Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 157, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 July 1915 — PARR CELEBRATED THE NATAL DAY [ARTICLE]

PARR CELEBRATED THE NATAL DAY

Between Two and Three Thousand Gathered There Saturday and Had a Jolly Good Time. Parr had almost the largest crowd in its history last Saturday, when the glorious natal day was observed with band music, ball game, races and kindred events. It was a jolly crowd and all went well. The stands did only a fair business, owing to the fact that the weather was a trifle too cool for sodas, lemonade and ice cream. Rensselaer won the ball game by the score of 8 to 2. Estel Myers, formerly of Parr but now of Chicago Heights,. returned to win the 100yard dash. His father, who is hustling 60, won the old-man’s race, distancing Merriman Tudor and others. The pillow fight proved such a success that it was repeated several times. A contest that attracted much attention was a wheat binding contest. Since the introduction of the self-binders this is almost a forgotten art and many young fellows were unable to do the double band tie. Steve Brusnahan and John E. Alter, however, issued a challenge to all comers and had no difficulty in defeating them. It was a pleasant reminder of the old days and enjoyed especially by the older persons who attended the celebration. Edward P. Honan made a fine speech. He was followed by John E. Alter, who in his humorous manner kept all in fine spirits and several said his speech was the best they had ever heard him make. B. D. Comer also spoke in an appropriate manner. His remarks were filled with patriotism and all who heard him reaffirmed their faith in Old Glory. Baby racks and shooting gallery made up the other attractions and all went merrily. In the early morning L. A. Harmon, who was deputized as a sheriff, confiscated a keg of beer and pulled the cork and let it all run out on the ground. There was no evidence of bootlegging, it is said, but a few seemed to have bottles in their pockets but did not cause any disturbance. Miss Etta Hurley, the 15-year-old daughter of Ray Hurley, was knocked over by an automobile driven by Mrs. Elijah. The car was running slowly and the girl had stepped right in front of it. She was not seriously hurt. Taken all in all the celebration was a success and the large crowd was generally well pleased.