Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 September 1916 — VIVID PAGEANT STAGED AT NIGHT [ARTICLE]

VIVID PAGEANT STAGED AT NIGHT

Centennial Spectacle at State Fair or Big Scale, Studenta of Hoosler history will find in th« Indiana centennial pageant, which is to be the chief feature of the Indiana state fair the week of Sept. 4, a vivid portrayal of the chief episodes which marked the development of the Commonwealth, from the time the first French explorers came Into the wilderness until the close of the Civil war There were many hishlstorlc both thrilling and pleasing, during this stretch of Indiana history and in writing the serenarlo for the spectacle J. Saunders Gordon, of St. Louis, brings them out forcefully. He spent several months informing himself of Indiana history, of the spirit of the times of which-he writers, tlje outstanding features of the state’s fopngtion, the customs of the Indians, the EYench explorers, the British aniT’plonher soldiers, the dally life of the settlors who sought homes of peace, fidelity the spectacle follow? thd state’s expansion. down to the time when the present era of high civic development began. Mr. Gordon not only wrote the Benarlo of the spectacle, but he device!} ths rich scenic accessories which will embellish tW production. He planned the forts, the log cabins, the Indian ana scenery which will serve as the background of the big production. He also planned the elaborate display of fireworks which Is to follow the spectacle each evening, giving a pronoiptvced Rooster centennial flavor to the huge set pieces and the aerial displays that are to be fired. In addition to all these preparations, Mr. Gordon ha’s directed the formation of the groups of people who will give life to the night pageant and has directed the rehearsals of the hundreds of men and women who will present the production. The spectacle will be given on a stage about 500 feet long, with all the scenic vesture necessary to make it a, great and brilliant production. Some of Indiana’s most historical men will have speaking parts in the pageant, among them Governor William Henry Harrison; Tecumseh, the most famous of Indiana’s red warrlers; Col. Shuler, who gave chase to Morgan, the Civil war raider; and a number cf others. White and Indian soldiers on foot and on horseback, fighting the battles of Vincennes and Tippecanoe; pioneer men and womdp Venturing into (he virgin Hoosier wilderness with their" ox teams to set up their log cabins and clear the ground for their farms; the building of the first statehouse at Corydon and adopting the state’s constitution under the historic elm tree at that place, are only a few of the intense incidents whioh are woven into the dramatic action which abounds throughout the spectacle. There Is intense interest over the state this year in all affairs relating to Indiana’s centennial. Many veTy elaborate spectacles have been given, while that at the Indiana state fair will not only measure up to them In magnitude and splendor, but It will have additional picturesque richness, since It Is the only great pageant of the year to be staged after night with brilliant Illuminating effects. YOU CAN MAKE MONEY right around your home, just 'as hundreds of men and women are doing. Work is easy, pleasant and permanently profitable. Be your own boss and build your own business. You take no risk, make sure profit right along. Send name, address, one reference. L. BROWN, 66 Murray St., New York City. Subscribe for The Democrat.