USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume I > Part 57
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
On April 22, 1904, the Mystic Shriners of EI Kahir Temple met at Inde- pendence for their regular ceremonial session. Sixteen candidates were in- dueted into the mysteries of the order. About one hundred and fifty guests were enrolled-delegations from Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque. and Oelwein, besides many from other places more distant. The meetings were held at the armory and the Gedney was headquarters for entertainment. A banquet was the closing festivity. Nobles J. B. Steinmetz and J. S. Bassett had charge of the entertainment.
In April, 1913, the Northeastern Teachers' Association met in Independence for a two days' session. This meeting was much sought and the credit for secur- ing it is largely due to Professor Foster and Superintendent Lockwood. Be-
453
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
tween seven and eight hundred teachers were in attendance and a splendid program throughout was enjoyed. On one of the evenings a public reception was held at the new high school. Several prominent clubs in the town had fitted up rooms with attractive decorations and flowers in their chub colors and here welcomed the guests, where was served light refreshments and a souvenir was presented to each guest, which was in the form of a card on which was a picture of the high school and tied in the club colors.
The evening entertainment consisted of a musical and literary program furnished by the artists of the town, and a monologue of "Bachelor's Reverie," closed with a gramophone concert, proved highly entertaining. The day ses- sions were held in the Gedney Opera House and some of the most noted pro- fessors and educators in the country addressed the meetings.
CHAPTER XXII PUBLIC EVENTS
CELEBRATIONS-EXHIBITIONS-CARNIVALS-VISITS OF NOTABLE MEN-CHAUTAUQUAS
TIIE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The Fourth of July, 1876, was observed in Independence in a most appro- priate way. Besides the usual and numerous Fourth of July attractions, one that attracted particular attention and was unique in every feature was a rep- resentation in miniature, upon the placid waters of the mill pond, of the memorable duel in Chesapeake Bay, between the first Monitor and the Merrimae. Considerable time and expense, about $300, was expended in preparations for the event. A Monitor was built, Burr's paddle wheel pleasure boat was fitted up to play the part of the rebel army and the other arrange- ments were perfect in detail.
At the appointed hour, the Merrimae steamed out from behind the head of the island and bore down upon a number of boats rigged as ships, with paper sails, etc., placed at convenient intervals, poured broadsides into them, with bombs rammed them and finally set them on fire. She then engaged the "shore batteries" and a vigorous exchange of fireworks ensued. By this time she had reached the foot of the island when she met her fate in the shape of a Monitor which was the exciting feature of the whole program. The battle raged with savage fury. The Merrimac retreated and grounded and the "cheese box" in the meantime poured hot shot into her until finally her magazine was reached and she blew up into several small pieces and victory crowned the Union champion. An immense erowd was in Independence to witness this and all the other fine attractions prepared for the event.
Everything was up to the highest expectations, but the fireworks and naval engagement, which was partially owing to a fearful storm threatening.
A $10 prize was awarded the township making the best display in the parade, and Westberg was awarded it. They had a float beautifully decorated with flags and mottoes and bearing thirty-eight young ladies representing the states.
This was followed by thirty or forty horsemen and after them 110 teams from the same township. Such an exhibition would be impossible to aceom- plish nowadays.
BENEFIT SALE OF SEATS
When King's Opera House was opened in October, 1876, two evening per- formanees were given by the Payson English Opera Company. The first night,
455
456
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
on October 3d, was "Martha," by Flotow, and of "The Love Test," by Verdi, on the second evening, October 4th. The general verdict of opinion was that the performances were splendid. The people were very enthusiastic over the city's new acquisition of a fine opera house and the possibilities of fine attrae- tions. No town in Iowa possessed a more elegant or spacious publie hall. This was the invariable testimony of everyone. It was furnished in complete and elegant style and a feeling of gratitude to Mr. King for his enterprise in build- ing and equipping this much-needed convenience prompted the citizens to make the opening performances a testimonial of their appreciation.
For these performances a benefit sale of seats was held. Seats sold for 75 cents, reserved seats $1-a big price in those days-and $325 worth the first night and $100 the second night. The expenses were quite heavy, the Payson troupe receiving $250, so Mr. King was left but $127 as a benefit. It was hoped that it would be a handsome sum, but times were hard and money scarce.
