The Town That Wouldn't Sleep: Snohomish’s Fourth of July Overflow

The programme of previously announced events was carried out in full on the 4th. The Good Templars, headed by the school children, escorted the orator, leaders and officers of the city to the Atheneum building where, after singing 'Hail' and a prayer, the Declaration of Independence was read by Mrs. Bell; also an original poem by L. H. Benedict which caused Gov. Ferry's address, which we briefly reviewed last week. The reading of the Declaration by a lady is a new feature in our celebration here and was received with marked pleasure.

The best comment we can make on Mr. Benedict's poem is to publish the same; which he shall do in this issue. In the afternoon, no load had been announced, no train nor the boat could accommodate, but on board the Nellie and participated in an excursion up the river, going up the Skagit about 10 miles above its mouth, where the friends of that region were enjoying a Fourth of July picnic. As the boat neared the picnic ground she was greeted with cheers by those assembled on the bank which Capt. Low voluntarily returned by sounding the steamer's whistle. After landing and exchanging friendly greetings with our upriver neighbors, many of whom availed themselves of the opportunity of coming to town, all hands being aboard, the steamer returned safely to town, without meeting with any unpleasant incident or accident going or returning. Much credit is due Capt. Low, for the skillful manner in which he handled his boat in swift water and over dangerous riffles, avoiding all the drift and snags; and particularly in taking her through the shoals, a difficulty met with that stage of water and tide at the time of returning.

The hall was in the new building of the Atheneum, which is 40x75 feet and though deemed large by many, was crowded till a long time after midnight. The music was the best ever heard in the town, and was furnished by Messrs. Mathews, Wren, Fletcher, Cox and Ward. Under the able direction of Mr. Plath the floor management was all that could be desired and gave complete satisfaction. The supper provided by members of the lodge was bountiful; over a hundred being seated at the table at once. The dining room was brilliantly lighted and beautifully decorated and the table ornamented. It was past three o'clock in the morning before dancing ceased. The band played some beautiful selections while the dancers were donning their wraps and bidding each other good bye, and as the last were leaving the hall, 'Sweet Home' was beautifully tendered. We think our celebration here will be noted in general conversation.

The Nellie came in the evening before bringing many guests. The Yakima from Port Gamble during the night, and the Funny Luke and Zephyr during the forenoon. All but the Funny remained till the morning of the fifth. Our town was crowded with strangers. No accident marred the festivities. All seemed to enjoy themselves. The day, though bright and sunny was neither too hot or cold. All tried to 'make the day pleasant and memorable' and we think they succeeded.

Hotels.—If hotels are the proper index of growth and prosperity, then our little town has reason to be proud of their two public houses. Last Fourth of July over three hundred people took dinner at the two hotels. Over sixty guests at each of our hotels were provided with sleeping accommodations and a great many more failed to find beds. The two hotels are not large enough to accommodate the public. They are both doing good business, and before many years will be inadequate to supply the wants of this steadily growing community.