A CENTURY DRAWS TO A CLOSE

“Talk about decorations! From actual observations the Echo man is prepared to state the he has never saw the like of it in Eldora, Iowa Falls, or any other town in the county.” 

“The glorious red, white and blue were everywhere present, and the waving of the stars and stripe fluttered in the balmy breeze was expressive to the patriotic joy that animated each heart.” 

“Entering Main Street from the west the American heart was thrilled with delight with the display that greeted the eye. Near the billiard hall was an Immense arch spanning the street diagonally all bedecked with bunting and flags.” 

“Across the street from the stores of H.J. Finster and Williamson & Doud was a gorgeous triple arch the center section being the highest had suspended letters sawed from wood, 1898-1876- The Day We Celebrate. All were decorated with the national colors.” 

“Above was a large ring denoting the unity of the nation and within a large liberty bell. Surmounting the pinnacle of the arch was a magnificent picture of Admiral Sampson the hero of Santiago Harbor.” 

“To the south was a smaller arch and suspended therefrom the Battleship Oregon in full battle array. To the north a third arch with a torpedo boat above and above that a picture of Dewey and Sampson the Sea Kings of the World.” 

“From the Exchange Bank to Hollenbeck’s Furniture Store was a third arch spanning the street all three arches were supported by trees transplanted from the woods, towering 25-30 feet high.” 

“There is no room to list individual decorations but the business places of Postmaster Luiken, Walter Neesen, Williamson & Doud, T.W. Neesen, Mayor Christians, F.H. Stern, Charles Gellhorn, J.T. Brown, Herm Lebman, Exchange Bank, Greef-Esgen Lumber Co., the millinery store, meat market, the Hollenbeck building, and the Hotel were all profusely decorated.”