by Pete Zizka
7-1-2023
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Fourths of July Past by Pete Zizka 7-1-2023 |
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According to newspaper articles from the time, during
the years from 1880-1920, the scope of July 4th celebrations
in and around Willimantic went from no public activities at all to the
huge 1910 and 1911 celebrations in Willimantic. As the Fourth
approaches, we’ll look back at what was being offered around 140 years
ago. In 1880, the Chronicle reported that it had taken three days to
celebrate the Fourth. The celebrations began on Saturday, July 3rd
when the Willimantic Brass Band held a clambake and dance at Young’s
Grove. This had become a yearly tradition for the Band and it would be
announced in the paper. “The Willimantic band are making arrangements
for a picnic at Young's grove on the glorious Fourth.” (Young’s Grove
was a popular location and was used by many organizations as the site
for picnics, barbecues and other activities. It was located on Lebanon
Avenue, near Pleasant Street.) Meanwhile, the National Band took a day
trip to Lyman’s Viaduct for a dance and upon returning provided a
concert and “a pleasant social dance until Midnight at Lyceum Hall (on
Bank Street). On the Fourth, The Children's Progressive Lyceum assembled
at Young's grove and held a basket picnic. Mr. H.N. Bill conductor, read
the Declaration of Independence, after which the audience sang
"America." Mr. George W. Burnham read an original poem entitled
"Patriotic Liberty". The Willimantic Band finished off the celebrations
on Monday, July 5th with yet another dance at Young’s Grove.
In Coventry, the Hammond and Wallen Orchestra hosted, “a grand promenade
concert” at Tillinghast's hall. upon the eve of July 4th. Besides vocal
and instrumental music there was, “dancing, ice cream, beverages and
seasonable fruit”. In the late
1870s and early 1880s, races and “horse trots” were held on the Fourth
at Pleasant Valley Park, which was the early home to the Willimantic
Fair. Many other attractions were added over the years it it was a
popular destination. Even after the Fair moved to what is now Rec Park,
the July 4th celebrations continued at the new location. “:
Don't Forget It. Grand Fourth of July Entertainment at The Willimantic
Fair Association Grounds. Base Ball, Military Drill, Balloon Ascension,
Rhode Island Clam Bake, Foot Races, Greased Pig and Greased Pole,
Bicycle and Egg Races. Trotting in 3:00 and 2:35 classes, dancing
afternoon and eve'g, good music.”. In North Windham, in 1883, there was
a “social gathering in which the patriots old and young participated on
the fourth of July. A clam chowder together with the usual
accompaniments of a picnic were dispensed to a hungry crowd. Various
games were indulged in. Jubilee songs were sung, and fireworks from both
earth and sky concluded the day's festivities. In Willimantic, there was
a “a pleasant gather on the grounds of Alphonse Gelinas which was
chiefly enjoyed by the French population”. In 1884, the Columbia Cornet
Band held a picnic on Columbia Green. “All are invited; bring all the
children. The Columbia Cornet band will furnish music”. Of course, there
were some who were concerned with safety and so, a Mr. A.D. Bigelow and
a large number of other citizens presented a petition to the borough
authorities asking them to take measures to prevent the use of
explosives within the limits of the borough. “A special meeting of the
burgesses was held…, and it was voted to warn all persons against the
use of fire crackers, torpedoes and toy pistols, etc, except on July 4th”.
In 1881, the editor of
the Chronicle mentioned that he had found an old ticket to a celebration
of the Fourth which was to be held in 1826. The tickets were issued by
Guy Hebard whose tavern was on Pleasant Street. The ticket read,
“National Jubilee. The subscriber will furnish a good Dinner, Liquors,
Punch, Powder, Cannon, and a Band of Musick, for the Celebration of the
4th of July next. Price of Tickets One Dollar. Willimantic June 7th
1826. Guy Hebard."
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