________________ Leonardville's Korn Karnival of 1896 "To bring the people in closer relation with each other, to get better acquainted and to have a social good time..." (Webmaster’s Note) - This is a series of three sets of articles about the "Leonardville Korn Karnival" held in September 1896. This first set is the account of the two "mass meetings" held to plan the "Karnival", the second article contains the program of events and the account of the two-day event, and the third is a follow-up summary of the event and letter of thanks from the planning committee. ________________
Background information about the Korn Karnival of 1896 In the July of 1896, citizens of Leonardville assembled at a "mass meeting" to make plans for an "annual autumal celebration." The preliminary plans started out to be a "two days session of celebration each year, and to have a corn Carnival, and give prizes to the person presenting the largest growth of corn, one day to be devoted to white and one day to yellow corn." The objective was "to bring the people in closer relation with each other, and to get better acquainted and to have a social good time." BUT... it turned into a good old-fashioned political campaign! It was the Populist/Democrat party on the first day "Silver Day" represented by "white corn" and the Republican party on the second day, "Gold Day" represented by "yellow corn." In the U.S. Presidential Campaign in 1896, the Populists were faced with a choice of either running their own candidate for president or casting their lot with the Democratic Party. The Populists chose "fusion" with the Democratic Party by nominating the Democratic nominee, William Jennings Bryan, as their candidate to run against the Republican candidate, William McKinley. Bryan embraced the issue of free coinage of silver in the 1896 campaign. In his acceptance speech at the Democratic national convention, Bryan claimed that farmers were being unfairly burdened by a monetary policy that relied solely on the gold standard. With religious fervor he argued that farmers were being crucified on a "cross of gold." For farmers to maintain their livelihood, Bryan argued that the money supply needed to be increased by concurrently employing the gold and silver standards, or "bi-metalism." Bi-metalism was one of the main priorities of the Populists, but was not popular with industrial workers because it would cause inflation. Because of this, the Populists were not able to create a national movement. In November Bryan lost to McKinley by a margin of 600,000 votes and the Populists would never again be a major force in American politics. The "Leonardville Korn Karnival" of 1896, read all about it... (Taken from The Leonardville Monitor, Thursday, July 23, 1896)
M.S. Amos, Editor Amos Bros. & Srack, Publishers A mass meeting of the citizens of Leonardville and vicinity was held in Fireman Hall last night for the purpose of agitating the organization of a society to hold annual autumnal celebrations, at Leonardville. Quite a number of the citizens and business men were present and were very enthusiastic in the matter. A committee of three was appointed to designate an appropriate name for this association, also to set the date and place to be held, and to report at a meeting to be held next Monday night, July 27, at which time a permanent organization will be perfected. It is proposed by this assembly to have a two days session of their celebration each year, and to have a corn Carnival, and give prizes to the person presenting the largest growth of corn, one day to be devoted to white and one day to yellow corn. The principle object of this move is to bring the people in closer relation with each other, and to get better acquainted and to have a social good time in the grove together. The farmers and all others who favor this move are urged to meet with us on next Monday night, at the fireman's headquarters, and sign the roll of membership, and help to affect a permanent organization of this grand society. ________________ (Taken from The Leonardville Monitor, Thursday, July 30, 1896) M.S. Amos, Editor Amos Bros. & Srack, Publishers ORGANIZED Leonardville Corn Carnival Association Will Hold a Two Day's Festival In James Anderson's Grove September 3rd and 4th. A second mass meeting of the citizens of Leonardville and vicinity which was called to meet last Monday night, for the purpose of forming a society, to be known as the Leonardville Corn Carnival Association. A goodly number from both city and country being present. C.W. Westling was made temporary chairman, and called the meeting to order. After the reading and adoption of the reports of the committees previously appointed, they proceeded to perfect a permanent organization, and elected the following officers: President, James Anderson; 1st Vice President, M. Shillerston; 2nd V.P., M.H. Rossell; 3rd V.P., John Ford; 4th V.P. Peter Skow; 5th V.P., Chas Closson; 6th V.P., S.C. Baker. Treasurer, J.A. Sparks, Secretary, J.E. Srack; Trustees, Geo. B. Erpelding, Rowland Davies, O.M. Stewart, E.D. Sumners and P.J. Stafford. This