1884- 109th Celebration of Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence

The following are two articles from the Charlotte Home Democrat detailing the 109th anniversary celebration of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence in 1884.

Charlotte Home-Democrat 5/23/1884 and 5/16/1884 p. 3

The 20th May Celebration. The 109th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was celebrated in this city on Tuesday and Wednesday last in the usual grand style. The whole affair passed off satisfactorily, pleasantly, and we are glad to say without accident of any sort. The number of visitors was very large, but not quite as large as that which attended the centennial celebration in 1875. There were about the same number of visiting Military and Fire Companies, and the display in that line was as fine as in 1875. The short address of Hon. R.T. Bennett at the unveiling of the Firemens’ Monument in the Cemetery was appropriate and pleasing to the vast assemblage present; and the Oration of the Hon. Geo. H. Pendleton of Ohio, at the Institute Grounds was splendid and perfect in every respect. Our people were enraptured with the Honorable gentleman and his great Address, and were also well pleased with the succeeding remarks made by Senator Jones and Representative Davidson of Florida. The procession was about one mile long and was admirably managed by Col. Ham. C. Jones. The City was decorated with U.S. Flags from one end to the other, and the appearance was simply magnificent – the business houses, and the private residences along the line of march, looked splendid. A condensed account of the celebration we give as follows: The procession was formed on Fourth street, the right resting on Tryon, and after all was in readiness the march was taken up for the cemetery, the mounted police, and the Knights Templars, composed of forty men, including visiting Knights from Asheville, Winston and Raleigh, leading off. Following came the Speaker and distinguished guests; Gov. Jarvis and staff, Colonels Staples, Skinner and Sugg. Behind these were Adj’t Gen. Johnstone Jones and staff, Maj. Martin, Capt. Curtis and Capt. Young. Next came the military, under command of Col. F.H. Cameron and Aides Hayes, Smith and Batchelor. There were nine companies in the command and they marched in the following order: Durham Light Infantry, Capt. E.J. Parrish. Hornets’ Nest Riflemen, Capt. J.T. Anthony.  Asheville Light Infantry, Capt. W.T. Weaver.  Southern Stars, Lincolnton, N.C.  Dallas Light Infantry, Capt. John C. Tipton.  Shoe Heel Rifles, Capt. Black.  Catawba Rifles, Rock Hill, S.C., Capt. Allen Jones.  Polk Rifles, Capt. Boyce.  Gordon Light Infantry, Winnsboro, S.C., Capt. W.J. Jordan.

