Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 193, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 August 1910 — FOUNTAIN PARK ASSEMBLY HAS AUSPICIOUS OPENING. [ARTICLE]

FOUNTAIN PARK ASSEMBLY HAS AUSPICIOUS OPENING.

Meeting Starts With All Cottages Occupied and Large Sunday Attendance and Fine Program. Fountain Park opened Saturday with the largest first day paid admission in the history of the park. The day was devoted* to the Sunday schools and while there were not as many of these as usual, owing doubtless to the hot and dry weather, which made travel unpleasant, the day was nevertheless a very pleasant one. The program started with music at 10:30, this was followed by short addresses and announcements by Dr. C. E. Fiske, the platform manager. More music followed and there was a general reunion of the cottagers who had been there in previous years and a getting acquainted with new occuto pants of the cottages and tertts. Before the opening of the program every one of the 55 cottages was occupied, a dozen tents had been rented, the ten rooms over the Haskell restaurant reserved and more rooms spoken for in the hotel than ever before. This produced a little city of about 300 people and as some have been cominj there for many years there was lots of talk about and much of the first day was spent visiting. Saturday afternoon the Castle Square entertainers, four young men, all splendid singers, made their appearance. They were so pleasing that many pronounced them one of the best numbers that was ever given at Fountain Park. They appeared again in the evening and both Sunday afternoon and night. The attendance Sunday was about 1,800. Sunday school was held at 9• 30 and was largely attended. Classes were organized and placed under competent instructors. Following this was the morning church service, the sermon being delivered by Dr. Madison Swadner, of Indianapolis, who has discarded church creed and labors with all churches for the cause of Jesus Christ. He related with much interest to the large audience some experiences he has had in field work in the large cities and his sermon was inspiring, as it pointed out the possibilties that surround all to brighten the world and make cheerful sad hearts.

After the adjournment following this service there was an intermission until 2:15, during which time the Visitors, many of whom were picnickers, spread their dinners beneath the generous shade of the trees. Others dined at the hotel, where meals are served at 35 cents. The which are conducted by “Sip” Haspell and Clyde Reeve, had a good business, mainly with ice cream and cream cones. There were people there from Medaryville, Monticello, Wolcott, Rensselaer, Goodland, Kentland, Fowler, Earl Park, and many other places and the two hours soon elapsed. The first thing on the program for the afternoon was the readings of Miss Sylvia Dexter, a very young but splendidly qualified elocutionist, who gave two very difficult numbers with success far beyond her years. She was liberally applauded. Dr. Fiske lectured during the next hour on the subject, “Blazing the Trail to Oregon.” He spoke historically, recounting the great hardships which the real pioneers of those early days had, who, inspired with the love of God, went forth to — establish the c"» • church of Jesus Christ on the western coast. The lives of those intrepid men, Dr. Whitney and Dr. Spauding, and their no less courageous wives, were discussed with the praise due them and the auditors given a better idea, doubtless, than many had ever had before of the hardships encountered in saving Oregon to the United States and establishing there a sturdy class of Citizenship. The Castle Square entertainers followed Dr. Fiske and the big crowd was not disappointed. They offered several numbers, musical, and kept the audience busy with applause. They are certainly of themselves worth the price of admission and it would have met faVor had their engagement been for a longer period. In the evening the same entertainers delighted a good sized audience. Monday morning, Miss Grace Lamkin organised the boys and girls club and they willkorm a part of the daily

work the remainder of the assembly. ,The Italian orchestra of Prof. Cortese will be on hand today and until Friday night. Dr. Swadner will also lecture again today and' still again Tuesday. On Tuesday evening G. A. Eldridge, an inpersonator and entertainer, will be on hand, and remain for two days. Thursday is the first big midweek day, being Dolliver, day, when the lowa senator will deliver an address at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon. His subject is not announced, but it is not improbable that he will speak from an insurgent standpoint. Every person in Jasper county should hear him. President W. I. McCullough and Secretary C. H. Peck are giving their attention to the welfare of the cottagers and visitors and Fountain Park starts off like it might enjoy a record breaking business and surpass all previous years in the accumulation of benefits accruing from a Chautauqua meeting. Fighting Parson at Ellis Theatre tonight.