HOSKINSON, Stuart/Stewart F.

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Memorial Day 1884

Stewart describes Seattle's Memorial Day observance to the National Tribune: "Comrade S. F. Hoskinson, Seattle, Wash. Ter., writes us that at noon on Memorial Day all business was suspended, and old and young turned out to decorate the graves. Fully 3,000 people assembled in the beautiful grove to witness the memorial exercises, which opened, after prayer by Rev. G. Herbert Watson, by services over the cenotaph by Stevens Post in memory of the unknown dead. Hon. Eben Smith, president of the day, delivered an eloquent and patriotic address, which elicited enthusiastic applause. Addresses were also made by Dr. T. T. Minor, orator of the day, and Hon. H. G. Struve, mayor of Seattle." The use of comrade to address Stewart is interesting. It is not a reference to communism. It did yet exist in 1884. It is likely a reference to the military term "comrade in arms." Stewart was an ex-soldier, the Tribune a very right leaning newspaper frequently offering lengthy stories on the Civil War written by veterans. Stewart appears to have been an avid reader of and correspondent with Tribune. Note prior to 1971, Memorial Day was always observed on May 30 vs the the last day of May since.