association has decided to hold a two days festival in James Anderson's grove, north of town, on September 3rd and 4th, 1896. The first day of this celebration shall be designated as Silver Day. The principle feature of said day, is to be silver orations, and that the official color be white, to be symbolized by decorations of white corn. The second day shall be designated as Gold Day, and the principle feature of said day to be gold orations, and official color to be yellow, to be symbolized by decorations of yellow corn. James Anderson is president of the Silver Day, and will have all arrangements of said day under his control. -- Peter Skow was made president of the Gold Day, and will have control of all arrangements on said day. With cooperation of the farmers, which we are sure to have, we see no reason why this new and novel way of celebrating cannot be made a success. We expect to have all the features of a genuine old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration, such as Speaking, Band music, and many other amusements, for both young and old. The committee on arrangement has decided to make the admission at the gate, one full grown ear of corn. The first day, you will be asked to contribute, at the gate, one ear of white corn, to represent silver. The second day you will be asked to contribute one ear of yellow corn, to represent gold. The corn thus taken will be used in decorating. The association is open to all persons, of this and adjoining counties who wish to become members, those who so desire to join can do so by applying to any of the following persons: C.W. Westling, P.J. Stafford or L.F. Carver. The farmers are especially urged to come in and place their names on the roll book. ________________ ________________ Leonardville Korn Karnival of 1896 It's a political campaign, so let's celebrate "Korn" (Webmaster’s Note) - This is part of a series of three articles about the "Leonardville Korn Karnival" held in September 1896. The first article is the account of the two "mass meetings" held to plan the "Karnival", this second article contains the program of events and the account of the two-day event, and the third is a follow-up summary of the event and letter of thanks from the planning committee. For more information about the "political background" of this Korn Karnival, see the introduction to the first article, "Leonardville Plans a Korn Karnival." The "Leonardville Korn Karnival" of 1896, read all about it... ________________
________________ (Taken from The Leonardville Monitor, Thursday, August 27, 1896) M.S. Amos, Editor Amos Bros. & Srack, Publishers (This is the schedule of events published before the Karnival.) LEONARDVILLE KORN KARNIVAL September 3 and 4, 1896 PROGRAMME Thursday -- Silver Day. Official color, white; to be symbolized principally by decorations of White Corn. James Anderson, President of the Day. W.K. Gardner, Grand Marshal. 9:30 a.m. - King Korn, emblematically attired, preceded by the Band and escorted by the Leonardville Mounted Fireguards, followed by procession of citizens, will leave the city. 10 a.m. - Arrive at Anderson's Grove. 1. Music by the Band. 2. Grand Cavalry Display and Equestrian Evolutions. 3. Vocal Music. 4. Address of welcome by Prof. S.A. Bardwell. 5. Greetings, visits and social intercourse. NOON - BARBECUE 1. Music by the Band. 2. Silver Oration by Hon. J.D. Bodkins, Candidate for Congress at Large. 3. Vocal Music. 4. Silver Oration by Hon. David Overmyer. 5. Music by the Band. Sports Games and Amusements. 11 a.m. - Match Blue Rocks Shoot - open to all comers - for purse of $5. Address or call on C.J. Lind, Secy. Gun Club, Leonardville. 3 p.m. - Professional Matched Ball Game - Leonardville vs. Clay Center. 5 p.m. - Dancing the remainder of afternoon and evening. Prizes Offered. $5 for highest score at Shooting Match. $3 for best caparisoned Fireguard Horse. $2 to Lady presenting the Best White Corn Cake. $1.50 for the best ten-ear display of White Corn. $1 for the tallest stalk of White Corn. $1 for stalk containing the greatest number of White matured ears. $1 to Lady presenting the most Artistically decorated ear of White Corn. ________________ Friday -- Gold Day. Official color, yellow; to be symbolized principally by decorations of Yellow Corn. Peter Skow, President of the Day. C.W. Westling, Grand Marshal. 9:30 a.m. - Karnival Kueen, gorgeously adorned with Sunflowers, preceded by the Band and escorted by the Leonardville Mounted Fireguards, followed by procession of citizens, will leave the city. 10 a.m. - Arrive at Anderson's Grove. 1. Music by the Band. 2. Equestrian Evolutions and Cavalry Drill. 3. Vocal Music. 4. Address of welcome by Prof. E.D. Sumners. 5. Music by the Band. 6. Greetings, visits and social intercourse. NOON - BARBECUE 1. Music by the Band. 2. Gold Oration by Hon. Lucien Baker, U.S. Senator. 3. Vocal Music. 4. Gold Oration by Prof. Swenson of Lindsborg. 5. Music by the Band Sports Games and Amusements. 11 a.m. - Match Blue Rocks Shoot - open to all comers - for purse of $5. Address or call on C.J. Lind, Secy. Gun Club, Leonardville. 