A day and night of merrymaking is set to mark the local observance of Emancipation Day this Saturday, coinciding with the grand opening of Lockwood Field and Amusement Center, located just west of town. This celebration holds special significance as it unveils a new era for the community with the completion of a decade-long project.

The festivities will be highlighted by a thrilling baseball game between two of Missouri’s best Negro teams: the Moberly Gatewood Browns and the Higginsville Go-Devils. The excitement doesn’t end there, as dancing and continuous music will keep the celebratory spirit alive throughout the day and into the night.

Lockwood Field, a Negro amusement center, has been under construction for ten years and represents a significant investment in the community. W. E. Green of Moberly and J. P. Green of Sedalia, brothers and managers of the field, have poured approximately $10,000 into this project, making it a unique and notable establishment in this part of the state. The 20-acre field features a large amphitheater, an excellent baseball diamond, a spacious dancing pavilion, and 12 acres available for parking.

The celebration will begin at 1 o’clock with a welcome address by Dr. H. A. Longdon, setting the tone for a day filled with joy and camaraderie. At 2:30, the much-anticipated baseball game will commence, promising an exciting matchup. Throughout the day, the Central States Band will provide lively music, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Fount Taylor’s Orchestra will entertain with music for daytime dancing, while the renowned Cecil Scott’s Orchestra, famous from radio, will take over from 8 PM to 2 AM, ensuring that the night ends on a high note. The entertainment committee, led by William Gatewood and Herbert Brown, has meticulously planned the event, with Ralph Bass and Miss Rosebud Shelby managing refreshments. The music committee, overseen by Prof. John Hughes and Fount Taylor, guarantees a memorable musical experience.

Lockwood Field is conveniently located on Highway 24, just north of the Wabash tracks, about a mile west of town. This grand opening not only signifies the culmination of years of hard work but also promises to be a landmark celebration for the Negro community in and around Moberly.

This narrative captures the essence of the Emancipation Day celebration and the grand opening of Lockwood Field, as reported by the Moberly Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat. The State Historical Society of Missouri preserves this account, reflecting a day of historical importance and community pride.