2
THE CHEMAWA AMERICAN
JULY FOURTH.
To begin with the day was an ideal
one from morning until - night and
assured us of a real good time that
could never be forgotten.
Early in the morning a clown band
was organized, using the old battered
brass instruments which had been con
demned, hidden and forgotten many
years ago. The band was composed of
boys outside of the regular band, who
know but very little music, and in their
efforts at playing some patriotic airs
produced most laughable sounds which
afforded everyone some fun. Led by
Martin Sampson, carrying a flag, they
went to the different buildings on the
grounds and were met with applause
and hearty laughter.
During J this time a committee of
employes, assisted by some of the boys,
were preparing and decorating the
school yard where our boys and girls
were to spend a glorious Fourth together.
Four tables were put up where eatables
were to be served. "Old Glory" and the
cadet banner were floating to the breeze
in the center of the square. Red,-white
and blue fronted the yard.
At two o'clock in the afternoon the
boys and girls assemhled in the i-chool
yard and a little while after that the
time for sport was called. There were a
three-legged race, potato race, blind
maris "fate," sack race, rolling race, 50
yard dHsh for boys under 12 years old,
oO-yard dash for girls under 12 years old,
50-yard dash for large girls, and tug of
war between Brewer Hall and Mitchell
Hall in which Brewer Hall won. The
feature of the sports was the blind man's
"fate." This caused much merriment as
each contestant was blind-folded to hunt
a designated spot, at a given time and in
their hurry to succeed they bumped one
another, some going in different direo
tions, and others were reminded whbrt
they hit the fence that they were beyond
the limit. Liberal prizes were given to
the winners.
At five o'clock the refreshments were
much enjoyed. There were buns and
cold meat, sandwiches, potato salad, ice
cream and cake and coffee. An abund
ance of all was provided.
At half-past seven the "real" battle be,
gan. From the time when "General"
Smith gave the command, "fire," until
the ammunition gave out, an unceasing
fusillade was engaged in by both sides,
boys and girls, the sound of which was
drowned now and then when the giant
cannon was fired. Many sigh of "des
pair" and "groans" were heard when
some torpedoes were shot up into the
deep sea of ether or some mine burst
up in heaven, scattering many brilliant
colors and lighting the atmosphere
ar und. At ten o'clock all were hushed
and both sides, boys and girls, - were
defeated on account of lack of ammuni.
tion This gave "Secretary of War" R.
G. Henderson a lesson to have enough
ammunition for the next engagement.
Thus ended the day of enjoyment, of
patriotism and of observance of that
great day in 1776, July 4.
A new crew was sent to Mr. Drilstrom
n Tuesday.
Philip and Jerry Rees left thie week
for Washington state.
The fifth and sixth grades are busy
with examinations thi week.
The first team broke even at Albany
on the Fourth, .winning the morning game
4 to 2; losing in afternoon game 10 to 1.
They played the Albany league team.