3 p.m. - Professional Matched Ball Game - Leonardville vs. Clay Center. 5 p.m. - Dancing the remainder of afternoon and evening. Prizes Offered. $5 for highest score at Shooting Match. $3 for best Drilled Fireguard Horse and Rider. $2 to Lady presenting the Best Yellow Corn Cake. $1.50 for the best ten-ear display of Yellow Corn. $1 for the tallest stalk of Yellow Corn. $1 for stalk containing the greatest number of matured Yellow ears. $1 to Lady presenting the most Artistically decorated ear of Yellow Corn. Special Musical Features Each Day. For Each Person, Young or Old, according to Financial Persuasion, One Ear White or Yellow Corn. ________________
________________ (Taken from The Leonardville Monitor, Thursday, September 10, 1896) M.S. Amos, Editor Amos Bros. & Srack, Publishers A Successful Success! Is The Korn Karnival Thousands of people throng the city early in the morning anxious to partake of the Festivities and learn more of Finance. Large parade both days. Excursion trains bring lots of people. Largest crowd on Gold Day. Big Guns Fired. Bodkin, McNall and Vincent on Silver Day. Baker, Swenson and Nelson on Gold Day. SILVER DAY. The morning dawned in a haze of beauty, and old "Sol" peered shyly through the silver mist as if abashed at the gaudy attire of the little city of Leonardville, and of course quickly come to the conclusion that it was to be a great day on earth, and that the peculiar attraction seemed to be on the broad plain of central Riley county. The passing hours developed a perfect day for out door demonstrations and by nine o'clock long lines of vehicles could be seen approaching from all directions. The delegations from Manhattan, Keats, Riley and other points from the south and east headed by the Manhattan band and Bryan club made a fine showing as did those from the north and west headed by the Clay Center band. At 10 o'clock the procession was formed by grand marshal Gardner, headed by the Riley band. Next came a float containing a gorgeously decorated throne upon which sat a solemn splendor "King Korn" surrounded by a number of small girls gaily attired in white and silver, presenting a beautiful picture. This float was escorted by the Leonardville Mounted Fireguard's, who made a good showing, following came vehicles fantastically and beautifully decorated with corn, sunflowers, placards, etc. The procession was a large one and reached almost from main street to the grounds a distance of a mile and three quarters. While the procession was in motion people were coming on other roads to the grove who did not come to town. On arriving at the speakers stand the assembly was called to order by the president of the day, James Anderson, and after music by the band and glee club, Prof. Bardwell was introduced and in a pleasing and able manner welcomed the hosts of visitors to Leonardville's First Annual "Korn Karnival." Prof. Bardwell must here be congratulated upon this neat and well timed address of welcome. After more music the noon hour and barbecue was announced and the people scattered through the spacious grove to partake of the contents of well filled baskets, while many patronized the lunch counters and dining halls which were amply supplied with good things. About 1:30 the Riley band struck up a lively march at the stand and the people began to reassemble. The Hon. J.D. Bodkins was introduced and spoke for over two hours on the silver question. Mr. Bodkins was followed by W.D. Vincent, of Clay Center, who spoke but fifteen minutes. Hon. Webb McNall, was then introduced and talked very fluently for an hour or more. After more music by the different bands the people engaged in social greetings and in the evening there were many who enjoyed the maze of the dance and other entertainments which were upon the grounds. The large gathering seemed jolly, good natured and upon their good behavior. The only disappointment of the day was the failure of Mr. Overmyer to be present for many came expecting to hear him. With this one exception the program as printed was faithfully carried out, thus ending the first day of the Karnival. GOLD DAY The day dawned golden hued in the east and the people said it would rain for the sky was red. This early threat no doubt deterred many a McKinley voter and his family. But notwithstanding the opening roar and rumble of the celestial artillery, the crowd began to arrive and by nine o'clock the streets and roads leading to the city were filled with enthusiastic throngs. At 9:30 the train from the east brought in the McKinley club from Manhattan accompanied by the Glee Club and others at intermediate points. At this time Riley, Madison Creek and other points came in a solid delegation with flags and banners flying. Horse and vehicle artistically decorated with sunflowers, yellow corn and old gold blankets on which was printed "An honest dollar and a chance to earn it" thus combining the two issues in the campaign. At this juncture there was a wait of over an hour on the belated Clay Center special. This wait had a diminishing effect on the