1906- Mecklenburg Declaration Celebrations

The following articles detail the various events of the 1906 celebrations for the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.

Charlotte Daily Observer: 5/20/1906 p.14, 5/20/1906 p.6, 5/20/1906 p.7 and 5/20/1906, Section 3, p.1

 

A DINNER TO VETERANS.  5/20/1906 p.14  

Mayor S. S. McNinch Invites County People to Join in Entertaining Old Soldiers Tuesday.  

Mayor S. S. McNinch is very anxious to have the people of the county join in entertaining the old soldiers who are to be here this week.  He has addressed an open letter “to the citizens of Mecklenburg county” asking that as many as possible bring baskets with them Tuesday, so that a picnic dinner may be served on the city hall steps in honor of the veterans.  The letter reads as follows:  

“To the Citizens of Mecklenburg County:  

“We have invited to our celebration next Tuesday, all the old soldiers of North and South Carolina, and we are assured that many of them will be here.  

“It has been suggested, and I approve of the idea, that people from the county would like to join with us to the extent of caring for the old soldiers.  

“Therefore, with that idea, I invite the good women of Mecklenburg county, as far as convenient, to prepare baskets of provisions as if for a picnic, and assemble at the city hall Tuesday at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, which place is headquarters for the old soldiers, and feast them to a surfeit on all good things.  Doubtless many of our visitors will be pleased to spend the night at your homes, if convenient.  

“We all appreciate very much your joining hands with us in this entertainment of the old soldiers.  

“Sincerely,  

“S. S. M’NINCH, Mayor.”  

The Main Streets for the Paraders.  

Chief of Police Irwin is preparing to give the paraders and celebrants the right-of-way on the main streets.  There will be a jam and a crush of spectators, participants and others.  It will take careful handling and persistant efforts to keep the streets from being conjested.  Therefore, Chief Irwin will ask the merchants to have their delivery wagons take the back streets as far as practical and convenient.  No public hacks will be allowed on Tryon and Trade streets during the prades.  

It is also urged that no goods boxes be left on the sidewalks during the week.  Every effort will be made to have everything right for the occasion.  The police officers appeal to the citizens to help them in any way they can.  

Special Honor Decorations.  

The committee on decorations has adorned the homes of Mayor S. S. McNinch, Adjutant General T. R. Robertson, Col. T. L. Kirkpatrick and Mrs. Stonewall Jackson as a special compliment to each.  Col. Kirkpatrick will be host to Governor Glenn.

 

 

DR. I. H. ALEXANDER COMING. 5/20/1906 p.6  

Great-Grandson of President of the Declaration Convention to be Here This Week.  

A letter from Dr. I. H. Alexander, of Camden, S. C., requesting copies of programme for this week’s celebration was recently received by The Observer, and incidentally the writer spoke of being a son of Isaac B. Alexander, whose father was Dr. Isaac Alexander, the first president of Queen’s Museum.  The Southern Home, published at Charlotte by General D. H. Hill, in an issue immediately after the centennial celebration of the Declaration in 1875, said, under the head, “Distinguished Descendants”:  

“There were present at the Mecklenburg centennial the only two surviving grandsons of Abram Alexander, the president of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, viz:  Isaac B. Alexander, Esq., of Camden, S. C., and Dr. Cyrus Alexander, of Cabarrus, N. C.  Isaac B. Alexander is a son of Dr. Isaac Alexander, the first president of the Queen’s Museum.  Dr. Alexander graduated at Princeton College in 1772 in the same class with James Madison and Aaron Burr, afterwards President and Vice President of the United States.  He served one year at Queen’s Museum, resigned and went to practice his profession at Camden, S. C.  He was present at the convention of May 20, 1775, and saw his father sign the Declaration.  This he always told his children as an undoubted fact, not dreaming that notoriety hunters would a hundred years afterward try to prove it a myth.  Dr. Alexander became a surgeon in the continental army, was in Camden at Gates’ defeat and rendered important service to the American wounded.  He waited on the unfortunate General DeKalb, dressed his wounds and cared for him until he died.”

 

 

OFFICIAL PROGRAMME—ORDER OF EXERCISES 5/20/1906 p.7  

Monday, May 21st.—Women’s Club meeting, 11 o’clock; balloon ascension, 3 o’clock; carnival of lights, 7.30 o’clock; reception by the ladies, 8.30 o’clock.  

Tuesday, May 22nd.—Military and firemen’s parade, 11 o’clock; veteran’s drill, 1 o’clock; balloon ascension, 3 o’clock; exhibition drill by regular army, 4 o’clock; marine band concert, 8.30 o’clock.  

Wednesday, May 23rd.—Floral, automobile and float parade, 11 o’clock; address in Vance Park by Hon. Champ Clark, of Missouri, 12.30 o’clock; exhibition drill by regular army, 4 o’clock; Red Men’s parade, 8 o’clock; fire works and night balloon ascension, 9 o’clock.  

