Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 105, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 May 1915 — GETTING ALL READY FOR MAY DAY FETE [ARTICLE]

GETTING ALL READY FOR MAY DAY FETE

Schools Plan That First Park Celebration Shall Be Worthy the Attendance of All Patrons.

The May fete to be given by the Rensselaer schools at Milroy Park Friday afternoon of this week promises to be very interesting and the wand drills, folk dances and May pole dances all will present a scene typical of the old-time celebration. The fete is free of charge and will be held commencing at 2 o’clock, provided the day is a fair one and the weather not too cold for the participants to come out in their white dresses. The origin and history of the observation of May day is interesting. Nature is budding into new life and the spirit of gladnesses on all hands. The old Roman custom was for floral games Which started on April 28th. The first day of. May was a festal occasion in ancient as well as modern times. In England it was customary in the middle ages for all, both high and low, to gather flowers on the early morning of May day. Among the old Celtic people the occasion was called Beltein. May day is typical of spring and the breath of flowers, the rippling laughter of children and the buoyant prospects of a good cro> should unite to make this first outdoor celebration in Rensselaer enjoyed by all who see it.