The Dalles Daily Chronicle Friday, July 5, 1895 A GALA DAY FOR ALL Our Countrys Birthday Observed in The Dalles A Successful Celebration in the Midst of a Pouring Rain Hose Contest, Fire Works, Grand Ball The Dalles celebrated the Fourth in fitting style. The rain, which came down in sheets during part of the day, only intensified the good feeling, and people were made glad by the thought that the harvest was all the more assured. People began arriving from the country and outside points during the previous evening, and by the time the exercises began, fully 600 visitors were upon our streets. The rain of the night before had caused the colors in the bunting to run, and the beauty of many decorations were somewhat marred. The parade moved promptly at the appointed time in the midst of a pouring rain. The military companies, hose companies, and different organizations made a good appearance in spite of the disadvantages under which they were placed. As the liberty car passed under a wire the top was caught and torn off, so the little children were left unprotected from the rain. The procession moved through the principal streets of town and stopped at the grand stand, where the literary exercises were held. A large platform had been built on Third street, in front of the courthouse, and upon it were seated the participants in the exercises. The rain by this time had nearly stopped, and it looked as if the program might be gone through with in clear weather; but during the oration of Mr. Michell the waters began descending with redoubled force. Honorable W.L. Bradshaw acted as president of the day. The exercises began with singing by a large choir of male and female voices. The choice voices of the town had been drilled for some time, and the singing was excellent. Judge Bradshaw then introduced Mr. Nicholas J. Sinnott, who after some well chosen words of introduction, said with pleasing effect, read the Declaration of Independence in an impressive, stirring manner. The young reader received generous applause from the audience. After another song Honorable John Michell was introduced as the orator of the day. Mr. Michell made a brilliant effort and delivered an eloquent oration. Both in thought and literary composition his production was a masterpiece and the impressive delivery held the audience spellbound. Especially happy was the introduction referring to the inclemency of the day when he spoke of heaven smiling through its tears. The orator is to be warmly congratulated. The exercises closed with singing by the choir and then the crowd which had remained attentive to the program, separated, some to their homes, and others to hotels and restaurants, where dinner could be had. IN THE AFTERNOON Long before the appointed time the sidewalks along Third street were crowded with people to witness the hose contests. Men were put to work cleaning the streets, which were made very muddy by the rain. A long delay was necessary in order to give the ground time to get in condition so any running could be done. The orchestra band was stationed on the porch of Maier & Bentons grocery store, and entertained the people with some beautiful selections while waiting for the contests. The Jackson Engine Company ran first and made good time, but unfortunately the kink in the hose did not keep the water back until the nozzle was fixed, so that they were not given any time. The boys made a splendid run, and it was very unfortunate the mishap occurred, as they stood a good chance of winning. The Jackson team was composed of the following men: George Brown, George Liebe Jr., M. Bartel, S. Frank, N. Sinnott, R. Sinnott, W. Hunter, W. Klindt, J. Maloney, J. Fisher, B. Ulrich, R. Teague. The Mt. Hood team, composed of residents on the hill, were the next to run, and made the course and got water in forty seconds. They were a well-built set of men, and showed their practice in the way they handled the hose and made connections. The make up of the team was as follows: J. Harper, R. Fisher, J. McNeil, W. Norman, F. Chrisman, Mr. Spivey, J. Hanna, F. Snipes, F. Menelee, W. Nichols, J. Ullrich and W. Johns. The crowd was on the qui vive of excitement by the time the Columbia boys were ready to run. Some had picked them for winners, and just before the race several bets of 2 to 1 in favor of the Columbias were made. The Jackson team wore white suits, the Mt. Hoods red and white, and the Columbia boys were attired in blue. At the pistol shot they darted down the street and made excellent time, getting water in 35 œ seconds. This was the best time made, and everyone thought they were the winners. The boys were receiving congratulations, when a protest was made to the judges by the Mt. Hood company. It was claimed that the nozzle was screwed after the water passed through it. A heated discussion was carried on between the members of the two companies, and the judges called in some witnesses to give testimony regarding the matter. The decision was finally made in favor of the Mt. Hood company, and the Columbias given the second prize. This, however, was refused on the part of the Columbia team, and the claim was made that under the ruling of the judges they were entitled either to the first prize or none. It was unfortunate that the occurrence happened, as otherwise nothing occurred to make it anything but a friendly contest. The boys who ran in the Columbia team were Lewis Porter, Ray Logan, C.C. Cooper, Grant Mays, J.E. Hartnett, A. Bills, Fred Clarke, Joseph Bonn, Ralph Rowland, Don Fisher, Max Vogt and G.A. Clarke TO BE CONTINUED Written permission to reprint given by The Dalles Chronicle, The Dalles, Oregon Copied and submitted by Earline Wasser Member of Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society c/o The Dalles/Wasco County Public Library 722 Court Street The Dalles, Oregon 97058 http://community.oregonlive.com/cc/genealogy Browse http://historysavers.com/orwasco/ recently updated information regarding Wasco County - Links are at the bottom of page http://searches.rootsweb.com/ "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson _________________________________________________________________ Concerned that messages may bounce because your Hotmail account has exceeded its 2MB storage limit? Get Hotmail Extra Storage! http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es