USA > Indiana > The Indiana centennial, 1916; a record of the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of Indiana's admission to statehood > Part 23
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to participate. In others, the local celebration had appar- ently exhausted their Centennial capacity! Some looked askance at the project as a sly scheme of the capital city to put on a celebration at the expense of the other fellow. Yet others were just plain inert and indifferent. Despite these handicaps, County Day vied with President Wilson and His- toric Highway day for the honor of registering the big suc- cess of the two weeks' celebration.
The counties were asked to participate in a unique pro- cessional pageant, in which each county was to represent, by float or otherwise, some distinctive phase of its history or development. The distinctive feature of this parade of the counties was the Centennial Cavalcade, consisting of ninety- two young ladies on horses, led by Miss Indiana. Each county was to select its rider by popular vote, the Commit- tee announcing that the young lady whose county should cast the largest aggregate vote, in proportion to its population, should be accorded the honor of representing Indiana at the head of the Cavalcade. To support the movement over the State, county auxiliary organizations were formed in Indian- apolis, made up of the "exiles" from the respective back home counties. These aroused much interest in the day as well
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as taking upon themselves, in some instances, the responsi- bility of seeing that the honor of the home county was duly upheld.
The parade took place in the forenoon of a brilliant autumn day. In the van was the speaker of the day, former President Taft, with the Governor and Mayor. In following cars were the members of the County Day Committee, the Indiana Historical Commission, the Chairman and Secretary of the Illinois Centennial Commission and the County Chair- men, who were honor guests.
Then came the Cavalcade, led by Miss Mary Furste of Huntington, as Indiana, the riders passing in single file. About half the counties had responded by selecting repre- sentatives, but the Committee secured substitutes for the missing so that the original conception was realized. Beauti- fully though simply gowned, the young ladies presented a feature of the celebration as appealing and impressive as it was distinctive.
The Cavalcade was followed by the floats of the counties. Some were distinctly historical, as that of Harrison, appear- ing with an admirable replica of the old State House at Corydon. Spencer, through W. E. Hartley, and A. P. Wright represented, respectively, Lincoln the Rail Splitter and Captain Spiers Spencer. Others represented some distinguishing characteristic or phase of development. Decatur contribu- ted a reproduction of its famed tree-bearing court house steeple; Ripley, an immense saw log, transported from its own timber resources; Johnson, a corn float, with prizes and trophies; Adams, the "atmosphere" of its honored authoress, Gene Stratton Porter. Others were symbolical, notably the beautiful Cornucopia float of Hendricks; also the exquisite Spirit of Progress and Civic Advancement float of Parke, with young women representing its townships; Madison, a Peace float all in white, with doves attached by white ribbons, sus- pended in front of auto. Dubois was patriotically repre- sented by an immense National flag, 28 x 60 feet, carried by sixty-two men. It was loaned by the Knights of Columbus of Jasper. Huntington, with its own band, made the most ambitious showing, presenting also a finely decorated auto float, flanked by outriders on snow white mounts, the same
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as ridden by Miss Furste as Indiana and Miss Elva Sum- mers, as Huntington County.
While a relatively small number of counties contributed floats, practically all were represented in the parade by citi- zens or former citizens. The delegations carried at their head large standards bearing the names of the counties, prepared by the County Day Committee.
In the afternoon, interest centered in the Indiana Pageant.
At the State Fair Coliseum in the evening, an address was delivered by former President William H. Taft. The theme of his speech is indicated in the words, "I wish today to analyze the principle of popular self-government, which the Ordinance of 1787 projected for the States to be formed out of it (The Old Northwest Territory) and then to consider the difference in the conditions which prevailed when Indiana was born, and those of today in the bearing on the question of the continued success of the rule of the people."
Following the address a very delightful feature was a pageant in melody, played by the Indianapolis Military Band under the direction of H. W. Klausmann who arranged the patriotic medley. The musical pageant portrayed the his- tory of Indiana by means of melodies dating from the savage music of the Indians to the modern popular songs. The music revealed the state's progress through early pioneer days, the revolutionary period, the civil war period and the years succeeding by means of songs and melodies that are typical of that time. Incorporated in the medley were the "Marseillaise," to indicate the French occupation of Vin- cennes; "Yankee Doodle" when George Rogers Clark cap- tured the town from the British; "Marching Through Georgia," "Dixie" and Southern Plantation Songs for the times of the Civil War; "Break the News to Mother," etc., for the Spanish-American war period, and so on to the more sprightly selections of the modern day. The program closed with the audience standing and joining in the singing of "On the Banks of the Wabash" and "The Star Spangled Banner."
