Newspaper articles on Emancipation Celebrations in Brenham from 1878 to 1923
This was largely compiled from references culled from The Portal to Texas History website, an excellent reference resource. There are probably other references missed because, at least at the time these were compiled, the back issues of Brenham papers searched only went back to 1878, although new papers are frequently added to the Portal's database. Although most of the grammatical mistakes and misspellings in this collection are likely mine, some are as found in the articles.
The celebrations were held in many locations. I believe the Chauncey S. Williamson Park was located near or at the current site of Hattie Flowers Park, though this is second hand knowledge, and any clarification on it's location would be greatly appreciated. I am unclear on the location of Stockbridge's Pasture, Hutchinson's Grove, or the many other sites mentioned in these articles. The Fairgrounds referred to are most likely those in this detail from an 1881 map of Brenham, a location complete with a circular racetrack. It is currently a residential area northwest of Brenham Jr. High School.
There are also many references to other celebrations in Washington County and throughout the state included here. In later years there were even multiple celebrations going on in Brenham itself.
The articles reveal a great deal about often overlooked aspects of black life at the time. The entertainments, the food booths, the economic realities of putting on the celebrations, the various contests and related prizes, the presence of so many politicians at the gatherings, all these lend a broader perspective on this time and place in history.
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Emancipation Celebrations in Brenham
1878-1923
Compiled by Charles Swenson
(Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 8, 1918, p2)
(Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 18, 1922, p4)
The Daily Banner, May 28, 1878 p3
“Emancipation day will be celebrated in becoming style by the colored population of Brenham, June 19th, in the grove at the head of Hog Branch.”
The Daily Banner, June 14, 1878 p3
“Emacipation Day - The colored people hereabouts are making grand preparations for their celebration of Emancipation day, on Wednesday next, the 19th inst.”
The Daily Banner, June 16th, 1878, p1
“- Emancipation day will be duly celebrated by the negroes at Brenham, Austin,
Galveston and Houston.”
The Daily Banner, June 19th, 1878 p3
“Emancipation day will be celebrated to-day. We endeavored to learn the programme, but could hear nothing about it, as there seems to be some disagreement among the committeemen.”
The Daily Banner, June 20, 1878 p3
“Emancipation Day.
“Its Celebration at Brenham Yesterday.
“At about three minutes past twelve o’clock on Wednesday morning the people of Brenham were notified that Emancipation Day had arrived by the firing of a number of guns. Daylight was ushered in by a similar proceeding. By sun up a number of freedmen in holiday attire, from the rural districts had arrived in town, and a continuous stream of freedmen continued to arrive during the morning. - They all seemed to be in the best of humor and were as happy as kings. A signal gun was fired and the procession formed on Main street at 10:15 A.M., headed by Prof. Foss’ brass band. Jerry Mason acted as grand marshal, with the following assistants: 1st, Hubbard Allen; 2nd, John Gilbreth; 3rd, Geo. Patterson; 4th, Jerry Randle; 5th, Asa Rippetoe.
“After the Band came: The Camptown Mutual Aid Benevolent Society, in wagons, with a U.S. flag; next the colored Sunday Schools pupils and teachers on foot, singing.
“A large number of people in wagons and other vehicles, also on horseback and on foot.
“The procession was several squares long and number several hundred. The march was continued to the old fair grounds where stands had been erected for speaking and refreshment. It is estimated that between twelve and fifteen hundred people were on the grounds. The best of order prevailed. Speeches were made by Messrs C.C. Garrett, C.R. Breedlove, Aaron Neely, colored, Judge Hackworth and PH. Swearingen. The speakers with the exception of Judge Hackworth did not touch upon politics. The subject of Mr. Garrett’s speech was a review of the Emancipation of the slaves in the United States. President Lincoln issued his proclamation January 1st 1863. The celebration yesterday was the anniversary of Genl. Granger’s proclamation June 19th 1865 declaring the colored people of Texas free. He touched briefly upon the duties of the colored people as citizens, and referred to honesty, thrift and industry as the means of their making themselves useful and worthy members of the community. Judge Hackworth harped upon what the Republican party had done for the colored people. The speaking concluded, proceedings were adjourned until 4 o’clock P.M. Allen Wilder and Matthew Parker, colored, made short speeches. It is estimated that during the afternoon nearly two thousand persons were on the grounds. The police may say they never seen a more orderly crowd on any occasion. A large platform was erected and a dance was had in the evening.
“The colored people are entitled to great credit for the orderly manner in which their celebration was conducted. - There was but little drinking and not an arrest of a colored person was made during the day.
“Celebrations were also had at Washington and Independence, and at Sempronius, in Austin county.”
(Garrett and Breedlove were local attorneys.)
The Daily Banner, May 25, 1879 p3
“Colored Meeting. - Saturday afternoon there was a colored mass meeting at the courthouse, the object of which was to determine whether or not emancipation day should be celebrated. Emancipation day in Texas comes on the 19th of June, that being the day on which Gov. Granger issued his proclamation declaring freedom to the colored people in 1865. On this, as on other occasions of a similar character, much parliamentary skirmishing was indulged in. It was agreed that the celebration be held.”
The Daily Banner, May 31, 1879 p3
“Celebration. - Our colored friends are making active preparations to celebrate Emancipation day, June 19th, on a grand scale.”
Brenham Weekly Banner, June 20th, 1879 p3
“Emancipation Day.
“The Procession
“Was formed on Sandy street, near Parks’ stable, passed up Market to Main, down Main to Douglas, down Douglas, to Sandy, up Sandy to Quitman, down Quitman to St. Charles, up St. Charles to Sandy, down Sandy to North, thence to Hutchinson’s Grove. The procession was headed by the Brenham colored band, followed by the Lee colored base ball club on foot, neatly uniformed, next came men, women and children on horse back and in wagons. The procession was about two hundred yards in length. There were no flags or banners observable in the procession; all moved in good order and quitude - no yelling or boisterousness being observed.
“Arriving at the grounds, speech making, music and general glorification was the order of the day. By invitation Hon. Seth Shepard, C.R. Breedlove, Esqr., and S.A. Hackworth addressed the assemblage, after which several colored orators occupied the stand.
“There were about two thousand colored people present, and everything passed off harmoniously and pleasantly.
“The festivities were wound up with a grand ball upon a platform in the grove erected for the purpose.”
(Shepard and Breedlove were local attorneys.)
The Daily Banner, June 21, 1879 p2
“Emancipation day was, it seems, generally celebrated throughout the state. The colored people of Texas are entitled to great credit for their good behavior.”
The Daily Banner, June 22, 1879 p1
“- Austin has a new colored band. It has practiced six weeks and then made music on emancipation day.”
The Daily Banner, July 3, 1879 p1
“- The colored people of Fort Bend county had a rousing celebration on emancipation day.”
The Daily Banner, June 2, 1880 p1
“- The Davis Rifles, a colored military company of Houston, have challenged the Lincoln Guards, a colored company of Galveston, for a prize drill of $100; the contest will take place at Houston on the 19th of June - emancipation day.”
The Daily Banner, June 19th, 1880 p4
“Emancipation Day. - The colored men having the celebration in charge have completed all the arrangements for the celebration to-day, and an immense crowd of colored folks will be in town.”
The Daily Banner, June 20, 1880 p4
“Emancipation Day.
“The 19th of June with the colored people of Texas is a memorable day, its history is well known, and by them it is regarded with more veneration than is the 4th of July by the average American citizen; or St. Patricks day by the irishman. Saturday was the 19th and the day had been looked forward to for some time by the holiday-loving class of the colored people as an epoch in the year, an oasis so to speak. Gigantic posters had been printed and circulated and posted all over the county announcing that emancipation would be duly celebrated at Hutchinson’s grove in the city of Brenham. At daylight the firing of anvils announced to both black and white that emancipation day was here. The early riser could discover but few persons on the streets; the town presented its usual appearance until about 7 o’clock when an “early load” of watermelons arrived - the watermelon seller always has an eye to business. About 8 o’clock the Brenham colored brass band appeared on the streets and played a number of pieces of music in a manner that was highly creditble, their performance being full as good as that of the average trained brass bands in the larger cities. About 8 o’clock the grand marshals of the day mounted and wreathed in gorgeous silk sashes of emerald and crimson gathered together the assembled hosts, consisting of an assortment of ordinary vehicles, and colored people mounted and on foot and headed by the band marched to the grove, reaching there about 11o’clock. It had been anticipated that a very large crowd would be in town, but two opposition celebrations drew off a good many.
“At the grounds
“A speakers stand was erected in the grove and a large number of refreshment stands were on the grounds. The principal business of the day seems to have been public speaking. The opening exercises were an oration by J.M. Parker, colored, orater of the day, followed by R.J. Moore, colored, Hon. J.D. McAdoo, Allen wilder colored, Hon. D.C. Giddings, Hon. Seth Shepard, Ed. Lockett, S.A. Hackworth and J.C. Cain, colored, all of whom made talks suited to the occasion and omitting all reference to politics. It was agreed on all hands that Hon. Seth Shepard made the speech of the day. He made a very favorable impression upon the colored people and one they will not soon forget. The other speakers were attentively listened to and their remarks were generally appreciated. It is estimated that about one thousand persons were on the grounds. Beyond a few trifling skirmishes mentioned elsewhere everything was orderly. At night the festivities wound up with a grand dance.
“There was another grand celebration at Harris’ springs in the Morgan settlement 6 miles northeast of town, and also one on Big Sandy near Dr. Rippetoe’s, two miles north of town.”
“Emancipation day brought to town several loads of watermelons. They sold like hot cakes, at two-bits and upwards each.”
“Fight in Town - In celebrating freedom Frank Harper, colored, and a colored railroader named John had a fight near a dive on Quitman street. They were arrested by deputy sheriff Garrett and impounded in the bastille. Frank was soon released on bond.”
“The Market. - On Saturday although there was no depression in the whiskey market it had a very decided downward tendency - down railroaders throats.”
“In the Grove - During the festivities on the celebration grounds yesterday afternoon, John Lands gently wafted a beer glass at John McIntyre, cutting a beautiful gash in his head. Both are colored and both were arrested. At the same place a shindy occurred between captain Jack Lands and private Emanuel Taylor, both colored.”
“A Centenarian. - On Saturday a negro woman came to the celebration who claimed to be one hundred and six months old. her hair was as white as cotton and she exhibited all the signs of extreme old age. She was an old family slave of the Chappell family, now living near Chappell Hill and claims to remember the family and claims to remember the family away back in the old states, years and years ago.”
p2
“At Groesbeck on Friday there was an emancipation celebration and speaking by greenback and democratic orators. The democrats had the best of it.”
p1
“- Emancipation day was celebrated at Dallas on Friday and Saturday. On Friday about 2500 persons from a distance were present.”
The Daily Banner, June 22, 1880 p4
“Nelsonville Locals.
“Editors Banner:
“Mikaskie & Hubbard - not the ex-governor however _ came in one day last week with flying colors, they have been absent for eight weeks on a prairie-dog hunt. The spoils, or fruits of the chase are briefly thus;
“One hundred and sixty prairie dogs, three white rabbits, one guinea pig, one mexican hog and several or more Indian scalps. It only costs the small sum of 10 cents to see the wonderful menagerie, but the outlay of cash in the same way of soap, with which to remove the most awful smell that ever greeted the olfactory organs of man, woman, child or dog, is enough to make even a Rothschild think strongly of going into hopeless insolvency. I hear they are going to Brenham this week to exhibit, and I hereby warn ye Banner folks to get their drinks on a credit and save their dimes to patronize our show.
“Emancipation day was duly, conscientiously religiously and otherwise observed among our colored brethering and sistering. Speeches were indulged in by several of our leading citizens, which though not couched in language a la Cicero, were to the point, just what said point was though your correspondent is unable to say he having totally failed to find it.
“A grand ball at night made a fitting finale to the day’s proceedings and everybody is, or at least ought to be glad - that it is now over. Brix.”
p1
“- Bastrop had another lively time last week. The Advertiser exclaims, “a picnic, a hanging, and an emancipation celebration, all in one week.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 27, 1881 p3
“Emancipation Day - The committee on arrangements for the celebration of emancipation day met yesterday and completed the arrangements for celebrating the 17th anniversary. The fair grounds have been obtained and the railroads will be asked for reduced rates of fare, which they will no doubt grant. It is the intention of the committee to leave nothing undone to make the celebration a success. All the colored societies will be fully represented. Ten colored young ladies have been selected as candidates for Goddess of Liberty and will be voted for.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 5, 1881 p2
“- All the colored troops in the state will celebrate emancipation day at Houston.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1881 p3
“Emancipation Day.
“A Grand Procession - Three Thousand People on the Fair Grounds.
“Emancipation day comes on the 19th of June, but falling on Sunday the celebration was held on Saturday and at an early hour colored people commenced pouring in from all parts of the country. The procession was formed in Camptown, with Algie Hunt as grand marshal; about 11 o’clock they arrived in town in the following order; Brenham Band, colored, Prf. Hicks leader, Capt. Henry Carr drum major. Brenham Blues, a militia organization in full uniform, with muskets, United Sons of Liberty Lodge No 1934, Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, united Brothers and Sisters of Friendship, Baptist Sunday School, Goddess of Liberty - Miss Mary Houston - on float with maids of honor, carriages with officers of the day, Rev. W.W. Brown, president, Rev. C.W. Porter and M. Johnson treasurer; carriages with speakers, Ladies General Missionary Society, Ladies Aid Society, Draymen’s Club, No. 1, thirteen drays; Social Band, Missionary Building society, two floats with tablau, “As it is, and As it was.” Those two floats being on wood wagons did not come through town but took a near chute to the grounds. Next in the procession came a large number of vehicles, including barouches, buggies and road wagons, the wind up of the procession was a battalion of cavalry some two hundred strong under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Houston McAdoo.
“At the Fair Grounds the Goddess of Liberty was crowned by C.W. Porter. Rev. J.M. Parker, orator of the day delivered the address, after which there was drilling by the Brenham Blues, and the walking matches. At night there was dancing. It is estimated that fully thee thousand persons were on the ground in the afternoon. The celebration was quite successful. Receipts $300, expenses $140.”
“Fayette County.
“Round top, June 17th.
“Editors Banner:
“The colored people of Fayette county celebrated emancipation to-day, at Taylor’s garden a mile and a half from this city. There was between six and seven hundred people on the grounds. W.R. Van Buren, colored, of Brenham, was the orator of the day, and delivered a very able address. - The Brenham brass band, colored, furnished the music for the occasion. Everything passed off quietly and pleasantly.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1881, p3
“Wash Brown, a country darkey was before the justice’s court on Monday to answer the charge of disturbing the peace on emancipation day. Wash did not deny having been a little exuberant having partaken rather freely of bug juice. He made an eloquent speech telling the quire how it happened and how sorry he was that it had happened; how poor he was and how poor the crop prospects were and how many and how promptly he had paid fines heretofore. Wash was dismissed.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 23, 1881 p2
“In Houston emancipation day was celebrated on Monday. The Age devotes two columns to “Freedom,” giving a history of emancipation and a partial list of the good and prosperous darkies of its town.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 26, 1881 p2
“- At Navasota the darkies didn’t celebrate emancipation day “worth a cent,” so says the Tablet.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 17, 1882 p4
“Emancipation Day. - Arrangements are being made for a grand celebration of Emancipation day by the colored people at Hacksworth’s colony, Fort Bend county, June 19. Cheap excursion rates will be given by the Santa Fe railway.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 2, 1882 p3
“Tobe Williams reports everything working harmoniously in connection with the grand excursion by the colored people to Hackworth’s colony, in Fort Bend county, on the 19th of June - emancipation day. It is now believed that at least 5000 people will attend that celebration. Houston, Galveston, Richmond, Bellville, Brenham and many other places on the line of the Santa Fe railway will be represented. The trip will be a pleasant one, affording those who go a chance to see some splendid country.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 18, 1882 p3
“Emancipation day will be well celebrated by the colored people hereabouts. There will be a local celebration at the fair grounds and the grand excursion to the colony on Monday.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1882 p3
“Emancipation Day.
“After months of preparation and anticipation on the part of our colored population the great day in the colored peoples’ calendar arrived on Monday. The first thing in the morning was the excursion to Fort Bend county via the Santa Fe Railway. This excursion was gotten up by Tobe Williams and other colored men, and met with no little opposition on the part of some of the towns-people, who argued that the colored folks should stay at home and keep their money here. However Tobe and his friends were good rustlers and by a little after 10 o’clock six hundred dollars had been paid the Santa Fe railway and a special train of nine passenger coaches, all tolerably well filled, pulled out for Rosenberg Junction. A delegation of upwards of one hundred people were taken aboard at Kenney and some two hundred were at Bellville. A telegram from Rosenberg state that a tremendous crowd from the vicinity of Richmond was awaiting the train. The excursion to the colony was a financial success if nothing more.
‘In the city by half past ten o’clock the streets were fairly thronged with colored people, from the rural districts, all in holiday attire. A band of music and wagons was engaged and about half past eleven the procession, consisting of the band and the lodge of colored odd fellows from Camptown arrived in town. The lodge was between forty and fifty strong, the members all wore wilk or dress hats and were attired in regulation black broad cloth with the regalia of the order. The lodge presented a highly creditable appearance, which was very generally remarked by those who saw them. The procession, it should have been stated, was headed by the Goddess of Liberty, Miss Katie Pickard, with two maids of honor in a carriage. Marching to the Fair grounds, the Goddess of Liberty was received by Rev. Matt Packer, who made a very neat and elegant speech, which was highly complimented by those who heard it.
“It is estimated that about seven hundred persons were on the grounds. Dancing commenced on the platform at 6 o’clock and was kept up till well along in the night or rather morning. Gate tickets were sold at 10 cents each and the usual refreshment stands were in full blast. Taken altogether the colored people behaved remarkably well and there was quite an absence of disturbances.”
“During the day eight colored men celebrated emancipation day by indulging in four fist fights, two being engaged in each fight. Quite an amusing battle took place near the Central depot; two darkies had a square stand-up and knock-down set-to, the agreement being that they were not to strike each other below the belt or in the face. One was sent to sand - there is no grass near the depot - and that settled it.”
“The Pistol. - During the excitement at the Santa Fe depot Monday morning, prior to the departure of the Colony excursion train, Dick Riley and Willis McIntyre, both colored and both well known in police circles, had a quarrel. Dick had a pocket armory and fired a shot at Willis, but unfortunately missed him. Dick was released on somme sort of a bond and succeeded in escaping on the Colony excursions train before the city officers had a chance to take him in on a charge of carrying a pistol. It appeared that Willis “hadn’t done nuffin” and he was released.”
“Off for Home. - About two car loads of colored people, who came up on the Central yesterday to participate in the emancipation celebration, left by the evening’s train for home.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 2, 1883 p2
“In his speech at Washington, on Emancipation day, Fred. Douglass said: “Assimilation, not isolation, is our true policy and natural destiny. Unification for us is life; separation is death. We cannot afford to set up for ourselves a separate political party, or adopt for ourselves a political creed apart from the rest of our fellow-citizens.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 20, 1883 p2
“The colored people in some parts of the state are already making arrangements for the celebration of emancipation day - June 19th.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 26, 1883 p3
“We have heard of no move being made by the colored people of Brenham towards the celebration of emancipation day, as yet.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 3, 1883 p2
“The colored people of Brazos county will celebrate emancipation day, June 19th, by a grand barbecue, speeches, etc.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 10, 1883 p2
“The Marlin Ball says it has heard of no move on the part of the colored people to celebrate emancipation day.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 14, 1883 p3
“The Brenham Brass Band is making extensive preparations to celebrate emancipation day, the 19th inst. They have procured the fair grounds and expect a big crowd.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19th, 1883 p3
“Emancipation Day. - With the colored people to day is the fourth of July and St. Patrick’s day combined. Throughout the South the day will be duly celebrated. All work will be entirely suspended and the day devoted exclusively to pleasure. The colored people are perfectly right in celebrating it, and no one will begrudge them the enjoyment the occasion affords. In Brenham the celebration will be held at the Fair Grounds, under the auspices of the Brenham Brass Band; all the colored people in this vicinity will be in attendance. A celebration will also be held at Chappell Hill, and there may be others in different parts of the county.”
“Yesterday morning the Santa Fe brought up a whole car load of negroes, who came to celebrate Emancipation day.”
“Bacon Thieves. - Cabbage and greens are abundant, but unfortunately for some of our colored agriculturists bacon is quite scarce, and the farmer who is the happy possessor of a plethoric smoke-house is envied by his colored neighbor. Mr. Rudolph Schawe is a prosperous and thrifty farmer, living near Pleasant Hill. On Saturday night his smoke-house contained a good supply of bacon; the cupidity of some of his colored neighbors was excited; on Sunday morning he found his smoke-house broken open and about 100 pounds of bacon missing. Search was instituted, and in due time the meat was found secreted in the tall sedge grass on the banks of a branch on his place. Suspicion pointed to John Amos, Nute Knoxson and Richard Warren, wards of the nation, who live in the neighborhood. A warrant was obtained and the trio were arrested and lodged in jail to await a preliminary examination. The probability now is that they will spend the day in jail meditating on the uncertainty of this world instead of being out joyously celebrating Emancipation Day with the colored people.”
p2
“The negroes of Galveston will celebrate Emancipation day, the 19th inst., at Schmidt’s garden.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1883 p3
“Emancipation Day. - Tuesday was duly celebrated by the colored people of this vicinity, it being the nineteenth anniversary of their emancipation. The Brenham Brass Band, colored, procured the Fair Grounds for the occasion. They had music, refreshments, speaking, and at night dancing. It is estimated that 1500 or 1700 people were on the grounds during the afternoon. mirth and pleasure reigned supreme, and during the entire day there was no disturbance or unpleasantness of any kind, and not a single arrest was made growing out of the celebration. The colored people are certainly entitled to praise for their good behavior.
“Celebrations were also held at Chappell Hill, Hidalgo Bluff, Gay Hill, and at Earlywine’s store.”
“Hilliard Davis, a negro, indicted by the last grand jury for unlawfully using estray stock, was captured by Deputy Sheriff Joe Woods, on Monday night, and he is now an inmate of the county jail. He did not celebrate Emancipation Day.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1883 p3
“Emancipation Day.
