Labor Day Parade and Bayfield Apple Show

Floats in the Labor Day Parade  

Monday, September 6, 1909, will be a day, long to be remembered, by the labor organizations of Ashland and Bayfield. For this reason, those organizations clasped hands in brotherly love and friendly intercourse and mutually celebrated the occasion in this city. The Longshoreman’s Union attended in a body and there were a large number of men from the mills and other occupations present.

The committee on decorations was busy Saturday erecting arches of evergreens over the broad street leading from the depot to the intersection of Rittenhouse Avenue to the city dock on Front Street.  Across Broad Street on Fant Avenue (Presently Manypenny Avenue) near the depot, were planted the word “Welcome”, the same also at the large quadruple arch on Rittenhouse Avenue.  Also, another “Welcome” emblem across Front Street, opposite the City Dock boat landing (was provided).

One of the floats was designed by William Knight and had for representation “apples, cherries and plum trees in fruit”. Bayfield Progress, September 09, 1909, W. H. Holmes- Editor

The Bayfield Apple Show

Bayfield Progress September 24, 1914
C.E. Patterson- Publisher

One day last week an informal apple show was held at the little city of Bayfield, Wisconsin.  The original conception of the idea was an assembly of state fair exhibits for Milwaukee and God Speed for the success of the county. Bayfield has had a hard fight for recognition as a fruit growing center of commercial proportions. Last year at the State Fair, it won horticultural honors which were grudgingly conceded. This year the argument will be presented by Bayfield with considerable vigor. 

The display made last week at the little city farthest north in Wisconsin was something of a revelation to even the inhabitants of the district.  It visualized the commercial proportion which the tree fruits had attained. This year the orchards of J. F. Houser (sic for Hauser), C.T. Andreas, John Hagberg, Nels Hagman, Charles Reiss and A.M. Thompson are contributing to the State Fair display and the commercial resources of the little city under the hill. Strawberries, currants, gooseberries, raspberries, and all small fruits have shipped from Bayfield for a number of seasons.  Anyone will admit that the small fruit industry is a reality on the peninsula, but this year the emphasis is on apples.

This history brief was written by Robert J. Nelson. Generously sharing our local history through his research and writing.