On Monday evening, August 22, 1892, a complimentary benefit to Mr. C. W. Williams was held at the new opera house, at which the seats for the inaugural performance were soll at auction. Mr. William Toman was president of the occasion. and Mr. Randall Jacobs acted as auctioneer. The opera house was not completed, but was nearly so. On the first floor only a portion of the seats were set, and the parquet formed a pit similar to that of the Board of Trade, and thronged with a crowd of equally anxious bidders.
The balcony seats were all in position, and that part of the house was filled with ladies, and although the building was only partially lighted. those who for the first time saw the beautiful interior were astonished and delighted: it was so far beyond their expectation.
The bidding from the start was lively and interesting, and continued unabated until all the choice seats were disposed of.
The two choice boxes sold for $100 apiece, and the others at $60 and $65 apiece, and the loggias for $50 and $35. Then the sale of the regular seats commenced and these brought all the way from $5 to $30, and the entire sales netted $3,000. Two hundred and thirty-one were sold that night and 268 later at $5 for first floor and balcony, and $1 for gallery.
Another expression of appreciation for Mr. Williams was when the citizens in 1890 took up a subscription and bought the wonderful Allerton, a magnificent blanket, made of blue felt. lined with white satin and trimmed with gold fringe, and the owner a diamond-studded horseshoe watch charm.
THE ART LOAN EXHIBITION
An art loan exhibition, under the auspices of the ladies of the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches, commencing on April 21, 1880, was held in Independ- enee for a week. A large collection of rare paintings and engravings, curiosities, Indian relies, ceramies and pottery, laces and textile fabrics, brie-a-brac and household art jewelry, musical instruments, clocks and watches, optical and electrical instruments, minerals and fossils, books and manuscripts, Chinese and Japanese goods, majolica ware, etc.
Articles both curious and rare were solicited.
Dr. G. H. Hill acted as president ; Mr. C. D. Jones, W. G. Donnan, Mrs. Rich- ard Campbell. Mrs. J. Post were vice presidents; Mrs. W. Kenyon, treasurer;
457
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
Miss Fannie Clarke, assistant treasurer ; Miss S. E. Homans, secretary ; Miss I. M. Wells, corresponding secretary ; Hon. W. G. Donnan, G. Josselyn, L. V. Tabor, S. Newman, E. Leach, J. B. Jones, finance committee, were the long list of officers and fourteen different committees comprising the entire membership of tlie two churches (we should judge), the largest of which was the lunch com- mittee.
The exhibition took place at the opera house, and as advertised, arranged artistieally and advantageously, formed an exhibition such as will probably not be seen in this city again in years, and such was the case because not until 1899 was an exhibition of the kind again attempted. Entertainments prepared by home talent were given each evening. Doctor Hill gave a seiopticon exhibi- tion, and Judge S. J. W. Tabor gave a lecture on old books and manuscripts, and a rendition of Brougham's dramatization of "David Copperfield" was given by the Dramatic Club. Charles Ransier was president. Two farces, one by the young ladies and another by young gentlemen, were given, and the chil- dren gave an entertainment, and on the remaining evenings pleasing programs were presented.
Tickets for the season were sold at $1 and were not transferable: single admissions were 25 cents.
This was a grand suceess in every particular and was continued longer than anticipated. The net proceeds of the season was about $400. We believe that these are historical events in the life of a town and should demand some space.
PRESIDENT M'KINLEY VISITS INDEPENDENCE
Independence welcomed President Mckinley and his cabinet on Monday morning, the 16th of October, 1899. The visit and the welcome were a great success. Even though there was every indication of complete failure, for in the morning there was a cold rain and chilly north wind, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the people for their Chief. Magistrate, and before 8 o'clock it was evident that everybody within reaching distance would be here.
The country roads were lined with teams and the streets leading toward the Central Depot were crowded with pedestrians. The rain ecased in ample time and people forgot about the weather.
The arrangements were perfect, everything moved with clock-like precision and the presidential party were enthusiastic over the administration. One member of the cabinet stated that it was the best managed and most successful they had seen on the tour, that was a series of ovations. The decorations were simple but tasteful, made entirely of bunting and shields of red, white and blue.
The stand was erected in the vaeant space south of the depot. All of the iron columns of the passenger platform were beautifully draped by the company and added much to the attractiveness of the scene.
