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ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
The Centennial Fourth of July
1776 - 1876
How it was observed in Watertown
In paying proper
tribute to the Centennial Fourth of July, Watertown in her celebration
yesterday was adequate to the important task.
The weather was all that could be desired for
the season, clear, pleasant and warm without being sultry. The day was ushered in by the ringing of
bells, firing of canons, etc. By early
morning our streets were astir, and the residents from the surrounding country
came pouring in, all anxious to witness the celebration and drink from enthusiasm
with our citizens.
Main Street presented a beautiful appearance
with its linings of green and the flags and streamers that waved in proud
defiance from the buildings. From all
the principal buildings the American flag was flying and in all parts of the
city our citizens had decked their residences with the starry emblems, thus
showing by their acts that they possessed the true spirit of the occasion and
were proud of their American citizenship. Such general tribute to the flag could not but
be interpreted as denoting undying loyalty to the nation.
At 10 o’clock a.m. the vicinity of Turner Hall
was the scene of great activity and excitement, being the point at which the
procession was to formed. After the
proper time had elapsed for getting things in order the procession formed and
was soon taking up its line of march according to the program.
The procession was the longest ever seen here,
and its arrangement was complete in all particulars. In the costuming of the different characters
presented great pains had been taken and in every instance a true delineation
was rendered. The display in the
procession of products of manufacturers was more meager than it should have
been, and Watertown could have herself more justice in this respect.
The two fire companies with their beautiful
steamers, surmounted with brilliant floral decorations, made a splendid
display, and were greatly admired. The
Phoenix boys with their Silsby machine came out in
their new and beautiful uniforms for the first time, showing a fine appearance
by the side of their gaily dressed comrades of the Pioneer Company.
After
parading the streets the procession moved up to Richard’s Grove, that
enchanting piece of woods in the southern limits of the First Ward, where the
exercises had been appointed to be held. In the grove a living mass of humanity was
gathered, fair estimates making the number of people assembled on the grounds
at from 7,000 to 8,000. The grandstand
was occupied by members of the committees, speakers, officers of the day and
singers, which latter included several hundred children from the public
schools. [ CROSS REFERENCE: Washington Park is a part of "Richard's
Grove," the picnic place of early days]
The
exercises opened with the singing of the National hymn, “Our Country Tis of
Thee,” and words cannot describe the grand effect given by this glorious hymn,
when rendered on an occasion like this by hundreds of voices mingled with
inspiring music. Next an impressive
prayer was made by Rev. Mr. Hendrickson of the Congregational Church. The declaration was read by Mr. W. H. Rohr, in
a clear and district manner, after which came singing and then the oration by
Rev. Myron W. Reed, of Milwaukee.
It would
be impossible for us to do justice to this address in any review we would give
of it, and hence we publish a good portion of it elsewhere. We will say, however, that we never saw a
speaker that rivaled the attention of a vast audience with more success than he
did. But a great deal is lost in the
oration by not hearing the words come from the lips of the speaker himself. Every word and gesture from him denotes the
true orator. The address made a deep
impression, and was received with marked satisfaction by all present.
The German
speaker from Milwaukee having failed to appear, Mr. Wm. Soubron,
of the Milwaukee Herald, was substituted at the last moment and read an
original poem in German, appropriate to the day and occasion. Mr. Soubron’s
impromptu effort aroused the enthusiasm of his hearers, and the speaker closed
amidst rounds of applause.
A
magnificent display of fireworks in the evening, surpassing in extent and
variety anything of the kind heretofore attempted here, closed the festivities
of the day.
From first
to last the celebration was a grand success, reflecting great credit on the ability,
patriotic motives and determination of all concerned in it.
Yesterday
was a proud day for Watertown, and it was shown with unerring certainty that
she possesses the right spirit and impulses when called into action. Our citizens, one and all, may well feel a
just pride in the manner the Centennial Fourth of July, the proudest day in our
history, was observed among us, and its recollections will always find a
pleasant place in our memories.
The
Watertown Republican, 05 Jul 1876
History of Watertown, Wisconsin