‘The Emancipation celebration, under the auspices of the Brenham Brass Band, was in every respect a complete success.
“Notwithstanding the fact that such a large number of people were assembled together there was not a single instance of any disturbance on the grounds during the day or night. There were not less than three thousand people on the grounds -men, women and children- and each seem determined to have a good time.
“On account of the oppressive heat the orator of the day was too much fatigued to deliver his address. About noon a light shower of rain fell and cooled the atmosphere, and settled the dust, which was becoming unpleasant. During the shower the immense throng began to scatter about for shelter, which was very scarce, and the scramble to “get there” ahead of each other was quite amusing. Shortly after the wind rose and blew the clouds over, the sun again shone, if anything, brighter than before, Squire Hackworth appeared on the grounds, and was called upon to address the people. After a considerable amount of pursuasion the judge very reluctantly acceded to the wishes of his friends, and mounting the grand stand; he proceeded to deliver one of the speeches that he is so very remarkable for. he however gave the colored people some very valuable information and sound advice as to the best and surest plans to adopt for their future development, advising them to invest their earnings in agricultural, mechanical and educational enterprises, and above all things deserve success and recognition by the rest of mankind, if they expect to obtain it.
“At 4 o’clock p.m., the grand ball opened and the large platform was rapidly thronged with those who were so fortunate as to obtain a position with their partners for a dance. The dancing began and and continued until 6 p.m., when a recess was taken and a grand walking match was announced to take place on the beautiful race track between Messrs. Bugg and Harris, a distance of one mile, which resulted in a victory for Harris, but it was very closely contested, both keeping elbow to elbow nearly all the time. At candle light, as was announced, the grounds were brilliantly lighted, and the hour having arrived, the dancing on the platform was resumed. One of the principal features of the ball was the introduction of several new pieces of music by the Brenham Band which had been prepared expecially for the occasion. Among which that deserves was the “Emancipation Quadrille” and “Out of Bondage Waltz,” both by Prof C.P. Hicks, their leader and instructor.
“To the management the whole affair was, financially as well as in every other respect, a complete success, not withstanding the senseless opposition that was attempted by a few envious persons who are always displeased with everything that does not originate with themselves.”
p2
“Emancipation day was generally celebrated throughout the State and to the credit of the colored people, be it said, their behavior was unexceptionable as a general thing.”
“A shooting scrape occurred at Riley’s Grove, Austin county, between a couple of negroes at the Emancipation celebration Frank travick a beer seller was shot and seriously wounded; the shootists were uninjured.”
“Emancipation day was duly celebrated at Chappell Hill. About 1500 negroes enjoyed a grand barbecue in a grove near town; during the entire day everything was quiet and orderly and a general good time was had. At night there was a general knock down and run over, and the celebration broke up in a shindy or row.”
p3
“Badly Hurt. - On Tuesday night Bill Echols, a negro started homme from Chappell Hill drunk; he sat or laid down on the railroad track. At 4 o’clock Wednesday morning he was run over by the passenger train and had his right arm cut off, his jaw bone broken and also received a large gash in the back of his head. There is no chance for his recovery. Another account states that he was whipped and badly used up by a party of negroes, who after disabling him, dragged him on the track and left him there to his fate. The latter is given as his own statement of the affair.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 23, 1883 p2
“- On Emancipation day at Blanco, Levy Erwin, one of the colored orators of the day, fell off the stand and broke his neck.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 24, 1883 p3
“The effect of Emancipation day was manifested yesterday by the small number of colored people coming to town. The had spent all their surplus funds.”
Brenham Daily Banner, July 3, 1883 p3
“Released. - The other day we mentioned the arrest and incarceration in the county jail of Geo. Routt, white, and Sam Light and Sol. Crowfield, negroes, all charged with the murder of Bill Echols, a negro, at Chappell hill on emancipation day. They had a preliminary examination before Justice Kirk on Monday and there being no evidence to show that they were guilty they were admitted to bail in the sum of $250 each. Justice Ben Rogers of Chappell Hill, who held the inquest on the body of the alleged murdered man, says the body was examined by a physician who found no wounds or bruises other than those made by the cars which ran over him on the track, which were directly the cause of his death.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 23, 1884 p3
“Emancipation Day. - The colored people of Brenham are now busy making preparations for the celebration of Emancipation Day on the 19th of June next. The fair grounds have already been secured for the occasion; posters have been issued and all the necessary steps taken to make the celebration a complete success. A large number of the leading colored men of this city and vicinity are interesting themselves in the matter and it now promises to be one of the grandest affairs of the kind that has ever taken place here. The programme for the day will be varied and interesting.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 13, 1884 p2
“- Emancipation day will be generally celebrate throughout the state on the 19th inst. Many orations will be delivered.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1884 p3
“Emancipation Day. - Weather permitting the colored people of this vicinity will have a grand time celebrating at the Fairgrounds to-day. The most extensive preparations have already been made and a large crowd is expected from the country. Brenham is the metropolis of this vicinity and country people will always visit a city when opportunity offers.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1884 p3
“Emancipation Day.
“Thursday morning, the 19th inst., was the anniversary of the emancipation of the colored race from slavery, and was duly ushered by in by the firing of anvils at daylight. A very large number of colored people from all parts of the country were in town. About eleven o’clock the procession arrived in town from Camptown, headed by the Brenham colored band, followed by the colored Odd Fellows lodge in full regalia. Miss R.B. May, Goddess of Liberty and maids of honor in carriage. Felix Whittakers decorated float - a complete blacksmith shop in full working order, with the mottoes, “We live by honest toil” and “Patronize home industries.” The float was highly creditable to Felix. There was quite a number of vehicles in the procession. When the fair grounds were reached the usual speeches and responses were made. Mr. W.H. Blount, county commissioner, was orator of the day, and made an excellent address giving the colored people plenty of good advice. During Blount’s speech Prof. Robinson, a school teacher, made some remark derogatory to the character of the colored women, when a colored man resented the remark and Robinson, who was “heeled” proposed to maintain his position by drawing his pet pocket pistol. The colored men soon made it so oppressively hot on the grounds that he deemed it expedient to withdraw as quickly as possible. Beyond this nothing occurred to mar the pleasure of the occasion. The festivities concluded with a grand ball on the platform at night. The attendance was very large.
“There was also a celebration at Randle’s grove, Pleasant Hill, which was largely attended and much enjoyed till the rain about noon, which broke it up for the time being.
“After the rain a sumptuous dinner was served; that over Mr. Lafayette Kirk delivered an oration. Other speakers also delivered addresses. Good order and harmony prevailed.
“It must be said to the credit of the colored people that as a rule, they were very orderly and well behaved and during the day there was only three arrests made.”
“Arrested. - The city marshal arrested Professor Robinson yesterday afternoon and also Barney, a dray man, for making a disturbance at the Fair grounds.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1884 p3
“A good many colored people were in town yesterday not having entirely finished celebrating.”
“Prof. Robinson publishes his version of the affair at the Emancipation grounds on Thursday. The case is yet to run through the mayor’s court mill.”
“It appears that the Emancipation celebration was not quite as orderly as it might have been. During Thursday night, there was several fights and knock downs.”
“Mayor’s Court.
“...Several cases growing out of the Emancipation celebration were continued.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 22, 1884 p3
“At Gay Hill emancipation day was duly celebrated and notwithstanding the threatening weather there was a large crowd present. The managers were R.B. Tarver, D. Porter, and George King marshal of the day. Constable Lauderdale was present but had nothing to do. J.K. Colbert delivered a very entertaining address. R.M. Johnson of Lee county also spoke.”
“Mayor’s Court.
“...The emancipation celebration cases seem to hang fire; they were again continued.”
“The committee who had charge of the emancipation celebration on Thursday hand in the following report:
“The procession was formed at Odd Fellows hall and conducted to the fair grounds by the grand marshals of the day, J.L. Lands and S.J. Jenkins. Arriving at the grounds the address of welcome was delivered by Mr. J.T. Harris; response by Goddess of Liberty Miss Julia Lewis. Miss L. was appointed by the committee, on account of the illness of Miss R. B. May, of Chappell Hill, who was elected. J.R. Bryan, orator of the day, delivered a lengthy address, Miss Susannah Hubert read a well prepared and instructive essay on the result of Emancipation. W.H. Blount delivered an address which referred to the Chicago convention. During the address Blount spoke of the endorsement which his work had received in other precincts to which Prof. Robinson made a reply. The assertion was political and not social; a row ensued that created considerable excitement. The general officers appreciated the management of the city marshal which saved many lives, and the colored officers did all in their power to assist him.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 24, 1884 p3
“Mayor’s Court.
“,,,The emancipation day cases still hang fire. Some of the defendants have been waiting to accumulate wealth, plead guilty and pay up.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 28, 1885 p3
“Emancipation Celebration. - The colored people here are making extensive preparations to have a two day’s celebration of their twentieth anniversary of Emancipation day on Friday and Saturday june 19th and 20 at the Fair Grounds.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 4, 1885 p3
“The colored people of the Pleasant Hill neighborhood will celebrate Emancipation day at Randle grove, near Pleasant Hill, on the 19th inst.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 12, 1885 p3
“Goddess of Liberty. _ The following is the vote polled for Goddess of Liberty for the Emancipation celebration at the Fair Grounds on the 19th and 20th inst. Eliza Stone, 5,; Mattie Bynum, 4; Ella Wheeler, 146; Julia Lewis, 26; Louisa M. Patterson, 25; Mary E. Milton, 219. Miss Milton was elected.”
“Emancipation day will be quite generally celebrated hereabouts. There will be two celebrations in Brenham, one at the Fair Grounds, and the other at Stockbridge’s grove. Celebrations will also be held at Pleasant Hill and Burton. ‘
Brenham Daily Banner, June 14, 1885 p2
“- The colored people of Navasota have amicably settled all their differences and will unite in one celebration of emancipation day.”
“The largest crowd of colored people that has been in town for months was here on Saturday. They were preparing for the coming celebration, but did not have much money to spend.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 14, 1885 p3
“Brenham now has two colored band; both of them were out the major portion of Saturday afternoon making music and drew nearly as large a crowd of colored people as a circus. They were probably out in the interest of the emancipation celebrations to be held here on the 19th inst.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19th, 1885 p3
“Emancipation. - To-day, June 19, is the greatest day in the calendar of the colored people. It is the twentieth anniversary of their emancipation from slavery and it is right proper that they should take a pride in observing it. The day will be almost universally celebrated throughout Texas. In the county there will be a number of celebrations. In Brenham there will be two: one at the Fair grounds and the other at Stockbridge’s grove. Extensive preparations have been made for both celebrations and there will be considerable rivalry between the two. At one place 10 cents admission will be charged and at the other everything will be free. There will be a celebration at Pleasant Hill and another one at Burton.”
“For several weeks the colored people have been economising and saving money for emancipation day. A great many were in town making final purchases and at night 1121 colored people from the country were here to spend the night with their friends.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1885 p3
“Emancipation Day.
“Friday the 19th inst., was duly celebrated by the colored people of this vicinity, but the hard times had a telling effect in lessening the number of participants. While there was quite a crowd in town the number was the smallest that has ever celebrated the day. For some reason there has been a break up among the so-called leading negroes and they are divided into two factions each having a following. One faction celebrated at the Fair grounds and the other at Stockbridge’s grove. There was a colored brass band, but it too had a split some time ago and divided into two brass bands, one of them went to one celebration and the other to the other. The colored Odd Fellows formed a procession and marched to the Fair grounds, and the Blues, the colored militia company, marched to Stockbridge’s grove. Goddesses of Liberty were duly crowned at both places and the usual addresses and responses were made. There was also the customary speech making. We make no estimate of the number present because both celebrations claim to have had much the largest crowd. During the day there was a large number of colored people on the streets gaily decked out in holiday-attire. Much to the credit of the colored people, be it said, that they were remarkably quiet and orderly, there was no drunkenness on the streets and no boisterous language. Only one man was arrested for being drunk during the day, and two fast young negroes were captured with a pistol. In the evening there was music and dancing at both places. The only drawback was the prevailing scarcity of the circulating medium; had money been plenty there would have been a much larger celebration and the merchants in town as well as the colored population generally would have been at least ninety-three per cent happier, as it was they were as happy as the circumstances would admit of. The celebration at Pleasant Hill was attended by about two hundred people; the usual exercises and ceremonies were gone through with and a pleasant day was the result. There was also a celebration at Burton which was well attended.
“The festivities will be continued to-day at the Fair grounds and Stockbridge’s grove, concluding with a dance at night.”
“At 8:30 o’clock Friday morning a large yellow negro from the country got so full of emancipation whiskey that it took three or four stout men to carry him to the bastile. He pulled back worse than a balky mule.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1885 p3
“Emancipation Day No. 2. - Saturday the 20th was the second day of the emancipation celebration. During the day the attendance at the two celebration grounds was rather small, but at night fair sized crowds were at both places and dancing was kept up to a late hour. The day was very quiet and the best of order prevailed. Up to dark no arrests had been made.”
“Turned Loose. - Two or three colored men arrested by the police on Friday for being drunk, were turned loose. Their intoxication was attributed to excessive patriotism over the occasion and they were excused on the same principal that white folks are let down easy when they get “a little off” Christmas and Fourth of July.”
Brenham Weekly Banner, May 20, 1886 p3
“Emancipation. - the colored people of this vicinity are getting ready for the celebration of Emancipation day, on the 19th of June. It has been customary heretofore to have two or more celebrations, the colored people breaking up into factions; this is all wrong, they would do much better to unite and have a good time together. The majority of the colored population are good citizens, and they should not be misled by agitators of their own race. The agitator, white or black, is a man who does no honest work for himself, but who succeeds in making a living off of the honest and hard work of others.”
Brenham Weekly Banner, May 27, 1886 p3
“The committee having in charge the emancipation celebration now have out posters announcing the Fair Grounds in this city as the place and June 19 as the time. An elaborate programme has been made out, and the committee is busily engaged in making preparations. A number of the best and most respectable colored people are at the head of this affair, and are determined to make it a grand success.”
Brenham Weekly Banner, June 3, 1886 p3
“Celebration. - The colored people of the Randle Hill neighborhood, near Pleasant Hill will celebrate Emancipation Day, June 19. This celebration is not gotten up in opposition to the one at Brenham, but for the neighborhood and for the colored people of Austin county living in that vicinity.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1886 p4
“Emancipation day will be duly celebrated at the Fair grounds today. Quite a number of colored people arrived from the country last evening. There will be regular celebration at Pleasant Hill and Burton and smaller ones too numerous to mention, in other parts of the county, including Seed Tick, near Chappell Hill.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1886 p4
“Emancipation Day.
“The 19th of June is or ought to be the colored people’s Fourth of July and St. Patrick’s day combined. Arrangements had been made for a gigantic celebration in Brenham at the fair grounds, but for reasons best known to themselves there was a split up, they being divided into factions. From the best information obtainable there were not over five hundred people on the grounds at any one time during the day. The festivities were opened with a procession consisting of the brass band in a ‘bus, the Goddess of Liberty, Miss Penelope Bryan, and maids of honor in a carriage, and one or two more carriages containing the orators; arriving at the grounds the coronation speech was made by Mr. Browning and appropriately responded to by the Goddess, who acquitted herself very handsomely. Several colored gentlemen delivered addresses appropriate to the occasion. A number of colored people from Chappell Hill were in attendance. In the evening the condition of the weather was very threatening, it being as dark as Erebus and lightning all around the horizon; this effectionally broke up the proposed dance.
“There was a big celebration at Burton, and another large one at Randle Hill, near Pleasant Hill; besides these, there were a number of small ones, including one at Seed Tick, a locality near Chappell Hill, where ticks are supposed to abound. So far as heard from, quiet and good order prevailed, and the participants in the various celebrations enjoyed themselves to their heart’s content.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 22, 1886 p2
“Emancipation day was generally celebrated by the colored people throughout the state on Saturday. From all points come reports of the very best of order. No disturbance of any consequence occurred anywhere and the colored people are complimented all around for their good behavior.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 23, 1886 p2
“- Two picnics were held near Waco in celebration of Emancipation day. There was a large attendance at both places. A storm “busted” both picnics.”
p4
“The Emancipation celebration at Randle Hill, near Pleasant Hill, proved to be the most successful celebration held in the county. There were between 500 and 600 people present. Miss Celia A. Wills, the Goddess of Liberty, delivered a very fine address. Speeches were made by J.M.H. Randle, Mr. Kosse, E.D. Woods, and others; the remarks were appropriate to the occasion and were well received. An elegant barbecued dinner was served, there being plenty for everyone and considerable to spare. In the evening there was a concert, and music and conversation was kept up till about 3 o’clock Sunday morning. A really fine time was enjoyed by the colored people and there was not the least disturbance during the entire day and night.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 24, 1886, p4
“The colored people of Gay Hill and Independence neighborhoods celebrated Emancipation day at Mackeyville, a point about midway between the two places. Elder James McBride, Lem Blake, Ben Malone and Griffin Anderson leading colored men, were the promoters of the celebration. An abundance of eatables and little something to drink were provided. Between 400 and 500 people were present and a good time was had, the very best of good order was maintained. Mr. Lem Blake, orator of the day made an appropriate address. Elder McBride is one of the first regularly ordained ministers in the state, he having been ordained by Judge Baylor and Mr. Veasy prior to the late war when he was a slave. He is one of the first colored men who bought land in this county.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 18, 1887 p4
“Emancipation. - The colored people of Brenham and vicinity are requested to attend a mass meeting on next Saturday i Breham, for the purpose of making arrangements for the annual emancipation celebration on the 19th of June, next, and all good colored citizens are requested to attend.”
(No Brenham Daily Banners available until August of 1887, so this account is missing.)
Brenham Daily Banner, May 27, 1888 p3
“Emancipation Day. - The colored people are preparing to celebrate the coming anniversary of their emancipation on the 19th of June in grand style at the old fairgrounds. There will be a procession, parade and public speaking and music by one or more brass bands. A large delegation of colored people from Galveston and probably from Houston will attend the celebration, special excursion rates having been arranged. Already, as in past years, there are two or three colored individuals engaged in trying to get up an opposition celebration, probably for a political purpose or for their individual gain. It is told on them that when they got up their opposition celebration two years ago and got the white citizens and farmers to subscribe hogs, muttons, beef &c for the barbecue they sold them and pocketed the money.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 8, 1888, p3
“The managers of the emancipation will endeavor, if possible, to keep it from taking a political turn, and with that end in view have ignored aspiring local colored politicians in selecting orators.”
Brenham Daily Banner, July 29, 1888 p3
“The reunion of the colored people of the city, which will be participated in by the different organizations and societies, will take place at the old fairgrounds next Friday and Saturday, August 3rd and 4th. It is intended to be in lieu of the emancipation celebration, which was prevented by rain last month. There will be considerable speech-making, a spelling match, a baseball contest, and innumerable games and sports for old and young.”
Brenham Daily Banner, August 5, 1888, p3
“The Colored Celebration.
“As announced in a previous issue of the Banner, the colored people’s celebration in continuation of the emancipation celebration of the 19th of June, which proved an utter failure on account of the unfavorable condition of the elements, began on Friday with a creditable street turnout headed by Randle’s brass band and in which the Odd-fellows, Masons and “Seven Stars of Consolidation” and Lincoln association turned out in uniform. The procession started out from Camptown and proceeded up Sandy street to Ant street and thence out to the old fairgrounds. All of the forenoon and afternoon up to 5 o’clock were given to sports, consisting of target shooting, hobby horse riding, trapeze acting in which a Mexican performed some wonderful feats, and other sports. At 5:30 J.M.H. Randle, master of ceremonies, introduced J.H. Clinton, who delivered an address of welcome in a neat five-minutes speech, after which S.J. Jenkins, orator of the day, delivered an address in which he urged the colonization of the Oklahoma territory by the negroes and spoke of their former slavery. On Saturday the crowd was greatly swelled by attendance from all parts of the country, and was much larger than on the preceding day. In the afternoon there was a tournament and trotting matches and a number of sports. The baseball game did not come off, the Camptown club having bluffed all other competitors out of the field. The celbration closed at night with a big ball”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 17, 1889 p4
“The colored people of this city have made satisfactory and amicable arrangements for the celebration of emancipation day on the 19th of June. It will be celebrated under the auspices of the colored lodges and there will be no politics about it. The Banner hopes they will be united and all have a good time. It is an event that they should feel happy and united over.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 23, 1889 p3
“The colored people will celebrate the anniversary of their emancipation at the old fair grounds on the 19th and 20th of June. Various games and sports will be instituted, and several of the white citizens have already subscribed liberally towards the celebration.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 1, 1889 p3
“The colored people will have their posters out announcing their coming emancipation celebration on the 19th and 20th of June.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 9, 1889 p3
“The colored people had a meeting last night to arrange for their emancipation celebration and to select a goddess of liberty.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 12, 1889 p3
“Goddess of Liberty. - The colored people closed the polls for the election of a goddess of liberty for their emancipation celebration at 11 o’clock on Saturday night at the Mount Rose Baptist church. Miss Esther Johnson, daughter of Rev. Mose Johnson, was declared elected, after which 300 guests, headed by Randle’s brass band went ot Henry McAdoo’s residence to partake of refreshments prepared by the committee. They then went to the residence of the goddess of liberty about 12:30, a.m., and tendered her a serenade. An address was delivered by J.H. Clinton, which was responded to. The prospects are that the coming week will be the most successful one for years, and the Banner is glad to see the colored people once more harmonious and united.”
“The sale of stand privileges during the colored people’s emancipation celebration took place yesterday, and brought the following amounts: ice cream, $20; confectionary, $10.75; shooting gallery, $10.25; chili and tamales, $6.50; hobby horses, $12; dancing, $8; cane stand and doll baby, $4.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 16, 1889, p3
“One of the merchants stated yesterday that the darkeys in town did not spend much of their money and were saving up for the emancipation celebration.”
“During the colored emancipation celebration at the old fairgrounds there will be various games and prize contests.”
