4th of July Celebration 1905

Although America has long celebrated  the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776, it did not become a national holiday until 1870. The first celebration was observed with toasts and speeches at a special dinner for the Continental Congress in 1778.   Bristol, Rhode Island celebrated that same year with a 13-gun salute in the morning and again in the evening.

In 1905, Crittenden Springs in Crittenden County, Kentucky was the scene of much activity in celebration of the holiday. The following account is given in the 6 July 1905 issue of the Crittenden Press.

"Tuesday, July 4th, 1905 was a red letter day in the history of Crittenden Springs. The barbecue, grand ball and fireworks display had all been thoroughly advertised as was evidenced by the throngs which wound their way to the famous resort on this glorious day. From early dawn until late in the afternoon every conveyance that was available in the city was pressed into service and a jolly party it was."

Another account of the day's celebration was given in the same issue of the newspaper. 

"No 4th of July in the memory of the oldest inhabitants was ever celebrated in Marion as universally as was done last Tuesday. Every business house in Marion was closed by common consent, and many of the business men and their families went to the Crittenden Springs for the day, and remained over to see the fireworks and to witness the ball. The streets were deserted throughout the day and an air of quiet and rest was abroad in the city."

Current celebrations include some of these same activities. How do you plan to celebrate?

Crittenden Springs Hotel 1909

Published 3 July 2014, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/