NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS 1906

Emmetsburg Democrat, July 18, 1906
Only Words of Praise

Neighboring Newspapers Speak Highly of Our Semi-Centennial Celebration
 
Emmetsburg celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the first permanent
settlements in Palo Alto county, last Friday, and did it on a magnificent scale,
and with complete success.

· * * The Algonians were royally entertained. Every courtesy that could be
extended to them was freely given. Many of them wore the Palo Alto souvenir
button, which bore a picture of the old Michael Jackman log cabin, that was
built fifty years ago, a few miles up the lake, by the old pioneer, and which is
still standing. Many also were kindly entertained at Emmetsburg homes and
feasted off the fat of the land, and all the delicacies of the season. * * * The
great jubilee demonstrations were in charge of officials who had carefully
planned every detail, and they were on the ground working like heroes to make
the event a success * * * Emmetsburg is a splendid town to hold such a jubilee,
on account of the great amount of shade that is to be found in every part of
town, especially the court house park where thousands roamed all day long. The
attractions were widely scattered so at no time did the crowds all center at one
place. The old settlers day, while we were there, was the third day of the Semi
Centennial jubilee. The business men had decorated profusely so that the city
presented a most beautiful appearance - Algona Advance




From the Emmetsburg Democrat-Wednesday, July 11, 1906:
A RECORD BREAKER
Such was the Big Semi-Centennial Celebration
ATTENDANCE A SURPRISE
Nothing occurred to Mar the Pleasure of the Occasion-Everything Went Off Splendidly

Emmetsburg Will Often Be Praised for the Creditable Management of the Undertaking
The Semi-Centennial celebration of the first settlement in Palo Alto county, held 
in Emmetsburg july 4,5, and 6, was perhaps the most successful gathering of the ???? 
ever witnessed in northern Iowa. The weather was all that could be desired. The sun 
shone brightly and the atmosphere was just wam enough for people to enjoy themselves 
without feeling uncomfortable. Fair luna lit up the heavens each evening and seemed 
to smile approvingly on the thousands of happy young and old people who were on hand 
to enjoy the festivities of the
occasion.

The Attendance
Every town and township in the county was largely represented and hundreds
were present from Algona, Whittemore, Livermore, Bode, Ottosen, Dickens,
Spencer, Wallingford and Fenton. Estherville sent down over 500 of its best
people and its splendid Military band to assist in furnishing music for our
thronging thousands. Wednesday's attendance must have exceeded 12,000. Thursday
perhaps no more than half this number were present. Friday was a record breaker.
There must have been 15,000 people in town. The writer has never met a more good
natured, peaceful, orderly people. There was not a quarrel during the three days
and we did not notice more than three or four who showed signs of intoxication.
Our city marshals and their assistants and officers of the day certainly deserve
credit for the manner in which they discharged their duties.

The Decorations
The entire city was beautifully decorated and presented to the large numbers
of strangers present a most inviting appearance. The committee in charge of this
feature of the undertaking did splendidly. A place of 20,000 could not have made
a more creditable showing.

The Parade.
The parade was gorgeous-by far the finest ever witnessed in Emmetsburg. It was 
indeed a credit to our various business and professional firms. The representations 
were as follows. 
Emmetsburg National Bank. Buggy handsomely trimmed in white with 
two occupants throwing pennies to the small boys along the street. 
Farmers' Savings Bank. Surrey trimmed with white and other appropriate colors 
with the bank's name in  large letters. 
First National Bank. Large safe representing the vaults of the
institution. It was neatly painted.
W.J. Black & Co. Large float trimmed with pink and blue over white and carried 
fancy dress goods and laces. It was driven in tandem fashion.
The Hub. Represented by steam boat, which was built on the plan of the modern sea 
going vessels and was manned by youthful mariners. The large paddle wheels on the 
side were full of sea weed that was taken from the Hub's counters before the parade.
Ground Floor Studio. A beautifully decorated float. The upper part of it represented a 
flying machine and underneath, on the platform, were two little girls performing on a trapeze.
The Tribune. Horse and buggy driven by two little girls. The latter wore red hats and 
red dresses. The horse, harness and buggy were all trimmed in red. A very neat sign 
entitled, "The Palo Alto Tribune, Always Read," was carried.
Foy & Wilcox-Bed room suite on a wagon. A girl was sitting on a rocking chair 
reading a newspaper. This was a very pleasing display.
Moran & Scott-Different kinds of furniture piled on a wagon. There were chairs, 
rockers, and numerous other articles. It was very good, indeed.
Emmetsburg Bottling Works- Wagon load of pop bottles, some in cases, others tied 
to the sides and top. It was a very neatly gotten up float.
Starr Livery Barn- Buggy artistically decorated driven by a fancy team and carried 
our mayor, sheriff, and chief of police.
A.W. Jennett-Rubber tired, yellow trimmed trap, neatly decorated. Carried the livery 
barn's sign on the side.
Palo Alto County Agricultural Society- A very neatly painted wagon. W.S. Parcham(?) 
prepared it for the parade. On the sides were the datesof the fair, September 18,19,20 and 21.
Scott's Milinery Store-A buggy and horse neatly trimmed in national colors. It was a 
very pleasant display.
Eastman Studio. Boy carrying banner with name of studio.

Notes about the Celebration.
J.E. Williams recited the Declaration of Independence. It was a pleasure to listen 
to him, he did it so well.
All the dances were largely patronized. The young people enjoyed themselves.
J.K. Benda was chairman of the general committee on arrangements. Who will say 
that he did not do his duty?
The old settlers' camp fire Friday evening was not very largely attended and was not 
the success it was anticipated it would be. Many of them were too tired to remain. They 
did not care to celebrate any longer.
Mrssrs. Jones, Jackson, Anglum, Fagan, Ruthven, and many others are deserving of praise 
for their untiring efforts to make the barbecue a success.
If there are any who did not secure badges they should call on T.L. Crose at once. 
He has a large number left.

Note: Also included  were a number of picture of early settlers. They are too dark to be
of any use. Included are the captions written under the pictures.
J.F. Neary-A member of the first Irish colony. Chosen presiding officer Old Settlers' Day.
Mayor T.F. Shea-Who welcomed the old settlers to our city.
Mr. and Mrs.James Nolan-Parents of James F. Nolan and Mrs. M.T. Washington. Both 
were members of the first Irish colony, but have been dead several years.
John Neary-One of the few survivors of the original Irish colony.
Lott Laughlin-son of Martin Laughlin, an early resident of our county. His mother was 
first housekeeper in Irish colony. The first telegraphservices in the county were 
conducted at the Laughlin home.
Patrick R. Jackman-One of the few survivors of the original Irish colony.
John McCormick-Settled near the present town of Rodman in 1851.
Was first superintendent of county.
John J. Mahan-Who came to Palo Alto with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mahan in 1856.
James L. Mahan-First white boy born in Palo Alto county. Son of Mr.and Mrs. Edward Mahan.
Charles T. Nolan-Came to Palo Alto in 1856 with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Nolan.
Col. W.E.G. Saunders of Laton, Cal., who donated two steers for the barbecue.