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Show x Kanab celebrates statehood in 1896 By Barbara Pyles When President Grover Cleveland signed a proclamation ad- mitting Utah to the United States in 1896, there was a tremendous celebration from one end of the Territory to the other. A 21 gun salute was fired from Capitol Hill accompanied by the blowing of horns, whistles and the ringing of bells. Mary E. Woolley Chamber-lain- , the first woman Mayor of Kanab, wrote this account ofthe day and those that followed. The greatest day Kanab has ever seen is just closed. Never were humans more enthused than the inhabitants of this remote burg when they learned that they citizens of these were United States. great Early on Saturday the 4th, great crowds gathered around the telegraph office, eager to hear those simple, yet all important words: Grover has issued his Proclamation. Every urchin in the village was armed to the teeth with something to make a noise, ranging from guns and cowbells, to tin pans, -- full-fledg- ed washtubs, brass kettles, etc. and etc. When the message came at length, the din which burst forth made the valleys tremble and the hills resound. Nor did the patriotism wane with that day, but as Monday the 6th dawned bright and clear, the artillery aroused each and everyone from his slumbers and as the sun appeared in his glory the national emblem was proudly feasted till they were more than satisfied, the tables were still well filled, and the Indians were invited in and allowed to help themselves. They too rejoiced in the fact that Utah had at last received the distinction she deserved. At 4 p.m. a meeting was held. After singing Utah the Queen raised with Utahs brightest of the West, prayer was offered star attached. by one of the early Utah pioThe Martial, Brass, and String neers. Bands filled the air with strains Enthusiastic and patriotic which aroused the patriotism of speeches were made by both laevery man, woman and child. dies and gentlemen (I being one The streets were thronged with of them), all of which were repeople to witness the procession ceived with deafening applause which consisted of uniformed from the densely packed audiInfantry, Martial Band, City ence. Officials in Carriages, Ladies, After giving three cheers for Bell Tin Brass Band, Pan and Fair Utah, the crowd dispersed amid the music of the combined Brigade, Cavalry, String Band, and citizens. bands. Woman New The was out At 8:30 p.m. they all reasp to sembled for the dance which was and served as the Marshal of the Day. kept up until the dawn of the After parading the principal next day. streets of the town, all assembled Yes, there was a tremendous at the Social Hall, which had celebration in 1896 which membeen beautifully decorated for bers of the Centennial planning the occasion, and where large committee hope to recreate in tables groaned under their heavy 1996. The Celebration is only 12 short months away. Its time to weight of delicious viands. After people had catch the spirit. aide-decam- five-hundr- ed an all woman city council was elected in Kanab. This was the first time in the history of the United States that a mayor and an all women city council was elected in an incorporated town. In 1912 Kanab Floral Flowers Are Affordable! 644-299- 1 A'islit ISilltr WSlatiB gi!nf (ggiiftfirtxiji 5gmy RifcxgiQaasD liUjwa'oiaj Lag |