The members of the County Day Committee were: Walter C. Woodward, Director of the Commission, Chairman, ably assisted by Miss Lucy M. Elliott, Assistant Director, Harry B. Smith, Robert L. Moorehead, Max R. Hyman, and Henry W. Klausmann.
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INDIANA CENTENNIAL MUSICAL PAGEANT COLISEUM, FAIR GROUNDS, INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 6, 1916
INDIANAPOLIS MILITARY BAND
Arranged by H. W. Klausmann Synopsis :
Opens with scene in the wilderness; birds are heard singing and an occasional growl of a bear; Indians are heard in the vicinity-the pioneer arrives and begins the erection of his cabin, heard chopping down trees- the French occupy Vincennes (the "Marseillaise"). Building of the first house of worship in Indiana. The "Ave Maria" is heard. The English take Vincennes ("Rule Britannia"). George Rogers Clark captures Vincennes from the British ("Yankee Doodle"). A colonial party ("The Minuet"). Disturbed by the Indians ("Alice of Old Vincennes"). Battle of Tippecanoe ("Bugle Call"). Cavalry approaches; Indians heard re- joicing with scalp dance; General Harrison disperses the Indians ("Yankee Doodle"). Capital established at Corydon (song "Corydon") . Arrival of first railroad train at Indianapolis from Madison. Indiana at peace. A winter sleighing party in the country; the party has a barn dance; party returning home.
Murmurings of discontent begin between the North and South. First gun fired on Fort Sumter. Call to arms in Indiana. Martial music of drum and fife heard in every town and village. The reveille; the mess call; march to the train ("The Soldier's Farewell"). Train to the bat- tlefield. At scene of battle. Confederate band is heard in the distance; Union band is heard playing the "Red, White and Blue;" Confederate band playing "Suwanee River;" Union band plays "Marching Through Georgia;" Confederate band plays "Dixie;" Union band plays "The Vacant Chair;" Southern plantation songs; "Taps;" "Tenting Tonight on the Old Camp Ground;" Assembly, "Just Before the Battle, Mother;" the battle; victory for the Union troops; return home; "When Johnnie Comes Marching Home." Indiana once more at peace. Popular songs of the period from 1865 to 1898.
Indiana in the Spanish-American war. Soldiers in camp in Cuba. "Break the News to Mother;" Spanish band playing "La Paloma;" troops return; "Home, Sweet Home." Indiana celebrates the Centennial. Finale, band with audience joining in songs "On the Banks of the Wabash," "Star-Spangled Banner."
OLYMPIC GAMES AND ATHLETICS, OCTOBER 7
The centennial celebration on Saturday, October 7, took the form of flag drills, athletic contests, dancing in various forms, and gymnastics. The program was given before an enormous audience at the State Fair Ground.
In the morning the athletic preliminaries took place, in
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preparation for the finals which were run in the afternoon. The afternoon program opened with a most impressive flag drill, in which two thousand sixth grade school children in Indianapolis, under the direction of Dr. W. A. Ocker, took part.
The Olympic games and athletic events which followed were participated in mostly by students from the Indianapolis High Schools; the Thorntown and Southport High Schools; the Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Colored, and the Gary Y. M. C. A.'s; and Wabash and Franklin Colleges. The winners in the contests were presented with centennial medals by Theo- dore Stempfel.
Dancing and gymnastics followed on the program. Com- bined women's classes of the Independent, Socialer, and South Side Turnvereins, under the direction of George Lipps, took part in the aesthetic dancing. An exhibition of folk dancing, depicting the historical changes in the dance, was given by the girls' classes of the Turnverein, under the di- rection of Curt Toll. The free exercises by the combined men's classes of the three Turnvereins and the Y. M. C. A. were under the direction of Hans Reuter. This was followed by an exhibition of club swinging by students of the Normal College of the North American Gymnastic Union, under the direction of Emil Rath.
The entire program was under the general direction of Theodore Stempfel and a committee composed of Carl Viebahn, George Lipps, Hans Reuter, Emil Rath, C. B. Dyer, Gus Braun, Dr. W. A. Ocker, John L. Graff, James H. Lowry, W. B. Harding, George H. Westing, and Cullen Thomas.
