Arcadia Ring-Ridng Festival, 1875

MANY

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 4/24/2005 at 20:19:37

I translated the following two articles from Der Carroll Demokrat, a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and 1920. They were originally published on 30 April 1875, and 21 May 1875. Any information in brackets or notes at the end are my own explanations. They read as follows:

[First Article, dated 28 April 1875 from Arcadia, and published on 30 April 1875]

On Whit-Monday, a celebration will again be organized. A ring-riding will take place under the direction of Petersen and Niemann. In the evening, there will be a ball at Niemann’s Hall, which will be constructed by then. The following were named dignitaries: August König [Koenig], Marshall; John D. Peters, Middle Rider; Wm. Sievers, Rear Rider; Peter Ludwig, Riding Master; Otto Stoyohan and Andy Walz, Adjutants. If the weather remains nice, this will be one of the best festivals ever to take place here.

[Second Article, 21 May 1875]

On Monday, we paid a visit to Arcadia, in answer to an invitation to the festival being held there.

With astonishment, we saw the changes that had taken place during the last three months. After we had inspected the various new buildings, we answered an invitation to visit our friend König [Koenig], and we had a delicious breakfast with him, for which we expressed our fullest thanks.

We then visited the various German businesses, and naturally first was our friend Benke, whom we found in quite good health. The store had been enlarged and filled with a good selection of merchandise, and it is still expecting a large supply from the east. Since at present this is the only store with dry goods and a selection of groceries, business was naturally excellent.

The Lampmann Brothers have now completely constructed their saloon and supplied it with the necessary “A No. 1” beverages. They have everything there for a person’s refreshment. Good beer, and also naturally somwhat stronger than water, an excellent type of cigar, and all types of lunch items, from Dutch herring to pigs’ feet, are always available. They also have friendly and attentive service, so that everyone who drops in may feel at home and comfortable. For summer, they have set up a soda fountain (the only one in the area), and whoever wants a cool drink on a hot summer day will know where to find it.

The new building that Mr. Dennett and Mr. Lock are having built will apparently become a credit to the town, and it is quickly approaching completion. The firm is temporarily occupying the store in Arcadia House, where they have a good selection of hardware and farm implements on hand.

Despite the competition, Mr. Bowdish always does a good business, as he himself reported to us.

Despite the contrary assertion in the “Herald,” the “Tip Top House,” in which we took our noon meal, is well run and we found nothing to complain about.

We have nothing but praise for the saloon of Peter Claussen, which is located in the basement of the building. It is nicely appointed and is equipped with all the comforts for guests.

After a short diversion to Petersen in Arcadia House, who as one of the presenters of the celebration, we naturally found quite busy, we then made the acquaintance of Mr. Meyer & Company, builders and contractors. Through their skillful work and honorable dealing, they have acquired an enviable reputation in their trade, so that they are almost unable to satisfy all of the demands placed on them. “A master is known by his work,” and that is certainly the case with these men.

Our old friend Hense also celebrated in honor of the day, as did Boyson and Stoyohann, the other “Sons of Vulcan.” [probably referring to the trade of blacksmith]

Last Saturday, the men’s trademarks [probably buttons or ribbons], “I won’t go home again till morning,” were sold through the sheriff.

But since we do not have the time and space to mention all the other businesses, we wish to turn to the celebration, which was the main event of the day.

At 9:00 in the morning, the participants in the parade gathered. Among them were a few in humorous costumes, such as “Brigham Young and his family,” who created a sensation. Led by the Carroll Silver Cornet Band, the parade moved through the streets. König, in the front as festival marshall, rode on horseback with a saber on his left side and wearing an old castoff stovepipe hat. Various speeches were given, which explained the significance of the day. John D. Peters, on his white horse and wearing his smart uniform, looked quite martial, like a young god, as did his retinue of officers.

In the afternoon, there was the ring-riding, which all the participants and spectators appeared to find quite entertaining. The prizes went to the following men:

Whip: John D. Peters,
Cradle: M. M. Schoeneboom.
Bridle: Mr. Zimmermann,
Saddle: Enoch Schmidt.

A formal ball took place in the evening at Niemann’s new Hall, which had been completed just in time, and with Holliday’s String Band, the dancing continued until early morning.

The celebration was favored with good weather, and the participants will long remember the pleasant day, and all the more so, since throughout the entire day, no discord disturbed the friendly atmosphere.

NOTES: Ring-riding, or “das Ringreiten,” is a traditional German sport where galloping horsemen with short wooden lances try to spear a small metal ring which is suspended by string between two poles. I do not know the exact meaning of the “cradle,” (or “Wiege” in German), which was awarded as a prize to Mr. Schoeneboom.