Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 August 1908 — GET FINE ATTRACTIONS FOR THE HOME-COMING [ARTICLE]

GET FINE ATTRACTIONS FOR THE HOME-COMING

Balloon Ascension Each Day, Jubilee Singing, Trick Bicycle Ijtiding / ‘and Comedy Acrobats Are Secured.

Mayor Ellis and J. J. Montgomery, who were delegated by the attractions committee to go to Chicago and contract -for amusements for the homecoming, returned Tuesday night They contracted with the Barnes Western Theatrical Exchange for -the following attractions for all four days: Balloon ascension by Little Otto and the Great Beyer. Their trick balloon work has astonished the world. They are the originators of their act and it is to handcuff the aeronaut with eight pairs of handcuffs, hands and feet, mid he makes his ascension thus manacled. He makes his escape without the use of keys, and makes a daring parachute leap. The act is described as sensational, daring and thrilling. It will take place every day, probably in the evening; Another of the acts is that of the Great Lefevers, phenomlnal bicycle and unlcycle experts. This act is by a man and his wife and they will work both morning and afternoon of each day. The jubilee or plantation singers are genuine darkies # and ceil themselves the Wang Doodle Comedy Four. They will sing practically all the time, giving concerts morning, afternoon and evening. Ames & Ball will furnish the comedy acrobatic performances, and it 1b said that their acts create nothing but laughs. - , The ball game feature is attracting a great deal of attention and it is possible that only two games will be arranged for, but they will be. good games and should in themselves draw large crowds. ~ The fire show Is entirely in the hsndß of J. J. Montgomery and will be one of the chief attractions. It will cost SIOO, and will be advertised for all there is in it The intention of the attractions committee has been all the time to have nothing but strictly moral performances and every attraction engaged must give proof of wholesomeness and thorough respectability. It is alleged that at some of the carnivals ;hgjd here some of the performances had several repulsive and immoral shows, but the attractions committee has guarded against the possibility of having any performances that any person could not approve. • The primary object of the home-com-ing is to get our former citizens back to visit us once again, and the attractions are for their entertainment

while they are here. Of course. It is hoped to have evefy person In the county visit Rensselaer during part or all of- the four days. It Is believed that the attractions will be the best ever offered here and they will be free to all alike. -tt— Many persons are hearing from relatives or old friends who formerly lived here, stating that they are coming back for the great event, and it is quite probable that friends who have not met for many years will 1 meet on that occasion. They will be 1 here from the east as well as the 'west and from both the south and the north, and the invitation committee hopes to inspire in every former resident a desire to come back to Rensselaer. : ' —-V The suggestion that a great basket picnic be given on the courthouse square for the opening day has met a great deal of approval, and it is probable that the reception committee could best take that matter up. They can meet and organize and discuss that feature. They could have an address of welcome and several responses by former residents. Among the well known and greatly admired former residents of this section who have promised to be here one day or more, is J. K. Gowdy, familiarly known as '‘Uncle Jack” Gowdy. He has been prominent in politics for many years and many Rensselaer people are well acquainted with him and he is very popular with them. . Xi ' Everything connected with tbe affair is moving smoothly and assures its success. The finance committee has had splendid success. One of the contributions secured lately was from John J. Lawler, who subscribed $25 to the movement. The Lawler Bros, are about the largest land owners in Jasper and Newton counties and spend considerable time in Rensselatr and cheerfully aid in any progressive movement. It is only four weeks until the home coming, and we urge that our readers do not put off writing to tbeir friends end the old residents to come back, giving them as much time ak possible to get ready. B. F. Fendig has had some souvenir postal cards printed that are also being sent by many, and they might be employed in the argument to our old time frienda But all should do something and do it now.