1876- May 20 celebration

Two newspaper articles discuss the planning and execution of the 101st celebration of Mecklenburg Declaration.

Southern Home: 4/24/1876 p. 3 and  5/22/1876

Twentieth of May.—The Fire Department held a joint meeting of all the companies on Friday night, Chief Orr, presiding.  It was resolved to hold a parade on the 20th at 2½ o’clock P M; and to invite the cadets of the C M I to join them.  Col. Thomas was, also, invited to deliver an address on the occasion.  At night the Firemen will have a supper, &c.  It is proper that the day should be recognized by some public proceedings.

The Southern Home

TWENTHIETH OF MAY CELEBRATION

A clear sunrise, and five hundred big bells pealing in discordant tintinnabulation, greeted our citizens on Saturday morning, the 20th of May, and 101st anniversary of the first American Declaration of Independence. Our gallant firemen, upon whom, in a great measure, rests the duty of conducting all public celebrations, arranged the programme for the day, as follows: Bells at Sunrise.  U S Flag hoisted at 2 p.m.  Procession through Principal Streets at 2 ½ p. m.  City Marshal Platoon of Police.  Brass Band.  Officers Fire Department.  Hornet Fire Company.  Pioneer Fire Company.  Independent Hook and Ladder.  Cadets of the Military Institute.  Hornet Nest Rifles.  Mayor and City Officers.  Orators.  Citizens and Strangers. The three fire companies, in clean uniform, with boquets of flowers, streaming banners, and engines beautifully decorated by the nimble fingers of their sweethearts, presented an unusually fine appearance, notwithstanding the oppressive heat and dust. The cadets in grey dress coats and white pantaloons marched with the regularity of old soldiers; though it was hard not to turn the head to look at the pretty folks on the way-side.

CEREMONIES ON THE SQUARE  Prayer by Rev P J Caraway-Reading the Declaration by Col H C Jones-Address by Col J P Thomas-Music interspersed, as usual.

The sweltering sun prevented our hearing the Oration; but it is highly spoken of.

At night a splendid collation was served in Holton’s building by the Firemen; and speeches, toasts, music and merry making, ruled the hour.

Business was generally suspended during the afternoon in honor of the occasion, which was also celebrated in Statesville, Concord, &c.