The Temperance Parade of 1885

Quite a temperance rally among the young folks was participated in last evening. Handbills put up in the morning gave the first sign that an entertainment was to come off in the evening. At about 6 o'clock young misses dressed in white, or in Sunday best, without hats, and hair a la bangs and frizzed, were seen slyly darting across streets; little boys in Sunday best, in little groups leaving town, showed the breeze was rising. Soon came the lull and the town seemed to be emptied of children. Twenty minutes to 7 the Benton Cornet Band burst out with a lively march, and looking down street north from the Cottage Hotel, just entering town from the woods, could be seen a procession of children, with the old stars and stripes at the head of the column, carried by two misses dressed in white and about 14 years of age. Then followed the officers of the Band of Hope, wearing blue sashes, and then 40 little girls with white sashes trimmed with blue, and then came about 40 little boys. Several appropriate mottoes or banners were carried. The column was led by Benton's newly organized cornet band, which already plays nicely some fine selections. The line of march for this youthful procession was by the American Hotel up to the railroad, and thence to the schoolhouse, where many of the older people were gathering. The room was decorated with bouquets of flowers and evergreens. The house was full and many stood around the door and windows listening to the lively efforts of the little workers as they sang and spoke temperance selections of tobacco and rum and performed their ritual ceremonies. Many times they were applauded by the large gathering, showing that their efforts were appreciated. Altogether it was quite an enjoyable evening, and shows that a strong temperance feeling exists in the town.