Following the Military came the Firemen:  The Howard Relief, of Wilmington, with their engine and reel, headed by the Cornet Concert Club.  The Palmetto Engine, Columbia.  Pioneer Hook and Ladder, Greenville.  Hornet engine and reel, Charlotte.  Spartan engine and reel, Spartanburg.  Pioneer engine and reel, Charlotte.  Pioneer, Jr., engine and reel, Charlotte.  Independent Hook and Ladder, Charlotte. In regard to the particular appearance of the visiting companies, the reporter of the Observer remarks: “The handsome uniforms of the companies, the dazzling Engines and beautiful trucks and reels made the procession an imposing one. The Knights Templar in their parade regalia, were greatly admired, additional interest being centered in them from the fact that this was their first parade in this State. The handsomest uniform seen in the parade, was worn by the Durham Light Infantry, a dark blue, with white and gold trimmings and white helmets. The Gordon Light Infantry made a fine show and was frequently cheered along the march. The Asheville Light Infantry Band wore a handsome red uniform and won exclamations of admiration from all sides. The full, clear, easy notes of the Cornet Concert Club of Wilmington, drew all eyes to a fine looking body of men, attired in a uniform of white helmets and linen dusters. The Spartan steamer was the handsomest in the procession and the Greenville boys drew the prettiest truck that has been seen in Charlotte. The Howard Relief had the best looking set of men and the strongest engine, while the Palmettos made a fine show and were highly complimented.” UNVEILING THE FIREMENS’ MONUMENT. Never before was such an immense throng seen in Elmwood cemetery. The procession entered the Eighth street gate at about 11, and the cemetery was packed almost from fence to fence. The monument, a beautiful shaft of granite, surmounted by the figure of a fireman, carved from the purest marble, stands a the foot of a gently sloping hill, the graves of the city’s dead facing it on the north, and on the south side the bright fresh lawns and flower beds and playing fountains. Arriving at the monument, the military formed a square around it, inside of which the home and visiting firemen took their places. Around these on all sides stood the crowd about two hundred deep. At the appointed hour the Marshals escorted the young ladies who were selected to draw the veil from the monument to the stand, and stationed them at each corner of the platform as follows: Miss Mamie Wadsworth, Miss Ridie Graham, Miss Lucy Wriston and Carrie Frazier. As the first notes of the McSmith band were heard, each young lady pulled the cord held in her hand, and the covering dropped to the ground, leaving the monument uncovered in its beauty before the gaze of the multitude. At the conclusion of the music, Mr. Richard N. Tiddy introduced Rev. J.T. Bagwell, who delivered a feeling prayer. Maj. C. Dowd then spoke a few words of introduction for the distinguished gentleman who was to deliver the oration: “A man who represents ably, impartially and fairly the people of North Carolina in the United States Congress, Hon. Risden Tyler Bennett.” Judge Bennett, as he is familiarly called by our people, delivered an eloquent address appropriate in character and length. After the ceremonies at the Cemetery, the procession moved to the Institute Grounds, a march of about a mile, where Senator Pendleton was introduced by Gov. Vance, and proceeded to deliver a patriotic and interesting address. At the conclusion of Mr. Pendleton’s address, the audience called for Senators Jones and Ransom, and Representative Davidson. Messrs Jones and Davidson made a few appropriate remarks, and the crowd then dispersed highly pleased. THE PRIZE DRILL. In the afternoon of Tuesday, the Prize Drill of the Military Companies took place on the Institute Grounds, four companies entering the contest, viz: The Gordon Light Infantry of Winnsboro, S.C., the Light Infantry of Asheville, N.C., the Southern Stars of Lincolnton, and the Light Infantry of Durham. The Judges were Capt. E. Hayes, Lieut. Jas. B. Batchelor, Jr., and Capt. A.L. Smith. The Winnsboro company was awarded the first prize of $100. Capt. Hayes, of the U.S. Army, says it was as fine as any drilling he ever saw in the United States army. It was with some difficulty that the judges decided to which of the remaining three companies the second prize should be awarded, but they finally decided in favor of the Asheville Light Infantry. The drilling of all the companies competing was highly creditable and the committee, in making the award of second prize, were decided by the fact that the Durham Light Infantry and the Southern Stars, both good companies, made each a mistake likely in actual service to occur. After this announcement was read the companies marched into the city and repaired to the Hornets’ Nest armory, where a plentiful supply of refreshments were prepared for their comfort. The prize money was then given to the captains of the winning companies, the Winnsboro company getting $100, and the Asheville boys $50. A Big Ball at the Central Hotel, at night, closed the festivities of the 20th. SECOND DAY, MAY 21ST. The crowd was much larger on Wednesday, the second day of the celebration, than we expected to see, and everybody seemed determined to have as much fun as possible. We use, in part, the account of the proceedings prepared by our neighbor of the Observer: THE BAND TOURNAMENT Took place in the Public Square at 10 o’clock, A.M. Three Bands competed for the prizes. After some splendid music, the first prize of $100 in gold was awarded to the Wilmington Band, and the second prize (a $100 Organ) to the Asheville Cornet Band. The Cornet Solo contest was participated in by Mr. Schloss of Wilmington, and Mr. Herndon of Charlotte. Mr. Herndon was declared the winner of the $50 cash prize. THE BICYCLE RACES. About 12 o’clock nearly 1,000 people were seen tramping out towards the City Park, besides several hundred buggies and carriages moving in that direction containing ladies and gentlemen. The Bicycle Race was participated in by Messrs Sandford of Greenville, S.C.; Berry, Hunt, Greene and Gerridore of Columbia, S.C.; Passaure of Lancaster, S.C.; Sharp of Statesville, N.C.; Motz of Lincolnton, N.C., and the Charlotte club. Messrs George Brockenbrough and R.M. Miller, Jr., acted as Judges. The first race called was a half mile heat, best two out of three. In this race, Sandford of South Carolina, came out first best; Motz of North Carolina, second; and Dowd of North Carolina, third. The boys’ half mile race was won by Master Willie Shaw. Maxwell, of the Charlotte club, won the one mile race, and Pharr scored an easy victory in the three mile race. After the races, Hon. C. Dowd mounted the stand, and in his usual pleasant style, proceeded to deliver the prizes as follows:

