Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 July 1908 — TO HAVE A CARNIVAL—NO, A “HOME-COMING." [ARTICLE]

TO HAVE A CARNIVAL—NO, A “HOME-COMING."

It is "announced that Rensselaer is to have a “home-coming” the first week in September, to last four days—that is the home-coming is to last that long, the effects perhaps longer. It is to have the sanction of the pulpit, as the pastor of the M. E. church is an active member of the amusement committee. Other members of the amusement committee are Jack Montgomery, A. J. Harmon, Mayor Ellis and B. F. Fendlg. Money is being raised to finance the affair and those who expect to profit most from the show have contributed liberally. It is reported that the amusement committee will go to Chicago soon to secure the pink tight and hootchle-cootchle attractions. In so far as the "home-coming" part is concerned The Democrat does not believe a dozen people, former residents, will be influenced to pay a visit "back home” during this time. People generally who want to visit the old home will choose a time of quietness rather than one of noise and revelry or when the streets are filled with leg shows and booths and "barkers” are on every corner. As a sport drawing affair it will scarcely be the success that many of those Interested anticipate, for the followers of such revelries don’t come to a "dry town” when there are others that are wet. Of course some booze will be brought in so the thirsty "home-comers” will not suffer if they are guests of the right families, and there will perhaps be some little boot-legging and blind-tigering, but to the all round sport, who wants to drink publicly and often, it is likely to be a rather dry show. However, let us hope for the best, and make up our minds to endure the four days with as much patience and fortitude as possible. We have all lived through three or four carnivals lasting a week, and this will probably be no worse than what we have heretofore passed through.