The First Independence Day in Tolt

Tolt, July 5—The first celebration of the Fourth of July in this settlement was held at Pleasant Hill Grove on Tuesday. The ceremonies opened with a mounted parade headed by a fife and drum corps, followed by H. Kreel in appropriate costume for Uncle Sam. Miss M. McDermott, who represented the Goddess of Liberty, followed. Then came forty-eight young ladies and gentlemen wearing appropriate sashes of red, white and blue, representing the forty-eight states and territories in the order of admission. Following the parade, a number of characters representing scenes from a fairy story appeared. The parade moved to the grounds, and the musical programme commenced. Rev. M. Smith, the orator of the day, offered prayer. The Declaration of Independence was read by Mrs. McNaughten, after which an address was delivered by Dr. Charles J. Remick. After the formal ceremonies were over, a sumptuous dinner was partaken of in an old-fashioned picnic style. The afternoon was given up to the usual sports, which included horse racing, dancing and athletic sports.