Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Bleak, James G. - 1883

Celebrations.
The Fourth was celebrated in St. George, and everything passed off pleasantly.  At sunrise the National flag was hoisted, salutes by the cannon and music by the Bands told the citizens of the day.  Then the town was serenaded by the Bands after which, the Bands and Artillery fared sumptuously on a good breakfast at Bro. R. Bentley's.  At 10 a. m. the citizens gathered at the Tabernacle and had a splendid time.  The Declaration of Independence was read, songs, sung, speeches made, &c., all interspersed with music by the Bands and Choir.  In the afternoon horse-races, &c. were the crowning features of the day.

Betting and horse racing we consider one of the follies of the world, and that is should not be indulged in by Latter-day Saints, but should be firmly frowned down.

The Twenty-Fourth at St. George.  At sunrise the Stars and Stripes were raised on high and salutes from the cannon and music by the Martial and Brass Bands informed the citizens that the glorious day was at hand.  After playing a few tunes near the cannon attraction, the Bands serenaded the town and numerous friends, and at 7 a. m. the Bands and Artilery <sic> met at the spacious building of Pickett, Riding & Woodbury, and feasted on a real good breakfast, which had been prepared for the occasion at the “St. George Hotel,” John Pymm, Proprietor, which plainly told that the Committee was wise in securing the able services of this establishment, which always have the best of everything.  Travelers will always do well, when traveling through or stopping in St. George, to put up at this establishment, as the fare is the best, genial waiters, and prices reasonable.

At half-past 9 the bell tolled to warn the citizens of the approaching hour for services, and the Bands discoursed lively music while the house was being filled.

At ten o'clock,  as we entered the Tabernacle, our eyes beheld the scenes of “Utah”, “As it was” and “As it is.”  In the centre over the Pulpit is the emblem of “UTAH.”  On the left is a scene of Utah “As it was,”-- an Indian wick-e-up containing a few natives; greaswood, rabbitbrush prickly pear-- Ceres Le Contel, mesquit, <sic> &c., to portray the howling wilderness Utah was prior to the settlement of the Territory by the “Mormons.”  On the right is a scene of a parlor with the modern paraphernalia of our dwellings and inabited <sic> by a family, the emblem of Utah “As it is,” and the surroundings showing that the people have subdued the soil and made the “Desert to blossom as the rose” and have fruit in abundance.

The meeting was called  to order by James G. Bleak, (as the marshal of the day, H. Pickett, was unexpectedly called away from the town,) who took charge of the services.

After music by Capt. Eardley's Brass Band, and the Martial Band, the Choir sang.

Prayer by chaplain, Wm. Fawcett.
Singing by the choir.

Historical address by Jawes <sic> G. Bleak, which occupied much time.  He began at the entrance of the pioneers into Utah, thence to the settling of the country South of Salt Lake.

(Here, according to the programme, Capt. Eardley's Brass Band should have played, but was cut out.)

Song and accompaniment in the parlor.

The Pioneers of 1847 represented by Wm. Carter,  Gave history of their travels from the States to Utah.

Music on organ by M. A Baker.

Henry W. Bigler very ably represented the Mormon Battalion.  They left the camp of their relatives and friends, on the 20th of July, 1846, to pursue their tedious journey, keeping time to the tune of the “Girl I left behind me.”

Music by Martial Band, winding up with the “Girl I left behind me.”

A word in behalf of the disfranchised was rendered by D. D. McArthur.

Speech, “Candidate for the office of Constable” by E. G. Defriez.
Song by Choir.
Speech  by Pe-up captain Che-auk.
(Song with accompaniment, in Parlor, and Music by Brass Band, cut out.)


Twenty years ago, by John M. Macfarlane, assisted by Choir in the Chorus.
Music by Martial Band.
Singing by Choir.

Benediction by Chaplain Wm. Fawcett.

In the afternoon foot races and other pass-times were inaugerated, <sic>, but as we do not appreciate such sport very much, we returned home.
~ The Union, Bloomington, Utah, 31-Jul-1883, Page 3, Columns 1 & 2

No comments:

Post a Comment