Timeline: 1908
September: “Emancipation Day was observed in Champaign in the evening at Imperial Hall. 75 couples in attendance.” Champaign County News, September 26, 1908, page 9.
Preston Bridgewater (1873–1921) of Tuscola, IL, played the Clarinet for Ringling Brother’s Annex Band as well as other circus annex (sideshow) bands throughout his career. His two sons Cecil and Harold “Pete” Bridgewater became noted musicians in Champaign-Urbana.
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