procession, as many drove to the grounds. Finally the procession was formed by grand marshal Westling and headed by the Manhattan band moved to the grounds. Following the band came the float bearing "Karnival Kueen" beautifully costumed in old gold colors, surrounded by a bevy of little girls beautifully attired. The mounted Fireguard came next as escort to the "Kueen," then followed carriages, horsemen, road wagons, the stuffed man, the yellow man, the donkey with a crown of thorns and other unique features. Finally the special of four coaches arrived from the west and about four hundred people including the Clay and Broughton bands poured into the streets. These people were as speedily as possible conveyed to the grove. Arriving at the stand the people were called to order by Peter Skow, president of the day, and after music by the band and glee club, Prof. Sumners was introduced, and in well chosen words welcomed the vast throng to Leonardville's First Autumnal "Korn Karnival." We heard many a compliment paid Mr. Sumners, upon his effort. After more music the assembly was dismissed for dinner. When the time came for the afternoon exercises quite a shower came up wetting seats and grass and causing another wait, but it soon passed off, and the bands and glee club rendered some good music. Senator Baker was then introduced and spoke at length upon the two great issues, tariffs and sound money. The Senator's speech seemed to hurt some of the demo-pops as they became angry and interrupted him by asking questions, as to whether the Senator answered them or not, we will leave it to them. The general opinion is that they were "Sorry that they spoke." The Senator was followed by Profs. Carl Swenson and Frank Nelson, of Bethany College, in ringing speeches for honest money and good government. Gold day was a great one and notwithstanding the threatening aspect of the weather the gathering exceeded that of the day before by many hundreds. ________________ ________________ | ________________ Leonardville Korn Karnival Kernels (Webmaster’s Note) - This is the third part of a series of articles about the "Leonardville Korn Karnival" held in September 1896. The first is the account of the two "mass meetings" held to plan the "Karnival", the second contains the program of events and the account of the two-day event, and this third is a follow-up summary of the event and letter of thanks from the planning committee. For more information about the "political background" of this Korn Karnival of 1896, see the introduction to the first article, "Leonardville Plans a Korn Karnival." The "Leonardville Korn Karnival" of 1896, read all about it... ________________ (Taken from The Leonardville Monitor, Thursday, September 10, 1896) M.S. Amos, Editor Amos Bros. & Srack, Publishers KORN KARNIVAL KERNELS Didn't we have a happy time. Hurrah for Shillerston! The gold men did not hesitate going in the procession on silver day. It is rumored that some of the silverites went out of their way to the grounds, to keep out of the procession on gold day. "Apropos of the indignation of the silver men it might be said that in the locality the friends of the white metal predominate, and the Republicans must today depend largely upon the presence of heelers and strikers from the larger towns near here whose expenses are paid to swell the crowd." -- from the Kansas City World's report of gold day at the Carnival. "We are somewhat of a liar ourself. -- There are others." The showers on the afternoon of gold day drove nearly everybody under cover, and probably kept some people at home who would have come out to hear the speaking. Gold day dawned cool and threatening rain. The Hardscrabble Band did not come on gold day. Extra copies of this weeks Monitor can be had for only 5 cents. Profs. Sumners and Bardwell are to be complimented on their addresses of welcome. Why not have a Karnival Krew, next year? Editor Knapp was here on gold day and took a great interest in the ball game. "Leonardville, Kans., Sept. 3 -- This lively little town is the scene of great activity today. Leonardville is in the northern part of Riley county, in the midst of one of the most prosperous farming sections in Kansas. The town has a population of about 600, and is as pretty a little city as may be found in the Sunflower state. No grass grows in its streets, it has its own waterworks, its street lamps, numerous churches, school houses and substantial business blocks. It is situatied on the Union Pacific, though close to the Rock Island and easily accessible from all points." -- from the Kansas City World, Friday Sept. 4. It is an old and true saying that "Nothing succeeds like success." The Karnival was a "Successful success." The Willie Billy Goat drawing a cart and man with an advertising costume, on Silver day attracted a great deal of attention in the parade. That donkey wearing a Bryan crown of thorns on this great pensive brow, and a McKinley tin can tied to his tail in the parade on Gold day, didn't seem to suffer much nor became excited. The four bands made the air vibrate in a lively