In 1917, The Ladies Improvement Club of Agness, Ore., organized a Fourth of July celebration for the people of Curry County.
Admission to the two-night, three-day affair was 25 cents, children under 12 free. This included a picnic lunch and fresh fruit.
A Methodist minister and accomplished artist, Melville T. Wire, arrived from Grants Pass, with an extensive exhibit of his etchings and watercolor paintings featuring Oregon landscapes. He delivered two opening-address speeches titled “The Price of Success” and “America in the World War.”
The oratory was followed by games and races and presentation of comical plays titled “Hiring a Servant” and “Spoopendyke’s Suspenders.” After dinner, the 22-member Agness Orchestra played works that included vocal and coronet solos. The audience singalongs featured old favorites titled “Home Sweet Home,” “America,” and the “Star Spangled Banner.” Dancing started at 10 p.m. for those who bought $1 tickets. The midnight supper cost an additional 25 cents.
The Curry County Reporter declared the event a success from social and financial standpoints, noting that the Ladies Improvement Club was pleased with the results.
Sources: Celebration at Agness." Ibid. 21 June 1917, p. 1; Allen, Ginny. "Melville Wire (1877-1966)." Oregon Encyclopedia, Oregon Historical Society/Portland State University, 17 Mar. 2018, oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/wire_melville_1877_1966_/#.XQkS2ohKiUl. Accessed 18 June 2019.
