Clark-Shawnee Centennial
From The History of Clark County, Ohio
Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 367
Monday, August 9, broke upon this community with a cloudless sky, favoring the ceremonies for which such extensive and laborious preparations had been made during the past few weeks, and the centennial of Gen. George Rogers Clark's victory over the Shawnee and Mingo Indians, at Old Piqua, four miles west of this city, was given an encouraging send-off. Everything was in complete readiness Saturday evening, the grounds being properly laid out and signals set. The Memorial Guards and Cummins Cadets pitched their tents in a shady spot Saturday, and remained on guard in anticipation of a crowd of curious and impatient people Sunday. The crowd was there sure enough, 200 carriages and buggies coming in from all directions, loaded with people, who inspected favorably the preparations made. In the city, the flags of all nations apeared at the early hour from windows and roofs, not only of business houses, but of dwellings, giving the streets the holiday aspect desired. The celebration had been the talk of the people in this part of the State since it was first suggested, and at the last interest became intense. This was shown by the crowds of people which began pouring into the city soon after sunrise, increasing every hour until one could scarcely move along the streets. First on the day's order of exercises was the reception of distinguished guests, the Governor and staff, Mayors and Councils of sister cities. Interest therefore centered in and about the railroad depot. At the appointed hour, the various bodies and organizations to take part in the procession and proceedings at the grounds met at headquarters, and at 9 A. M., massed on Market Square.