The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1923-10-04
Impressive $4,000 Spectacle
Surpasses All Previous
Efforts at Omaha
Festivals.
Every Detail Complete


Patriotic Historic America" Wis.
ualized in a pageant of 3S floats,
animated by many features, was
viewed yesterday afternoon by
crowd estimated at 100000 which be-
slowed enthusiastic approval.
In it's inspirational grandeur and
educational impressiveness. this s40,-
600 spectacle surpassed previous ef-
forts of the Knights of AkSar- Ben.
sBeneath bright October sunshine, the
parade moved along the arranged
route without hitch. each float re-
ceiving a share of the plaudits.
The pageant depicted epochs of
American history, from the time the
republic was Graded until President
Coolidge took the oath of office at
his fathers New England farm, early
in the morning by the light Of an oil
lamp.
Conceived by Webster.
John Lee Webster, who conceived
the idea of the pageant, worked out
the details, and served as chairman Of
the pageant committee, occupied
seat in the reviewing stand in front
of the court house. He observed every
detail and was proud to see his idea
realized. He asserted that there was
nothing he could. say that would
adequately express the praise that
should be given to those who have
worked for weeks to produce this
magnificent moving drama.
Law ftca1f n dra tin
treatment, with various picturesque
touches, many embellishments OF
color and a synchronization Of music.
The rattle Of musketry and the over
tones of the bombardment between the
Monitor and the Merrimac added
few thrills. The care with which his
<Aprical verities were observed by
.Artificer Gus Renze and his staff.
deserves much credit.
Praised by Army Officers.
Mai. Gen. George B. Duncan, who
was In the reviewing stand with Brig.
Gen. Halstead Dorey and Brig. Gen.
William Weigel, stated that the
parade exceeded his expectations.
'I wish that the parade could be
shown in every city" the general
said. II don't believe that any
parade Of its class has been better
presented
1T was wonderfully conceived and
ably executed" Governor c. w. Bryan
said Mrs. Bryan approved her hus-
bands sentiment
Senator r. B. Howell believed that
the parade impressed the minds OF
the young. As masterpiece OF
pageantry he says the production was
wonderful" Mayor J. c. Dahlman
said the parade was interesting and
educational, bringing to the minds
of all IN a vivid manner the historical
epochs of the country. General
Weigel asserted that it was one of
the finest spectacles he ever wit
messed. Carl Gray, president of the
I'nionhpacific Railroad company, and
former Congressman Charles II.
Sloan also congratulated Mr.. Webster
and the Knights Of Ak-Sar Ben for
contributing an entertainment OF
surprising worth and patriotic
object lesson of inestimable value.
Patriotic Floats.
The pageant arrived at the review
D>ine stand a few minutes after 2;3O
Tnd offered continued interest for an
hour and Is minutes. The title float
carried n large eagle whose wings
proudly moved as IL in flight. This
float was preceded by the board of
governors of the knights of Ak-Sar-
Ben on horseback. The last float.
"Columbia," symbolized the poetical
name for America. In front of this
float was q battalion of infantry, bat
terry of artillery and a battalion OF
United States cavalry. Miss Alyce
Mccormick appeared as Columbia.
"Give me liberty, or give me
destbp' Patrick Henry's immortal
declaration was recalled by the float
depicting the Boston tea party.
Civilian minute men, typical of the
period. preceded the Midnight Ride
Of paul Revere" Dragons on horse
hack were seen in connection with the
float which showed Washington tax
ing charge of the armies at Cam
bridge.
The Betsy Ross float was one OF
the fayorites. Four young women oi
the nublic school headquarters ap
peared in costumes of the period
Bertha Clausen was Betsy Ross ano
she was attended by Helen V. Lar
son. Irene Larson and Myra Reddan
Buff and blue uniforms of the colon
ial army added a picturesque touch
TO the "Declaration Of Independence,
on which appeared a group OF notapie
characterizations. A replica OF ths
Liberty bell was shown In spirit o.
70" "Washington Crossing the Dela
ware" portrayed the spirit OK ths
revolutionary heroes.
Interesting Features.
Weary soldiers moved with laboret
pfftrides in front of valley Forge
which revealed the snow-coveret
4 ground on which men fought ant
won, that the nation should endure
"Molly Pitcher, heroine of Mon
mouth" aroused applause, as she
fired n gun al the British invaders
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