“The colored people in the Fritz Somers neighborhood, on the old Brewer farm, are preparing for a big emancipation celebration of their own.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 18, 1889 p3
“The colored people’s emancipation begins tomorrow and will continue two days. There will be a street procession.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1889 p3
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The colored people of Brenham and surrounding country will begin their two days celebration of emancipation to-day, and if Jupiter Pluvius doesn’t interfere it promises to be the most successful and harmonious that they have had in several years. The festivities will be inaugurated with a grand street procession, which will form at Oddfellows hall, corner of Kerr and Garrett streets, at 8:30 a.m. sharp, and proceed up Garrett to Sandy, up Sandy to Market, Market to Main, thence to Douglas, down Douglas to Sandy, thence to Ant and down Ant to the old fairgrounds. The societies, etc will form in the following order: Marshals, band of music, goddess of liberty and her attendants, Band of Progress G.U.O. of O.F. and visiting lodges, ladies of Seven Star lodge and Sons and Daughters of Zion in carriages, the Peculiar Sevens on horseback, baseball clubs and citizens in hacks. Upon arriving at the grounds Rev. Mose Johnson, grand chaplain, will offer prayer, after which the coronation address will be delivered by J.H. Hughes and responded to by the goddess. Rev. W.V.V. Carmichael will be orator of the day. Prizes will be awarded in the various contests.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1889 p3
“Colored People’s Day.
“The emancipation of the colored people from slavery was one of the most important events of United States history, and nobody begrudges seeing the darkeys celebrate the anniversary of their freedom. It is celebrated on different dates in different states. The colored people of Texas celebrate it later than in any of the rest of them because they were the last to be actually liberated from bondage. One June 19, 1865, Provisional Governor Hamilton issued a proclamation from Houston declaring that they were free, and from this date they have fixed their anniversary celebrations. According to program the colored people of Brenham inaugurated their two days’ celebration yesterday. The program was carried out as announced, except that the procession did not start until 11 o’clock. It was a very creditable affair and made good showing. But owing to the fact that the day was celebrated in several adjoining towns and neighborhoods, the attendance was not as large as had been expected and can hardly be considered more than a local celebration. In addition to the coronation exercises and addresses there were various games, prize contests, displays of needlework, a baby show &c. The festivities will be continued throughout to-day.”
“A great many ladies in the city had to do their own cooking yesterday. It was emancipation day, you know.”
“Quite a number of darkeys came in yesterday on the trains from Kinneyville, Chappell Hill and Bellville to attend the emancipation celebration. Very few, however, came from Burton.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1889 p3
“The colored people wound up their emancipation celebration at the old fairgrounds yesterday with various sports during the day and with another ball at night. The horse races in the afternoon excited a great deal of interest and several white citizens attended. Some of the racers were name for Col. Giddings, Bolling Eldridge and Faustino Kiber.”
“Most of the passengers on the railroad yesterday were darkeys returning from the emancipation celebration. Very few additional visitors came in to attend the celebration here yesterday.”
“At an emancipation celebration in the Walker neighborhood east of town on Wednesday, Wash Chappell used some language not very polite in the presence of colored ladies, and the men present took him down and treated him to a dose of strop oil.”
“Constable Boyd arrested Joe Jackson, colored, yesterday afternoon and lodged him in the county jail on the charge of disturbing the peace at the emancipation celebration on Wednesday night.”
“Mr. John Davis has just complete two brick buildings at Cameron and returned yesterday evening with seven colored workmen from this city, who stuck to him till the job was finished, notwithstanding the emancipation. He reports that Cameron is on a boom, and that the contract has been signed by which the Aransas Pass company binds itself to have trains running into Cameron on January 1.”
“Charley Watson and Oscar Tunston, two young colored men, got into a row at the emancipation celebration on Wednesday night during the dance over a partner, and one threw a beer glass at the other, which missed the party intended for and struck a bystander under the chin. Marshal Swain arrested one of them, but he managed subsequently to doge in the crowd and escape. There were a number of young bucks drunk and tried to break up the ball. Several of them will be arraigned before the mayor this morning.”
p4
“Dave Spriggins, colored, was stabbed in a fight at Gay Hill on Wednesday during an emancipation celebration.”
“The colored people having heard of Abe Harrison’s fine speech at the Light Guard banquet, invited him to deliver an address at the emancipation celebration yesterday.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 22 1889 p3
“Charley Hartman run the beer stand at the emancipation celebration at the fair grounds and says that the colored people treated him very kindly and patronized him liberally, for which he returns his thanks.”
“The emancipation jubilation is over, but it will take some of the participants the rest of the week to recover from an excess of enthusiasm.”
“There was another row at the emancipation celebration on Wednesday night. Simon
McQueen’s wife became jealous of his attentions to another colored lady on the ballroom floor and proceeded to pull hair in the most approved style. Simon took the side of the object of his wife’s jealousy and a lively stir was created.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 23, 1889 p1
“At an emancipation celebration at San Angelo Charles Cooksey, a gambler, got into a difficulty with Dave young, the chief marshall of the day, and was fatally shot through the body with a pistol.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 20, 1891
“The colored people of this city have taken no steps toward celebrating emancipation day, as yet, although time is pressing them. If they intend to do anything it is time they were moving in the matter.”
“Emancipation Celebration.
“At a meeting of the colored people held in the Oak Lawn neighborhood three miles north of here last Thursday arrangements were perfected for the celebration of Emancipation day, June 19th, at that place. They will have a grand free barbecue, and speeches by S.J. Jenkins, Esq., and Elder Trapp, with Louise Ewing as goddess of the occasion.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 26, 1891 p2
“The colored people almost throughout the state are preparing for a grand emancipation celebration. The Brenham colored people have done nothing so far, and if they don’t hurry up will have on that day to enter the “separate coach” and go elsewhere to celebrate.”
“It is a coincidence worthy of note that on the day when the colored people of Texas will all be celebrating the anniversary of their emancipation, going on excursions and etc., they will be quietly ordered out of the coach with white people into coaches prepared for them, for the separate coach law goes into effect on that day. There is no doubt that this law was one of the best for all the people of Texas that was enacted by the last Legislature.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 27, 1891 p4
“The colored societies and lodges of Brenham met Tuesday and made arrangements to celebrate emancipation day - June 19th.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 30, 1891 p3
“Preparing for a Grand Celebration.
“The colored people of Brenham are preparing for a grand emancipation ceremony
June 18th, at the Fair grounds in this city.
“They will have orators of the day to recount their achievements since emancipation twenty six years ago, besides horse racing, a fat man’s race, children’s games and the crowning of the “goddess of liberty,” who is to be elected by the popular vote of the colored people.
“One of the prime movers in the work of getting up this celebration said to the reporter that it would be “synonymous with the Mai-fest by the white folks, but that they expected to have a much larger crowd here.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 11, 1892 p1
“Emancipation Day.
“The Colored People are Preparing to Make the 19th a Big Day in Brenham.
“The colored citizens of Washington county assembled at Lou Clark’s hall Saturday for the purpose of organizing preparatory to getting up a general celebration of the colored people June the 19th, the occasion being the 27th anniversary of their emancipation.
“Howard Mitchell was called to the chair, S.J. Williams elected secretary.
“On motion of R.S. Sloan, a committee of seventeen was appointed on the formation of the organization.
“J.C. Cain offered the following resolution which was adopted:
“Resolved, Whereas, we the colored citizens, in mass meeting assembled, desire to have a general emancipation celebration in this city on the 19th of June, we ask the colored citizens of each precinct of the county to organize emancipation clubs, to meet with us on May 14th to perfect the final arrangements for the celebration. The secretary is request to write the chairman of each precinct informing them of this arrangement for a general celebration and request them to organized and send representatives to the meeting May 14.
“The action of the colored people in uniting and having one grand celebration here is to be commended. It will afford them a better opportunity of having a big celebration than if they were split up and celebrating all over the county, beside it will bring a big crowd here on that occasion.
“Following is the committee on organization: Howard Mitchell, chairman; C.S. Williams, secretary; R.S. Sloan, Jas. Hughes, L. Burks, Jno. Monroe, Isaac Jackson, Phillip Thompson, S.J. Jenkins, Allen Perry, Adam Fisher, Jesse Baker, J.R. Armbrister, Henry Charles, A.V. Hunt, J.H. Hughes, L.P. Williamson and J.K. Kolbert.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 17, 1892 p4
“The next event on the tapis that is to draw a big crowd to Brenham will be the emancipation celebration by the colored people. They are endeavoring to unite all the colored people of the county in a celebration at the Fair ground, and if they succeed will, perhaps, have as big a crowd here as the white people did during the Mai-Fest, if not larger.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 24, 1892 p4
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The committee having in charge the arrangements for the approaching emancipation celebration have secured the Fair Grounds for holding the celebration, and have put in nomination for Goddess of Liberty Misses Mamie Tanner, Lillie Slitler and Rhode Love of Brenham, Jesse A. Hasker, of Palestine, and Marian Spencer, of Graball, and named Brenham, Graball and Palestine as the voting places.
“C.W. Williams, Secretary.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 28, 1892 p3
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The respectable element among the colored people of Brenham, having desirous of celebrating this event in a manner and style becoming a free, christian people went to work and promulgated a program, which was to include religious services at Little Zion church on Sunday, June 19th, to be followed with appropriate ceremonies on Monday and Tuesday. In this they were inspired alone by patriotic motives and would doubtless have made a success of the occasion, had they been permitted to carry out their programme. This, however, has been denied them by another element, whose chief desire seems to be to make money out of the celebration, and being in the majority will undertake to change matters all around, including the date of the event. This being the case the respectable portion of our colored people are acting wisely in washing their hands entirely of the matter, and in refusing to have anything to do with it.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 29, 1892 p4
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The colored people of MMt. Pilgrim have made arrangements to celebrate the anniversary of their emancipation on Saturday June 18th at Mt. Pilgrim five miles west of Brenham on the Houston and Texas Central railroad. They invite their colored friends to “lay aside your plough, your hoe, and prepare your hoe-cake dough,” and join them and have a grand time. Dinner will be free, and all kind of refreshments will be served on the ground. A brass band will furnish music for the occasion. Rev. Thos. McWilliams will be orator of the day.’
Brenham Daily Banner, June 5, 1892 p4
“The colored people in the vicinity of Pleasant Grove, six miles south of this city will celebrate emancipation on the 17th, posters of which are being issued from this office. There will be a free dinner, music and dancing.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 10 1892 p3
“The colored people of Sunny Chappell, 3 ½ miles southeast of Chappell Hill, will celebrate the 27th anniversary of their emancipation Tuesday, June 21st on a grand scale with a free barbecue dinner, and invite all their colored friends to join them. The welcome address will be delivered by W.T. Tolbert and the emancipation proclamation read by Georgia Lewis. There will be a number of speeches, and at night the annual school exhibition will take place.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 11 1892 p4
“The Santa Fe road will give excursion rates, one and one-third fare for the round trip between all stations along its line on June 19th and 20th, good until the 21st, on account of the emancipation celebration.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 17 1892 p3
“The emancipation celebration commences at the Fair grounds today.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 18 1892 p3
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The Twenty-Seventh Anniversary of their Freedom Celebrated.
“The colored people commenced their emancipation celebration here Friday. In the fields of growing cotton and tasselling corn they stacked their hoes and grounded their plows, turned their backs upon the common foe - General Green - and marched into celebrate the 27th anniversary of their emancipation and recount the scenes of other days and contrast them with those of the present.
“Until 9 o’clock they congregated in small groups blocked up the sidewalks and looked longingly at the several loads of watermelons, which to an average darkey’s taste is the most deletable delicacy he can gaze upon, and for which he will sacrifice a days labor or a nights sleep, but the present prices put them “out of sight,” and when the band struck up a lvely tune it was a relief to those who gazed at melons so near, yet so far, and the city at once became a stir of colored humanity, composed of representatives of most every class from the old time “Sambo” of antebellum days who came from “Old Virginia” “fore de wah” to the colored base ball dude of the present day dressed in yellow calico knee breeches and blue blouse. and there was “old aunt Dinah,” hobbling along in the wake of the procession, and little “Pete,” the same spindle-legged ginger cake footed negro that figures in every story of slavery times, just like they were then. True there are evidences of improvement in the race, but they didn’t seem to be celebrating to any great extent, and those in charge of the whole bsiness were not calculated to impress the historian of the occasion with the advancement they have made in the 27 years of opportunity.
“Even the orator of the occasion was a man that could not construct a correct sentence of ten words on a given subject, not even emancipation, if his life was the forfeit in case of failure.
“The procession was a poor showing, consisting of a band, the Goddess of liberty’s chariot, a few horsemen, two or three base-ball clubs and a crowd following irregularly, and it was 12 o’clock before they left for the fair grounds.
“Many of those in the city didn’t go out at all and the crowd at the Fair grounds was perhaps not as large as the management anticipated, but this probably was the best day as several other places celebrate on Saturday and give a free barbecue dinner. The feature of Friday’s celebration was the base ball game. “
“Emancipation Rows.
“The Negroes Celebrate the Juneteenth and Wind up With a Lively Fight.
“At the Fair grounds Friday afternoon Jno. and Jim Anderson had a difficulty, in which A.W. Moor tried to act as peace-maker, when John slapped Moore several time.
“Simon Carter, a colored policeman started in to stop the difficulty, when Jim interposed, and Simon lit into him with a six-shooter, sending him to town for repairs, but the friends of jim then made it too warm for the colored upholder of the law and he came to town.
“The Renewal.
:The Anderson boys went off and returned with their father, renewing the difficulty, and as Simon Carter, the negro police, had already broken his pistol over one of their heads, he was not prepared to receive them and got a lick from a base ball bat, but he sent off after a shot gun and stood off old man Louis anderson and his boys, who again left the grounds to arm themselves.
“While they were off this time Constable Boyd and Marshal Swain arrived on the Fair grounds and proceeded to arrest the Anderson boy and bring him to the city. The young buck wanted to ride, and when Constable Boyd shoved him off towards town, his father rushed up and commenced giving the officers a deal about what they could not do with his boy, and Mr. Boyd knocked him down. he arose and started toward the officers again, and Marshal Swain tumbled him one with a lick side of the head from his six-shooter, and as he came up again he reached for his 38 calibre Smith & Wesson, but constable Boyd knocked him down again, and Marshal Swain secured the pistol and they marched him off towards the city, but he cursed the officers all the way to town and had to be knocked down again on the way.”
“In the voting contest for Goddess of Liberty of the emancipation celebration the Independence negroes thought that they ought to have had the honor, and were therefore not well pleased with the result. At the celebration they were conspicuous by their absence.”
“At Mt. Pilgrim five miles west of here on the H.& T.C. railway, today there will be a grand emancipation celebration and free barbecue, which will not only draw all the colored people in that section but many from around here on account of the dissatisfaction in the management of the celebration here.”
“S.J. Jenkins, Esq., colored, is in demand as an emancipation orator. He went up to Caldwell Friday, where he made a speech, and Tuesday he speaks at Marlin, Falls county.”
“At Pleasant Grove Friday, six miles south of here, the colored people had an emancipation celebration and free barbecue. Dancing was one of the features of the entertainment.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1892 p3
“The emancipation celebration Saturday, aside from teh base ball game was very near a failure.”
“The base ball game between the Brenham and Navasota teams resulted in a score of three and four in favor of Brenham.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 25, 1892 p3
“S.J. Jenkins, Esq. has returned from Marlin, Falls county where he delivered the emancipation oration Tuesday at what he says was perhaps one of the largest and best celebrations in the State.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 30, 1892 p3
“Memorializing Congress.
“S.J. Jenkins, a colored lawyer of this place, is getting up a petition to Congress to make an appropriation for the purpose of gathering statistics showing the progress of the race since their emancipation. The petition will be circulated all over the South where there are colored people, and all fo them then got together and forwarded to the House and Senate to whom it is addressed.
“No doubt if such statistics were gathered and presented to the public they would be edifying. That they have made much progress since their emancipation there is no question, but that they could have made much greater progress if they had industriously addressed themselves to the task of building up and accumulating property, educating themselves to more industrious habits and cultivating frugality, instead of antagonizing their best friends, the Southern Democrats politically, and hoping against hope for the fulfillment of false promises by the Northern republicans, while they spent their earnings in wasteful debauches the night after it was paid them trusting their future would be safe when the acquired the “40 acres and a mule,” instead of making the preparations themselves.
“As an evidence that the colored folks have not done what they might in the way of acquiring knowledge, the first general registration of the new Mississippi Constitution is now taking place, and in it there is an understandable clause which sets out that every elector shall be able to read any section of the constitution of the state or he shall be able to understand the same when read to him, or give a reasonable interpretation thereof and it is said that only one negro in ten is able to register under this clause, the registers saying that they have no conception of the differences between the executive, judicial and legislative branches of the government.
“Where the colored people have followed this plan they have accumulated property, are prosperous and happy. Where they have not, while not legal slaves, they are poverty stricken, living from hand to mouth.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 1, 1893 p8
“The colored people are great imitators. The Fire Department had a stock show in connection with the Maifest and now the Committee on the emancipation celebration propose on the 19th of June to have a stock show in connection with their celebration, and have Eli Mensore, the opera house bill poster, out soliciting prizes for it. He had quite a list of prizes on the list when last seen yesterday evening.”
p5
“S.J. Jenkins has received an invitation to make the emancipation celebration speech at Corsicana on the 19th, and has accepted. He will also make a speech at a similar celebration a day or two later in Falls county. His expenses to and from both places will be paid.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 2, 1983 p5
“The colored base ball nine will go to Austin Monday to play the Austin club the first three games of five, the other two of which are to be played here during the emancipation celebration.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 3,, 1893 p8
“The approaching emancipation celebration afford colored orators the first opportunity to air their eloquence since the gubernatorial campaign.”
p5
“The colored people all over the State and in this section especially are making elaborate preparations for the celebration of emancipation day.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 8, 1893 p5
The colored people of every section of the county, almost, seem to be preparing for a grand celebration of emancipation day - June 19th. if they would all unite in one celebration and not split up they could have a celebration on a more elaborate scale.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 11, 1893 p5
“Emancipation celebrations have already been announced for half a dozen or more places in this county.”
“The Oakland and Pecan Grove school communities have united in an effort to have a grand emancipation celebration June 19th, at Walker’s bridge 3 ½ miles east of Brenham. Orator of the day Richard Hunt. Dinner and everything free.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 15, 1893 p5
“The emancipation celebration committee request the Banner to state that on the second day of the celebration they will distribute some valuable prizes for trotting and running races, and for fine stock such as draft houses and mule teams, saddle horses, finest cow and calf, brood mare and best hog hog of any age, etc. One of the features of the day will be a spelling bee.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 18, 1893 p5
“Emancipation Celebrations.
“The 28th Anniversary of the Freedom of “Our Brother in Black” to be Celebrated.
“Monday and Tuesday the colored people of this section will celebrate the 28th anniversary of their emancipation, in fact all over the South they will celebrate in one way or another, but beginning at Brenham preparations have been made for the two days celebration, and to make it more interesting to their “country cousins,” they have added a stock show and offer a number of prizes. Orations, base-ball, and a grand ball will be features of the entertainment.
“At Walker’s bridge three miles east of here the Oakland Grove school communities will celebrate the 19th, to use their own language “in commemoration of their great and noble emancipator, Lincoln, and for the gratitude that they still retain for good old Granger, who entered the Port of Galveston on the 19th of June 1865, and declared freedom to the negroes of Texas.” They will have a free barbecue, orations and a ball.
“At Burton at the U.B.F. Park the colored people of that section will celebrate in grand style, a band having been engaged for the occasion and all kinds of amusements advertised, such as races, base-ball, prizes for the ugliest man and prettiest woman, concert at night dinner free.
“In the Good Will community at Harris’ Grove, four miles east of Wesley, there will be another celebration; they will have speeches, target-shooting, music and other amusements.
‘So many of these celebrations all in the same county will cut down on the attendance at each of them, and perhaps make them all tame.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1893 p5
“Emancipation Celebration.
‘The colored people all over the South Monday celebrated the 28th anniversary of their emancipation, and in this immediate vicinity a fairly good crowd assembled to participate in the celebration at the Fair grounds which will be continued through to-day (Tuesday.) The street parade was not as large as they have had on former occasions, this being caused by so many of the celebrations in the county which drew off the crowd that they have been getting; however, they had a Goddess of Liberty, and a procession of carriages headed by a band and went out to the Fair grounds about 12 o’clock with a pretty fair crowd. At the park they celebrated after their own peculiar style a game of base ball between the Lone Stars and the Strikers being one of the features.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1893 p5
“The Emancipation Celebrations.
“Here and Elsewhere They Jubilated to a
“Great Extent, and at Flat Prairie They Shot and Cut Each Other Into Mince Meat.
“The news reached here Tuesday morning that three negroes had been killed at the emancipation celebration at Flat Prairie seven miles northeast of Burton. mr. Ernest Kuratsch was the Banner’s informant, but so little could we understand of what he said, that we hunted up commissioner Broesche, of Burton, who came down Tuesday morning to attend commissioner’s court and asked if he could give particulars. he said that he had not heard that three were killed though there was a big row and pistols and knives played their part in the blood drama that ended the emancipation celebration at that place.
“There was an old feud between the Taplin negroes and the Watson negroes; that Monday evening they got into a row, in which many were involved on both sides, and George Taplin was cut on the head, shoulder and face by Adam Watson, who in turn was shot by Sandy Taplin. Adam Watson ran off and was seen to fall, apparently dead by the roadside from the wounds from some of the Taplin guns.
“Another Version
“of the affair related by Wash Watson father of Adam who was mentioned as being shot, is to the effect that Adam Watson and Henry Holbert went to the celebration and Sandy Taplin, Owen Taplin and Geo. Taplin saw them coming and got together and were overheard to say they were going to do them up. After Watson and Holbert had dismounted Sandy Taplin walked up and started the row accusing him of having said something about a woman, words led to blows when Sandy pulled a dirk and went to cutting Adam. The relatives on each side were thus drawn in and the following wounds were reported after the battle.
‘Adam Watson was cut twice in the left arm, twice in the back with a pocket knife or dirk, and on the jaw, neck and head with a razor, getting a dozen slashes or more, and dropped from his wounds.
“Henry Holbert was stabbed to the hollow in the left side and cut on the head.
“Geo. Taplin was cut in the arm, warding off many cuts that he would have otherwise received by industriously wielding a loaded quirt.