All the school children of the public schools, numbering over a thousand, were in line, each carrying an American flag. The train was due at 8:45 A. M .. and was but ten minutes late when it came puffing in drawn by two big engines. It was made up of seven Pullmans and carried many distinguished guests besides the President and his cabinet. There were few preliminaries. The people
458
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
wanted to see MeKinley and he wanted to see the people. Walking from the train to the stand, Mr. MeKinley was greeted on behalf of the representatives by ex-Congressman Donnan with a few well-chosen words, to which the Presi- dent responded in a happy and appropriate manner, after which he gave a short address which was listened to with the closest attention and the pertinent points rapturously applauded.
Mrs. MeKinley was a member of the party, but through ill health and fatigue was unable to be presented. Miss Barber, a niece of the President, also accompanied the party.
The special train occupied by the MeKinleys was called the "Campaign," and was like the rest of the cars, a palace on wheels. All the cars had a special name and were fitted to the special needs of the party.
Two letters, one from Capt. J. F. Merry, president of the Illinois Central, and ex-Republican Chairman C. T. Hancock of Dubuque, commending the Inde- pendenee people in a most flattering way on their magnificent demonstration afforded the President, were received and highly appreciated by the citizens. Independence had again demonstrated her ability to do things, even to enter- taining a President in correet and proper style.
The crowd was estimated all the way from five to fifteen thousand, so no definite figures are available, but anyway the crowd was immense.
ROOSEVELT VISITS INDEPENDENCE
On June 2. 1903. Independence entertained a most notable visitor. Presi- dent Theodore Roosevelt, on his return from an extended western trip, visited Independence and gave us about three minutes of his valuable time. A fine stand had been erected and elaborately decorated to receive the honored guest, but seareity of time forbade his even deigning to step foot on it, so the lumber was sold for ordinary purposes and not in "souvenir" splinters, as anticipated.
The President talked from the back end of his private coach to a wildly enthusiastic erowd, who had assembled "to hail the conquering hero." The school children had all been assembled and with waiving flags and happy, ring- ing voices, were a conspicuous part of the "welcoming horde." After a short speech in his usual characteristic vigorous and explosive manner, and with his usual genial and "far-reaching" smile and an assurance that he was "deelighted to have met us," he journeyed on his way, leaving an even more worshipful crowd of admirers than had weleomed him.
FIRST HORSE SHOW
The First Ammal Horse Show given by the Oakwood Association was held on the 23d of September, 1902, and was a most brilliant success. There was a large crowd in attendance, and the beautiful flower decorated vehicles elicited the greatest enthusiasm and admiration.
Every elass had entries, but by far the greatest number was in the decorated vehicle elass.
Many of the prominent lodges and social organizations, and many individuals, had entries in this class.
PRESIDENT MCKINLEY AT INDEPENDENCE
459
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
Weeks had been spent in making paper flowers for the carriages and some were decorated in the natural flowers.
The greatest interest was attached to the awarding of prizes, the competition was so close.
This affair proved such a social and financial suecess that it was repeated in 1903 on a still greater seale.
THE 1903 HORSE SHOW
The Second Annual Horse Show under the auspices of Oakwood Cemetery Association was a most complete and decided snecess, more than fulfilling the most sanguine hopes of the committee, and far surpassing the first effort of the previous year.
The weather man, having been previously consulted and cajoled. smiled auspieiously on the event; generously bestowing warmth and sunshine, with- holding his tears for a more somber occasion. Rush Park Track was the scene of the festivities, and a multitude of eager spectators (fully 3,000) taxed to its utmost limit the capacity of the amphitheater and all available standing room was filled with carriages. The crowd grew expectant and intent and the old thrill and excitement of racing days seemed to possess them; as though the phantom of departed glory had again come to inspire them; and had the old- time favorites, Axtell and Allerton, come trotting down the quarter stretch, the spectators would not have been more surprised and delighted, nor would it have created greater enthusiasm than did the array of splendid vehicles drawn by magnificent horses all bedecked and beribboned and the occupants beanti- fully and harmoniously gowned, coming slowly in parade before the grand stand. This spectacle had never before and perhaps never again will be sur- passed for beauty and interest in Independenee.
Seventeen of the regular elasses were filled. The association colors, red and white. were everywhere in evidence. Streamers and ribbons and gowns in com- bination of these colors were in abundance and produced a most brilliant effect.