• No.1. Half mile, best two out of three – Sandford of S.C., first, gold medal; Motz of N.C., second, cradle spring; Dowd of N.C.; third, cyclometer.
• No.2. Half mile boys’ race – Shaw of N.C., first, alarm bell; Wilson of N.C., second, saddle; Atkinson of N.C., third, tool bag.
• No.3. One mile race – Maxwell of N.C., first, gold medal; Gilmer of N.C., second, pedals; Johnston of N.C., third, nickel lamp.
• No.4. Three mile race – Pharr of N.C., first, gold medal; Maxwell of N.C., second, cyclometer; Jones of N.C., third, box cigars.

  THE FIREMEN’S CONTEST. The main feature of the celebration was the contests between the various fire companies, which occupied the entire afternoon. Tryon street, between Fourth and Fifth, the scene of the contests, was roped, travel was suspended, and the whole city gave itself up to the enjoyment of the occasion. The contests began at two o’clock and ended at 7, and our home companies carried off every prize, save one, the $50 prize for the second best reel race. The contest was divided into three divisions – reel races, steamer races and truck races. THE REEL RACES. The reel races came on first, the Independents of Charlotte, leading and making a fine run. The Palmettoes of Columbia, and the Pioneer and Hornets of Charlotte, came in their respective order. The Pioneers won the first prize. The Palmetto won the second prize of $50 cash. THE FIRE STEAMER CONTEST. The Steamer Race was perhaps the most interesting part of the contest. The Palmetto engine of Columbia, Spartan of Spartanburg, Adrian of Wilmington, and Pioneer and Hornet of Charlotte, all entered. The Hornet came off victorious, her record being a most remarkable one. In just four minutes and thirty-five seconds, from the time smoke first curled from the top she threw a stream fifty feet. Jake Hand, the engineer, fired her up artistically, the blaze running through the engine and going out the top to a distance of ten feet. The Spartans fired up their beautiful engine second, and threw water in six minutes and forty-six seconds. This time was thought impossible to beat, until the Hornet engine got into position and surprised the people. Next the solid old A. Adrian of Wilmington was wheeled into line, and simultaneously with the application of the torch to her furnace flames leaped from her top. The gallant Adrians have the satisfaction of knowing that if they didn’t win, they gave the winning company the worst sort of scare. The Palmetto engine was wheeled up to the cistern and her furnace fired. She went off like the report of a gun and made steam rapidly, but after all, fell behind the Hornet by over a minute. The following is the time made by the engines as announced by the judges, E.B. Springs, R.H. Kennedy, P.H. Reilly and Bennett Barnes:

• Spartan, 6.46 1/2
• Hornet, 4.35
• Pioneer,
• A. Adrian, 5.22 1/2
• Palmetto, 5.52