“Louis Holbert heard of the difficulty and repaired to the scene with a six-shooter and came upon Sandy Taplin and opened fire upon him, the fire being promptly returned, but owing to their poor marksmanship no one was hurt.
“Louis Holbert heard of the difficulty and repaired to the scene with a six-shooter and came upon Sandy Taplin and opened fire upon him, the fire being promptly returned, but owing to their poor marksmanship no one was hurt.
“Wash Watson was in Brenham Tuesday and made complaint against Sandy and Owen Taplin for assault with intent to murder and against Geo. Taplin for aggravated assault with a loaded quirt, and warrants were issued for their arrest and a preliminary hearing will be given them as soon as the parties are able to travel.
“Dr. H. Upshaw dressed wounds of the injured on the Holbert and Watson side of the fracas.
“Later in the day, fighting being the order, another difficulty took place there, between Tom McCoy and his wife in which Tom McCoy was cut to pieces with a razor, in the hands of his jealous spouse. There was no feud between them this being purely a family affair in which the wife was simply administering a slight lesson in family discipline.
“Thus ended the most glorious emancipation celebration, besides which all others paled into insignificance - with the newspapers.
“In Brenham.
“The celebration here was continued through Tuesday the parade being omitted, but there was a fairly good attendance at the park.
“In the afternoon Harrison’s Famous band returned from Round Top where they had been to attend an emancipation celebration and in their handsome new uniforms discoursed some lively airs on the streets which inspired enough enthusiasm for a few lusty yells and drew a sufficient crowd to show that the town was not entirely deserted by the colored people, though most of them were at the Fair grounds.
“At Walker’s Bridge.
“The Oakland and Pecan Grove school communities celebrated the 28th anniversary of the emancipation Monday with a barbecue which was served at 2 o’clock on five well laden tables accommodating 214 persons. Barbecued pork, beef and mutton was served in abundance and good order prevailed throughout the day. Quite a number of white people were present.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 22, 1893 p5
“The finance committee of the emancipation celebration were around yesterday settling up their affairs, and were gratified to find that after paying all expenses they had cleared $153.00. Their gate receipts amounted to over $250.oo. There was not a fight or disturbance on the grounds, and all prizes were fairly and equitably distributed. The committee feels under many obligations to Manuel Taylor for his kindness in providing music for the occasion.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 23, 1893 p8
“Work on the brick building of Messrs. Low & Hammilmann on First street, was resumed Thursday, having been suspended for the past few days on account of the emancipation celebrations. The building is 70x90 and will be divided into four store rooms, which will be ready for occupancy by the last of August.”
“Echoes from the various emancipation celebrations throughout the State furnish news of sanguinary conflicts in many places other than in Washington county.”
p1
“- At the Emancipation grounds inHouston, the negroes set upon Manuel Gatzemus, a Mexican, and would have killed him, but his brother, Lazario Gatzemus, appeared on the scene and began business with a Colt’s 45. He saved his brother’s life, but is now in jail for having shot ten negroes.”
Brenham Daily Banner, July 7, 1893 p5
“Now that the returns have had sufficient time to get in the Banner rises to remark - or would sit down to write - or prepare to print - the announcement that emancipation day furnished more news of sanguinary conflicts than did the 4th of July which is a more universal holiday, which goes to show that we are at least more civilized than our “brother in black.””
Brenham Daily Banner, May 11, 1894 p3
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The colored people are arranging for a grand emancipation celebration on June 19th and 20th to be held at the Fair grounds. Already officers have been elected and they are preparing for a celebration on a more elaborate scale than ever attempted before.
“Their emancipation celebrations every year are getting to be to the colored people what the Mai_Fest is to the Fire Departement, the event of the year with them and this year they propose to celebrate on a scale that will draw an immense crowd here and they should be encouraged in their efforts.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 3, 1894 p3
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The colored people are getting along nicely with their arrangements for their emancipation celebration at the Fair grounds on the 19th and 20th.
“They have secured excursion rates on the Central from Austin and have the assurance that Austin will send a military band and military company and in the neighborhood of 500 visitors to attend their celebration.
“They will no doubt get excursion rates over the Santa Fe and draw largely from the towns north and south of here.
“The emancipation celebration this year promises to be grandest ever given here.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 7, 1894 p3
“The stands at the Fair grounds for the emancipation celebration will be sold at the Fair grounds this afternoon at 2 o’clock.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 9, 1894 p3
“The sale of stands for the approaching emancipation celebration at the Fair Grounds took place Thursday afternoon, and netted $174.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1894 p3
“Seven hundred colored people are expected here this morning from Austin to attend the emancipation celebration at the Fair grounds to-day and to-morrow.”
“The following policemen were sworn in Monday to protect the peace here during the emancipation celebration: A.W. Moore, R.S. Sloan, Ed. Deadman, Ben Yancy, Lee Copeland, Joel Armbrister, Jno. Monroe, Jno. Randle, and Jake Johnson.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1894 p3
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The Twenty-Ninth Anniversary Festivities
“At the Fair Grounds. Our Colored Friends Are Jubiliating to a Considerable Extent in Brenham.
“The 29th anniversary of the emancipation of slavery dawned bright and beautiful in Brenham and the colored people were astir erly making arrangements for its proper observance.
“Booming cannon saluted the rising sun and about noon the procession paraded the streets in the following order:
“The Goddess of Liberty Float with Maud Price as Goddess, and a number of attendants led in a gaily decorated float, followed by another bearing the “Canada Excelsior Clud,” the next being “Tawana” of the A.M.E. church, followed by a float of Indians. The last large float contained the Young People’s Club of the Baptist church, and a representation of Ransom’s tonsorial parlor brought up the rear, the whole being led by the band.
“After the procession the crowd gathered at the fair grounds and in the afternoon the reporter went out to see what they were going to have.
“There was a fairly good crowd in attendance and a game of ball in progress between the Strikers of Camptown and the Lone Star club of Watrousville, which resulted in a score of 8 to 7 in favor of the Lone Star Club. They had a dance platform at the end of which was the Goddess’ coronation stand, and the reported waited to see the coronation.
“Rev. Carmichael acted as master of ceremony and Elder Dickenson led in prayer. After which Prof. T.H. Love was introduced and in a speech in which he told of the progress of their race during the 29 years of freedom, their relation to the caucasian race, expressed his hopes for their future, he crowned the Goddess of Liberty, extolling her merit, virtue and gracesin a very neat little speech, to which she responded with a spech very similar to soe of those delivered at the Maifest.
“The race between Tom and Wylie Huberts horses resulted in a victory for Tom’s horse. The purse was small and the race a quarter.
“The hobby horses were doing a good business and all the other stands, embracing almost everything to eat or drink, seemed to be getting some patronage.
“One thing very noticeable was the order maintained. Everybody seemed given over to the pleasures of the occasion without any thought or care of trouble.
“The few white people that went out were politely treated and the good order prevailing was subject of remark among them.
“The celebration will continue today and as the country celebrations drew largely from them Tuesday a better crowd is expected.
‘Another drawing card for today is the match game of ball between the Lagrange nine and the Famous who John Tanner says have not been defeated in nine years.”
“The emancipation celebration seems to be better attended this year than ever before.
“There was a big colored fes 2 ½ miles east of Shelby Monday, which was largely attended.”
“Cooks were in demand Tuesday as they were all out celebrating.”
“Our colored friends had a hot day for their celebration.
“The street parade of the emancipation celebration was very creditable.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 22, 1894 p3
“The attendance at the emancipation celebration was not as large as expected, and from a financial standpoint it was not a very great success, though otherwise it seemed to have been a grand success, reflecting credit on the management.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 23, 1894 p3
“The Pecan Grove Emancipation Celebration.
“The colored people of Pecan grove school community met and celebrated the 29th year of their emancipation at A.W. Watson’s grove 2 ½ miles southeast of Brenham, where they witnessed one of the grandest affairs of their lives.
“Dinner was prepared at 2:30 o’clock, at which time the people were called to order by the Marshal of the day, Lewis Coffield. Professor Richard Hunt, orator of the day, made his address, which was highly appreciated, in conclusion he bid strangers and visitors welcome to the advantages of the shady grounds, the pure spring water, the well laden tables, and the hospitality of the people of his community.
“Among other things the orator of the day said:
“Ladies and Gentlemen:
“I feel it a dut and a most benevolent one, assigned to me by your most honorable committee, in finding space upon the columns of your circulars, for my name to serve you on to-day as orator; while I feel that I am the poorest choice they could have made, I will respond to that call with the greatest of pleasure; whatsoever you may hear of me, as a speaker, that comes short of appreciation, and affords to you fit meat for criticism, do it in a spirit of truth and forgiveness; and remember at the same time that all men are not speakers. As all other nations of this great union have certain days to celebrate, we, the poor and despised negroes of this and the surrounding communities have met here upon these shady grounds to celebrate the 29th year of our emancipation in peace, love and harmony. Yes it was on this day 29 years ago that good old Granger of the United States army entered Galveston and declared freedom to our fathers and mothers who had been laboring faithfully under the yoke of bondage since the first history of our race in the State of Texas. It is for such men as Good old Abraham Lincoln, General U.S. Grant and others, that we have met here to commemorize. Men that by their political views accidentally won for us our dead and paralyzed liberties. The negroes of the south were liberated June 19, 1865. Many of whom were as ignorant as some of the tribes of Africa. Knowing nothing of literature arts or sciences, not even the four fundamental rules of arithmetic. But after the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments to the constitution of the United States, the negroes were gradually allowed the rights of citizens to not be denied on account of race, color or previous conditions fo servitude. Soon the public free schools were opened, and the poor negroes began their perpetual strike for education, in which branch we have made a remarkable success. A fact that can be earnestly witnessed by any nation of the Globe. Look at the elevation of our race since our emancipation with reference to our farmers, mechanics, elocutionists, doctors, lawyers, preachers and teachers. We have some of the best in the world. With them I am forced to believe that the negroes have in some degree struck the right road that leads to civilization. The day will soon come and I feel it near at hand when we, the negroes of the United States, will be noted not for the strength of our muscles, but for the power of that intellect which moves the world.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 24, 1895 p3
“The emancipation celebration club that have organized to celebrate at Stockbridge’s pasture on the 19th and 20th of June, by giving a free barbecue, say they have made arrangements to care for the people at large of this and adjoining counties.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 31, 1895 p3
“The colored people are arranging for a grand emancipation celebration to be given at the Fair grounds on June 19th and 20th and have arrangged an excellent program for the occasion.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 12, 1895 p3
“Goddess of Liberty Elected.
“The Emancipation Celebration Club met at Mount Rose Baptist church Saturday night to count the votes polled for Goddess of Liberty, with the following result:
“Miss Willie Joseph, of Watrousville, 63 votes, Miss Fleda Guy, of Camptown, 125, making a grand total of 189 votes polled at 10 cents a vote, netting the club the sum of $18.90.
“The Lone Star Band boys were on hand to give tone to the occasion and discoursed some choice music.
“Everything is being gotten in proper shape for the grandest celebration the colored people here have enjoyed for a long time.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 15, 1895 p3
“Mr. Jno. S. Ewing, of Whitman, is in the city to see about running his hobby horses during the emancipation celebration and at the park during the 4th during the 4th of July celebration.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 18, 1895 p3
“Our colored friends are preparing for a grand emancipation celebration Wednesday.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1895 p3
“There was a good crowd of colored people in town Tuesday preparing for the emancipation celebrations to-day, and trade was very good.”
“The colored people of Brenham will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their emancipation at Stockbridge’s Grove and the Fair Grounds.”
“Very little farm work will be done before Monday next. The emancipation celebrations will last two or three days and then it will take two days to rest up from the indulgence of the pleasure.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1895 p3
“The Emancipation Celebration Parade.
“The emancipation celebration parade reached the city en route to Stockbridge’s pasture last evening just as the hard shower at 4 o’clock came down, led by the Lone Star Band, but had to disperse and seek shelter of the business houses, courthouse, awnings, etc., to await the whim of the weather. There were three decorated floats in the procession the first containing the Goddess of Liberty, Fleta Guy, and her maids of honor, Josie Johnson and Willie Ann Josie.
“The second float represented the Baptist Young People’s Union and the representative young ladies in this were Delia Lewis and Willie Banks.
“The “Famous” and “Strikers,” the two crack colored base ball teams brought up the rear, followed by carriages, buggies, etc.
“Notwithstanding the interruption by the rain, after the shower, the parade was resumed, the Lone Star Band leading it with lively airs that would never indicate the sad disappointment our colored friends felt over the interruption.”
“The incoming trains brought a good crowd of colored people in yesterday.”
“The man with the hoe will be in demand after the emancipation celebrations and the rains are over with.”
“At Stockbridge’s pasture this afternoon the Famous nine and the Hempstead colored base ball team will play a game of ball.”
“Jno. Tanner’s nine was to play a match game of base ball against the Famous nine at Stockbridge’s pasture yesterday evening.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1895 p3
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The emancipation celebration of the two factions of our colored friends was continued Thursday at the Fair grounds and at Stockbridge’s pasture.
“The Fair ground celebration gave their street parade just after noon Thursday, which was very creditable and advertised wild mule riding at 2 p.m. for prizes, and a good crowd went out to see them.
“The Hempstead base ball nine came up to play a match game with the Famous nine at Stockbridge’s pasture Thursday evening and was the drawing card out there.
“Both places had a much better attendance than on the previous days, and while the weather was threatening it did not materially interfere with the day’s pleasures.”
“The rain interfered with the emancipation celebration last night.”
“Our colored friends were in as hard luck on the occasion of their emancipation celebration as the Brenham Fire Department was on the occasion of their annual Maifest.”
“The base ball game between the Famous nine of this city and the Hempstead nine at Stockbridge’s pasture resulted in a score of 17 to 6 in favor of the Famous nine.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 22, 1895 p3
“The colored people engaged in the emancipation celebration at Stockbridge’s Grove request the Banner to extend their sincere thanks to the public for their liberal patronage, notwithstanding the inclement weather, and to state that they will hold another day’s jollification as soon as the weather clears up, due notice of which will be given.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 23, 1895 p3
“The emancipation celebration that was to have been held at the Fair grounds on the 19th and 20th has been postponed on account of the weather until the 12th and 13th of July at which time prizes will be awarded and the full program will be carried out.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 29, 1895 p3
“Emancipation Celebration.
“Those having in charge the emancipation celebration at Stockbridge’s park on the 19th and 20th of June which was materially interfered with by the rain, concluded their program Friday with a fairly good attendance, and an interesting ball game between the Famous team and the “Strikers.”
“The prizes were also awarded. The Lone Star band, Manuel Taylor, leader, furnished music for the occasion and the colored people who went out spent a pleasant day there.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 30, 1895 p3
“The emancipation celebration at Stockbridge’s pasture was continued Saturday.”
“The Famous and Strikers baseball game Friday evening resulted in the usual victory for the Famous.”
Brenham Daily Banner, July 6, 1895 p3
“On July 12th and 13th our colored friends will endeavor to conclude their emancipation celebration interrupted on the 19th of June by the rain, at the Fair grounds. The program announced for the 19th and 20th will be carried out. Prof. A.H. Caldwell will be the orator of the day.”
Brenham Daily Banner, July 13, 1895 p3
“The committee having in charge the emancipation celebration for the 19th and 20th, of June, which was interrupted by the inclemency of the weather, decided to give the entire program over Friday and (today) Saturday. The clerk of the weather smiled warmly on them Friday, but the crowd in attendance was not as large as expected. A better crowd will probably go out today.”
“Boyd Gray, a negro bootblack bicyclist, who is en route from New York on his wheel, was in the city yesterday, and spent the day at the emancipation celebration at the Fair grounds.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 17, 1896 p3
“The colored people of Brenham appear to be a little slow this year in arranging for their annual emancipation celebration.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 9, 1896 p3
“Miss Mattie E. Lewis was elected the Goddess of Liberty for the approaching Emancipation celebration to take place in this city this month. The election took place Saturday night at the Mount Rose Baptist church in Camptown. There were three young ladies in nomination namely: Miss Josephine Yancy, Miss Rebecca Graves. Miss Lewis, however, was unanimously elected, accepted the honor conferred on her much to the gratification of her friends.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 14, 1896 p3
“There is to be several races at the coming Emancipation celebration to be held in this city and a very good race track has just been completed on their grounds at Stockbridge’s pasture. The celebration this year promises to be a grand success and the colored people are taking an unusual interest in the same.”
“The colored people will hold a grand Emancipation celebration at Sallis’ grove, near Rosedale, on the 19th inst., at which there will be a barbecue dinner, speaking, dancing, tournament riding, base ball, etc.”
“Gus Hopkins band has been engaged to furnish the music for the Emancipation celebration to take place in Richmond on the 19th of this month.”
“The colored people are arranging for a Tournament to take place here during their Emancipation celebration.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 17, 1896 p2
“A large crowd witnessed the game of ball between Brenham’s first colored nine and the Houston nine Sunday evening at Stockbridge’s pasture. The game was not a very interesting one, as the Brenham nine evidently had the best of it from the start, and had no trouble whatever in defeating the visitors. The score stood 16 to 6 in favor of Brenham at the close of the game. The race track on the grounds has been completed, and the tournament poles are also in place. These two new features will be added to this year’s emancipation celebration.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1896 p3
“The Emancipation celebration at Stockbridge’s pasture was well attended Saturday.”
“Emancipation Celebration.
“Second Day.
“The second day’s celebration opened rather dull, in fact the attendance at the grounds was very slim until about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, at which time the most interesting part of the day’s program was to take place, such as the exhibition of fine stock. Paintings, needle work, racing, jumping and ball playing, in all of which the contest was spirited. The following is the list of awards and prizes:
“Best milk cow - Howard Mitchell, Patent churn.
“Best 2 year old colt - Robert Slaughter, Sweepstock.
“Best jumper - Tom Walker, fine scarf pine.
“Ugliest man - Amos Holland, hat.
“Finest baby - Mrs. Randle, cap and ring.
‘Best dressed lady - Mrs. A. Allen, pair of shoes.
“Best Essay - Mattie Lewis, oil painting and fan. Second best essay - Mrs. Sylvia Williams, box candy.
“Best oil painting - Mattie Sanders, fine lamp.
“Best recitation - Annie May Sheeley, Rocker.
“Second best recitation - Annie May Finley, Rocker.
“Fastest trotting horse - Prince Dever, Sack of flour.
“Fastest running horse - Tom Walker, hat.
“Best jubilee singing - Canton quartette, box cigars.
“Best decorated wagon - N.H. Hutchinson.
“In the base ball contest between the Strikers and Yellow Jackets, the score stood 7 to 6 in favor of the Yellow Jackets, who received the $5 prize.
“In the tournament contest Henry Campbell carried off first honors, and was presented with a fine bridle.
“The Canton Excelsior Club wagon was declared the second best decorated wagon and given a Roll and Receipt book.
“Taken altogether this celebration was one of the best and most orderly our colored people have enjoyed for many years, which reflects much credit on the committee having the celebration in charge. The music furnished by the Lone Star Band was the best they have ever had.
“In conclusion the committee of arrangements request the Banner to return their sincere thanks to the business men of Brenham who so kindly contributed the prizes presented to successful exhibitors.
“The grounds was again literally crowded on Saturday night to participate in the closing exercises of the celebration.
“The dancing platform was well crowded and the lovers of terpsichore held high carnival until a late hour.”
“Failed to Find Their Man.
“Sheriff Teague accompanied by his posse and the blood hounds returned to the city Saturday morning at 9:30 o’clock without Chas. Hughes, whom they went out to capture. The posse searched every negro cabin and haunt in the vicinity of where Hughes was seen last. After finding no trace of their man, there they began a thorough search of the surrounding country which they scoured for miles, visiting several Emancipation celebrations in hopes of hearing of or finding some trace of their man. They were finally compelled to give up and return to town completely tired out.”
p1
“On account of Emancipation celebrations the Santa Fe will sell round trip tickets from all points on their road on June 18th, 19th and 20th, for one fare round trip.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 17, 1896 p2
“A large crowd witnessed the game of ball between Brenham’s first colored nine and the Houston nine Sunday evening at Stockbridge’s pasture. The game was not a very interesting one, as the Brenham nine evidently had the best of it from the start, and had no trouble whatever in defeating the visitors. The score stood 16 to 6 in favor of Brenham at the close of the game. The race track on the grounds has been completed, and the tournament poles are also in place. These two new features will be added to this year’s emancipation celebration.”
Brenham Daily Banner, October 1, 1896 p3
“The Washington County Ex-Slaves Association will hold their annual emancipation celebration at Stockbridge park Saturday. It had been intended to have the celebration include both Friday and Saturday, but owing to a conflict in dates with another colored celebration, only one day will be observed.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 6, 1897 p3
“The sale of stands for the emancipation celebration will take place Wednesday, June 9th, at Stockbridge’s park.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 17, 1897 p3
“The Goddess of Liberty for the emancipation celebration will be impersonated by Daisy Edwards.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 18, 1897 p3
“Tomorrow is emancipation day, the biggest time of the year with the colored brother. The days belongs exclusively to him and everybody hopes he may enjoy it to the fullest extent.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 18, 1897 p3
“Emancipation Day.
“Thirty-Second Anniversary of Negro Freedom Celebrated Generally Throughout the County.
“The emancipation proclamation marks an epoch in the march of events that will stand for all time upon the pages of history without a parallel in its importance as a factor in the advancement of civilization. True, in occasional instances the old time darkies whose attachments for ol’ massa and ol’ missus have not been eradicated by three decades of freedom, still long for the savory fare of the house of bondage, and regret the result of Lincoln’s proclamation. To the great majority of Afro-American, however, the recollections of “Honest Abe” clothe him with almost divine attributes. He is to them the divinely appointed Moses sent for their deliverance, and Lincoln and freedom are synonyms.
“It is related of Napoleon Bonaparte that while campaigning in the snows of Russia his marshals of war advised him to issue a proclamation freeing the serfs of Russia as a means of saving his army. The man to whom the thrones of the world replied: “I have not the authority, and besides it would be a crime to turn these millions of slaves loose against the Russian homes.
“Lincoln did not hesitate nor count the cost to the southern homes.