INDUSTRIAL AND LABOR PARADE, OCTOBER 9
The Industrial and Labor Parade, representing one hun- dred years of development and progress along industrial lines, was witnessed by about fifty thousand persons. It was re- garded as one of the most successful parades of the Centen- nial celebration. Rivalry among manufacturers and labor organizations caused many clever and unusual floats to be made. The procession was one of the two night celebrations scheduled for the second week of the celebration. The line of march was illuminated brilliantly from the glow of red fire torches; also, almost every float had electrical decorations.
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The parade was in five divisions and was directed by Major Jesse T. Johnson, grand marshal, Major Pearl A. Davis, chief of staff, and their aids. "Miss Indiana," on horseback, impersonated by Miss Hazel Mockford, was at the head of the procession.
The progress of years was shown in various ways. The Central Union Telephone Company showed how long distance communication by telephone differed from the earlier method by messenger. The Indianapolis Telephone Company exhib- ited the operations of a modern telephone exchange with the new automatic instruments employed. The Polk Milk Com- pany showed how the milkman used to measure the milk from a large can instead of delivering it in sanitary bottles. Or- ganized Labor, among other things, showed the old and new methods of typesetting. The Indianapolis Traction and Ter- minal Company had an old-time street car drawn by two mules. This was followed by other types of cars, including the latest model of interurbans. Bicycles and automobiles of all styles appeared in the procession.
A large representation of Boy Scouts attracted attention by a float which bore the words, "Character Factory." The manual training development of a group of scouts was ex- hibited on the float. The "Ship of State," drawn by six black horses belonging to Kingan and Company was regarded as one of the most beautiful floats.
PROCESSIONAL CHURCH PAGEANT, OCTOBER 10
Churches of every description and faith, from the might- iest cathedral to the tiniest mission, united to show, by means of a centennial church procession, what Indiana has done in the way of religious progress in the course of the past century. The result was a huge, impressive parade, with beau- tiful floats showing the highest degree of artistry and origin- ality, and hundreds of automobiles filled with men, women and children, all combining to impress a vivid lesson in the history of religion in Indiana.
One especially striking feature about the parade was the music. Ordinarily, a parade without band music is not to be thought of, but, with the exception of two or three bands, which thundered out such stirring airs as "Onward Christian Soldiers," the music was provided by the church people who
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took part in the parade, and who united-in automobiles and floats-in singing hymns. The parade was illuminated by torches carried by Boy Scouts.
Thousands of persons thronged the downtown streets to witness the parade and cheered loudly when it came into view, headed by Sergt. Johnson and a platoon of mounted police, riding eight abreast, and followed by a band. The procession formed on North Meridian street, passed south around Monument Circle, east to New Jersey street, south to Washington street, west on Washington street to Senate avenue, and north to Ohio street. Governor Ralston, Mayor Bell, Rabbi M. M. Feuerlicht, the Rt. Rev. Francis S. Chatard, the Rev. C. H. Winders and a number of ministers and their families viewed the parade from the balcony of the Hotel English. The grand marshal of the procession was Franklin L. Bridges.
Each denomination or faith had a division of its own, and each vied with the other to produce beautiful effects, or, at least, to have the most automobiles in line. The Indianapolis Sunday School Association came first with a decorated boat float and a score of automobiles, draped in flags.
The Congregational Church division was headed by a float representing an aeroplane, gay with streamers and with its propeller whirling. It was followed by more flag-draped automobiles from the various Congregational Churches of the city.
The First United Brethren Church, built in 1808, was shown in miniature, mounted upon a truck, and bearing a poster telling of the 60,000 members it now boasts. The Church Federation, with large banners telling of the aims and objects of that organization, filled three automobiles, Morton C. Pearson riding in the first. The Business Men's Bible Class was a feature of this division.
In other decorated automobiles, which were decked with flags, flowers or striking color combinations, came the Indian- apolis Local Council of Women and the Mothers' Aid Society, the Fairview Settlement float, a glimpse into one of the cot- tages receiving much applause, as did the float depicting the doleful end of the "liquor traffic," consigned to a black cas- ket. The Salvation Army passed in two open hacks-in one of them the Salvation Army Band-and they sang such songs
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as "Rescue the Perishing," with vigor. The Pentecostal Bands, occupying two or three open vehicles, and also sing- ing indefatigably, followed them.
