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Auditor Eulogizes Defenders of Fort Ridgley Before
Thousands at Celebration.
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PLEADS FOR RELIGIOUS
TOLERANCE IN ADDRESS
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Commemorates Sacrifices of Pioneer in Wresting Fertile Land From
Wilderness.
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A state park policy that will preserve historic spots for future generations is the greatest tribute Minnesota may pay its pioneers, Ray P .Chase, state auditor and park custodian, told thousands gathered at the annual Fort Ridgely celebration, Friday.
Viewing remains of old fort buildings that repulsed Indian attacks during a nine-day siege, tramping over hillsides that furnished ambush for stealthy redskins, and halting at the national cemetery containing graves of troopers who died in battle, visitors from many parts of Minnesota paid homage to those who repulsed the Sioux attacks 64 years ago and paved the way for retention of the Minnesota valley by the white man.
The celebration is sponsored annually by the Fort Ridgely State Park and Historical association and the Sioux Historical Trail association. Special train service brought hundreds, to hear Mr. Chase, old defenders and pioneers relate their experiences.
"If we are to have park and monument sites like Fort Ridgely, a grateful state should choose and set aside these spots with greater care and preserve them always as near perfection as possible, as monuments to the fact that Minnesota appreciates the sacrifices of her pioneers and that
To Commemorate Anniversary of Battle of Birch Cooley.
A grand historical pageant, with more than 400 characters in the cast, will be one of the big entertainment features at a celebration commemorating the 64th anniversary of the battle of Birch Cooley, which is to take place on the battle grounds, 1.5 miles northeast of Morton, next Thursday afternoon, September 2, beginning at 1:30 o'clock. Other features will be a military review and sham battle by the Redwood Falls and Olivia National Guard units.
Governor Theodore Christianson will be the orator of the day, and other prominent speakers are Mayor "Larry Ho" Hodgson of St. Paul, Hon. Gunnar Bjornson of Minneota, Senator Herman Schmechel of Fairfax, survivors of the battle of Birch Cooley, and old settlers.
Music will be furnished bf the 35-piece American Legion fife and drum corps of Redwood Falls, and the Franklin band. Indian powwows, special numbers, and novelty entertainers also are on the splendid program.
The M. & St. L. road has granted an excursion rate of one cent per mile, and free transportation from the depot to the battle grounds and return will be provided through the courtesy of the Morton Court, Catholic Order of Foresters.
Brown County Journal
August 27, 1926
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