“Today Napoleon under the cloak of Austerlitz and the sword of Marengo is regarded as Corsican iron; the other beneath sculptured marble at Springfield has only to be mentioned and millions weep.
“The fact that nearly every community in the county is having independent celebrations, makes the occasion all most purely local in Brenham. While this detracts somewhat from the size of the crowd it does not in the least lessen the magnitude of enjoyment incident to the two days celebration at Stockbridge’s park.
“Friday, the first day of the celebration, was merely a preliminary preparation for the big time expected the next day. At 9;30 Emanuel Taylor’s Lone Star band began the formal program of the days exercises by a concert on the square. The band makes excellent music, even for Brenham the home of good music, and the selections rendered lent inspiration and enthusiasm to the listeners who thronged the sidewalks and thoroughfares in a frantic, almost futile, but always good humored effort to keep at the head of the procession.
“The street parade, like all other street parades, lacked over an hour of starting on schedule time, and it was nearly noon before the procession was put in motion and headed for Stockbridge’s park. The marshals of the day and color bearers rode in front supporting of “old glory.” Preceding the float containing Daisy Edward, the elected sovereign of the occasion, and her maids of honor, came the Lone Star Band. The Goddess of Liberty float was drawn by six white horses, and was elaborately decorated with bunting draped with lace. The different displays were very pretty and creditable designs. No street parade in Brenham would be quite complete without a bicycle display, and this feature was not lacking. A float representing the progress of the race since the issuance of the emancipation proclamation, and one containing a life size representation of their favorite sport, hunting the racoon, attracted most attention. On the latter a good sized tree had been transplanted, and amid its spreading branches a festive coon disported in apparent satisfaction, despite the fact that he had been shackled in freedom’s name. At the root of the tree a veteran coon dog bayed deep mouthed defiance to the treed coon, and a lot of small boys with sticks and horns and other implements of noisy warfare added their full quota to the din.
“Owing to the excessive heat by reason of the late hour at which the park was reached the formal exercises, consisting of the address of welcome by W.H. Browning with a response by Rev. J.C. Cole and the coronation by J.H. Picard were postponed until after nightfall.
“The juvenile celebrators disported themselves in different kinds of races and games. A match game of baseball between Brenham and Navasota was played in the afternoon, resulting in a victory for Brenham by a very narrow margin. The prize games and contests will take place today.”
p4
“On account of Emancipation day round trip tickets at one and one-third fare to all points on the Santa Fe will be on sale June 18 and 19, return limit June 20.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1897 p3
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The Second Day Characterized by a Large Attendance - Prizes Awarded.
“Saturday, the second and last day of the emancipation celebration at Stockbridge’s park, was characterized by a very large attendance, it be estimated that fully twenty-five hundred colored people visited the grounds.
“The formal exercises of the day consisted of the annual address, delivered by Rev. T. Cole, the coronation address by Walter Parker, and an essay by Queen Daisy Edwards.
“In the afternoon prizes were awarded as follows:
“Finest girl baby - Mrs. Gus Laden, silk cap.
“Finest boy baby - Mrs. Robt. Slaughter, silk cap.
“Neatest dressed lady - Miss Minnie Allcorn, pair of fine shoes.
“Best bicycle rider - John Lusk, $1.50.
“Best boy bicycle rider - John Paramore, a hat.
“Best cotton for 1897 - J.M.H. Randle, sweepstock.
“Best corn for 1897 - Horace Lindsey, sack of flour.
“Fastest trotting horse - Prince Dever, sack of flour.
“Best needle work - Mrs. Green Hill, jewelry.
“The prize for the finest decorated wagon was captured by Watrousville with the “Spider and the Fly” exhibit.
“For the ugliest man Sam Houston was awarded first honors and a prize.
“Tom Day carried off the laurel and a sack of flour in the foot rae.
“The prize for the best essay was awarded to Miss Viola Randle and the one for the best shot among ten woman contestants was awarded to Miss Daisey Brown.
“A grand ball at night concluded one of the most enjoyable and harmonious celebrations that the colored people of Washington county have ever held.”
“Two fights of minor importance took place during the progress of the emancipation celebration. The combatants have been cited to appear in mayor’s court tomorrow.”
“Too much enthusiasm on the part of Wm. Norris while celebrating emancipation day, subjected him to a charge of disturbing the peace preferred in mayor’s court, which is set for a hearing Monday.”
“There was a watermelon on the market for every emancipation celebrator.”
“The emancipation celebration at Mill Creek was attended by one hundred and ten colored people from this place.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 22, 1897 p3
“The committee having in charge the emancipation celebration held at Stockbridge’s park Friday and Saturday requests the Banner to extend thanks to the business men and white citizens who assisted them financially. The success that crowned the efforts of the committee and the excellent behavior that characterized the celebration have been generally commended.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 11, 1898 p4
“A free barbecue will be one of the features of the emancipation celebration which the colored people will hold at Pecan Grove June 17th and 18th. A big delegation from Brenham is expected to be in attendance.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 18, 1898 p4
“Manumission Anniversary.
“Brother in Black Remembers the Date that Made Him Free.
“Two Days’ Festivities at Stockbridge’s Park - Why June 19th is Observed in Texas.
“The watermelon season has been formally inaugurated along with the initial ceremonies incident to the pulling off of the twenty-third annual manumission celebration. The twins events occurred at Stockbridge’s park Friday and today will furnish a sequel to the festivities of yesterday. June 19th proper falls on Sunday this year. This necessitated the substitution of a proxy for the real occasion, and as no one day is of such supreme moment as the “Juneteenth,” it became necessary to celebrate two ordinary days in order to do full justice to the august occasion. (The idiom of our language makes an “August” occasion out of a time indigenous to June.) Excuse the parenthesis, and also the fact that the joke had to be illustrated.
“The 19th of June means to the colored brother fully as much as the 4th of July does to his caucasian relative. There are yet those among them who, like the Israelites of old, are ready to murmur against the leader who decoyed them from the savory fare of the house of bondage to the dreary waste that separates them from the land flowing with milk and honey. In the latter case “forty acres and a mule” can be substituted for the promised land. These however are becoming extinct. The “old time folks” will soon be obsolete and when that sad hour comes the last link that binds former master and slave to the legends and traditions of ante-bellum days shall have passed away forever.
“Abraham Lincoln, who sleeps beneath chiselled marble at Springfield, lives again in the hearts and ceremonies of the race who owe to him their liberty. In Texas, however, the celebration while indirectly referring to Lincoln, is more specifically in honor of an event more than two years subsequent to the emancipation proclamation which was issued on January 1, 1863. Texas negroes do not hold an “emancipation celebration,” but substitute therefore a “manumission jubilee.” They date their freedom from June 19th, 1865, when General Gordon’s manumission order was issued at Galveston. Up to that time traffic in slaves had not ceased in Texas and for several years it was a vexed question in the courts as to when slavery actually ceased, June 19, 1865, being finally recognized as the time. The manumission order can be found in Sayle’s Treatise, paragraph 847, and reads as follows:
“Headquarters District of Texas, Galveston, June 19, 1865:
“General Order No. 3:
“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a proclamation from the executive of the United States all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights, and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer. Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts, and that they will not be supported in idleness, either there or elsewhere.
“By Order of G. Granger, Major General Commanding.
“F.W. Emory, Major and A.A. General.
“Hence it is that June 19th takes precedence over every other day with the colored people of Texas.
“The procession that moved out to Stockbridge’s park just at twelve o’clock was a very representative pageant, led by Oscar Tunson, grand marshal, and the Lone Star Band. The floats, four in number, were very prettily decorated, especially the one containing Goddess of Liberty Pearl Telford, her maids of honor and flower girls. Katie Hubert and Mary Jane Latson were the former. The latter were Ella Hart and Elizabeth Jones. The “Red Rose of Baptist Hill” and the “Silver Hill” wagon were very elaborate affairs. A wagon containing Aunt Emily Jones and numerous progeny brought up the rear. Aunt Emily was busily engaged at the washtub and was intended to represent the “befo’ de wah.” The scene however was highly typical of the condition prevailing at present. The manumission that set the race free and conferred on the men the right to vote did not emancipate the women from the washtub to any great extent, and there are in Brenham today many hard working colored women who support idle, worthless, vagabond husbands by this same old style method.
“A brigade of bicycle “rough riders” brought up the rear of the procession. Some of the boys rode for all the world like a monkey on horseback. But the Darwinian theory has no place in this article.
“The day was spent in speech-making, frolicking, feasting and dancing, which will be resumed again today.”
“A youthful emancipation celebrator was run over by a buggy on Sandy Street Friday, while watching the parade.”
p1
“The emancipation celebration at Pecan Grove continues today. The exercises will be characterized by some of the best speeches heard from colored orators, after which a free dinner will be served. The committee in charge is composed of some of the best colored citizens of this county, and invites everybody to attend. There is no gate fee. Everything is free, as such celebrations should be.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1898 p4
“Owing to counter attractions at various places in the county the second day of the emancipation celebration at this place was rather slimly attended. no day of public rejoicing will ever be a success as long as gate admission is charged. It is a good thing for the committee though.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 30, 1900 p1
“The colored citizens of the Greenvine community will hold an Emancipation celebration on Monday June 18. The amusement program calls for public speaking, foot racing and a free basket dinner.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 5, 1900 p4
“The colored fire department of the city held an election Saturday night, at which Mabel Bouldin was elected queen for the Emancipation on June 19. the sponsors and knight selected by the queen are Fanny Graves, Ruby Brown, Ella Moore, Sarah Price, Pinkie Bradford. Knights, John Lusk, Charlie Bradford, John Ferguson, Wm. Scott, Felix Hubert. The queen was serenaded by the Lone Star band Monday night.”
“The promoters of the Emancipation celebration are arranging with the participants in the recent Maifest to purchase the decorations used on the vehicles.
Brenham Daily Banner, June 6, 1900 p4
“Will Visit Brenham.
“Jerry Randle, secretary of the committee having in charge the arrangements for the Laboring Men’s Emancipation celebration at Stockbridge’s grove on June 19 and 20, has closed the contract with the Cocke Rifles, a colored military company of Houston, to attend this celebration and give exhibition drills each day. In addition to this attraction the committee is arranging for an old time fiddlers’ contest, to be participated in only by old colored men - those who played for the parties and balls during and before the war. This feature alone will be worth the small admission charged.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 10, 1900 p4
“John Andrews, representing the wheel interests of the emancipation celebration, requests that all bicyclists who will take part in the parade appear in black coats and white pants and caps.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 12, 1900 p4
“The sale of stands for the Emancipation celebration to be held at the fair grounds took place yesterday. The total for eight stands being $84.60.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1900 p1
“The first watermelons of the season arrived Monday morning for the emancipation celebration. No brand of colored liberty can be thoroughly consecrated without shedding the blood of the red hearted melon.”
p4
“There will be a neighborhood picnic at Watson’s today. All of the laborers will take a day off for the emancipation celebration and in view of this fact the farmers decided to make the holiday a general one.”
“The old colored fiddler’s contest will take place at Stockbridge’s Grove at 5 o’clock this afternoon. Don’t miss it.”
“The Cocke rifles came up from Houston last night.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1900 p1
“Closing Day.
“Of the Emancipation Celebration by the Colored Fire Department.
“The afternoon of the second day’s celebration of emancipation by the Camptown fire department was partly devoted to a match game of ball between Hempstead and Brenham, the latter triumphed by a score 12 to 11.
“Prizes were awarded as followed:
“1. Best needle work, Miss Fanny L. Brown - Silver dish, $4.50.
“2. Best lady rifle shot, Veno Wendt - Box of candy, $1.25.
“3. Best milk cow, John Cain - sack of corn.
“4. Neatest dressed woman - Rocking chair.
“5. Best piece quilt, Miss Collins, Independence - Roll of wall paper.
“6. Best recitation by little girl, Maud Key - Mantel ornament.
“”7. Best flat foot jumper, Willey Key - Sack of flour.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 22, 1900 p4
“Over one thousand negroes attended the emancipation celebration at Somerville on June 19.”
“The Cocke rifles, who participated in the Laboring Men’s emancipation celebration here, returned to their homes in Houston Thursday morning.”
“The managers of the Laboring Men’s emancipation celebration committee were around Thursday paying off their indebtedness, and stated they were very well satisfied with the result of the entertainment.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 23, 1900 p1
“Colored Fire Department.
“Expenses and Profits of the Emancipation Celebration.
“The officers of the Colored Fire Department of Brenham have made out a statement of the expenses and profits of the recent emancipation celebration held under its auspices at the old fair grounds. The itemized account shows the following disbursements;
“Lone Star Band…$90.00
“Grounds…$80.00
“Brenham Banner…$13.50
“Wm. Lusk…$9.50
“W.A. Wood…$3.75
“Lange Manufacturing Co….$5.40
“Incidentals…$25.00
“Total…$181.90
“Balance in treasury…$55.65
“The Colored Fire Department of Brenham, beg leave to extend to the white and colored citizens our thanks and gratitude through the columns of your most worthy paper. Our appreciation is no little and we shall assure you that the efforts made in endeavoring to carry out our attempt to a successful end shall not perish, but by our might and strength shall blossom into grand fruition and make glad the heart of every patron that has cast his lot with us. Special thanks to the Honorable Chief and members of the Brenham Fire Department for the loan of their reel for the two days celebration. All accounts have been settled and the company bids fair to succeed.
“Yours Respectfully,
“A.H. Milton, President
“J.H. Swain, Secretary.”
Brenham Daily Banner, April 9. 1901 p1
“Foreman Allen Ayres called a meeting of the colored Hook and Ladder Co., Monday night for the purpose of making arrangements for the annual Emancipation celebration June 19th and 20th.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 12, 1901 p1
“The Juneteenth.
“Members of the colored Hook and Ladder company, of Camptown, are busily engaged in preliminary preparation for their annual emancipation celebration at the old Fair Grounds. A varied program is in process of preparation, which will include base ball, running and trotting races on the track, bicycle races, fat men’s races, baby show, jubilee singing and dancing, etc. The celebration is being gotten up on a more extensive scale than that of last year.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 10, 1901 p4
“Emancipation Celebration.
“Exciting Contest Over the Election of the Goddess of Liberty.
“In the Methodist church at Camptown last Saturday night, an exciting contest took place for Goddess of Liberty, to reign during the Emancipation celebration at the old Fair Grounds, under the auspices of Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, an organization composed of the leading young colored men of Camptown, an Eastern suburb of Brenham. The selection of the Goddess was the result of a voting contest - votes being held at 5 cents apiece. Quite a spirited rivalry was waged between the supporters of the various candidates and voting was brisk for awhile. The final casting up of the ballot showed the following results:
“Miss Malinda Matthews...774
“Miss Sarah Price...217
“Miss Hazel Nelson...147
“Miss Bessie Browning...92
“Miss Pinkie Bradford...50
“Total number of votes polled, 1,180”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 12, 1901 p1
“Sale of Stands.
“The following stands for the Emancipation celebration by Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, were sold to the highest bidders at the Fair Grounds Tuesday evening, the 11th instant:
“Saloon, Robert Davis, $51.50; chile, Rev. Driver, $13.50; ice cream, Louis Brown, $13.75; confectionery, J.H. Stringer, $14; restaurant, Louis Brown, $20; shooting gallery, J.B. Butler, $2.75; dancing platform, Ben Bradley, $1.50; bootblack, Simon Allen, 75c; hobby horse, Sam Francis, $5. Total $122.75.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 14, 1901 p1
“The sale of stands for the emancipation celebration at Stockbridge’s Grove will take place on the grounds at 4:30 o’clock this afternoon. Bidders are requested to be on time promptly.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 15, 1901 p1
“The colored people of the Greenvine neighborhood will hold their emancipation celebration in Wiedemeyer’s park on the 19th inst. Among the attractions will be a free dinner, public speaking, dancing, etc.”
“The committee on stands and privileges for the emancipation celebration at Stockbridge’s Grove, disposed of them Friday afternoon, netting the committee $121.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1901 p1
“Emancipation Celebrations.
“Two Different Associations Held Forth in Brenham Wednesday.
“Wednesday was exceedingly hot, but this did not prevent the colored population of Brenham from turning out in large numbers for the annual Nineteenth of June celebration of the race, commemorative of the freedom of these people.
“The colored population of Brenham is somewhat divided and two different organizations gave their own festivities at different places. The split occurred several years ago and since that time the affairs of each have been held at the old race track and Stockbridge’s park, north of town.
“Those holding forth at Stockbridge’s were known as the Laboring Men’s Club and was in charge of J.M.H. Randle as grand marshal of the day. Preparations have been in progress for weeks and the display made Wednesday by the ex-slaves and those who really experienced the feeling of being emancipated in 1865 was a credit to their energy.
“The procession was headed by Marshall Randle, who wore an immense sun-flower, and rode in a handsome road cart. He was escorted by his assistants who followed as out-riders. Following these came the band, then came the Goddess of Liberty in white carriage, drawn by four white horses, a trap decorated in red flowers, a baby carriage, a single rig in yellow, a white and blue trap, and another decorated in purple and blue. These were followed by two large floats bearing the school children who took part in the festivities, carriages bearing old fiddlers, who fiddled as they rode along, carriages with orators, the whole brought up by a clown in an old cart drawn by a burro. After parading the principal streets the procession moved out to the grounds, but were not followed by the entire crowd, as many wished to see the second procession.
“At the grounds a big free barbecue was held by the Laboring Men’s Club and speaking by R.J. Hogan, R.M. Mackey and C.F. Simmons had during the evening. During the day numerous sports were introduced to make the day pass off in a pleasant manner.
“At the Fair Grounds.
“The other celebration of the 19th was given by Hook and Ladder company No. 2 of Camptown and was a marked success, especially in point of attendance, there being one of the largest crowds this organization has ever had. The procession was formed early in the day but for some cause was delayed from time to time and did not move until 12:30 o’clock. It was headed by Marshals Burkhead, Ayres and Coleman, who was followed by the Lone Star band. Then came the Goddess of Liberty in a white carriage, followed by a rig decorated in purple and white flowers, then a large and well decorated float carrying the May Pole dancers, a single rig decorated in green and red, a float of national colors, carrying the Christian Endeavorers, a float made in pink gauze and flowers that was quite showy, then came tournament riders, and all followed by the truck company in full uniform drawing their neat, new truck. To bring up the rear a shetland pony and cart well decorated and an ox ridden by one of the younger fraternity.
“This procession did not make a complete march of the streets as did the others, but turned off short to go to the grounds for the coronation exercises. At the grounds numerous methods to entertain the large crowd had been prepared and during the evening a shooting tournament with a great many entries proved to be a drawing card for visitors. Speakers had been provided and during the evening speeches were delivered by J.T. Harris, J.C. McCoy and W.H. Browning.
“Both of these organizations will hold forth again to-day at their respective grounds.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1901 p1
“The second day of the emancipation celebration proved to be very dull. The bands for both sides were out early but did not parade the streets until late in the forenoon. If this year has proven a success to each side, it could be made doubly more interesting by uniting the forces for the next celebration.”
Brenham Daily Banner, April 18, 1902 p1
“The Juneteenth.
“Protection Hood and Ladder Co, No. 2 Getting Ready to Celebrate.
“Protection Hook and Ladder Company No. 2., composed of colored men, have already gone to work in making preparation for their annual emancipation celebration, which will take place at the Brenham Fair Grounds on the 19th and 20th of June. A meeting has been called for next Monday night for the purpose of selecting queen and to attend to such other business as may properly come up for consideration. It is said to be the intention of the company to get up their celebration this year on a more extensive scale than heretofore.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 23, 1902 p4
“Again United.
“There will be but one emancipation celebration this year, the seceding element having decided upon a consolidation, thereby making the colored Hook and Ladder company’s celebration the success it should be.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 25, 1902 p4
“The Lone Star band of this city has contracted to furnish music for Emancipation celebration at Beaumont on June 19th.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 31, 1902 p1
“The Camptown Hook and Ladder company have secured the services of the Hopkins’ brass band to make music for their Emancipation celebration on the 19th and 20th of June, and every preparation is being fully arranged with an eye single to the success of the celebration.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1902 p1
“Emancipation Celebration.
“Third Annual Celebration of the Colored Fire Department Thrusday and Friday June 19th and 20th.
“The “colored folks” of this city and county have left nothing undone in their preparation for the celebration of today. From present indications we are led to predict a great success for the colored fire department.
“A salute of thirty-seven guns was fired this morning by the colored military company. At 10:30 this morning there will be an elaborate street parade. The procession will form at Fireman’s Hall at 9:30 a.m., and will move up Sandy street to Market street, up Market to Main, down Main to West, up West to Sandy street, up Sandy street to Baylor and then to the Fair Grounds, in the following order: First division - Allan Ayers, foreman; E. Taylor, grand marshal; Officer A.B. Burkhead, Hopkins Band, Bearers, Brenham military company, under command of Capt. I.H. Henderson, Goddess of Liberty, Colored Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, Mounted Riders, Decorated Wagons and Traps. Second Division - Led by the Zobo Band, directed by Mrs. Estella Lindsey; Orators of the day, childrens decorated wagon, in charge of Sophia Foot; mechanical and artistic display and the Twentieth Century Quartette.
“At 4: 30 p.m. Ruby Brown, who has been honored as the choice of the department for “Goddess of Liberty,” will be crowned by L.M. Branch.
“After the response by the “Goddess of Liberty” D.J. Hull will speak of the “Need of the Hour.” At six o’clock the fire department will give an exhibition drill. At 6:30 the running and trotting races will begin.
“A number of prizes will be awarded. One fine vase will be given to the lady that proves herself to be the most talkative and entertaining. She shall then be proclaimed the “bell of the fest.” The finest baby under eight months of age will be given a china plate. Finest milch cow will draw a sweep stock. Numerous other such prizes will be awarded. The first and second best traps will be given valuable and appropriate prizes.
“The children will join in a potato Race, and Egg Race, Running and Hopping abstracts and many other such contests.
“The colored population has been pouring into the city from different parts of the county and a hot time is looked for.”
“The colored people of Burton will join those of brenham in celebrating at the Fair Grounds today.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1902 p1
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The celebration of the colored people of Brenham and surrounding country, has so far proven a brilliant success. They deserve much credit for the showing made by them. The colored race is fast improving and deserves the help of the white people.