manner both days on the carnival. A noticeable feature of the procession both days was the many fine teams and carriages. Who owned them? The corn and sunflower decorations on main street were profuse and tastefully executed. Now and then one would hear some fellow with a silver badge say, "we haven't enough money," of course not and never will have. Mr. Bodkins asked his audience if they wouldn't like to be getting $3 per bushel for wheat as he claimed they used to and some of the said -- yes. The Manhattan Mercury in its write up of the Karnival says that on silver day "there were 500 wagons and buggies in line," and that on gold day there were only 158. The only reason which we can see for this misrepresentation is one given by it, the exact words are: "This is accounted for by the fact that there was plenty of G.O.P. whiskey in circulation." A daughter of E.H. Chapmen, from Belleville, visited him during the Karnival. Does your mother, and father, sister or brother get this paper? Send this issue. The orators on Silver day were not interrupted in the least. Some silverites interrupted the speakers, on Gold day, to their sorrow. Senator Baker everlastingly warped it to some of them. The gold standard people are the ones who can hire people to turn out to swell the crowd if they so desire. It is strange that the Mercury reporter would be the only one of the many reporters, to discover "rot gut" whiskey, up here during the Karnival. This is probably the reason these words appeared in the last Mercury: "...and there were many who returned home with dull, heavy feeling in their heads." ________________ The Leonardville Gun Club took the prize both days. A team of ten men from here went against a team of equal number from Manhattan, on silver day, and defeated them by 15 birds. On gold day our boys shot against a team from Clay, and defeated them by a score of 86 to 90, a difference of four birds. Linder, the crack shot of Clay Center shot with the team on gold day. There were some fine displays of corn for the prizes offered by the association. The Riley procession consisted of 108 teams on gold day. The best corn sign were those made by Mr. Stafford. Bala and Randolph people turned out in good shape. With such men behind the Karvinal as M. Shillerston, C. Westling, W.K. Gardner, James Anderson, Peter Skow and others, it could be nothing else but a success. Webb McNall was here on silver day, instead of Overmyer, who was detained by a law suite. The float was immense. John Lawson says there were from six to eight hundred more people on gold day that on silver day. The Korn Karnival Association has left in the treasury $29.79, after paying all expenses. With this amount the association will have quite a start for next year. P.J. Stafford says there were fifteen hundred more people attended the Karnival on Gold day than on Silver day. The Clay Center excursionists were a jolly crowd. A little boy from Green got lost, on gold day, and was so badly scared that he did not know his name, but know that he was "papa's boy." One of the policemen succeeded in finding his parents. How did the decorations in town suit you? Begin to boom the Karnival for '97. The Merry-go-round was missed by young people. There was a good delegation from Green on the excursion. Jerry Jones and his "willie" goat was in the procession silver day. The Clay Center crowd was much in evidence at the ball game gold day. The Kansas City World reporter was well pleased with everything. Some members of the Manhattan gun club must have had a "mote" in their eye, according to the score they made in the shoot the first day. The giddy-giddy-girl, the girl with curls who bangs her hair was there. Both sides claim the largest crowd. Which was the largest? You know. Did you enjoy yourself? What's the matter with the Manhattan glee club? They are all right. Webb McNall could have made a good republican speech about 9 o'clock on silver day night. Did you ever see a more peaseable crowd? The man with the great big hump-backed California peanuts was there. The dance floor did not do much business. Where did they all come from? The most appropriate motto seen on either day was the one of the Riley McKinley club which read, "An honest dollar and a chance to earn it." These were printed on large pieces of yellow cloth and were on nearly every team that came from Riley. Lonie Colt rode his borough which wore a large crown of thorns. Clay Center did herself proud by sending down an excursion of four coaches and they were all packed full. "Get up or shut up." The corn cabin or speakers stand was a credit to the persons whoe build it. Ed Knostman was here with his camera taking views of the immense crowd. Manhattan is not much good or she would have sent up a large excursion on both days. Four bands were here on both days, Riley, Manhattan, Clay Center, and Pleasant Hill on the first day. The Swedeburg band was here on the second day instead of the Pleasant Hill band. Clay Center people are all right. Mr. Stewart's team caused some trouble on the streets gold day. Few accidents