'Calathumpian' parades and more for July 4

McCook's celebrations of Independence Day have apparently waned and then resurged over the years and the late 1800's were no exception. The following articles were in the McCook Tribune with notation of the papers (if applicable) in which they were originally printed.

McCook Tribune, June 18, 1888, reprinted from the Hayes Centre Times: "We do not desire to appear previous about matters, but would like to ask what our citizens are going to do on the 4th, the ever glorious 4th of July. If no action has been taken or will be taken, The Times would suggest that we go to McCook in a body. The citizens of the 'Peerless City' have donated $1000 to celebrate our Independence, and will celebrate in a grander and more magnificent scale than ever before attempted in Western Nebraska. Races, fireworks, base ball, calathumpian parade (a word of American origin referring to a band of discordant instruments or noisy parade), prominent speakers, etc., will comprise the festivities of the day. What say ye fellow citizens?"

That may have been the last organized celebration in McCook for many years. In 1895, the Tribune posted the following observation: "It might be well for the business men of McCook to give the matter of having a Fourth of July celebration, this year, some thought and attention. The prospects are such that a celebration can be carried out successfully on a conservative plan, and enjoyable time had at a small expense. McCook has not held a celebration of this kind for a number of years and there are indications that this will be a good year to indulge." (Southwestern Nebraska was hit by severe drought and adverse weather during the early 1890's. Many farmers gave up their claims and left Red Willow County. There were objections to holding a celebration when so many were in such dire financial situations.)

In its July 5, 1895 edition, the Tribune reported: "While there was no regular concerted celebration of the day by the people of McCook, yet it would not be correct to conclude that our people are or were unmindful of the privileges and opportunities of the Fourth of July, for our citizens big and little helped materially to increase the attendance upon the celebrations in neighboring towns and country."

"Three extra cars were attached to the Imperial train and a large number went up to Wauneta to celebrate; while many others went down to Arapahoe and Cambridge, to pluck a few feathers out of the gay old bird." (Even clear up into my childhood, passenger trains traveled between local cities here in Southwest Nebraska. School children from Indianola traveled to Cambridge on the "Milk Train" to view the exhibits in the Cambridge museum. I will never forget the 'two-headed calf' that was on display.)

"And yet others divided up into small private parties and sought the cool and quiet of the groves along the Driftwood and Red Willow creeks, where happy, contented times were enjoyed."

"A farmers' celebration was held in Fitch's grove, and quite a number of McCook people participated in and enjoyed this occasion."

It will be 1899 before McCook actually plans another huge Fourth of July celebration. More on that party in my next column.

Southwest Nebraska Genealogy Society's monthly meeting will be on July 9 at our library, 110 West C, Suite M-3, starting at 1:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.