“The procession was a little slow in starting but finally materialized about 11:30. Following is the order of the procession: E.Taylor, A.B. Burkhead, Grand Marshals; Hopkins Band, Brenham Militia, Goddess of Liberty, Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, Decorate Wagons and Traps, Zobo Band, Children’s Decorated Wagon and Twentieth Century Quartette.
“The Zobo Band deserves special mention as it was probably the best feature of the parade. The traps were all well decorated and made a striking contrast with other features of the procession. First prize was awarded to Elizabeth Jones and Sam Whitnant.
“At 6 o’clock the Goddess of Liberty was crowned by L.M. Branch. Both speeches were highly creditable in both manner and delivery.”
p4
“A large number of negroes came into town on the Santa Fe yesterday.”
Brenham Daily Banner, April 21, 1903 p4
“Emancipation Celebration.
“A.K. Hosea, first assistant foreman of the Brenham Hook and Ladder Company, has called a special meeting of his company at their truck house, in Camptown, next Friday night 8:30 o’clock for the purpose of effecting preliminary arrangements for their forthcoming emancipation celebration, and all members of the company are urged to be present.”
Brenham Daily Banner, April 24, 1903 p1
“John C. Cain, colored, has called a meeting of the colored people interested in the forthcoming emancipation celebration for next Sunday.”
Brenham Weekly Banner, June 1, 1905 p1
“Emancipation Celebration.
“Three Emancipation celebrations will be given by the colored population of Brenham on June 19th and 20th - one at Oak Grove Park, one mile east of Brenham on the Independence road; one near Mrs. Dawson’s Sanitarium, given by ex-slaves, and which will be attended with patriotic speeches and exercises, including a free dinner to all. The third will be conducted at Hyde Park by the colored Hook and Ladder Company, composed of young negro men who know comparatively little about slavery and care less.”
p5
“Efforts are being made to hold a joint emancipation celebration by the colored people of the Wesley and Greenvine communities on June 19th.”
p10
“Quite a number of colored women were on the street Saturday afternoon trying to “work” white men out of a few dimes in votes for their “Goddess of Liberty” at their emancipation celebration, but it didn’t work to any alarm-extent. What interest white men have in electing a Goddess for a negro jollification was an inexplainable proposition.”
Brenham Weekly Banner, June 22, 1905 p1
“This has not only been the largest attended, but the most orderly emancipation celebration ever held in Brenham. While an immense quantity of liquor and beer was consumed, no infraction of the laws on the grounds were reported.”
“Mayor Lusk made a neat little welcome address to the visitors at the Colored Firemen’s Park last Tuesday evening (i.e. June 20) in which he congratulated the colored people upon the advancement made along industrial and educational lines; spoke of the liberality of the white people for the maintainance of public free schools for their benefit, which he thought they ought to feel grateful; advised them that thrift and advancement in industrial enterprises could be obtained only by industry and the exercise of rigid economy. Earn more and spend less, was the idea he intended to convey. Urged them to practice and inculcate a higher code of morals, if they desired to improve their standing as good citizens in the community in which they lived.”
p8
“Emancipation Celebration.
“A grand, Gala Event in Brenham. Attendance Large and the Occasion Richly Enjoyed.
“June 19th - emancipation day - dawned bright and clear and although the Colored fire company and the various committees were astir early, it was not until 2 o’clock that the procession was formed and passed through the streets of our city. The delay was caused by the failure of the Beaumont contingent and their Goddess to arrive in Brenham until 1 p.m., via the Central railway. the attendance, however, was the largest for the last five years. They were here from Hempstead, Chappell Hill, Independence, Whitman, William Penn, Gay Hill, Someville, Temple, Giddings, Caldwell, Burton, Carmine, Bellville, Kenney, Beaumont, Orange, Houston and Navasota. They were all in high spirits, generally speaking, well supplied with cash, and full intent on having a good time and they had it in a quiet, peaceable way.
“The Hook Ladder Company held their celebration in their new Park, in Wilkins addition, where they secured a portion of Parkers Carnival attractions to amuse and entertain their patrons.
“The procession passed through the city headed by the Lone Star Band, under the direction of Russell Scott, as Grand Marshal, with Harry Key as assistant. Next came the Goddess of Liberty’s trap, decorated in white and drawn by four prancing steeds; followed by a boy in a small wagon drawn by a goat; next was a tandem trap of green and yellow; this was followed by a dozen girls, dressed in white, on horseback; the Hook and Ladder Company, in full uniform, with their truck decorated, upon which was seated a little girl in a rocking chair; a large float decorated in the National colors, filled with children, followed; next speakers in carriages; then the Beaumont queen, a Miss Blanchette, in a richly decorated trap, escorted by Jesse Gilder; this was followed by another trap in yellow and black; the “Zobo” band in a decorated float was next, followed by a girl in a chariot; a float in red, white and blue; a white and green trap; a carriage containing prominent Beaumont visitors; this was followed by another float in red, white and blue filled with children.
“Arriving at the grounds the procession was disbanded and the regular program of exercises were taken up by Prof. Browning, master of ceremonies, and the exercises of the next two days were carried out with the utmost precision.
“The procession of the Post Oak Grove contingent was formed in Camptown and reached the city about 2:20 p.m., coming up Alamo Avenue to North street, up North to Main, down Main to School street, then to Post Oak Grove. Upon arrival at the grounds several speeches were made, the Goddess, Miss Garrett was crowned, and at about 3:30 a grand free barbecue dinner was partaken of, and every one present was served bountifully, no one being permitted to leave the ground hungry. Prof. Jerry Randle served as grand marshal, and through his efforts perfect order was maintained. Music for the occasion was furnished by the “Cottonpatch” band of Randle’s Hill, which discourses splendid music, keeping perfect time.
“Taking it all in all, the celebrations this year were conducted on a grander scale than ever and were a splendid success.”
“Jerry Randle’s “cotton patch” band were the recipients of many compliments for the quality of music furnished during the Juneteenth celebration at the Oak Grove addition.”
Brenham Weekly Banner, June 29, 1905 p5
“The colored people of Brenham have just cause to feel proud at the quiet and orderly manner in which their emancipation ceremony passed off, and should endeavor hereafter to continue to preserve perfect order and decorum at their annual celebrations.”
“About one hundred old colored men and women - ex-slaves - assembled at the grove on Hog Branch, below the Round bale gin plant, and celebrated the 40th anniversary of their emancipation with preaching, prayer, speaking, and feasting on a good substantial barbecue picnic dinner. With them the day also passed off pleasantly and happily.”
“Prof. J.T. Harris, in his response to Mayor Lusk’s address of welcome to the visitors to the emancipation celebration on June 19th, indulged in samples of oratory that would have done credit to any white speaker. Among the colored people Harris is alluded to as the “silver-tongued” orator. He possesses a fine voice; is well informed, and a fine stump, or extempo speaker. He really ought to be the principal of the Camptown High school, being the best capacitated colored man in the city for that position.”
Brenham Banner, June 6, 1907 p5
“The Brenham Industrial Club, composed principally of ex-slaves, are preparing to give a two days emancipation celebration at Oak Grove Park, about one mile east of the city, on June 19th and 20th, at which there will be a variety of tented attractions, carnival, base ball, music, &c. The gates to the grounds will be open both days free to all, which ought to secure a large attendance from those who are impelled from patriotic motives to celebrate the occasion.”
“There will be but a few melons ready for market by the Juneteenth on account of the unfavorable conditions of the weather this spring.”
Brenham Banner, June 13, 1907 p5
“Lula M. Cockrell, a colored woman of Temple, has been elected Goddess of Liberty for the colored firemen’s Juneteenth celebration in Wilkins’ Addition. There were three contestants for the honor, votes being obtained at a money value of 5 cents each, netting the promoters a total of $79.80.”
“From present indications emancipation day, June 19th, will not be as generally observed throughout the county as heretofore. But few county precincts are making any preparations to appropriately celebrate the day.”
Brenham Banner, June 20, 1907 p5
“The colored population are in the midst of their annual Juneteenth celebration as we go to press.”
Brenham Banner, June 27, 1907 p5
“The emancipation celebration by the Camptown colored fire company was not up to their former efforts. The decorated floats had a ragged and half-finished appearance. the only decent decoration in the procession was the Goddess’ trap, the style and trimmings being the same that were used by our May Queen. The best representation was the Brazos Valley float, in which hands were engaged, with sledge and hammer, in putting down track.”
“The second day’s Juneteenth celebration of the colored population was broken up by a copious downpour of rain, which was much needed by our planters.”
p4
“There were four Juneteenth celebrations in Houston on the 19th instant, all of which were largely attended and richly enjoyed.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 3, 1908 p1
“The Brenham colored Hook and Ladder Fire Department have arranged for a grand emancipation celebration at their park in the northern part of the city, June 19th and 20th. They will have excursions from Beaumont and Temple, have many colored people that were former residents of this county who will make this the occasion for their annual visit to the old home and they will “save up,” for the occasion and come prepared to have a good time. The colored people here are making elaborate preparations for their entertainment, and the celebration this year promises to exceed any former efforts.”’
p4
“The colored firemen’s contest for goddess will be pulled off Saturday night, June 6, at the A.M.E. Church, Camptown. The polls will be closed at 12 o’clock sharp. The various judges of this contest will take notice and act accordingly. Sale of stands to take place on the 15th, at 4:30 o’clock p.m. Following stands will be auctioned off to the highest bidder: One restaurant, one barbecue pit, one wienerwurst, one chile and tamale, one ice cream parlor, one confectionery, one lemonade, one milch shake, one novelty, one egg, one target, one blue rock. 6-1 6t”
Brenham Banner, June 4, 1908 p5
“Members of the Colored Hook and Ladder Company will hold their election for a Goddess of Liberty for the Juneteenth celebration in Camptown next Saturday night - the contest closing at midnight.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 8, 1908 p1
“Goddess of Liberty.
“Contest Ended and Goddess Elected.
“The colored fireman’s contest for Goddess of Liberty for emancipation celebration, was concluded at the A.M.E. church Saturday night, the judges of the election Rev. Slaughter, Prof. S.C. McCoy and Prof. J.T. Harris counting the votes cast the results being, Zelma Taylor, 82; Earthia Allen, 240; Lessie Durham 254. Later reports by wire added 100 votes for Less Durham, making a total of 354. She having received a majority of the votes cast was declared elected Goddess of Liberty for the 19th of June celebration.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 17, 1908 p1
“Emancipation Celebration
“At the Old Fair Grounds Saturday.
“A committee of colored citizens composed of John Brown, Peter Graves, and others, have rented the old Fair grounds for an emancipation celebration Saturday, and will have races, broncho busting and other amusements and all kinds of refreshments on the grounds.
“Come out and enjoy yourself.”
Brenham Banner, June 18, 1908 p5
“The Juneteenth.
“Tomorrow is the 19th, emancipation day, and as far as the Banner is enabled to learn, the event will not be celebrated by the colored population on as expensive a scale as heretofore in this country. The colored Hook and Ladder company will celebrate in Brenham, and a lodge will celebrate in Whitman; there will also be celebrations at Burton and Chappell Hill. The scarcity of the circulating medium has much to do with this state of affairs. As a general thing the colored population are willing, but they have not the spot cash with which to pay the freight.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 18, 1908 p4
“The colored Fireman are making elaborate preparations for their emancipation celebration here tomorrow and next day at the colored Fireman’s park. There is still another crowd that will celebrate at the Fair grounds and have some pony races, broncho busting, etc.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 19, 1908 p1
“Emancipation Day.
“Colored Firemen Celebrate the Day.
“The Big Parade.
“Another Celebration at the Fair Grounds, and Many Celebrations Throughout the County.”
“The forty-third anniversary of emancipation, was celebrated in Brenham, Friday, June the 19th, with great eclat. The celebration will be continued through Saturday.
“The main celebration was under the auspices of the Brenham Hook & Ladder Fire Company No. 2, but there were others.
“There was a celebration at the Fair grounds and there were several celebrations throughout the county.
“Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation was issued January 1, 1863, and it does seem that this would be the proper time for the emancipation celebration, but it was not until June 19, 1865, that the negroes of Texas and Louisiana were set free by order of General Gordon Granger, who at that time took charge of the Department of Texas, and issued the order that set them free, hence the observance of the 19th of June.
“The celebration is universal throughout the State, and very few colored people will put in a work day today or tomorrow in Texas.
“The plows are still in the fields. Cooks have abandoned the kitchen’s. Industries that are handled by colored labor are silent for the two days, having realized the futility of trying to run, have generously closed up and granted them the two days holiday.
“Perhaps no where in the State will there be a bigger celebration than here in Brenham. Visitors, former Brenham negroes, are here from every section of the State, and the colored people pattern their celebration a good deal after the manner of the white have their Maifest, save that a Goddess of Liberty takes the place of a May Queen.
“the procession passed down Main street at 12:30, Will. E. Randle leading it as Grand Marshall, with A.F. Riggins as First Assistant and Policeman A.B. Burkhead, to help guide it.
“The colored band came next followed by the Goddess of Liberty chariot, drawn by four white horses, and decorated in white. The goddess this year was Lessie Durham, of Temple, and her escort was Eugene Randell. The committee that have in charge the celebration followed in carriages, then came a children’s float decorated in the National colors, with swings suspended from the canopy, in which little children were swinging. there was another float with nearly the same decorations, followed by a juvenile fire company with a boat on a truck, an ox wagon load of imitation cotton, decorated bicycles, the Hook & Ladder Company No. 2, with Louis Brown as Marshall of this division a white float with green canopy, carriages, etc., making altogether a very creditable procession, though not so large as on some previous occasions.
“The reading of the emancipation proclamation, and the crowning of the Goddess of Liberty occurred too late to get any detailed account of it this afternoon.
“Moving pictures, hobby horses, and refreshments of all kinds on the grounds constituted a portion of the amusements that kept up interest at the Fireman’s park in Willkins addition.
“B.W. Whitfield was orator of the day, and Eugene Randell crowned the Goddess . Prof. J.T. Harris was master of ceremonies.
“A.F. Riggins was president, John Fischer treasurer and J.M. Foote secretary of the Association that engineered the celebration.
“The celebration will be continued through tomorrow, Saturday.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 20, 1908 p1
“Rain Interferred
“With the Second Day’s Emancipation Celebration.
“There was a great crowd at the emancipation celebration by Hook & Ladder Co. No. 2, at their park in Wilkins Addition Friday afternoon and night. In fact the crowd Friday night surprised the management by its size.
“Mayor Wm. Lusk addressed the crowd late in the afternoon congratulating them on the orderly manner in which they were celebrating, the good behavior that prevailed, on the progress they were making, showed them how they could raise themselves in the estimation of their own people and the white people, gave them some good advice, told what had been done for them in an educational way. His speech was well received, and the master of ceremonies Prof. J.T. Harris thanked him cordially for the talk.
“The rain materially interferred with the celebration this afternoon.”
Brenham Evening Press, March 19, 1909 p4
“Emancipation Celebration.
“By Colored Fireman, June 18th and 19th
“The B.P.H.& L. Co. No. 2, colored met in regular session with Pres. Riggins presiding. It was unanimously decided to celebrate the 18th and 19th of June at the park. A communication was received from the colored citizens of Beaumont, relative to an excursion from there to our celebration was read, received and placed on file.
“Every member is requested to be present at each meeting every Tuesday night at the hall.
“A.F. Riggins, Pres.
“T.H. Long, Foreman.
“A.H. Milton, Sec’ty.”
(Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1912, p 7)
Brenham Evening Press, June 5, 1909 p4
“Goddess of Liberty
“To be Chosen Tonight for Emancipation Celebration.
“The contest for Goddess of Liberty for the Brenham Colored Fire Department will be pulled off tonight at the Independent Baptist church at 12 o’clock sharp.
“Contestants as follows: Julia Scott, Brenham; Elsie williams, Beaumont; Beatrice Scott, Temple; the Temple representative is here, L.O. Brown, Sam Spotes of Beaumont, the representative of that place is expected here today.
“This contest is expected to be close and the representatives come here prepared to assist their candidates. Let Brenham do all they can to elect their Brenham girl. The excursion from Orange and Beaumont will arrive at Brenham the night of the 17th of June at 12:32. It is honestly requested that the citizens meet the train and help to provide for them.
“A.F. Riggins,
“President.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 7, 1909 p1
“Goddess of Liberty Elected for the Emancipation Celebration in Brenham.
“There was a lively contest for Goddess of Liberty, for the Brenham Emancipation celebration, of the Colored Hook & Ladder Co., and contestants from Brenham, Temple and Beaumont were entered.
“The contest took place at Mt. Zion Baptist church Saturday night, and resulted as follows in dollars and cents to the Department:
“Julia Scott, Brenham…$41.15
“Ethel Williams, Beaumont…$77.95
“Beatrice Scott, Temple…$20.85
“Total…$139.95
“The sale of stands for the celebration takes place this afternoon.
“The committee desires to thank the citizens of Brenham for their loyalty to the Brenham candidate though Beaumont won.
“A.F. Riggins, Pres.
“J.M. Foote, Sec.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 12, 1909 p1
“Sale of Stands.
“The sale of stands by the Brenham Hook & Ladder Co., for the occasion of their annual emancipation celebration, will be held at their park next Monday afternoon at 5 o’clock. Don’t fail to come out. There is going to be a large attendance at the celebration this year than usual, and the stands will therefore be worth more.
“A.F. Riggins, Pres.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 17, 1909 p1
“The Brenham Hook & Ladder Company, colored, are making elaborate preparations for their emancipation celebration which commences Friday morning, continuing through Saturday, at their park in the western part of the city.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 18, 1909 p1
“Emancipation Celebration
“By the Brenham Colored Fire Department Inaugurated
“The 44th Anniversary
“Celebration commenced Friday and will be Continued ‘Thru Saturday at Their Park. Many Visitors Here.
“The 19th of June is the 44th anniversary of the emancipation of slavery in Texas and Louisiana hence the celebration of that day in this country. Gen. Granger’s arrival in Galveston was signalized by the announcing through a proclamation previously issued by Abraham Lincoln that all the slaves were free, and as he was the commander of the Division of Texas and Louisiana, this day is the anniversary in these two states, other dates being celebrated in other states.
“The Brenham Colored Hook & Ladder Fire Company have annually celebrated the occasion here, at their park in Wilkin’s Addition in the western part of the city, and great preparations have been made for the two days celebration on this occasion.
“The Goddess of Liberty, and her election, begins the interest in this affair, and annually takes place a few weeks before the celebration, different towns adjacent to Brenham offering a candidate and paying a stipulated amount for votes for her election, Beaumont being victorious this year in the selection of Ethel Williams, the votes purchased for the honor being nearly $80 worth, while Brenham and Temple scarcely put up half as much.
“Many of the pretty floats in the procession Friday graced the Maifest procession, and altogether it was a most creditable parade.
“The whole celebration is patterned after the annual Maifest of the white department, and considering the disparity in wealth of the two organizations, the colored department has made a very good showing compared with this celebration.”
p4
“Over a thousand visitors came in on the special trains from Beaumont Friday to attend the emancipation celebration that was formally inaugurated today. Another good crowd came on the south bound Santa Fe from Temple, Somerville and other points, and the indications are that with those that will come in tonight and tomorrow morning the colored Firemen are going to have a record breaking crowd.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 19, 1909 p4
“June 19 Celebration in Brenham.
“The first day of the colored fireman’s celebration passed off quietly. The parade passed through the city at 12:15 and to the park where the Goddess was crowned by Tablet Rippetoe, followed by an address by J.T. Harris.
“The base ball game between Brenham and Beaumont was the main attraction of the afternoon, this on account of some mis-understanding was played at the ball park instead of the fireman’s park as advertises. It resulted in a victory for Brenham with the following score.
“Score by Innings: R.H.E.
“Brenham 202 600 10 ...11 7 4
“Beaumont 03` 000 000 ...4 9 10
“Two base hit - Cain.
“Struck out - by Palmer 1; by Daniels 7; Marshall 5.
“Passed Balls - Green 2; Mack 1.
“Left on bases - Brenham 4; Beaumont 4.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 21, 1909 p4
“The two days emancipation celebration of the colored people of this section passed off without any serious disturbances, notwithstanding the fact that beer was sold on the grounds and the bar was well patronized. For past several years these celebrations were held without any arrests being made and the negroes are proud of the record they made in their good behavior”
Brenham Evening Press, May 6, 1910 p1
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The colored Fire Department have commenced the work of arranging for their annual celebration of emancipation day, and have already secured excursion rates from Galveston, Houston, Beaumont, Conroe and Temple, and have engaged Sid Ilsie’s band of Houston to furnish music for the occasion.”
Brenham Banner, May 26, 1910 p5
“Now that fears of injury from the comet has about passed a few of our colored population are talking about getting up a Juneteenth celebration. However, there appears to be a lack of the usual enthusiasm displayed in the matter.”
Brenham Banner, June 9, 1910 p1
“Quite a large number of the colored people of Brenham contemplate taking in the emancipation celebration at Houston on June 19th and 20th. An excursion rate of $1.10 for round trip is being arranged over the Houston and Texas Central Railway for that occasion.”
p5
“The extremely low excursion rates from Brenham to Houston on June 19th is going to attract a large crowd from here, which will have a tendency to dwarf the home celebration.”
p4
“Failing to comply with the stipulations and terms of purchase the colored people of Brenham had to let their Emancipation Park, in Wilkins’ addition relapse into the hands of its former owner, and will hold their Juneteenth celebration this year at the old Fair Grounds.”
p5
“The colored people living north of Brenham will celebrate in Niederauer’s Grove on June 19th.”
Brenham Banner, June 16, 1910 p5
“Next Sunday is the Juneteenth and the colored people are getting ready to enjoy the various celebrations in different parts of the county on next Monday. “
“”Some of the colored people of the county will celebrate emancipation on Saturday, while others will postpone until Monday - June 19th falling on Sunday this year.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 18, 1910 p1
“The emancipation celebration to be held Monday has kept the colored people busy for the past few days arranging for it.”
p4
“Brenham promises to have about as elaborate emancipation celebration as any of the communities in the State. Excursion rates secured by the committee promises to bring many visitors to the celebration from Galveston, Temple, on the Santa Fe and from Austin to Beaumont on the Central.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 20, 1910 p1
“Emancipation Celebration
“The Forty-Fifth Anniversary is Celebrated.