occurred. M.S. Amos took in both days of the Karnival. The Manhattan McKinley glee club sang some good songs on the streets before the procession moved, on gold day. A horse belonging to John Putney, of Junction fell over a high bank and was killed. Dr. Morton, of Green, came down on the excursion, gold day. There was only one serious accident during the Karnival. Mr. Seibert, while riding in the procession on Silver day was thrown from his horse, near Mr. Shoreman's and lit in the wire fence, dislocating one of his shoulders and receiving several bad cuts from the wire. Mr. Rader, of Manhattan, got a snap of the mule with a crown of thorns, also of the yellow boy, on gold day. Rubin Blood, one of the oldest settlers of Manhattan, took in the Karnival last week. The Swedeberg band was all right. The marshals of their respective days had their hands full. John Lawson, as chief of the police force, done good work during the Karnival. Swan Swanson impersonated King Korn, and Mrs. E.D. Sumners took the part of Karnival Kueen. How much money did you receive from the gold bugs, for attending the Karnival on gold day? to help swell the crowd. Wm. Swenson and wife, of Vleits, attended the Karnival last week. Mr. Creller, of the Mercury, Mr. Perkins, editor of the Nationalist and Mr. Stewart, editor of the Republic were in attendance at the Karnival. E.M. Amos who came up from Manhattan to help in this office during the rush Karnival week, returned home Monday night. He will attend college there this winter. ________________ PRIZES The following is a list of the prizes awarded and names of persons receiving same. SILVER DAY For highest score at shooting match, $5, won by the Leonardville Gun club. Best caparasoned Fireguard Horse, $3, won by Ren Carver. Best white corn cake, $2, won by Mrs. R.D. Clark. Best 10 ear display of white corn, $1.50, won by Ralph Niehenke. Tallest stalk of white corn, $1, won by H.A. Doyle. Stalk containing largest number of ears, $1, won by Harrison McDonald. Most artistically decorated ear of white corn, $1, won by Mrs. H.A. Doyle. GOLD DAY Highest score at shooting match, $5, won by the Leonardville Gun club. Best drill Fireguard Horse and rider, $3, won by Albert Setterberg. Best yellow corn cake, $2, won by Mrs. R.D. Clark. Best 10 ear display of yellow corn, $1.50, won by A.S. Gerton. Tallest stalk of yellow corn, $1, won by A.E. Samnels. Stalk containing largest number of ears, $1, won by W.K. Blachly. Most artistically decorated ear of yellow corn, $1, won by Mrs. Ben Nanninga. ________________ (From the Leonardville Monitor, Thursday, September 17, 1896) M.S. Amos, Editor Amos Bros. & Srack, Publishers Leonardville, Sept. 11, 1896 To the Officers and Members of the Leonardville Korn Karnival Association: Gentlemen: -- The committee of general arrangements, of the Leonardville Korn Karnival, held at Anderson's grove, Sept. 3 and 4, 1896, beg leave to submit the following report: Your committee to whom was entrusted the preparation and general management of the Karnival, take great pleasure and satisfaction in the belief that our efforts were, in the main, crowned with success, far beyond all anticipations. To the business men of Leonardville, and to all others, who lent their active support, and afforded us such generous assistance, we extend our most sincere thanks. To the Grand Marshals of the Silver and Gold days much praise is due for the able and impartial manner in which each discharged his manifold duties on the respective days. We desire especially to express our thanks to Mr. C.W. Westling, to whose energy, skill, experience and disinterested helpfulness in our behalf is mainly due the successful outcome of our labors. With pride we mention the cooperation of the Leonardville Fireguards, who made themselves deserving of our greatest regards. To Mr. James Anderson, who nobly acted the part of a generous host, well worthy the traditions of his northern ancestry; to the publishers of the Leonardville Monitor, who have so faithfully and ably heralded our Karnival to all the land; to the Kansas City World and its gentlemanly representative, whose highly complimentary and extended report has given our celebration such wide celebrity; to Mr. John A. Lawson, who, with watchful care and consummate judgment, preserved the peace and dignity of our Karnival from its beginning to the end; and, lastly, to the various orators who graced the occasion, Leader Walters and the members of his band, visiting bands, concessionaires, the delegations from Clay Center, Manhattan and Riley, and all other visitors -- to each and all, we offer our hand in thanks, and bid them welcome again. In conclusion -- though most important of all -- we will add: Our Karnival was a financial success (as will appear by the treasurer's report) and after every claim has been satisfied, we still have sufficient funds on hand to guarantee a far greater success -- on a far greater scale -- for the Leonardville Korn Karnival of 1897. Respectfully submitted, M. Shillerston, Chairman Comm. of Arrangements ________________ ________________ |