid
the ladies many compliments for it's
eXcellency and taste. The following
menu was served:
Roast Pork
Mashed Potatoes with gravy
French Peas
Parker House Rolls Pickles
Ice Cream Cake Coffee
Cigarettes
Armory Dance
On account of the rain Wednesday
it was impossible to dance on the
paving and the dancing was staged
in the armory, with the Grand Rap.
ids band furnishing the music.
K C's. Retain Army Record.
During the two days the K. of c
: lodge ran canteen near the wes
end of the bridge and nearly 100 gal
Ions of lemonade and more than Loo
cigarettes were given away to servic,
men. All service men were fed fre,
of charge at the Armory Thursda.
e noon, it being decided to do this a
: the restaurants in the city had NOR
$ business than they could handle. Al