The Day Newport Showed Off: Fourth of July, 1909

Newport's celebration of the national holiday was carried to a successful issue, notwithstanding the fact that the weather turned unfavorable and interfered to some extent with the day's pleasures. A good-sized crowd was present and all seemed to go home well pleased, judging from the many favorable comments passed on Newport's entertainment.

The town was gaily decorated; every business house and many homes displayed flags and bunting. Many handsome show windows were displayed by the merchants and the whole town seemed to be in holiday attire. The electric light company contributed with strings of lights across the principal corners on Washington avenue.

The program was carried out as planned, although slightly delayed at times by weather conditions. The real opening feature of the day was the industrial parade, which started promptly at 10 a.m., under the direction of Louis Kirchan, marshal of the day. The parade was highly complimented by the spectators and the floats were all creditable to the firms represented, showing many novel ideas. The line-up was as follows:

Four-horse decorated carriage from the Star Livery, containing Mayor Appel, president of the day, Rev. Hindley, Rev. Rice and Rev. Robinson. Post Falls Band. Statehood Float—Miss Lillian Hanson, Goddess of Liberty, and the 45 states represented by little girls. Decorated Carriage—Mrs. J. C. Scott. Security State Bank—decorated automobile with officers of the institution. Airship—C. A. Sherman Co., a well designed and novel display. Newport Battery Co. and Newport Telephone Co.—features, telephone switchboard and monster dry cell six feet tall, which will also be shown by them at the A.-Y.-P. Exposition. Lund Hardware Co.—well arranged display of miners' and lumbermen's tools. Newport Tailoring Co.—tailor shop force at work. Central Market—sausage grinder in operation. Newport Band. Decorated Carriage—"Farmer Out for a Good Time," Mrs. Dearborn, of the Cary store, and Fred Williams. Home Grocery—Homesteader's log cabin and Home Grocery products. Comic Character—Photographer Anderson on his tramp burro. Decorated Carriage—Bell Turnbull Hardware Co. Monster Savings Bank—T. J. Kelly's. Decorated Carriage—First National Bank, with King Reid distributing sacks of pennies. Advertising Milwaukee's Product—A. L. Ries.

The parade was halted at the I. W. N. passenger depot grounds, where the big flag, 12x20 feet, was flung to the breeze. Mayor Appel spoke a few words appropriate to the occasion and the children of the statehood float sang patriotic songs as the flag was hoisted.

Following were the prize winners in the sports of the day: Barefoot Race—George Colson first, Wilbur Burton second. Free-for-All Foot Race—Caesar Young first. Second Foot Race—Caesar Young first. Free-for-All Horse Race—Frank Baker's sorrel horse first, prize $25; C. L. Shubert's black mare second, prize rifle. Log Rolling—A. F. Upton, Spokane, first; Dallas O'Hara, Newport, second.

Louis Kirchan, as marshal of the day, handled all the events like a veteran and received many compliments for his skillful methods.

Mrs. George Hynes and Miss Moore are entitled to credit for the fine appearance made by the statehood float and the singing of the little girls. The children were well rehearsed and conducted themselves with credit.

Not a single case of drunkenness or disturbance of the peace was reported.

The prize for the best float was awarded to the Newport Battery Co. and the Newport Telephone Co.; second prize to Louis Kirchan. J. F. Anderson and his burro won the comic character prize. Judges were Harry Bryant, C. E. Busby and C. B. Hodgins, all of Spirit Lake.

The I. W. N. morning train brought about 200 people. No thanks are due the Great Northern for our crowd, as their refusal to stop the through trains at the small stations along the line kept many from coming.

No accidents of any kind occurred except very slight firecracker burns on some of the enthusiastic youngsters.

In the afternoon the ball game was the principal attraction. Spirit Lake defeated Newport in a close and exciting game, with a score of 2 to 1. Newport got its only run in the first inning. Spirit Lake scored 2 in the third. Spirit Lake's pitcher proved too much for our fellows and held them down when a hit meant the winning of the game. Spirit Lake also won Sunday's game with a score of 6 to 2.

Races on Union avenue, log-rolling and the motor boat race at the riverfront closed the sporting program of the day. In the evening the rain kept most of the people from enjoying the fireworks, but a large crowd attended the dance at Kelly's hall.