On the Y. M. C. A. float a number of athletes in "gym" suits and in the center of the float John L. Graf, physical in- structor, and little Lawrence Schmidt performed their famous balancing and tumbling stunts. The Y. M. C. A. boys, a lively group of youthful pedestrians, followed the float.
A group of singing children, on a float decked in green and white, was the offering of the St. Paul M. E. Church. Loud applause was vouchsafed the Y. W. C. A. float, all white and gold and palm branches, with three white-clad heralds blowing golden trumpets. This float was followed by repre- sentatives from the Harley Gibbs Settlement.
The various episodes of the 275 years of Quakerism were presented, the section being headed by a Quaker on horse- back, depicting the old-time Friend. In this section were the "Quakers of 1856," a pioneer family in an ancient "rockaway" carriage, and the "Quaker of 1916" in a modern automobile. Timothy Nicholson of Richmond, one of the oldest Quakers in the State and the founder of the State Board of Charities, rode all alone in an automobile, and was much applauded.
The Catholic churches of the city had contributed some of the most elaborate and picturesque floats in the parade and the section was one of the largest. The Holy Cross parish float was especially beautiful. It was all white. In the front was a huge illuminated cross and about the cross stood chil- dren in the costume of angels. Another beautiful float was that of the St. Agnes Academy-a yellow chariot filled with pretty girls garbed in yellow and white. A model of the Sacred Heart Church, with glowing windows, was another al- tractive feature. The Knights of St. George, in immaculate uniforms, marching in the form of a cross, with a huge Amer- ican flag in the center, drew much applause.
All the Catholic churches and schools were represented. The pioneers of St. John's Church passed in a venerable horse- drawn surrey. The modern St. John's float was a charming affair of purple and gold. The Notre Dame and St. Mary- of-the-Woods Clubs had attractive floats. The Knights of Columbus portrayed "The Coming of the Missionaries to In- diana in 1617" and "The Coming of Father Mermet to Vin-
18-15997
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cennes in 1712." Other floats showed a Jesuit missionary priest presenting the cross to the Indians, Father Gibault ad- ministering the oath of the United States in 1778. Father Binquelin on his way to establish a mission in 1837, and Bishop Brute, founder of the first free school in the State in 1834.
The Bertha Ballard, the Silver Creek Baptist Church, the Jewish congregations of the city, Butler College, Earlham Col- lege, Hanover College, Wabash College and the Little Sisters of the Poor were represented by decorated automobiles or floats. The Christian Church division was headed by an old- fashioned singing school led by the pastor. The Presbyterians also had a singing school float, with the singers in old-time costumes, and a melodeon.
Brookside Park U. P. Church contributed the float, "Rock of Ages," with two young women posing at the foot of the cross after the manner of the figures in the famous painting. The Universalist Church had a float depicting Martin Luther and the open Bible. Indians, Pilgrims and a spinning wheel were artistically combined in the Pilgrim Congregational Church.
The First Presbyterian Church was represented in the pa- rade by a float bearing a model of the Caleb Scudder cabinet shop, which stood at the southwest corner of the square in which the state house now stands. In this cabinet shop was organized the first Sunday school in the city, in response to the following summons which appeared in the Indianapolis Gazette of April 3, 1823 :
"The Indianapolis Sabbath school will commence on next Sabbath, the 6th day of April, inst., at 9 o'clock in the morn- ing at Mr. C. Scudder's shop. A general and punctual attend- ance of scholars is requested, and that they bring with them the testaments, spelling books, or such as they may have."
The organizers were Dr. Isaac Coe, James M. Ray, James Blake and Caleb Scudder. The first superintendent was Mr. Ray. As a result of this beginning the First Presbyterian Church was organized a few months later. In the auto- mobiles following the float these early organizers and some of the pioneer members were impersonated by some of their descendants in the quaint costumes of that day.
The Boy Scouts of America had a float depicting the vari-
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ous activities of the scouts, and a picturesque group was half a dozen men, clad like the old-time circuit riders and mounted on horses. An old-time camp meeting, with an exhorting pastor; a red and white float from the Epworth League, a float by the Methodist Episcopal Hospital, one from Moores Hill College and a particularly beautiful float from the Edwin Ray M. E. Church, consisting of a victoria entirely hidden in white flowers and drawn by four white horses, completed the parade.
No less than one hundred thousand persons viewed the parade.