“A Thousand Visitors Here
“Grand Street Parade With Miles Motley Leading as Grand Marshal, Many in Line.
“The emancipation celebration here Monday and Tuesday, will perhaps equal the celebration of any interior town in the State.
“Sunday was the 19th of June, anniversary of the proclamation issued from Galveston by General Granger, emancipating the slaves of the District composed of Texas and Louisiana, and there were many celebrations throughout the county Saturday, but the Brenham colored Hook & Ladder Co., under whose auspices this celebrations is annually given, selected Monday and Tuesday as the days on which the event would be properly observed.
“The railroad committee seem to have done their full duty in getting cheap rates and excursion trains, the first of which came in Sunday night, with thirteen coaches bringing in the neighborhood of 500 from the direction of Austin.
“Another train came in near 12 o’clock Monday from the same direction loaded with excursionists and in fact every regular train brought its quota to add to the large crowd of visiting colored people which is estimated to be more than a thousand, to say nothing of the scattering ones that have been coming in for several days.
“The celebration is at the old Fair grounds, and will continue through tomorrow.
“The usual delay in starting the parade occurred, because the management wanted to wait for the last trains on which they expected the visitors, and it was nearly 1 o’clock before Grand Marshal Miles Motley headed the procession.
“He was followed by the Goddess of Liberty vehicle Maggie Chapel and her attendant Jas. Hopes, and her maids Fry, of Cuero, and Lilliam Manson, of Austin.
“Further particulars will appear tomorrow.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 21, 1910 p1
“Ex-Slave Celebration
“The old ex-slave’s of this section celebrated emancipation day Monday with a picnic at Dwyer grove. There were about 50 present and they report a most enjoyable day. Ed. Graves is president of the association and Ed. Jefferson, Vice Pres.”
p4
“Emancipation Celebration
“Of the Colored People of Brenham.
“A Host of Visitors Here.
“Estimated at nearly Two Thousand. Amusements Baseball Grand Ball Etc.
“Emancipation Celebration.
“The emancipation celebration of the Brenham Colored Hook and Ladder Co. No. 2 was rudely interfered with on Monday afternoon by a shower, but there was crowd enough in every section of the city for them to have a good time whether they were at the fair grounds or in some other part of the city.
“The crowd perhaps exceeded anything that ever gathered here.
“There has been over two thousand excursion tickets sold for the the regular and special train running in here. Many of the visitors are former Brenhamites and many are strangers that have heard of the big celebrations given here. These excursionists were greatly augmented by the colored people from the country adjacent to Brenham, and taken altogether it was the largest gathering of colored people that has assembled here in a long time.
“The parade Monday waited until late to start on account of the delay of incoming excursionists, and was a very creditable parade consisting of the band, the Hose Co and eight or ten gayly decorated floats bearing the participants of the entertainment, led by Grand Marshal Miles Motley, and the Goddess of Liberty, Maggie Chapel and her attendants in a very pretty decorated carriage with J. Hopes who crowned the Goddess at the grounds.
“There was a ball game between the Austin and Galveston teams which resulted in a score of 1 to 0 in favor of Galveston.
“In the game between the Brenham team and Austin, Brenham was victorious by a score of 4 to 0.
“Among amusements are horse races, pony races a grand Ball Monday night.
“The festivities will close Tuesday night with a grand ball.”
“Gay Hill Correspondence.
“...The colored people held their emancipation celebration here last Saturday.”
Brenham Evening Press, June 22, 1910, p1
“Echoes
“And Resume of the Emancipation Celebration.
“The emancipation celebration by Brenham Hook & Ladder Co., No. 2 closed Tuesday night. It was a two days and nights celebration, with various amusements. It was estimated that all the way from two to three thousand people came here to attend this celebration, and be it said to the credit of the colored people, that notwithstanding this gathering from nearly every section of the State there was not a single incident of disorderly conduct, a fight, or fuss of sufficient magnitude to necessitate an arrest. the colored people visiting here were generous in their compliments of the Sheriff, the Constable and the Marshall and police. They say that they always like to come to Brenham for while the officers were emphatic in their declarations of what must and must not be done, that they are liberal with them and grant them more freedom than in many other towns, and appreciating the way they are treated they endeavor to prevent any of the crowd from abusing the generosity of the officers or giving them trouble. “
“One of the lessons that the white people might learn from the emancipation celebration is how to get excursion rates from the railroads. There were three or four special trains in here for them. The ones from Beaumont gave a rate of $2.50 for the round trip, when we had our Maifest about the best rate we could get was one and one-third fare, on regular trains.”
“The base ball game between the Brenham and Austin team at the Wilkin’s Addition park Tuesday afternoon was well attended, and resulted in a score of 4 to 3 in favor of Brenham.”
“Most of the visitors from a distance returned home on the night trains Tuesday night.”
Brenham Banner, June 23, 1910 p5
“The emancipation celebration was held by the colored people of this community at the Old Fair Grounds on last Monday and Tuesday and was largely attended. The procession did not pass through the city until 2 o’clock in the afternoon and was about the poorest they have had within the past ten years. The golden chariot and glittering decorated vehicles were conspicuous for their absence.”
Brenham Banner, June 15, 1911 p3
“Goddess Elected.
“The Fair Ground contingent of colored emancipation celebration have selected Miss Mamie Swan as Goddess of Liberty to head their procession; while the Wilkins addition crowd have elected Miss Bertha jenkins of Independence to head their procession. There is a split among the “old gang” that have been running these celebrations heretofore, and the consequence is there will be two celebrations, conducted by the younger generations of the colored population.”
“The old ex-slaves are soliciting assistance from their white friends to aid them in enjoying their annual barbecue picnic dinner on the Juneteenth - emancipation day.”
“Next Monday is the Juneteenth - emancipation day, and the Fair Ground contingent informs the Banner that they have everything in perfect readiness for their two days celebration and jollification.”
Brenham Daily Banner, May 4, 1912 p1
‘Will Celebrate Freedom Day.
“The colored people of Brenham and vicinity are going to have a big emancipation celebration to eclipse all other celebrations they have ever had. June 19 is their big day and the several factions that heretofore had separate celebrations have united and will have one joint celebration. A.M. Melton, an active worker among the colored people, is working up interest in the celebration and they are endeavoring to get special rates on the railroads and are preparing to care for their visiting friends and make the occasion one to be long remembered.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1912 p1
“Emancipation Day Celebrated in Style
“Emancipation day is being celebrated in a becoming manner by the colored people of Brenham and thousands of others from various parts of the state who come from afar and near to participate in the festivities. Every train coming to Brenham today was crowded with colored people and a special train load came from Austin.
“About one o’clock this afternoon the parades began headed by a brass band and containing some very attractive floats, one of them containing several little girls handsomely dressed, representing the birth of liberty.
“Thousands of colored farmers and their families are in town, all arrayed in their best clothes and looking happy and prosperous, all bent upon having a good time, and to their credit, be it said, the best of order has prevailed, not a single drunk or disorderly person having been seen on the streets.
“The emancipation celebrators are enjoying the day at their park and on the streets and will continue the festivities for two days. This is their big time, their “Maifest,” “Saengerfest,” “Fourth of July,” and “Christmas,” all in one and the white folk are glad to see them have a good time.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 21, 1912 p5
“San Antonio Negroes Celebrate.
“San Antonio, Texas, June 21. - Today was clear, and as a result the emancipation celebration by the negroes was a complete success, unmarred by any unfortunate incidents. John. W. Tobin, sheriff, and James R. Davis and George Huntress, rival candidates for county judges, and others made addresses. There was a flower parade during the morning.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 22, 1912 p2
“Day at Orange.
“Orange, Texas, June 22. - The colored people of Orange are a unit in declaring that Emancipation Dayy was more successfully celebrated in Orange than ever before in the history of the town. The picnic and barbecue was visited by a number of prominent white people, address being delivered by Judge J. Ball and Postmaster J.B. Seargent.”
“Day at Texas City.
“Texas City, Texas, June 22. - The colored population celebrated Emancipation Day here by having a barbecue and picnic at Waddell Park, in the west end. They arranged a special “spread” to which they invited the white folks.
“The celebrations wound up with a grand ball last night.”
“Day at Hearne.
“Hearne, Texas, June 21, - Emancipation celebrations were held here today and in the bottom, and everything passed off very quietly. A parade was made through the streets and flags of several nations were displayed. Speakers from over the state were present, and nice programs were carried out.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 18, 1913 p8
“Fully Ten Thousand Negroes Will Be In This City Thursday
“It is expected that fully ten thousand negroes will participate in the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in this city Thursday. The visitors will include residents from Beaumont and all intervening points to the south and as far away as Temple to the north.
“The excitement will take place at the colored Fireman’s Park in Wilkin addition, and at the old Fair Grounds. Because of a controversy when preparations for the festivities were being made, the Brenham hosts divided themselves into factions and hence the stranger will get the benefit of two celebrations during the same day. The program is extensive and includes music, dancing, and other incidentals of a well regulated holiday.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 19, 1913 p9
“Colored People Are Holding Two Large Celebrations Today
“Two big Emancipation celebrations are being held in Brenham Thursday and Friday. Hundreds of visitors from all parts of the state arrived during Wednesday night and Thursday morning, besides these it is probable that every colored person is attending the festivities. The celebrations are taking place at the Fair Grounds and at the colored Firemen’s park.
‘The colored Fire department had a most creditable parade, composed of a band discoursing good music, the goddess of Liberty on a decorated float, the Firemen, and numerous decorated vehicles. On arrival at the grounds the Goddess of Liberty was crowned and other speeches made. Two visiting bands furnished music, and various amusements were planned for the pleasure of the attendants. The other parade was also good.
“The Nineteenth celebration in Brenham is one of the most largely attended in the state, and attracts visitors from many of the large cities. The weather is ideal and the celebration promises to be one of the most successful ever held here.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1913 p8
“Both Emancipation Celebrations Were Successful Events
“Why not.
“The Emancipation celebration disclosed the fact that the local negroes need a band. It was necessary to import a band from Galveston and one from Houston to get the necessary music for the occasion. There are many local negroes of decided musical talent and the best colored band in the state is possible in this town. Why don’t they organize?
“The two Emancipation Celebrations yesterday and today have been decidedly successful. The Fair Grounds Association held their festivities at the old Fair Grounds and the Colored Firemen enjoyed the day at the park. Various amusements were provided for the pleasure of the visitors and at the Fair Grounds there were some good races and a baseball game between Brenham and Galveston. At the end of 12 innings the score stood 16 to 16.
“Each of the celebrations closed with a grand ball at night. Good music was furnished by the Seaport Band of Galveston and Sid C. Isles’ Band of Houston. Many of the out-of-town visitors returned to their homes Thursday night, though quite a number remained for the second day’s festivities which will include several entertaining features.
“Both celebrations were quite creditable and showed what the colored citizens of Brenham could accomplish if they would unite themselves and work together.
“They could then stage an event that would probably surpass any celebration of its kind in the state.”
Brenham Weekly Press, June 25, 1913 p5
“Celebration is Now History
“Many Colored Visitors Have Left City
“Friday Was Busy Day
“Entertainment and Music at Both Grounds Where Celebrations Were Held
“Brenham’s Emancipation Celebration of 1913 is a matter of history and the colored people are confident that it was a success and will result in an even larger celebration next year.
‘Friday’s activities marked the close of the celebration. That is after the bands had stopped furnishing music for the grand balls at an early Saturday morning.
“Again Friday the celebration was conducted at both the Colored Fireman’s Park and at the Fair Grounds and both places enjoyed considerable patronage. The merry go round and Ferris Wheel were the features of the Park celebration, with Sid C. Isles Band furnishing music the entire day. At the Fair Grounds there was an interesting goat roping contest, some impromptu horse races and a baseball game during the afternoon, in which the Brenham colored team was defeated by Galveston by a score of 4 to (?).
“The colored people are to be commended upon the successful and quiet and orderly manner in which the celebration was conducted. The peace officers were called up to quell disturbances but few times and the one unfortunate affair told of in another column was the only serious happening during the two days.”
“Robert Banks Shot R.H. Secret
Young Negro Boy is Victim of Mistake
“Occured at Fair Grounds
“Was Mistaken for Negro with Whom Bands Had Had a Quarrel a Short Time Before
“Robert Banks mistaking R.H. Secrett for another person at the Brenham Fair Grounds Friday evening at 9 o’clock shot and killed the 15 year-old boy But one shot was first fired from Bank’s pistol, this taking effect in young Secrett’s abdomen and producing almost immediate death. R.H. Secrett is the son of Louis Secrett, a prominent colored man of Brenham.
“Robert Banks gave up to the officers and was lodged in the county jail, tho it is probable that he will make bond, as soon as given an opportunity, and the particulars are heard by justice Chappell who held the inquest Friday evening.
“Those who were present at the Fair Grounds when the tragedy occurred say that Banks and Elisha Fields had had a fight during the earlier evening, and that Banks was expecting more trouble with him. Banks was in a buggy talking to L. Secrett near the clump of trees in the center of the Fair Grounds, it was dark and people were passing by. Suddenly he jumped from the buggy and fired at a form that was approaching. Then it was discovered that he had shot the wrong person.
“No one probably regrets the incident more than does “Bob: as his familiarly known to both white and colored people. He was expressing his sincere regret and stated that he was very friendly with the boy and his father. Banks has been porter at the Cardinals Lodge for a number of years, where has had the opportunity to serve many white people, who as a rule all like him, and will regret to hear of the unfortunate accident in which he figured.”
p8
“”Juneteenth” Is a Success
“First Day of Celebration Passed Into History
“Two Parades Were Held
“Grand Ball at Colored Fireman’s Park and at the Fair Grounds
“In the years gone by there may have been more successful Emancipation Celebrations held by the Colored people of Brenham, with larger crowds in attendance, but the affair they are pulling off this year is some little success itself, and by the number in attendance shows that it has received some attention from the colored population of the State.
“The celebration proper began with the street parade Thursday. The first parade was held by the Fair Grounds Assn., and was a good parade, with the Seaport Colored Band from Galveston featuring prominent. M.V. Browning, the Goddess of Liberty and her escort O.L. Bridge of Galveston were well toward the front of the parade, in a decorate vehicle. The crowning of the Goddess of Liberty was the 1st event when the parade reached the park and occupied the attention of the crowd. After the coronation there were various other attractions which were eagerly sought by the attendants at the festivities. During the afternoon there were interesting races and a baseball game in which Brenham and Galveston team were the participants and after the 12th inning was 16 to 16. the festivities at the Fair Grounds closed with a grand ball at night.
“The Colored Fireman’s Park Assn. parade was staged shortly after one o’clock and was quite a creditable affair, with several handsomely decorated traps and Sid Isles band in the line. When they reached the Park their Goddess of Liberty Ethel Glass was crowned by Lionel Randle. At the park there was a ferris wheel, merry go round and many other attractions. At night there was a grand ball with Sid C. Isles band furnishing the music. Both celebrations were being conducted along orderly lines without the two clans conflicting.
“As a whole the colored people are conducting themselves in a very orderly manner, and it is probable that there will be very few arrests.
“The celebration today will close with the grand balls at night, after which it is probable that most of those visiting here will return home and with the memory of a very enjoyable “Juneteenth.””
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, May 28, 1914 p8
“The Wilkins Addition Park
“A.H. Milton, corresponding secretary of the Wilkins Addition Park committee is receipt
of letters from the General Passenger Agent of the Houston & Texas Central railroad and the Gulf Colorado & Santa Fe railroad, also the International and Great Northern railroad, to the effect that excursions of exceedingly low rates have been authorized on account of Emancipation Day celebration of Brenham, June 19th and 20th. Ticket limited to return June 21. This gives visitors three days in our city. We take this method of thanking Secretary Eberle of the Y.M.B.A. for his valuable assistance in securing the rates as above indicated.
“Wilkins Addition Park Committee.
“Adv. 3t”
(This ad ran multiple times prior to the celebration.)
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 6, 1914 p8
“Negroes to Select Goddess
“Colored Population Will Meet Tonight to Settle Social Distinction
“Goddess of Liberty of the annual Emancipation Day celebration will be chose by the negroes at one of their local halls. There are several contestants and the race promises to be spirited but entirely amiable. A Houston negro band arrived today and will supply the music for the occasion.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 9, 1914 p6
“Chicken Fancier Has Chance
“Colored Gentleman Convicted On Sixteen Counts for Stealing Chickens - May Get Pardon
“Austin, Texas, June 9. - Granting of conditional pardons to 40 negroes will be recommended by the board of pardons for emancipation day, June 19. Reports have been submitted already for 25 cases. Of the cases recommended for pardon, one involves the proverbial love of the negro for chicken. He was convicted on 16 counts of chicken stealing and given two years in each. He has already served 17 years of the sentence.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 12, 1914 p7
“Governor Colquitt Completes Pardon List for June 19th
“Austin, Texas, June 12. - Governor Colquitt has practically completed his list of June 19 pardons, the number embracing approximately forty convicts, all of negroes that have made good records in prison and are entitled to executive clemency. In granting a certain number of pardons on emancipation day, the governor is following a plan he established since he has been at the head of the state government of extending clemency on certain holidays.
“Among the list are two life terms, one of whom is woman who was sent up for murder. There are also several short term prisoners in the batch.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 18, 1914 p8
“Five Thousand Negroes Are to Celebrate Here.
“It is estimated that five thousand negroes will celebrate the fifty-second anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, in this Friday and Saturday.
“Through the efforts of the Young Men’s Business Association rates have been secured for a period of four days. In consequence scores of visitors from all sections of the state began to arrive Wednesday and hundreds are expected tonight and tomorrow morning.
The big festivities will take place at the negro’s park in Wilkin’s addition. At that point, the Lone Star Amusement company with varied attractions start into full operation tonight. The chief card of the two days’ excitement will be an extravagantly gorgeous parade Friday morning. Preparation has been in progress for the last week on this feature and it promises to surpass all former efforts. It will start from Camptown at 9 o’clock with J.H. Porter as grand marshal.
“Public speaking, baseball games, and myriad other events are on the schedule. Coronation ceremonials with Lela Richards as queen will take place at the park immediately following the parade. Those who are prominently identified with this year’s emancipation day program and largely responsible for the success it promises, include A.F. Riggins, J.H. Porter, Robert Davis, J.M Foote, A.H. Milton and others.
“The Sid Isle band of Houston will supply the music.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 19, 1914 p8
“Six Thousand Negroes Take Part in Event
“Six thousand enthusiastic negroes are celebrating Emancipation Day, or “Juneteenth”. Three special train loads came in this morning, besides the crowds that came on the regular trains and that came in from the country from far and near. It is the negroes’ big day and they are out in their best.
“The crowds are orderly and well behaved, not an arrest or a drunken man has marred the festivities. From daylight the crowds have been filling the streets. At 1:30 this afternoon the parade formed and marched through the principal streets of Brenham, headed by a band from Houston. There were a number of handsomely-decorated carriages in the parade. Once decorated float contained a choir singing sacred songs; another contained a number of little girls who belong to the court of the Goddess of Liberty.
“The parade went to the negroes’ park in Wilkin’s Addition of Brenham, where the address of Welcome was made by Attorney Richard Evans, colored. Lelia Richards was crowned “Goddess of Liberty” by Leslie Umbristo. The crowning was followed by a fervent prayer by Rev. McGill. The afternoon was devoted to a base ball game between the clubs from Bryan and Bellville. Several carnival shows provide additional amusement for the crowds.
“At night a big vall is to be the attraction at the park. Tomorrow prizes will be awarded for the best decorated vehicle in the parade, also for the best-dressed woman and for the best dancer. The entire affair is well managed by well-known business negroes, who are the officers of the “Juneteenth” Association. They are A.F. Riggins, president; R. Davis, vice-president; A. Milton, secretary. The “Juneteenth” festivities continue two days and nights.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 20, 1914 p6
“Forty Negroes Pardoned
“Governor Observes Emancipation Day by Letting Numerous Prisoners out of Penitentiary.
“Austin, Texas, June 20. - Forty negroes and two life terms, granted “emancipation day” pardons by the governor a few days ago, were liberated from the penitentiaries in time to reach their respective homes Friday. The pardons were sent to the prison commission on June 11 with the understanding that the convicts were to be released in time to get back to the places from which they were convicted in time to celebrate today. In granting these pardons the governor is following a custom he established when he took office to issue Christmas, Thanksgiving day, etc., pardons.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, April 20, 1915 p6
“Arrangements for Nineteenth.
“The colored park committee met last night and elected the following arrangement committee to arrange for the emancipation celebration on the 18th and 19th of June: A.H. Milton, B. McDaniel, Charles Walker; Robert Davis, vice president; John Fisher, treasurer; J.M Foote, secretary.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, May 11, 1915 p1
“Arrangements for 19th Celebration
“The Colored Park committee met in regular session last night and perfected some very important business, securing band, appointing various committees and living up in general to royally entertain our many patrons and friends at our park, Wilkins Addition, Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19, 1915. We therefore extend to all a cordial invitation.
“The following officers were elected: Rev. B. McDaniels, president; Robert Davis, vice president; John Fisher, treasurer,; M.J. Foote, secretary; A.H. Milton corresponding secretary and business manager. The public is warned not to contract or do business with any one members except with the following named persons: B. McDaniels, Robert Davis, John Fisher, Charles Walker, J.M. Foote, A.H. Milton. All other contracts made will not be supported or approved of by the company. Look out for small bills.
“M.J. Foote,
“A.H. Milton,
“Adv. 1t Committee on Printing.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 18, 1915 p1
“Brenham’s Negro Population Joins in Two Day Celebration
“Brenham’s negro population is taking two days “off.” June Nineteenth, tomorrow, which ends the two day celebration of Emancipation Day, will be the feature of the occasion.
“Shortly after 1 o’clock this afternoon the Goddess of Liberty, attended by her court, paraded through the streets. Two negro bands kept the air tingling with “Tipperary” and other popular songs. Dances will be held tonight at Wilkins Addition of the Colored Firemen’s Park; at the Fair Grounds and at Burch’s Park. The celebration will close Saturday night.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, May 2, 1917 p2
Negroes Prepare for June’teenth
“Usual exercises at Chauncey Williamson Park.
