The first meeting to arrange for the Decoration Day exercises was held May 8, 1873. The Cedar Rapids Daily Republican of the following morning has the following interesting account of the meeting:
"The meeting called for the purpose of taking measures to suitably observe Decoration Day, took place at the City Hall last night.
"It was called to order by A. D. Collier, Esq., upon whose motion J. H. B. Otto was elected president of the meeting.
"On motion of Hiel Hale, A. N. Neidig was chosen secretary.
"On motion of Mr. Collier, a committee of five was appointed to recommend names to the meeting for the various committees to be appointed to make preparations for that day.
"The following persons were selected as said committee:
"A. D. Collier, Geo. A. Lincoln, D. A. Dingman, P. H. Francis, Hiel Hale.
"After some time spent in deliberation the committee reported the following names to be placed upon the several standing committees. They also reported names of persons as officers of the day, the whole report being adopted:
"President of the day, Capt. Wm. B. Leach.