The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-07-01
Structure Is Dedicated to Two
Famous Explorers Who
Made Their Way Through
That Territory More Than
100 Years Ago-Pageant Is
Presented

Williston, N. D., July 1.-R)--
Dedicated to the memory of Lewis
and Clark, intrepid explorers Of more
than century ago, the quarter mile
long Memorial Bridge across the
Missouri. .Eivet, linking .NillieMs aud
Mckenzie counties, was opened to
traffic here today.
Festivities started last night with
banquet for all who were to partic-
ipate in the ceremonies.
Dedication of the bridge to the
memory of the two explorers took on
an added significance from the
presence of the closest living rela-
tives of one. Dr.. Meriwether Lewis
Anderson and his daughter, Sarah
Of Richmond, Va, the former a great
great nephew Of Captain Meriwether
Lewis, were prcseat for the opening
ceremonies this morning.
Among speakers who Joined in
praising the initiative of those whose
efforts resulted in the building Of
the structure were Governor A. G.
Sorlie, Ralph Budd, president Of the
Great. Northern railway, and Mr.. An
derson.
Following the addresses the bridge
was dedicated Lewis and Clark" by
representatives Of the two counties
Miss Mckenzie" and miss Willis
ton"
Pageant Presented
This afternoon historical pag
cant, reviewing events from the days
when Lewis and Clark made thei,
way through this territory more than
100 years ago, was presented. The
play will be repeated tonight, with
a huge display Of pyrotechnics. More
than 500 persons are included in the
cast.
The pageant this afternoon opened
with an address Of welcome by "Miss
Williston" with the response mad
by "Miss Columbia" who was accom-
panied by 48 girls representing eacl
state in the union.
Depicting life in this section be
fore the coming of man; then tn
pioneer settlers and their trails; tn
trappers, followed by Lewis am
Clark, with their pack horses; trad
ling and making treaties with tn
Indians, the pageant closed with
masque which showed the Unite'
States as the melting pot Of the ma
tions.
Prominent Men Attend
Many prominent speakers are tax
ing part in the celebration, which viii
continue through Saturday. Anon
:, them are Fred Eckert, former stat
representative Of Williams count!
who introduced the bill providing a
appropriation for the bridge; State
Attorney ]. S. Taylor Of McKenzi
county; Senator G. L. Bakken; Rob
ert Byrne, secretary Of state; r.
Torrey Of Washington, D. c., nationa
field secretary Of the national con
ference on state parks, and Congress
| man J. H. Sinclair.
President Coolidge, who was in
lvited to attend the celebration sen
the following letter, which was rea
during the dedication exercises:
1T was most kind Of you to ex
tend an invitation to me to be pres
ent at the dedication of the Levi
and Clark bridge. and ! want to ex
press to you and to the people o
Williston, my thanks. It will be i'm
possible for me, to be with you Of
this occasion, but I am none the les
appreciative Of your thought of m
to be with you and Of the cordia
welcome which you extend"
The bridge is l,423 feet long an.
entirely Of steel construction. Worl
was begun August Is, 1926. Tn
total cost was nearly $7OO,O