Just in front of the amphitheater was arranged a row of boxes, nearly thirty in number, very prettily decorated with the association and national colors, and occupied by the people prominently connected with the project and the prom- inent society people. The ladies were all beautifully gowned for the occasion, which added materially to the beauty of the scene.
Perhaps the greatest interest centered in the decorated vehicles. A silver loving eup, valued at $25, was to be awarded for the best and competition was open to all-individuals, clubs, or organizations. Eleven entries were made, and it was with great difficulty that the judges came to a decision and pre- sented the beautiful cup to the Order of Eastern Star. This was a three-seated phaeton covered with white chrysanthemums, drawn by pure white horses with white harnesses. Everything was dazzling white, even to the powdered hair of the six matrons. members of the order, who rode in the rig. The red ribbon, second prize, was awarded to the P. E. O. carriage, which was beautifully decorated in the club colors, yellow and white. A span of prancing black steeds. and a colored coachman in full livery, were noticeable features of this vehicle, as was also the star of their order, made in yellow and white chrysanthemums,
460
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
adorning the back of their vehicle. The yellow ribbon, third prize, was awarded to Mrs. F. D. Rockwell's rig. This was one of the most elaborate and artistic displays of the entire exhibit. The nasturtium shades ranging from the palest yellow to burnt orange and a gorgeous red. were blended harmoniously in the decoration, and created a most beautiful effect.
The Excelsior Cinch Club carriage, decorated with big red poppies. the Re- bekah carriage with a canopy top, bearing the three links and decorated in the colors of the order, yellow, red and blue; and the Conundrum Club vehicle done in purple and white, with purple question marks, surrounded by white poppies, adorning the back of the seat. The Hospital carriage, decorated in natural flowers and verdure : Dr. Shellito's trap, decorated with pink and white roses, and the Cemetery Association's carriage in red and white, the Ladies' Musical Society carriage in purple and yellow, and the Ladies' Relief vehicle, decorated with pink poppies, all were strong competitors for the prizes.
The decorated vehicles drawn by ponies were also the source of much in- terest. The carriage driven by Harold Heege. which won first prize, was beautifully done in white with a white canopy. The cart trimmed with red and white roses and driven by JJudd Shellito, took second prize. The third prize was awarded to Misses Luey Backus and Verna Lyons, who rode in the cart, decorated in white. Other exhibits in this class were Miss Florence Jayne's cart in yellow and white, Miss Beatty's in magenta and black and Miss Clara Lynch in purple and white.
Many special novelties not billed to appear were introduced during the afternoon's program and added much to the entertainment of the spectators.
A gentleman in Mexican attire rode into the ring at full speed upon a mountain burro, an English dude appeared upon an English sporting cart, and a Japanese lady of quality, riding in a jinrikisha, drawn by two coolies, were special attractive features.
A grand parade of all horses and vehicles was the closing feature of the program. The Oakwood Challenge Cup, valued at $25, was awarded to George Spangler's bay mare, Vivian Wright. in the speedway class.
The Oelwein Band furnished the music. The receipts of the horse show amounted to something over nine hundred dollars. The success of this achieve- ment was largely due to the manager, Mr. A. G. Rigby, who for many weeks had planned and worked unceasingly in the interests of the cause and his originality and quick comprehension of details made him especially fitted to manage so large a proposition.
THE CARNIVAL OF 1891
The first week of February. 1891. the Methodist Church of Independence held what was called a merchants' carnival, or Mardi Gras, at King's Hall. Each business honse was represented by artistically costumed ladies who ad- vertised the various lines of trade in an entertaining and picturesque manner. There were fifty ladies who took part in the carnival. and for weeks they had been drilled under the direction of W. H. Skinner, who succeeded in making a grand success of the work.
FIRST PRIZE AT INDEPENDENCE HORSE SHOW
461
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
The designs of the costumes afforded an opportunity for originality, taste and ingenuity. Such a variety of costumes was never before seen in Inde- pendence. Even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like unto one of these. Aside from the beauty and novelty of the costumes, there was a series of beautiful faney drills on the stage. Each person representing a business firm appeared before the audience and delivered a verse descriptive of the goods carried by the firm she represented.