Thursday, May 24th.—Parade of United Commercial Travelers and fraternal orders, 11 o’clock; tournament, 12.30 o’clock; firemen’s exhibition drill, 2.30 o’clock.  

In addition to the official programme, there will be a number of other attractions, which are now being arranged.  The Marine Band, which is universally regarded as one of the finest aggregations of skilled musicians to be found anywhere, will give open air concerts on the Cramer lot at the corner of South Tryon and Second streets every day during the celebration.  The carnival of lights, which is nothing more than a monster electrical display about the square, will be in full blast every night.  This, with the store decorations, will make the whole city very attractive.

 

 

THE 131ST ANNIVERSARY OF MECKLENBURG’S DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE  5/20/1906, Section 3, p.1  

The Civic Programme  

MONDAY  

11 A. M.—The Third Regiment Band will Play until 12:30 O’clock on the Grand Stand at the Corner of South Tryon and Second streets.  

3.30 P. M.—Balloon Ascensions, (2) at the Fair Grounds.  

4 P. M.—Exhibition Drill by U. S. Troops of Infantry, Cavalry and Marines (Regular Army) at the Fair Grounds.  Marine Band and Third Regiment Bands Will Play During the Exercises.  

7.30 P. M.—Carnival of Lights on Main Streets.  

9 P. M.—Reception at Southern Manufacturers’ Club to Home Comers and Visitors.  

TUESDAY  

10.30 A. M.—The Third Regiment Band will Play for an Hour on the Grand Stand at the Corner of South Tryon and Second Streets.  

11 A. M.—Military and Firemen’s Street Parade.  Regular Army Troops, State Troops, Veterans and City Fire Department will take Part in this Parade.  Human Flag on Grand Stand at the Corner of South Tryon and Second Streets.  Governor R. B. Glenn and His Staff, in Full Uniform, Will View the Parade.  

12.30 P. M.—Veteran’s Drill in Front of the Grand Stand at the Corner of South Tryon and Second Streets.  

 

3.30 P. M.—Balloon Ascensions (2) at the Fair Grounds.

 

4 P. M.—Exhibition Drill by Infantry, Cavalry and Marines (Regular Army) at the Fair Grounds.  Governor Glenn and His Staff will Attend.  Marine and Third Regiment Bands will Play at These Exercises.  

7.30 P. M.—Carnival of Lights on Main Streets.  

8.30 P. M.—Special Concert by Marine Band in Academy of Music (Benefit of Marine Band.)  

9 P. M.—Balloon Ascension, Fair Grounds.  

WEDNESDAY  

11 A. M.—Floral Parade; Also Industrial Floats and Decorated Automobiles.  

12.30 P. M.—Speech by Hon. Champ Clark, of Missouri, at Vance Park.  Subject, “The United States in the Twentieth Century.”  

3.30 P. M.—Balloon Ascensions at the Fair Grounds.  

4 P. M.—Exhibition Drill by Infantry, Cavalry and Marines at the Fair Grounds.  Marine and Third Regiment Bands Will Furnish Music.  

7.30 P. M.—Carnival of Lights on Main Streets.  

8 P. M.—Red Men and Haymaker’s Parade With Torches.  Red Men Dressed as Indians.  

9 P. M.—Grand Fire Works Display and Night Balloon Ascension at the Fair Grounds.  

THURSDAY  

11 A. M.—United Commercial Travelers’ and Fraternal Orders’ Street Parade.  

12 Noon.—Speech to Fraternal Orders by Hon. E. Y. Webb, at Vance Park.  

12.30 P. M.—Grand Horse-Back Tournament at the Fair Grounds.  

2.30 P. M.—Firemen’s Exhibition Fire Fighting Drill, Opposite the Grand Stand, at the Corner of Second and South Tryon Streets.  Third Regiment Band Will Participate.  

4 P. M.—Exhibition Drill by Cavalry.  

7.30 P. M.—Carnival of Lights on Main Streets.  

The Academy of Music  

The offering at the Academy of Music this week will be the talented young actor, Mr. Clarence L. Southern, supported by Miss Evelyn Clark and a capable company, in repertoire.  This company will present a change of bill nightly, except Tuesday evening, when it gives way to the Marine Band.  Following is the programme for the week:  

MONDAY EVENING—“The Lost Paradise.” TUESDAY EVENING—UNITED STATES MARINE BAND. WEDNESDAY EVENING—“The Plunger.” THURSDAY EVENING—“At the Risk of His Life.” FRIDAY EVENING—“The Power of the Church.” SATURDAY, MATINEE—“David Garrick.” SATURDAY EVENING—“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”  

