Grand Celebration – Anniversary of the Nation’s Birth at Idaho Falls

 From The Idaho Falls Times, Thursday, July 4, 1895, page 1:

The Fires of patriotism were again replenished yesterday and they burned as brightly as ever. One of the most enjoyable celebrations the town of Idaho Falls has ever had was participated in by a large crowd of patriotic citizens.  The weather up to noon was all that could be wished for.  In the afternoon the wind commenced to blow and gradually increased until nearly sundown.  Dust and sand filled the air but the enthusiasm of the crowd was little affected.  It is said that one can get used to every hardship, and as the clouds of sand and dirt filled the air sifting gently into the ears and down the backs of the necks of the celebrators, the truth of the aphorism was accentuated, as all was enjoyment and none retreated before the blinding clouds of dust that filled the eyes and seemed to permeate everything but the impervious patriotism of the people. The program of the day was elaborate and was carried out to the letter and very successfully, thanks to the good judgment and energy of the lady managers of ceremonies. Universal satisfaction with everything was the general expression and the sterner sex, who have heretofore posed as managers and promotors of 4^th of July celebrations, and who have hid their diminished heads and taken to the brush since the ladies have so far eclipsed their efforts in this line.

Long before the sun ushered in the eventful day the booming of giant powder roused the citizens from their slumbers, and amid the spiteful explosions of bombs and fire crackers our devoted citizens prepared to celebrate in a befitting manner the 119^th anniversary of their country’s birth.

As the sun’s rays shot from the hills in the east, the flag was hoisted to the peak of the staff at the bowery while the inspiring notes of the Star Spangled Banner was wafted to the ears of the citizens from the bandstand near the bowery.

THE PARADE was formed at Armory Hall and started on its march about 10 o’clock under the efficient management of Grand Marshal E. P. Coltman, assisted by Aides Thos. B. Shannon and Alec Robbie.

In the line was a fine display by the Consolidated Implement Company, consisting of a self-binder in full operation, a reaper and mower and a wagon. The modern simplicity and excellence of these machines was a forcible reminder of the improvements which are being made in them.  This bespoke the patriotism as well as the enterprise of this popular branch of the company…

The Fair store was represented by horsemen with display blankets, typical of the business push of its manager.  Bean’s Drug House, John Henry’s furniture store, Coltman’s lumber yard and numerous other business houses of the city were represented in the parade.

The procession was headed by the Idaho Falls Cornet Band.  Next came the

LIBERTY CAR, resplendent in bunting, upon which rode the 44 beautiful little girls dressed in white typical of the States of the Union.  In the center of the group was one who represented the goddess of Liberty.

A novel feature was Uncle Sam and Miss Columbia riding bicycles. Their costumes were of the conventional order and created much amusement.

Another car finely decorated carrying a lot of little boys in patriotic costumes in the midst of whom was Uncle Sam with the usual rope goatee, the striped pants and “The Hat Me Father Wore,” representing the nation.

The G.A.R. was represented by a squad of veterans upon whose shoulders the weight of the wars they have borne as well as the years of a useful and well spent life, seemed to rest lightly.

Following came a long line of vehicles and horsemen, many of the riders being in fantastic costume.  A wagon covered with a bower of green willows attracted considerable attention.  One man in the crowd said he reckoned that it represented Willow Creek.

Last but not least in the line was a carriage in which sat Don C. Walker with a genuine aboriginal of the female gender, fanning the dusky maiden by his side with his hat…

AT THE BOWERY

The Times found a great crowd, every seat was occupied and a couple hundred persons, mostly men and boys, surrounded the structure unable to get in, but still able to hear and see the exercises from the sides which were open.

The band commenced with an opening overture which was really fine.

Hon. Joseph A. Clark, on behalf of the mayor, Robert Anderson, then addressed the assemblage.  His remarks were very appropriate, being a historical review of some of the most important events in the history of our country.  He was listened to with marked attention and much interest.

The “Star Spangled Banner” by the glee club excited patriotic emotions in the hearts of the listeners…

A fervent, eloquent and appropriate prayer was then offered up by Rev. Henry Van Engelen.  The reading of the Declaration of Independence was read very effectively by Mrs. E. Mitchell.

Forty-four young ladies, representing the States of the Union, each recited a poetical verse, the whole being an allegory of the thirteen original colonies.  The choir of the Mormon Church, composed of thirty young ladies and gentlemen under the able leadership of Harry Catmull sang a beautiful anthem which was greatly admired.

Mrs. Rebecca Mitchell, in the absence of an orator who was to have been selected for the purpose, then spoke briefly in her interesting and forceful way.  Her remarks, as indeed all the speeches made, the TIMES would like to publish in full did not time and space forbid the idea…Following an oration and two informal speeches, this part of the exercises were closed and the people dispersed.

In the afternoon the baseball contest for a purse of $25 was the first on the program.  The context was between the Lewisville and Idaho Falls teams.  The heavy wind and shifting sand made it very disagreeable for both the players and the large crowd assembled to witness the game.  The home team started to play ball from the turn loose and it was soon observed that the visitors were no match for them and through charity to a great extent the Lewisville’s were allowed nine runs, the Idaho Falls boys having receipts for 25 scores.

It was now nearly six o’clock and the balance of the program was hurried through - a sack race for boys 11 to 14, a foot race between fat men, a foot race of 50 yards for boys for a prize of a pocket knife, a young ladies’ wheelbarrow race, and a little girls; race.  The bicycle race was postponed on account of the track.

Though the afternoon was a little windy, the satisfaction of all in the arrangements made for the celebration was universally expressed.

(The original article was slightly condensed and edited, mainly the deletion of lists of names.)