People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 July 1895 — The Eagle Came Fo(u)rth [ARTICLE]

The Eagle Came Fo(u)rth

The day was superlative pleasant and not excessively warm and though the roads were very dusty a large proportion of the adjacent population donned their holiday attire and joined in a genuine old fashioned celebration. The small boy was in evidence everywhere and the way he slaughtered the fire crackers and patronized the lemonade and peanut stands proved beyond question that the spirit of ’76 still exists a living reality in youthful America. The speech by Hon. Sears was an excellent rendition and no criticism has been offered on the masterly exposition of true patrotism so fittingly indulged upon this sacred anniversary of the nations birth. Among those who occupied the speaker’s stand during the speaking were Judge Hammond, Dr. Utter and Judge Burnham. Rev. B. F. Ferguson was the presiding officer and introduced Senator Sears. The quartette singing of Gentlemen Wishard, Alter, Brown and Mattison was superb. Sam Yeoman’s sheep skin band kept the air charged with the vibratory pulsations of martial music, and the final strain did not cease until late in the evening. Pro.. Vice, the home talent trapese performer, gave a very excellent exhibition of wire walking about dusk. The Rensselaer cornet band acquitted itself in magnificent form . They have come rapidly to the front as a first class band. The potato race was won by Chas, stone, Guy Peacock being second. Jay ,Sayler captured the greased pole prize, climbing the pole. W. J. Miller had charge of the fireworks and made a great success of his department. In the free for all bicycle race Chas. Chipman took first prize. Fremont Hawkins secono, F. O’Mera third. Chas. Chipman carried away the honors for best costume for McCoy, boys; Feme Start; girls. ~ The bicycle parade was not what it should have been as there were "at least 100 riders' who did not participate. Cleve Eger was awarded the prize for best clown

Noone dared to tackle the backing horse. Auburn Nowels won the first prize in the boys bicycle race; Jay Sayler second, Taylor McCoy third. Special mention is made of Louis Wilcox of Surrey and Albert Overton of Rbnsselaer who did some very excellent bicycle riding. But three contestants were allowed in the bicycle races on account of the obstructed condition of the street. Neither Mr. Overton or Wilcox entered in the race.