In addition to this, all the churches of the city and quite generally throughout the State celebrated Sunday, October 8th, as a Centennial Sunday, on which centennial sermons were preached by the pastors, tracing the development of their own denominations in Indiana for 100 years. This was very generally observed in Indianapolis and was considered a very valuable part of the centennial celebration.
The Friends Churches of Indiana united in a state-wide observance of the Centennial Year, which was quite generally carried out. The following official communication outlines their endeavors :
To the Local Friends Meetings in Indiana:
A state-wide observance of the one hundredth anniversary of the admission of Indiana into the Union is now in progress. A climax of this observance will be had in the state celebration which is to take place at Indianapolis, October 2 to 15. October 8 will be known as Cen- tennial Sunday, to be observed not only at the capital, but through the State as well.
In view of the large place which the Friends have had in the his- tory of our State, it seems highly fitting that the day be set apart in our meetings as one of commemoration. Toward this end committees ap- pointed by Indiana and Western Yearly Meetings have outlined a ten- tative program, which is herewith presented with the recommendation that it be followed as far as feasible. It has been arranged with the idea of a morning and an afternoon service, with dinner together and social hour at noon. If but one service can be held, an adaptation of this program may be made:
MORNING SERVICE
The Beginnings of Indiana (10 Minutes)
The Quaker Settlement of Indiana-Sources and Causes. (10 Minutes)
What Quakers have contributed toward the making of Indiana.
Short Sermon,
(30 Minutes) (15 Minutes)
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AFTERNOON SERVICE
The History of the Local Meeting-
1. Its founding.
2. Historical sketch of its activities.
3. Prominent workers in its history.
4. Men and women whom it has sent out to service.
5. Reminiscences.
The Methodist Churches of Indiana also observed the event in various ways.
Most of the Methodist ministers preached a Centennial sermon at some time during the year, in combination with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Fran- cis Asbury, which was also celebrated the past year, through- out the Church. All three of the Indiana Conferences held a Centennial service during their sessions; at the Indiana and the Northwest Indiana conference, Governor Ralston spoke, while at the North Indiana conference a combined service, in memory of Asbury and Indiana's Centennial, was held. The "Circuit Rider Days in Indiana," by Professor William W. Sweet of DePauw University, was a Methodist contribution of the Centennial Year.
INDIANA AUTHORS' NIGHT, OCTOBER 10.
In order that the authors of Indiana should not be neg- lected in the finale of the State Centennial celebration held at Indianapolis in October 1916, Mrs. Albert Rabb, Chairman of the Indiana Authors' Committee appointed by the State Historical Commission, and a committee appointed by Mr. Charles A. Bookwalter, Chairman for the Indianapolis cele- bration, consisting of Mr. Hugh McK. Landon, Chairman, Mr. William O. Conway, Dr. William E. Jenkins, Mrs. Mary H. Flanner, Miss Charity Dye, and Mrs. Albert Rabb, ar- ranged for the public performance on October 10, 1916, of a series of dramatizations of selections from Indiana authors which would give a panoramic picture of life in Indiana dur- ing the hundred years of its statehood.
The Little Theatre Company of Indiana was chosen as the medium of presentation, and the performance was given at the Masonic Temple. Upon illuminated columns at either side of the stage were inscribed the names of Indiana's liter- ary men and women, to whom tribute was paid in a Pro- logue written by William O. Conway.
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The pioneer period was represented by dramatized ex- tracts from Alice of Old Vincennes (Maurice Thompson) ; Judith (Grace Alexander) ; in My Youth (Robert Dudley) ; Heart's Haven (Katherine Evans Blake), and by Sara T. Bolton's poem, "If I Were the Light of the Brightest Star" sung to music composed for the occasion by Mr. Frederic Krull. Forceythe Willson's poem, "The Old Sergeant" was chosen to represent the Civil War period, and for the modern period, dramatizations were made from Seventeen (Booth Tarkington) ; Doc Horne (George Ade) ; and The Third Man (Meredith Nicholson), the program closing with an elaborate "Riley Masque" written by Mrs. Charles McNaull.
The dramatizations were made by Mrs. Rabb, and the stage presentation was under the direction of Mr. William O. Conway, assisted by Mrs. Mary H. Flanner, Mrs. Oliver Wil- lard Pierce, Miss Edestina Hendrix, and Mr. Howard Webster Adams.
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