History: The Colby Phonograph (4 June 1884)

Contact:  R. Lipprandt
Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: GHOCA

----Sources: THE TRIBUNE-PHONOGRAPH (Clark County, Wis.) Vol. 47, No. 22, p. 4 Wednesday, 30 May 2007

Last Friday, May 30th, was a day that will be long remembered by the citizens of this village. The day dawned right and clear, and at an early hour people began to flock into the village in holiday attire.

At about ten o’clock, or a little before, the bugle call sounded in the G.A.R. hall, and those who were once known as the "boys in blue," began to assemble there in answer to the exhilarating notes of the bugle. The members of the Post and all old soldiers were formed into line and headed by the Colby band, marched to the depot, there to await the arrival of the Marshfield, Spencer and Medford Posts.

The trains were nearly on time, therefore the boys did not have long to wait.

The Medford Post was the first to arrive, and, on account of the Commander of that Post being the orator, was given the post of honor at the head of the column. The Spencer Post soon arrived, accompanied by a delegation from Marshfield, and were placed second in rank, the home boys bringing up the rear.

The ranks being formed, the order "Forward, March" was given by officer of the day, G. W. Ghoca. The order of the march was from the depot to Division Street, thence North to Spence Street, thence West to Front Street, South to Clark Street, thence West to Second Street and again, North to the hall.

The hall had been handsomely decorated for the occasion with evergreens, flags, etc. while on the stage, a faithful representation of a grave had been constructed, at the head of which stood an excellent counterfeit of a plain white marble shaft letters, "To the Memory of our Nation’s Dead," at the foot an ordinary foot stone lettered, "F.C.L."