I can find no specific reason for this enormous turnout in Fairfield in mid-June, 1898, although neighboring Old Franklin EUB Church was marking its 60th anniversary at that time. One assumes the Fairfield M.E. was participating in some form. Churches typically drew large crowds for their homecoming events in those days.
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Verbatim from Jun 23, 1898, Brookville Democrat:
“It is estimated that at least five hundred people were on our streets at the memorial service last Lord's day. The capacity of the M.E. Church would not accommodate the guests who were present.
“Dr. T.L. Cooksey and G. Henri Bogart (the Poet Laureate of the White Water Valley) orated. The church was appropriately decorated with flags, bunting, pot plants and flowers. Two vocal solos given by Beulah Doyle, Worth Logan and Lucile Loper were encored. The quartette music was excellent.
"The opening song “America” and the closing song “God be With you Till We Meet again” were sung with spirit.
“We do not omit to make
particular mention of the patriotic ladies of the D. of R. and Daughters of
Pocahontas orders who were valued auxiliaries in the parade Sunday while
marching behind Old Glory. Earth would have had limited attractions for mankind
if the ladies were banished.”
