Some Things Never Seem to Change When There is a Crowd

[W. Gray]

From the Elk County Ledger (Howard City), July 7, 1877,

The Fourth was celebrated at Howard City.

A very large crowd was in attendance—perhaps 2000 people—and were happy.

The celebration was held in the beautiful Grove on Mrs. Rogers' premises west of town.

Mr. Asa Thompson, [father of Thomas] with a well trained choir furnished excellent music for the occasion.

Mr. Jas. C. Steele read the Declaration of Independence and read it well.

John A. Oliphant delivered the oration of the day.

After some more singing each family retired to its own particular shade tree and indulged in excellent Pic-Nic dinner.

After dinner there was more music and Mr. N.B. Cartmell delivered a short address.

Most of the crowd came to town to witness a game of Base Ball which was in progress between a couple of local clubs.

In the evening a merry dance was held in the school house.



From the same edition on another page:


LOW THIEVERY—The man who stole the quilts and shawls from wagons at the grove on the Fourth, was in very low business indeed. The gentleman who was the greatest loser says if his property is returned he will not mention the name of the party who was engaged in this disreputable business.