By Gary Herrity
Special to the Herald
June 18, 2009 10:48 am
—
Once again, the Juneteenth Celebration will occur in Clinton on Friday.
This marks the third annual event here; nationally, the 144th. Clinton’s celebration is one of the best-organized in the Midwest.
Juneteenth is an annual observance to remember the time Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all of the last remaining slaves, on June 19, 1865, in Texas. This day is an opportunity for all people to celebrate freedom and equal rights in the United States.
It is particularly important this year, as America is beginning a new era during these trying financial times. Clinton’s celebration is on the riverfront, near the band shell. There will be lots of booths, food, entertainment and much frivolity. Students from summer school will visit in the morning. There will be entertainment on stage.
Two historical figures from our city’s past would especially delight at this gala — if only they could attend — and they would be featured individuals who would attract many to participate, because of their tremendous personalities: Elizabeth Fairfax and Money Harris.
They once walked the streets of Clinton spreading cheer and good will, and they are yet remembered for their contributions many years after their deaths.
Aunt Liz was a Civil War nurse who followed the Iowa regiments during the War and came north to Clinton afterward and spent over 40 years being an exemplary “poor person” in our community — selling pencils, soap, matches and other small items, as she toured this town between 1865 and her lonely death in 1908. Once, she had saved money for a trip to a Civil War commemorative encampment and the local businessmen made up her shortfall. Liz wrote back a delightful letter of thank you, which is still in existence at the Clinton County Historical Museum.
Elizabeth Fairfax died seemingly penniless in her humble apartment near the downtown in May of that year. Only a few people ever knew that she managed to put some children through college, and she left behind a nice bequest by saving her pennies and leading a simple life. All her clothes were laid out for burial when they found her, along with final instructions. She was laid to rest with military honors amongst the Civil War deceased in Springdale Cemetery.
Money Harris is still a well-known figure to this day!
He worked in Clinton’s residential areas during the daytime, delighting local children by teaching them favorite whistles as they helped him collect garbage. At night, Money collected garbage for downtown merchants and acted as their unofficial night watchman — which was much appreciated by the business community. Of course, Money was best known for his great feat of walking a slack rope (with rubber boots on!)… while waving in the breeze from atop his high perch between the Howes Building and the Van Allen Building, which he did in the 1930s. In 1955, at a more advanced age, he performed a similar (though not as high) show for amazed crowds at Clinton’s Centennial Celebration.
Both of these local celebrities would have loved to roam through the crowds at tomorrow’s Juneteenth Celebration. They were gregarious people who were constantly in the public eye, giving good example and good cheer to others: “Hey Man, how’re you doing?” “God Bless you, Honey.” “It’s so good to see you.” They brightened the days of thousands of people throughout the years. They were obviously great people.
When folks begin to think about race relations here in Clinton, they have warm thoughts about some of our wonderful African-American families. Our thoughts then might turn to the Underground Railroad and how almost 300 slaves traveled through Low Moor, Clinton and on into Illinois and points north in the bitter days before the Civil War.
None were ever caught, and no white “conductor” was ever apprehended. The U.S. marshal was known to patrol the main highway along Bluff Road. A few slaves hid out in fruit cellars along the way, but most of the masses of slaves hid in Andrew Bather’s cornfields… near his flower gardens on Camanche Avenue.
Later, they may have been clandestinely moved to a “safe house” on Second Street, where today’s Lafayette Apartments stand. Clinton performed a great, even if perhaps small role in the Underground Railroad system. One wonders what would have happened — how many slaves might have come north through Clinton — if the Civil War hadn’t happened; or, if it would have been delayed?
During this Bi-Centennial Year of Abraham Lincoln’s life, we should appreciate how far we have come as a nation and community at putting a modern face on our relationships amongst all people. Joyful figures like Aunt Liz and Money Harris did their parts so long ago. We must carry on today.
Make a stop at the Juneteenth Celebration and just walk around. The third Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Friday, June 19th at the Riverview Park band shell from noon to 8 p.m. Come and take part.
Also there are many Lincoln Bi-Centennial events going on in this region. Get on the Internet and find them. Also, be sure to visit Springfield, Ill., and the fabulous new Lincoln Museum, Old Courthouse (totally reconstructed stone by stone), the Lincoln Home and hundreds of other sites.
Sources: Past articles, Clinton Herald archives. Jan Hanson, curator at Clinton County Historical Museum.
Gary Herrity is the Clinton Herald’s historical columnist.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
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