Anamosa - A Reminiscence 1838 - 1988

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watching from the hills south and southwest of the
bridge. it was deemed a stirring event. An estimated
15,000 persons were in town for the three-day
celebration.
That evening the veterans assembled in Shaw's Hall
for the banquet, songs. and speeches. (This is believed
to have been held in the Shaw Block, where the
courthouse was then located).
Captain A.M. Loomis of Wyoming first addressed the
group and then sang with evident feeling. 'Tenting Out
Tonight on The Old Campgrounds‘ with E.N.
Harriman, E.M. Condit, C.W. Coe, T.R. Ercanbrack, on
the chorus and Mrs. J.S. Stacy at the organ. This was
followed by a period of reminiscing.
Major Farwell of Monticello was the next speaker.
Col. Milo Smith's cornet band played, ‘Tramp Tramp
Tramp The Boys Are Marching’.
Other speeches were given by E.J. Wood, Ezra
Keeler, William M. Starr. following these. ‘John
Brown's Body‘ and ‘The Girl I Left Behind Me‘.
Refreshments, including hot coffee, were served in
tin cups by a bevy of ladies who also served
sandwiches, cakes. and grapes.
After the meal, the exercises were resumed with G. L.
Yount, T.E. Patterson and Lawrence Schoonover
addressing the group.
With everyone singing 'America' the banquet came
toaclose.
The old Col. William T. Shaw's name was not
mentioned as taking any part in the three-day affair.
nor was it told in the newspapers the reason for his
absence.
An estimate of up to 10,000 persons came to
Anamosa to celebrate the Independence Day festivities
planned in 1872. This was Anamosa‘s turn to sponsor
the event. The other county towns city fathers at Olin,
Monticello and Wyoming would simply announce in
the papers a month or two ahead that they would be
hosting the big days that went along with the Fourth of
July each year. However, occasionally several smaller
celebrations were held simultaneously
Before sunrise on the Fourth of July, 1872, the 12-
pound brass fleld piece in charge of Captain O.B. Crane.
belched forth a booming shot, the bells of the city rang,
and two locomotive whistles contributed to the din.
Besides the the 12-pounder. there were several small
cannon and an immense quantity of smaller explosives
which accomplished their mission. It was reported that
the 37-gun-salute was heard 12 to 14 miles away.
People began arriving before 5 o'clock that moming
and later the crowds poured in from allover.
In due time, Marshal Crane, with Major Olmstead
assisting. organized the procession with the Anamosa
Silver Cornet Band in their chariot at the head.
This was followed by the President of the Day. J.D.
Walworth, with orator, Rev. J. Rhea. The Reader of the
Declaration, Robert Dott, and Chaplain W. Lease came
next followed by 37 young ladies dressed in white.
forming a pyramid on the framework. Next came the
fully equipped artilliary pieces, drawn by four horses.
The carriages and wagons made up the rear.
After everyone had assembled in the Grove (where
the present courthouse is now) the exercises opened
with the music from the Band with the Glee Club
singing, ‘Our Banner of Glory‘, which did not break
with the singing, even when the platform on which they
stood gave way.
This was followed by prayer, more music, the reading
of the Declaration of independence, and orations
lasting up to 1-1/2 hours. This did not discourage the
majority of the crowds, who diligently sat in listening
July 4th 1872
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