The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on July 7, 1905.
Was a Grand Success
Such Was Luverne’s Celebration of the Glorious Fourth
6000 People Were in Attendance
Notwithstanding Preceding Unfavorable Weather Conditions, Luverne Observes Our Nation’s Birthday With a Notable Successful Celebration—Occasion Graced by Presence of Governor John A. Johnson Who Delivers Inspiring Address—Splendid Program Carried Out to the Satisfaction of All
This article is continued from last week.
The Exercises—Governor Johnson’s Address
Promptly at 10:30 o’clock, under the direction of Jay A. Kennicott, president of the day, the exercises were opened with the singing of “America” by the quartette and the audience, accompanied by the fourth Regiment band, which was followed by the invocation by Rev. A. H. Carver, and a musical selection, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” by the Ladies’ quartette composed of the Misses Matilda Skyberg, Alice Olds, Eda Graaf, and Mrs. S. C. Rea, with Mrs. Harrison White as accompanist. Acting Mayor C. O. Wright delivered a short and pleasing address of welcome in behalf of the citizens of Luverne, N. R. Reynolds, Esq., read the Declaration of Independence with pleasing effect, and after a solo, “Barbara Freitche,” by Mrs. Edith Carpenter Klock, with Mrs. Jay A. Kennicott as accompanist, Gov. John A. Johnson, the speaker of the day, was introduced. This was the crowning event of the day, and as our splendid young chief executive stepped to the front of the platform under the overhanging flags, tall, erect, resolute his handsome face lighted by that genial nature and love of his fellows which has won for him the affection of all who know him, yet dignified by the consciousness of his position and the grave responsibilities of his great office, he was greeted by the large audience with an enthusiasm which had in it all the depths of pride in our chief executive, honor for his office, and sincere respect, admiration and affection for the man who has so conspicuously honored his exalted position and justified the trust reposed in him. Here, as everywhere, John A. Johnson was equal to the occasion. Like all his oratorical efforts his address was brilliant and inspiring. His clear, resonant voice carried every syllable to the remotest listener and from the first earnest word to the thrilling peroration he held the fixed and delighted attention of the audience. In the main it was a speech of the Roosevelt type—earnest, impressive and patriotic, with a deep and sincere purpose—an appeal for character, patriotism, manliness, for the sturdy virtues that transcend partisanship and find expression in good citizenship, for sane, decent, simple, earnest living, for education of the kind that makes sound manhood and womanhood, for love of justice and righteousness, and for practical and effective devotion to a high sense of public and private duty. “I want good government and I care not from whom or what party it comes” was the key note of the governor’s appeal to the broader and higher patriotism that rises above party and partisanship, and the sentiment was most heartily applauded. But the governor did not forget that people like to be amused as well as instructed and his genial good nature and wit broke out occasionally in appeals to mirth that relieved the tension of earnest thinking. On the whole it was a magnificent address and the enthusiastic approval, delight and approbation with which it was received found expression in ways that could not be misunderstood. At the close of the exercises and as the governor passed from the platform to his carriage he was fairly besieged by the people who desired to meet him and to give expression to their good will and admiration. As a matter of fact no governor or other distinguished official who has ever visited Luverne was ever greeted with such manifest respect and sincere affection as was shown toward Governor Johnson at the conclusion of his address. Unfortunately the governor was obliged to leave for his home in St. Peter on the 12:20 train and for this reason was compelled to forego for himself and deny to the public the pleasure he would have had in meeting more of the people who desired to greet him personally. For the pleasure his visit gave us and the distinguished honor accorded to Luverne by his presence on this occasion, Gov. Johnson will always have the sincerest and deepest gratitude of all our people.
Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.