The above is a rare photo of Manistique’s Civil War veterans getting ready for a patriotic holiday celebration. Pictured from far right: John Gayar, Henry Brassel, Amos Hill, George W. Rice (partially hidden behind Hill) and Wright E. Clarke (buttoning coat), On the far left, the men with insignias on their hats are David Blair (left) and William Wood (Right).
Decoration Day – 1885
Manistique’s first celebration of what was then known as Decoration Day, took place on Sunday, May 30, 1885. The citizens of the town were stirred from their sleep at the rude hour of 3:00 A.M. by the ringing of hammers and anvils announcing Decoration morn. In the forenoon the streets became crowded with horse drawn wagons and carriages, as pioneers from the country arrived to celebrate the holiday. By noon, the stirring martial music of the Cornet brass band was heard echoing down the avenues.
The festive occasion marked the first appearance of Manistique’s veteran’s organization known as the Fuller Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. The former Civil War soldiers appeared together in their new G.A.R. hats and uniforms to honor Schoolcraft County’s only deceased veteran, George F. Fuller—and symbolically to honor all their fellow Union soldiers who had fallen in the late war.
In the afternoon, a parade was formed led by the Cornet Band and followed by the Civil War veterans. The soldiers were followed in turn by a “flower brigade” of little girls riding on a wagon. Other groups joined the procession to the cemetery, including the newly formed “Protection” hook and ladder company.
Above is a 1880s photo of a Decoration Day Parade in Manistique.
When the procession reached the cemetery, everyone gathered around the grave of George Fuller. The solemn rites included instrumental music, singing, speeches and a firing of a salute by the old soldiers. Then the little girls spread flowers over the hero’s grave. Following the graveside ceremonies, the parade weaved its way from the cemetery to the veteran’s hall. More speeches were given; the band played patriotic music and finally a clergyman offered a benediction. See the Decoration Day parade from 1941.
Early 1900s photo of a Decoration Day ceremony at the G.A.R./Spanish American War monument at Lakeview Cemetery. Civil War veteran Gear stands in front of the monument while Spanish American War veterans fire a salute. A box of flowers can be seen in the foreground, ready to be strewn upon the graves of the soldiers resting there. Niles and Helmka Family Collection.
Civil War veterans gathered at the home of Major Wright E. Clarke on Lake Street across from the old St. Frances De Sales School. From left to right: Unidentified, George Sorter, John Cowman, Mr. Gear and Spanish American War veteran Charles W. Adkins (hidden behind the flag). Niles and Helmka Family Collection.