With banners showing great resplendence Proclaim we the firms of Independence, With striking costumes, quaint and new, We bring their various stoeks to view ; Hoping that hence forth you ne'er will roam When wishing for goods, but buy them at home. For here all our merchants are honest and true, Our prices the lowest, our goods all new.
The carnival proved a great suecess both as an entertainment and financial enterprise. The ladies of the M. E. Church eleared about two hundred and fifty dollars.
INDEPENDENCE MERCHANTS' CARNIVAL
In October, 1904, the Independence merchants gave a big indoor carnival. Complimentary tiekets were given to customers buying a certain amount of goods. The entertainment was in the nature of a vaudeville show and eon- tinned both afternoon and evening for a week. Excursion rates on both rail- roads every day brought many people from surrounding towns. The giving out of tiekets began on Saturday, October 22d, and many of the merchants reported the largest one-day's sales for the year. Fifty-two business houses were interested in the project and as a financial and pleasurable enterprise it was pronounced a deeided success and the weekly sales proved to be very gratifying to the promoters.
The entertainment was a high-class variety program by metropolitan aetors, ineluding singers, instrumentalists, comedians, jugglers, acrobats, moving pie- tures, ete. Before each entertainment band concerts were held on the streets. The entertainments were given at the Gedney Opera House, a gallery tieket was given with every $1 purchase of goods, a balcony ticket with each $2 pur- chase and a parquet tieket with each $3 purchase.
This was certainly a novel way of advertising, selling goods and entertain- ing your customers combined.
INDEPENDENCE STREET CARNIVAL
The saying that when Independenee does anything she does it right was certainly exemplified in the following celebration which we can only briefly record.
Independence held a street carnival for three days from October 27th to the 29th which was an unqualified success. The weather of the second and
462
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
third days was decidedly against it, being cold and blustery, but nothing of that kind could abate the enthusiasm or keep away the crowds of people.
The first interest of the community eentered in the selection of queen, which for days previous to the closing of the contest had kept the friends of the contestants actively engaged in their interests, and the excitement reached the highest pitch when the voting euhminated, at 10 o'clock Friday night pre- vious, in the choice of Miss Louise Till. She had received 904 votes. Iler closest competitor was Miss Lake, with 803, and is sufficient indication of the toridity of the contest. When the final announcement was made, the enthu- siasm knew no bounds. The Hospital Band attempted to put a quietus on the noise, but was drowned out by the horus, whistles and other instruments of torture that split the air.
Nearly every business house in Independence was represented by a booth, ereeted in front of their business places, displaying the articles carried by their establishment and the products of their manufacture, and all these booths showed great artistic ability and great diversity of ideas. The streets were profusely decorated with the carnival colors and festooned with hundreds of electric globes so that the scene at night was one of fascinating beauty and resembled nothing so much as fairyland with the fairies, elfins and goblins at play.
Of the many interesting features of the carnival, the one that attracted the greatest of attention and would probably live longest in the memory of the visitor was the museum and curio room. This was the most elaborate collec- tion brought together in this city since 1879. The admission to the building was free and crowds thronged the Main and Chatham entrances. The exhibits which were classified and grouped together in booths were in the Phillip's Bloek, at the corner of Main and Chatham streets. A large and interesting display of Civil and Spanish American war relies were on exhibition and the foreign exhibits were particularly attractive and numerous and included artieles from the South Sea Islands, Mexico, The Orient. Japan and China. The American Indian work was well represented. The Ceramie exhibition showed many and valuable potteries and chinas From all over the world, both old and new, some rare and valuable pieces over two hundred years old attracted the attention of China connoisseurs. The Art Department contained everything from the old paintings and engravings to the recent photographie art. Photographs from every elime and representing all classes of people were displayed. The wearing apparel from every age and people was a particularly interesting exhibit. A wedding gown and slippers of 200 years ago was the most ancient. Shawls, caps, old laces, and embroideries held the attention of the feminine eye. A fine exhibit of fans collected from all over the world, of all sizes, shapes, and colors, was one of the pleasing features. And the collection of rare and ancient books, papers and manuscripts, comprising treasures from the theological libraries to the school text books of our great grandfathers and the records of the beginnings of history in Buchanan County. the first dance and entertainment programs and first maps of the county and city were among the most valuable exhibits. An exceptionally fine exhibit of geological speei- meus and curios was also an interesting feature. To enumerate all of the fine things contained in this collection, or to even deseribe the artistie and natural
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.