  THE HOOK AND LADDER RACES. Only two companies entered, the Pioneer of Greenville, and the Independent of Charlotte. The start was made from the Central Hotel, and the ladders were thrown against the Charlotte Hotel. The Independents led off, drawing the truck to the Charlotte Hotel, throwing off one ladder, picking up a second one, raising it to the roof of the building, sending a man to the top round and back to the ground, taking down the ladder, replacing it on the truck, and buckling the straps. All this was done in the short space of fifty seven and a quarter seconds. The Greenville company went through the same performance in 55 ¾ seconds, and would have secured the victory but for the fact that their man descended the ladder before touching the top around, having been slightly dazed by one of the small flags on the hotel portico, the staff of which became entangled in the ladder and struck him a smart blow over the eyes. This was the most exciting of all the races, and the rapidity with which the movements were performed was simply astonishing. While the Independents were hoisting their ladder, Tom Garabaldi leaped upon it and scrambled up, reaching the top before the ladder was well against the roof, then letting loose his hands, slided down like a flash, and almost in a twinkling the ladder was buckled in its place on the truck. The run of the Greenville boys was greatly admired, and it was regretted that the failure of their man to touch the top caused them to lose the race which otherwise they would have won. The Pioneer got the $100 United States bond offered by E.D. Latta & Bro.; the Independent $100 in cash, and the Hornet $100 in cash. After the contests, the visiting Firemen were served with Refreshments in abundance, and a few hours spent in enjoyment and good humor. THE CLOSING UP. Late in the afternoon, the visiting Fire Companies, and the Military Companies that had remained over from the 20th were escorted to the Depots, and sent on their way home in good cheer and good humor. It was, indeed, a big celebration, a neat celebration, a well-conducted celebration, and an enjoyable celebration.

20th May Celebration, ’84. Condensed Programme.

Tuesday, May, 20.   Salute of 38 Guns and Ringing of Bells at Sun- rise.  Procession to form at 9 A. M., the Right rest- ing on Tryon and 4th Streets. To start Prompt- ly at 10 A. M. and move down Tryon Street to 8th Street, thence to Elmwood Cemetery, in the following order: Mounted Police under Chief McNinch. Chief Marshal – Col. H.C. Jones and Aids.

Band. Knight Templars under command of Eminent Sir Charles R. Jones, including Charlotte Commandery and Knights from Asheville, Winston, Dur- ham, Raleigh and Wilmington. Carriages with Members of Congress, Gov- ernors, &c. Adj’t Gen. Jones and Inspector-General Cam- eron, with their respective Staffs.

Band. Military Companies and Fire Companies.  Band. Bicycle Clubs.

The unveiling of Fireman’s Monument in Elm- wood Cemetery at 11o’clock – Prayer by Rev. J.T. Bagwell – Read- ing of Ode by Hon. M. W. Ransom.

Procession to re-form and march from Cemetery to Trade St., thence through Tryon Street and Morehead Avenue to the Graded School Park, Where an Oration will be delivered at 12 o’clock, by the Hon. G.H. Pendleton of Ohio, and an Address by Hon. J.G. Carlisle of Kentucky, and other distin- guished gen- tlemen. After the Oration and Addresses, the Procession will march to Independence Square, where it will be dismissed.

Military Prize Drill at Graded School Park at 3.30 P. M. Prize for best drilled com- pany $100 cash – 2d best, $50. Review of Military by Gov. Jarvis and Staff at Independence Square at 6.30 P. M. Firemens’ Banquet at Oates’ Hall at 9 P. M. Grand Ball at Central Hotel at 10 P.M.

Wednesday, May 21st.  Band Tournament at 8 to 10 A.M. - Prize $100 cash for best Band – 2d best, Bay State Organ – 3d best $50. Bicycle Race at Carolina Park at 10 A.M. – Prizes $25, $20 and $30 in Gold Medals.

Firemens’ Tournament on Tryon Street, to com- mence at 12 o’clock, and Prizes to be awarded as follows:  For Best Reel Race a $100 U. S. Bond presented by E.D. Latta & Bro. For second best $50. For the best Steamer $100 cash. For best Hook & Ladder $100 cash.