“Preparations are underway for the usual June ‘teenth celebration, which is to be held by the negroes this year at the Chauncey S. Williamson park. Willie Williamson has charge of the festivities.
“A new pavilion has been built, and it is expected that excursion rates will be secrued, attracting the colored citizenship from a large territory.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 8, 1917 p3
“Preparing for June ‘teenth
“Negroes Will Have Grand Celebration Emancipation Day.
“The colored population is preparing for a grand Emancipation Day celebration at the Chauncey Williamson park on June 19th. A large crowd is expected to attend.
“The Sid Isles band of Houston has been engaged for the two days’ celebration, June 19th and 20th. Reduced rates on all railroads will be in effect, and many visitors expected.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 18, 1917 p1
“Negroes Celebrate June 19 and 20
“Excursions Will Bring Many to Emancipation Celebration.
“Thousands of negroes will participate in the June ‘teenth celebration at Brenham beginning Tuesday and continuing through until Wednesday night.
“A large pavilion has been erected at Chauncey Williamson park, and plenty of amusements have been provided. Music will be furnished by the local colored organization, and in addition the Sid Isles band of Houston has been secured.
“From Houston, Beaumont, Austin and intermediated points the negroes will assemble, low rates on all railroads being in effect.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 19, 1917 p1
“Celebration of Emancipation Day
“Vast Concourse of Colored Brethren Assemble in Brenham.
“From all the four corners of the State the negroes are congregating at Brenham, and cooks are scarcer than hen’s teeth, for the Grand Emancipation Day celebration is in full sway.
“Beginning Monday afternoon the visitors began arriving, and by noon today practically all of the out-of-town excursionists were on the grounds.
“Sid Isles famous negro band came in at noon, and led a grand parade, made up of the ‘marshals of the day,’ the principal speakers, while the general colored population brought up the rear.
“The Chauncey W. Williamson park is the scene of the largest gathering of the “celebrations,” Woodie Jones in the role of “Goddess of Liberty,” J.D. Bushell, the principal of the Brenham Normal and Industrial college, the orator of the day.
“At Burch’s pasture another faction is celebrating the emancipation of the colored race, and Mattie Garrett is impersonating the goddess of Liberty, for no emancipation day is is complete without a band in uniform and the dusky Goddess of Liberty, attired somewhat after the fashion of Columbia.
“Far into the night the festivities will continue, and the glories of the circus day will be eclipsed. The celebration at the Chauncey Williamson park will continue through Wednesday, and close with a grand ball.
“Up to this afternoon the auspiciousness of the occasion has been marred by not a single fracas, and the local officers have answered no riot calls.”
Brenham Daily Banner, June 20, 1917 p1
“Negro Celebration Will Close Tonight
“Emancipation Day Festivities End; Visitors Depart.
“The two days’ celebration of the fifty-second anniversary of the signing of the emancipation proclamation closes tonight. Hundreds of visitors from all surrounding points have spent two days in merry making, and tonight festivities will be brought to an end with dances at the two parks where the negroes have been spending the past two days.
“Despite the large crowds there have been no disturbances at either of the gatherings, perfect order prevailing.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 4, 1918 p1
“Colored Folks to Observe June 19
“Two Days’ Celebration at the Chauncey S. Williamson Park.
“The Chauncey S. Williamson park will be the scene of a large gathering on June 19th, when the colored people from this and adjoining counties will assemble for a celebration of Emancipation day.
“A committee of the leading colored citizens has been selected to arrange for the events of the day, and the exercises will continue on June 20th, as has been the custom heretofore.
“In the course of a few days the Banner-Press will print the program.
“It is expected that a record-breaking crowd will be present.
“Good music has been arranged for, and dances will be held at the pavilion on both Wednesday and Thursday nights.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 5, 1918 p2
“Two - Great Days - Two
“June 19th and 20th, 1918
“At the Chauncey S. Williamson park, Brenham, Texas. Celebration of the Emancipation of the colored Americans.
“Fine music, celebrated speakers, dancing, and all forms of high-class entertainment. - Adv. 59-5t W June 6-13”
(This ad runs several times, in addition to another similarly worded, though visually much different, ad in later papers.)
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 6, 1918 p4
“June ‘Teenth Celebration
“Colored People Will Celebrate Emancipation at Williamson Park.
“The executive committee having in charge the June ‘teenth celebration to be held at the Chauncey S. Williamson park at Brenham on June 19th and 20th predict a record-breaking crowd.
“Music, dancing, patriotic speaking, etc., will feature the two days’ celebration.
“Many visitors are expected.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 7, 1918 p4
“Big Celebration!
“”Are you going or going to get Left?” - Be there”
“Two - Great Days - Two
“At the Chauncey S. Williamson Park, Brenham, Texas. Celebration of the Emancipation of the Colored Americans.
“Fine music - Celebrated Speakers - Dancing, and all forms of high class entertainment.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 19, 1918, p4
“Emancipation Day Draws Big Crowd
“Colored People Join in Union Celebration at Williamson Park.
“The colored people of Washington county opened their union celebration of Emancipation Day at Chauncey Williamsons park Wednesday and the festivities will continue Thursday. A crowd estimated at more than 1,000 people assembled for the occasion, visitors coming from Houston, Beaumont, San Antonio, Navasota, and other points and all the country districts of the county.
“Because of war conditions the celebration was simplified, and all expensive features were eliminated. There was no formal parade and no goddess of liberty, as in former years.
“The colored band from Houston furnished the music, and marched to the park after playing a few selections on the street.
“The program rendered during the afternoon, follows:
“Reading of the Proclamation of Emancipation of the Negro.
“Music.
“Introduction of the speaker of the day.
‘Address, “The Emancipation of the Negro and War Work,” Rev. J. I. Donaldson, pastor of Mt. Rose Baptist church.
“Music.
“Address - J.A. Moore of Lyons, Texas.
“Music.
“S.H. Ewell acted as master of ceremonies, and the entire program was arranged along patriotic lines. For the first time in several years all factions united in one general celebration, which was most successful.
“A ball will be held in the pavilion tonight, and other features have been planned for tomorrow.”
“Makes Patriotic Address.
“Thos. Botts and District Clerk W.H. Boulding left this afternoon to make patriotic addresses at a negro juneteenth celebration that is being held at the Good Will church on the Washington road.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 22, 1918 p4
“Chauncey Williamson Gives Part of Proceeds of Emancipation Celebration.
“Chairman J.C. Kennedy of the Washington County Chapter, American Red Cross, announces the receipt of the sum of $26 from Chauncey Williamson.
“Williamson says that the 19th celebration this year was a success in every way and he wanted to give to the Red Cross a donation showing his thankfulness.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 3, 1919 p1
“Colored People Will Celebrate
“Three Day Emancipation Celebration To Be Held at Williamson’s Park.
“Elaborate preparations are being made by the colored people of Brenham and Washington county for the big Emancipation Celebration which will be held at the Chauncey S. Williamson park on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 19, 20, and 21. Visitors are expected from many points and this promises to be one of the largest gatherings of colored people ever held in Brenham.
“The celebration will open with a street parade on the morning of the first day, after which the crowds will repair to the park where amusements of all kinds will be provided. An excellent band will furnish music, and there will be speaking by well-known colored orators, dancing, probably a baseball game, and other attractions to entertain the crowds.
“C.S. Williamson, proprietor of the park, and the committee in charge of the celebration cordially invite all colored people to attend.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 19, 1919 p1
“Emancipation Day Celebration Opens
“D.C. Giddings Addresses Colored People at Williamson Park on “Good Roads.”
“Large crowds of colored people from various points are in Brenham for the three days Emancipation celebration that opened at the Chauncey Williamson park Thursday, and will continue Friday and Saturday. Among the amusements planned for the celebration are ball games between Temple and Brenham, and Carmine and Brenham, music by a brass band of Brenham, speaking by several orators, and other events.
“The feature of the first day will be an address on “Good Roads” to be delivered at the park at 6:30 this afternoon by Hon. D.C. Giddings, and an immense crowd of colored people is expected to hear this talk.
“Those in charge of the celebration say that a parade has been planned for Friday, which will be the big day, many additional visitors being expected to arrive tonight.
“In addition to the Brenham event it is stated that a large number of celebrations were held Thursday in various parts of the county, each community having its own barbecue or some other observation of the day.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 20, 1919 p1
“Speaker on Good Roads Made Long Trip Horseback
“Tom Botts Attended Nineteenth Celebration and Was Stuck in Mud.
“T.B. Botts and A.C. Becker are not in the habit of taking horseback rides as a regular form of exercise, and they wish it thoroughly understood that they are strong for automobiles and good roads. However, despite their preference for automobiles as a means of traveling over the county they were forced to make a trip of twelve miles through mud and water, over one of the worst roads there is in existence, on horseback Thursday night. That is, they could take their choice of riding horses or walking, so they rode.
“It was this way:
“The colored residents of Palestine, a negro settlement about twelve miles from Brenham on the Old Washington road, held a big Nineteenth celebration Thursday, and the feature of the entertainment was an address on “Good Roads” by T.B. Botts, one of the leading boosters of the Washington County Good Roads association. he was accompanied by A.C. Becker, another good roads, enthusiast, and they both report a splendid meeting and much enthusiasm.
“So far, so good. But of course the rain which we have grown to expect daily made its appearance and it was a regular rain, too, falling in torrents between five and six o’clock. It was impossible to make the trip back to Brenham in a car, so Messrs. Botts and Becker rode horseback. They say the road was full of water a foot deep in some places, but they reached Brenham with no trouble, though both they and the horses were covered with mud. Mr. Botts left his care at Palestine and it’s still there.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, May 23, 1922 p4
“Two Days Celebration.
“At the Chauncey S. Williamson Park.
“We will celebrate the emancipation of the colored people on the 19th and 20th of June, 1922. Come one, come all, good music will be furnished for the occasion.
“Willie L. Williamson, President.
“Charlie Hopkins, Vice-President.
“Willie Toliver, Secretary.
“Committee on Music.
“John Randle, Chairman.
“Willie L. Williamson, President.
“Willie Toliver, Secretary.
“W.S. Grant, Asst. Secretary.
“Adv.49-1t”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 8, 1922 p4
(This is a very large ad for the “Emancipation Celebration!)
“2 -Days Emancipation Celebration 2-Days
“At Chauncey S. Williamson’s Park - Brenham, Texas
“The Colored People will celebrate the Emancipation of the Colored People in the City of Brenham, at Chauncey S. Williamson’s Park
“On the 19th and 20th of June, 1922
“This park contains 8 acres, located 5 blocks Northwest of the Central Passenger Depot. It has a large Pavilion, Two-Story Hall, Stationary Stands, large Trees for shade and Electric Lights. Cone One, Come All! Everybody is welcome in this Colored Park, which is owned by one colored man.
“Miss Carry Dorram
“Goddess of Liberty
“Officers and Committees
“Willie Williamson...President
“Charlie Hopkins...Vice President
“Willie Toliver...Secretary
“W.S. Grant, Jr. ...Assistant Secretary
“Frank Hubert...Treasurer
“Prof. Sid C. Isles, of Houston, Texas, and his band will furnish for the occasion.
“Amusements
“Free Exhibition Boxing. Manager of the boxing: Eli Randle. 6 preliminaries. 2 main bouts, featuring: Jack White of Galveston vs. Walter Henderson of Brenham, weight 155 pounds, 10 rounds. Chester Walker of Houston vs. Young Langford of Beaumont, weight 145 pounds, 10 rounds.
“Visiting baseball teams will play and other amusements will be had. Prof. J.T. Harris of Brenham will be master of ceremonies. The Proclamation of the Emancipation will be read by John D. Lenued.
“Prof. C.E. Simmons, Ex-Postmaster of Boley, Okla., who was appointed by President Wilson, served for 7 years with credit and resigned, will be orator of the day.
“Committee on Invitation
“Mrs. J.H. Porter, Mrs. Mary E. Harris, Mrs. W.S. Grant Jr., Mrs. Mittie Long, Mrs. Sophie Jackson, Mrs. Ellen McGregor, Mrs. Rosa Hubert, Miss Mary Johnson, Mrs. J.J. Campbell, Miss Lucy Holland, Miss Mary Emma Sledge, Mrs. Harriet Doram, Miss Susie Stevenson, Mrs. Beatrice Jackson, Mrs. Annie Brown, Mrs. Birdie Randle, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Bessie Meredith, Mrs. Nettie Braxton, Mrs. Gillie Williams, Mrs. Rebecca Collens, A.B. Edwards, Mrs. Mirtle Johnson, Mrs. Josephine Smith, Mrs. Maria Rogers, Mrs. Jane Perkins, Mrs. Freedonia Donney, Mrs. Eller Hassaway, Mrs. Addie Lewis, Mrs. Lizzie Gilmore, Mrs. Laura Williams, Mrs. James Chappel, Mrs. Kollie Daniels, Mrs. Nettie M. Dubose, Mrs. E.A. Toliver, Mrs. Mable harris, Miss Mamie Chappell, Miss Clarie Daniels, Miss Suie Addie Smith, Mrs. Lu Eller Walker, Miss Pearl Brisco, Miss Milborne West, Mrs. Verna West, Miss Nancy Brisco, Miss Retter Brisco, Miss Johnnie Mae Armbrister, Mill lillian Lewis, Miss Cora Punchard, Miss Pearlie Harris, Miss Harris, Miss Daisy Olney, Miss Mary Young, MMiss Sarah Hornsby, Mrs. Mary Jane Smith, Mrs. Lena Nelson, Mrs. Jessie McCowan, Mrs. Mary Lenued, Mrs. Walter Henderson, Fannie Jackson, Rev. R.S. Smith, Dr. J.H. Porter, Rev. Wesly Barber, Rev. Joe Bouldan, J.J. Campbell, Rev. Ruffin Bouldan, Milton Barber, Rev. Paiten Alexander, Rupert Chappell, Rupert Secrett, Herman Hasaway, McCoy Ewings, Albert Sims, Hilliard Punchard, Jim Dickson, B.H. Harris, O.W. Dubose, Dan Nickerson, Tommie Walker, John Henry Newsom, Allen Nelson, Joe Smith, Robert Meredith, Willie Toliver, John Banks, Alfred Speaker, John Sims. Earl Johnson, Tom Collins, Bob Banks, Mose Hubert Jr., A.H. Hicks, Tommie Riggan, Mr. Collie Boram, Johnnie Mae Hubert.
“Dr. G. Murphy of Dallas, Texas, will speak and J.R. Murphy, D.D. of the city, will lecture. Thursday, the 8th, stands will be sold to the highest bidders at 5 p.m. at the Pavilion.
“Frank Harris, Wade Walker, Robert Chappell, Dan Porter, George Ferguson, N.H. Hutchins, Will Hill, Alex Hughes, James Chappell, Tom Hubert, Sr., Wash Dannney, Herman Randle, Haywood Johnson, Mrs. Clarance Ashberry, Mrs. Essie Hubert, Eli Williams, Rev. Irvin McCowen, Miss Lizzie Armbrister, Miss Lillie Allen, Mrs. Annie McCowen
“Willie L. Williamson...President, Willie Toliver...Secretary, Charlie Hopkins...Vice President, Frank Hubert...Treasurer.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 19, 1922, p1
“2 Celebrations of Emancipation Day Occur Here
“The colored citizens of Brenham staged two very creditable celebrations of Emancipation Day Monday, and if the rival factions could see their way to uniting for one big celebration they could do something that would be much more worthwhile and that would bring thousands of colored visitors to the town, as was the case years ago, when special trains brought visitors by the hundreds from various points in this section of the state. Of course the two factions endeavor to outdo each other, but they should show a spirit of friendliness and co-operation, and get together next year.
“The first parade passed through the business streets shortly before one o’clock, and wended its way to Bruch’s pasture, where various amusements were provided. The parade was led by marshals on horseback, followed by an orchestra, then the Goddess of Liberty, Thelma Parrish, with her attendants, riding in decorated cars that showed care, taste and hard work. Several organizations followed, school children were in line and a number of boys rode horseback.
“The second parade, which was in charge of Chauncey Williamson and assistants, formed about 1:30, with marshals on horseback leading, followed by boys carrying the flags of many nations. Sid Isles Band, a well known aggregation of Houston musicians, was in line and discoursed excellent music. The goddess of liberty Carrie Dorrum, rode in an elaborately decorated float, which was followed by other cars, and floats, well decorated. This parade repaired to Chauncey Williamson’s Park.
“Barbecue dinners, with plenty of eats, and other attractive features were provided for the celebrations.
“A dance will be held in the pavilion at Chauncey Williamson’s park tonight and also Tuesday night, and white people are especially invited as spectators. Reserved seats at 25 cents each have been reserved for spectators, who must also pay 25 cents to get in the park.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, April 11, 1923 p4
“The Chauncey S. Williamson Park committee met April 9th, 1923, and decided to give the Emancipation Celebration, June 19th and 20th t the Chauncey S. Williamson Park in the ciity of Brenham. Frank Hubert was elected chairman on music and decoration for the parade. Candidates to make the race for goddess of liberty will be nominated later. Ad. 13-1t.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, April 30, 1923 p4
“Emancipation Celebration
“We are striving to make the Emancipation Celebration a grand one which is to be held at the Chauncey S. Williamson Park in the city of Brenham on the 19th and 20th of June, 1923. Candidates for Goddess of Liberty: Miss Rebecca Harris, of Brenham, Miss Mozell McDermott, of Chappell Hill and Nellie M.Hubert, of Somerville. These young ladies are popular and are striving to win the honor. They thank anyone in advance for their votes. We are striving to make the celebration a grand one. Chauncey S. Williamson Park Committee. - Ad. 28-1t.
(This ad ran daily throughout May.)
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 7, 1923 p1
“Retail Merchants Assn. Will Enjoy Barbecue June 26
“Copies of the appended letter have been sent to all members of the Brenham Retail Merchants association:
“Dear Member:
“At a Directors meeting of the Association, held on the 6th day of June at 3 p.m., there were present: Wm. Seidel, Jr., Geo. Wehrmann, Arthur Hohlt, Hy Winkelmann, A.C. Becker, Ben Schleider, and Secty. Amsler. The meeting was called to order by President Seidel, and the subject of donating to Emancipation celebration, collectors was again discussed. In view of the fact that the association had information that two or more celebrations were in progress of arrangement and that the members should not be expected to donate to several celebrations and not wanting to discriminate, it was decided that the directors go on record as recommending to the members of the Association to make no donations.
“The Mayor has previously used his best efforts to get the promoters of these celebrations together and have one good celebration that would be a credit to the colored people of Brenham, but his efforts, it seems, have been in vain. Unless the Directors can be given positive proof that the colored people will join and have but one celebration, the recommendations as given above will remain unchanged.
‘It was unanimously decided that all the members of the association hold their annual meeting and election of officers on Tuesday June 26, at 6:30 p.m. with a barbecue at Firemen’s Park. As there is sufficient shelter under which to hold this meeting and barbecue, rain will not interfere. The meeting will be held as announced.
“Members should think over the trials and tribulations of the past year’s business and be prepared to place them before the meeting. Some one may have had some of the same difficulties and overcome them. This association should be and is for mutual benefit, and free discussion should be had. Very likely we will have some short talks by out of town people.
“F.L. Amsler, Secretary; Retail Merchants Ass’n of Brenham, Texas.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 19, 1923 p1
“Two Emancipation Day Celebrations Held in Brenham
“As usual the colored citizens of Brenham divided forces and staged two Emancipation celebrations, though their white friends and urged them to forget their differences and join in one big celebration that would be a credit to them and would draw large crowds.
“Shortly after one o’clock Tuesday two parades, each with marshals on horseback, goddess of liberty and attendants in decorated automobiles, and several other floats, some of them quite clever, passed through the business streets, and one faction repaired to Chauncey Williamson’s Park, the other to Bruch’s Park. The two celebrations are now in progress, the attendance being smaller than in former years.
“If the two factions would get together and hold one celebration their white friends would help them and the affair could be made a big success. But Brenham is not large enough for two successful celebrations held in opposition to each other.”
Brenham Daily Banner-Press, June 22, 1923 p4
“Emancipation Day Celebration Held By The Churches
“(Contributed)
“The real celebration among Brenham’s best colored people was pulled off at Williamson’s Park June 19th and 20th. Leaders were Frank Hubert, representing New Hope Baptist church, Prof. C.H. Hogan, St John A.M.E. church; James Williams and Gus Allen, Mt Zion M.E. church. These churches set up the eatables and soft drinks and ice cream.
“Under pressing conditions they staged a patriotic parade showing their love for the laws and country. Rebecca Harris was maid of honor and read with fervor the Emancipation Proclamation that set four and a half million negroes free.
“Too much praise can not be given that class of negro - Christian negro people for the peaceful way in which they pulled off this celebration, not a single row during the two days enjoyment.
“C.S. Williamson donated the park free of charge since the churches took the initiative in the affair.
“Leaders from out of town who took part in the affair were Dr. R.B. Reif of Navasota, who motored over, and Rev. P.E. Edwards of Hufsmith.
“We are very thankful to the city fathers who accorded ...of true citizenship in the… this beautiful city.
‘A Christian Negro.”
Hi fellas,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this wonderful article really!
If someone want to read more about that cemetery arrangements I think this is the right place for you!
Hi fellas,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this wonderful article really!
If someone want to read more about that gravesite flowers I think this is the right place for you!
Good research. I found an article on Brenham emancipation day/Juneteenth celebrations while doing some research on Columbus. It isn't one you have here, but it is similar. I noticed it made reference to the "Emancipation Grounds." I am wondering if this is the same place where, in June, 1865, a Bvt. General was sent to Brenham to make a speech that discussed emancipation (a few days after the June 19 proclamation at Galveston.
ReplyDeleteSorry for such a late reply, but I don't check here very often.
DeleteI would be interested in the article, since the research goes ever onward. I've also come across several references to Emancipation Celebrations in the Freedmen Bureau records, and have since incorporated them into an article which also includes a more contemporary (early twentieth century) account of the battle of the jazz bands in Brenham.
I appreciate your response, since it's always good to know that someone is reading this. I'll try to post more, including an updated article on Emancipation Celebrations.