A Day of Fraternizing on the Seattle Waterfront
When the G.A.R. veterans from Tacoma steamed into Seattle, the city turned out for a day of cannon fire, pork, and beans.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Wednesday was made a sort of half-holiday by the citizens of Seattle. Early in the morning flags were hoisted over prominent buildings, principally along the business streets, and the city was made to wear quite a gala appearance. The occasion of all this was the announcement that Custer Post, G.A.R. of Tacoma, accompanied by an excursion of citizens, would pay a visit to the metropolis. Shortly after noon the various military organizations commenced making preparations to receive their guests. The Seattle Rifles were drawn in line, Stevens Post, G.A.R., was next, then followed by Company D. These companies, headed by the drum corps, marched and countermarched on Front and Columbia streets until the steamer W. K. Merwin rounded the point. Her appearance was heralded by the booming of cannon. The military companies then marched to Yesler's wharf, and as the steamer approached, opened ranks to allow the guests to march through. After landing, a meeting of the two Posts was held, after which all hands marched to Yesler's Hall, where the ladies of the relief corps had a regular old-fashioned camp fire and feast of pork and beans, hard tack, and coffee. The floor was then cleared and dancing was commenced, which continued till long after midnight.
“The ladies of the relief corps had a regular old-fashioned camp fire and feast of pork and beans, hard tack, and coffee.”
While the pomp and circumstance of G.A.R. processions have faded, Seattle's tradition of hosting boisterous cross-sound delegations via ferry continues. The 'Front Street' mentioned is today's Alaskan Way, a waterfront that remains central to the city's civic identity and connection to the broader region.
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