Year: 1873

As per announcement, the celebration of the
ninety-seventh anniversary Of American Inde-
pendence, took place at the Court House
grounds in the presence of a very large, we'll
satisfied and respectable, well-behaved concorse
of people. in turning the mind back over the
celebrations that have occurred here in past
years, we can recollect of none that equaled
that of yesterday in numbers and in depth of
real, hearty enjoyment. The remark was in ev-
cry mouth, "How could the committees have so
completely provided for every desire of all pres
ent?' correspondent elsewhere mentions
the programme of literary exercises at the stand,
hence we will pass over this part of the celebra-
ton in few words.


AT half-past ten, A. NJ, the crowd assembled
in the locust grove at the north end of the
Court House, and was calledto order by Judge
B. f. Nfyres, who said:


We have assembled together for the purpose
of celebrating National Independence.
Ninety-seven years ago to-day our ancestry,
then subject. of the British Government, deem
ing themselves aggrieted by its expressions, de-
clared themselves free and Independent peo-
pIt IitN maintained themselves tnrOuGQ q
long and Bloody war of near eight years, and
finally secured their liberty by triumph over
British arms. Thus this Government was
founded and its chief strength and support
rests in the hearts and affections of its people.
Hence it is that everywhere celebrate this, our
independence day.


The remaiader of the literary exercises are
mentioned by "Stykes." The barbecued OK and
other accompaniments We're excellent and
abundant for all, and leaving poor Lo plenty of
carney to take to 'Tom's'' ranchare Dur
ing the feasting at noon a national salute was
fired. At the close of dinner the climbing of
the creased pole for the gold ring on the top
commeced, which continued with great fun and
merriment until o'clock, when Phil Martin
reached the top and received the ring. The
foot race, for boys under ten years, for 81 90,
was warmly contested by boys enough to nearly
reach across Broad Street and the prize was
won by Tom. Shay. The second boys race was
won by Bobby Burns. At this time an extra
race was run and won by Martin Schnabel, of
Newcastle. The race for IS, free to all, was al
so won by Martin Schnabel. The prize for
blindfold wheeling wheelbarrow at mark was
won by Willie Hoffman, and Richard Shay won
the wheelbarrow race and took the prize. The
sack race was warmly contested having been
run over three times, and finally the prize award
ed Richard Shay. Doc. Schnabel, of Newcas-
tie, took the prize on jumping. The creased
hog was caught after spirited race by many
boys, by of Mr. Martin, living at the
Junction. The hog was too tame and fat. They
Ohio elm-peeler.


The sweepstake horse race was nice and
closely run between the horses OF Cox and Skin
her, both from near Lincoln, the Cox horse
winning and taking the money. Two other
horses were in the race but long ways behind.
These were the main features of the evening S
fun and it was truly gratifying success to
every one present who believes that the Fourth
of July should be celebrated in fun and re-
joicing. 1t was wonderful that the vast crowd
Of ladies and gentlemen could be kept on the
public grounds, in state of high entertainment
and delightful humor from ten O'Clock III the
morning to four in the evening, and it was SO, to
the great credit of the managers At sundown
a national salute again fired. In the even
ing a splendid dance was given at the Ameri-
can Hall, the music being furnished by the
Gwynn brothers All in all it was just the right
kind Of celebration to suit us and the whole
public and will be remembered by all present
for long years hence.