ROUTE OF THE PARADE  

THE LINE OF MARCH TO BE OBSERVED BY THE BIG PARADES, WHICH ARE SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY MORNINGS, HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY FIXED BY THE MAY 20TH COMMITTEE AS FOLLOWS:  PARADES WILL FORM ON SOUTH TRYON STREET, WITH HEAD RESTING ON MOREHEAD.  THEY WILL MOVE PROMPTLY AT 11 O’CLOCK EACH DAY, GOING FROM SOUTH TRYON TO TRADE, DOWN WEST TRADE TO POPLAR, NORTH ON POPLAR STREET TO WEST TENTH, ON TENH TO TRYON, ON TRYON TO TRADE, EAST ON TRADE TO COLLEGE, SOUTH ON COLLEGE TO EAST THIRD, THENCE TO SOUTH TRYON AND TO FIRST STREET, WHERE THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS WILL DISBAND INTO THE SIDE STREETS.  

The Honorable Champ Clark, Representative from the Ninth District of Missouri, Will Deliver an Address in Vance Park Wednesday at 12:30 O’Clock.             Subject. “The U. S. in the Twentieth Century”  

The Carnival Programme  

“THE PIKE”  

8 A. M. to 12 MIDNIGHT.  

“The Pike,” under the auspices of the United Commercial Travelers, and under the direction of Jas. E. Finnegan.  The shows will be located along West Fourth street, from Tryon to Poplar, and on Poplar from Fourth to Trade street.  Following is a list of the shows.

 

The Russian Prince, Nicoli. Trained Wild Animal Show. The Minstrel Misses. Maydr, the Spectacular Fire-Dancer. Florida Coons, Old Plantation Show. Fire and Flames. Ghost Show. Dixie Land. Oriental Theatre. Jones and Adams—“Edisonia.” Electric Theatre. Illusion Show. Refined Vaudeville Show. Glass Palace.  

Three free acts will be given daily—afternoon and evening—at Poplar and Fourth Streets and rear of Piedmont building.  Slide for Life, High-dive from 90-foot ladder into tank containing 4 feet of water and aerial act.  

“THE HIKE-A-LONG”  

“The Hike-a-Long,” under the auspices of Battery A, Charlotte Artillery, Lieut. Mark Williams and Mr. C. B. Turner, managers, will be located at Latta Park, on the fair grounds.  The following named attractions have been secured and will compose the carnival:  

J. J. Shields’ Shows—“The Statue Turning to Life,” “Lunette, the Flying Lady,” and “The Whole Dam Family, Including the Dam Dog.”  

C. W. Taylor’s “Funmakers,” Comprising 25 Comedians and a Brass Band.  

Fred A. Danner’s Mammoth Electric Palace and Impossible Voyage.  

Dr. D. B. Boyd’s “King Pharo,” the Wonderful $100,000 Educated Horse, and an Arabian Freak Horse.  

G. G. Gills’ Steam Riding Gallery.  

J. C. Cathey’s Ocean Wave and Razzle Dazzle.  

The Famous Hampton Amusement Company’s Attractions, Consisting of Ferris Wheel, Three Electric Theatres—“Dreamland,” “Fairyland” and “Wonderland”—“King Capracan, The Famous Double-Headed Giant,” Snake Show.  

Jethro’s Shows of Ancient Egypt and Jerusalem.  

Hodges’ Museum of Anatomy.  

Garzazi’s Big Vaudeville and Dancing Girl Show.  

Abbott’s Glass Show.  

Hampton’s Brass Bands (2.)  

Dare Devil Doherty, Who Leaps a Forty-Five Foot Gap Twice Daily, at 2.30 and 8.30 p. m.  

The Queen City Drum Corps will give an exhibition drill in center of the Midway Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock.  Exhibition firing drills will be given daily, at 5.30 p.m., by the Charlotte Artillery.  

The National Contribution  

This celebration of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence is notable from the fact that it is the first time the United States government has accorded the occasion official recognition.  This recognition comes in the shape of a battalion of infantry, a troop of cavalry, a detachment of marines and the Marine Band.  

Following is the make-up of the national contingent:  

Companies I and K, Seventeenth Regiment, U. S. A., Capts. Durfee and Huget, Major F. B. McCoy, commanding.  Seven commissioned officers and 160 enlisted men.  From Fort McPherson, Georgia.  

Troop G, Thirteenth Cavalry, Capt. T. M. Corcoran, commanding; three commissioned officers and 60 enlisted men.  From Fort Meyer, Virginia.  

Detachment of marines, Capt. L. M. Gulick, commanding; three commissioned officers and 81 enlisted men.  From the naval barracks, Portsmouth, Va.  

United States Marine Band, Lieut. Santelmann, leader, and 70 pieces.  From Washington, D. C.