Olympia's Grand Washington's Birthday Celebration and Statehood Pride

The praises of the immortal Washington were spoken, sung and played today, while the American colors floated in the wind, in honor of his memory. It has been some time since a celebration of the day was observed with so much patriotism in Olympia. Bunting draped many places of business, and this afternoon the city took on a holiday appearance. All banks were closed, and state, county, and city officials took a rest. Toward noon, military uniforms were seen here and there, and at 1:30, Company A, all the glory of young soldiers, marched from the armory to the place of formation on Fourth street, east of Washington. All other societies and organizations took the places according to the program... The procession, headed by the police of the city, and the Capital City Band, moved promptly at 2 p.m., south on Main street to Tenth street, counter marching on Main street to Fourth, and thence to the theater, which was soon crowded. After music by the band, Judge Robinson was introduced, and spoke as follows: 'More than 160 years have elapsed since creation gave to the world that helpless infant, who, as a man, became the greatest single earthly factor in the beginning of the grandest drama of human progress the world has ever witnessed... The state of Washington was to be and has become the monument civilization and free government has dedicated to his memory.' This speech was followed by Washington's Farewell Address, read by Major C. M. Barton. After music by the band the audience was dismissed. Governor Ferry presided and made a brief and stirring introductory address. The marshal of the day was F. G. Deming and the committee on arrangements were A. H. Adams, C. T. Whitney and Harry Cowles. After the exercises at the theater, the various organizations preceded by the band, marched to the corner of Main and Fourth streets and dismissed.