The air in Moberly was filled with excitement and joy as the city prepared to celebrate Emancipation Day, a day long anticipated by the local community. The arrangements for the celebration were meticulous, ensuring that the event would be memorable for all who attended.

The festivities began the night before at the fairgrounds, where the local committee had barbecued one beef and five sheep, preparing a grand feast for their guests. The weather was incredibly favorable, with the thermometer registering a warm 100 degrees in the shade.

Early in the morning, the first excursion train arrived from Hannibal, packed to the brim with eager visitors, even to the point where some passengers were hanging onto the steps. This train stopped at the Ice Plant crossing, closer to the fairgrounds, but many passengers chose to walk back to the depot, mingling with the local crowd.

The next train, consisting of five coaches, arrived from the south on the M. K. & T. line, also filled with passengers and accompanied by a fine cornet band. Following closely was a train from Chillicothe, composed of seven coaches, also teeming with people. This train attached an additional accommodation car at Brunswick, arriving in Moberly with ten coaches and requiring two engines to pull it. Trains from the north and east, including a special from Columbia, also brought in large crowds. Additionally, the Huntsville delegation arrived in wagons, led by a robust brass band.

By mid-morning, the city was bustling with the largest gathering of colored folks ever seen in Randolph County or North Missouri. Visitors arrived on horseback, in carriages, wagons, and on foot, all converging to partake in the celebrations.

At 5 p.m., the cornerstone for the Second Baptist Church on Elizabeth Street was laid, a significant moment in the day’s events. Later, a band contest was scheduled at the courthouse at 7:30 p.m., promising to be a highlight of the evening.

The day’s program featured distinguished speakers and leaders, including President E. L. Scruggs, B.D. A.M.; Rev. S. W. Bascote, B.D., D.D. of Kansas City; Rev. D. S. Sawyers, D.D. of Chillicothe; Rev. M. Thompson, A.M. of Macon; Hon. Nelson Crews of Kansas City, G.M. of Masonic Lodge; and Prof. J. H. Pelham of Hannibal. These notable figures addressed the crowd, sharing their wisdom and celebrating the significance of Emancipation Day.

At the fairgrounds, a large crowd gathered in the amphitheater to witness a thrilling baseball game. Despite the heat, a refreshing breeze made the day enjoyable. Inside the floral hall, Rev. Brooks and his wife, along with others, presided over tables laden with food, which were being generously patronized by the attendees. Under the amphitheater, numerous booths offered a variety of delicious dishes, including fish, chicken, oysters, and ham, all cooked fresh on site. The dining tables were crowded, and the atmosphere was vibrant with conversation and laughter.

The general manager of the event, Rev. Botts, was a busy figure, proudly overseeing the day’s activities. The funds raised from this celebration were earmarked to support the construction of the Second Baptist Church, a cause close to the hearts of the community.

As the day progressed, the visitors continued to enjoy the festivities, with many expressing their admiration for Moberly and its hospitality. The sight of the bustling crowds and the sounds of joyous celebration were reminiscent of old times, evoking a sense of nostalgia and pride among the attendees.

The celebration at Lockwood Park culminated in a sense of unity and happiness, as people from all walks of life came together to honor Emancipation Day. The event was a testament to the community’s resilience and spirit, marking a memorable chapter in Moberly’s history.

This account, originally reported by the Moberly Weekly Monitor on Tuesday, August 4, 1914, and preserved by The State Historical Society of Missouri, captures the essence of a day filled with joy, pride, and community spirit.