Celebrating the 4th of July, 1861-Style

From the July 4th Long Recall Blog.

These are articles from era newspapers.

From the July 4th Philadelphia Inquirer.

July 4, 1861, the 85th anniversary of the United States "will be celebrated to-day in a manner worthy of the occasion." However, the City Council will not be giving money to help defray costs as it has in the past.

A Military Display by the Home Guard and Reserve Brigade was to take place in the morning and there was to be a parade by the Ellsworth Cadets (probably named for the slain hero Col. Elmer Ellsworth).

At Camden, the military fired salutes at daybreak and would have a parade.

There was no mention of fire works.


FIREWORKS

However, perhaps in New York City, I couldn't be sure, there was to be a "Grand Union Fireworks Display" at the corner of Arch and 21st streets on the night of the 4th.

Accommodations for 20,000 to view it were available and Beck's Band was to be on hand.

Tickets were either 5 cents or 25 cents (I couldn't make out the newsprint).

In addition, there was to be "Thirteen Tableaux of FIRE, Including Yankee Doodle Routing the Rebels and P_no Temple, in which the figure of Washington ____ ____ of the Army, amid showers of solver." Blanks where I couldn't make out the word.

So, even with war at hand, people in the North were still going to observe the celebration.

I wonder if they also had celebrations in the South.

By the Rockets Red Glare and All. --Old B-R'er