The age-herald., 1900-07-05
IN THE GREAT DAY
 WAS GREATEST FUN
The Nations Anniversary Was Observed Joyfully.
ABSENCE OF LAWLESSNESS
Marked the Fourth in Birmingham and Jefferson County-An Ex- traordinary Celebration.
 Grocers at Blount

The one hundred and twenty-fourth anni- versary of the birth of the Republic was a genuine old-fashion Fourth of July" in Birmingham and the district. Probably never before was the holiday so generally, fully and freely observed here. There was almost a complete cessa- tion of general business; and added to the multtudes of the city was a multitude of visitors from the outlying districts, though every community had some sort of celebra- ton.
 Notwithstanding the attractions in the suburban parks and resorts, the streets were crowded all day. The railways and trolley lines did an enormous business in the way of passenger traffic. All the sources of the trolley lines were employed in moving the people; and it is but just to add that General Superintendent McClary's arrangements were most admirable and satisfactory. The crowds were handled with remarkable quickness and smooth ness.
 And the most pleasing feature of the days extraordinary celebration was the almost total absence of breaking and rowdyism in all it's forms. There were
 
 cency than on ordinary days.
 As an act of precaution, Sheriff o Brien sent deputy sheriffs to all the important celebrations in the suburbs and through out the county, and his deputies reported last night that all had been we'll Thus, in so far as could be ascertained, there had not been in Jefferson County a se- rious violation of law that was due to the Fourth of July spirit of fun and frolic.
 This fact afforded Sheriff O'Brien the liveliest satisfaction, and it will be pleasing to all citizens
 Among the special features of the day was the excursion of the Wholesale Grocers and Retail Grocers Associations to Blount Springs. The excursionists num- bered about five hundred, and they trav- elled to and from Blount by special train. Their outing was exceedingly happy, and it was marred by not accident The dinner served was most abundant-enough to feed a thousand-as was becoming most especially of grocers as hospitable and gen. erous as those of Birmingham
 The Clerks and Salesladies' Associations and their guests filled beautiful North Bir- mingham Park with merriment, and the greatest of all good times was had It is believed that there were 5000 people in the park during the afternoon. The trolley service was especially praiseworthy.
 Fifteen hundred people paid for admis- sion to the theatrical performance at East Lake in the afternoon, and twelve hundred at night
 At Lakeview the amateur opera combined with the general attractions of that crowds in thp afternoon and evening. The theater hall was constantly crowded to it's fullest ca pacity, and the public displayed warmest appreciation of the clever Elite com pany.
 The Grand Army of the Republic and the coordinate Sons of Veterans, with their great number of guests, had merry time in the delightful park at Avondale. Organized labor spent the day at Tuxedo Park, and an immense crowd enjoyed the fun, games and sports throughout the day. There were happy speeches, songs, dances and an unequalled fund of fun.
 At Bessemer- there was a great barbecue, basket dinner and picnic and the celebra- ton was in the fullest degree successful.
 These were simply the leading celebra- tions of the day There were scores of smaller and private events.
 The colored population was in it's glory. The districts in town frequented by the negroes were densely crowded until far into last night The chief points of interest for the coored folk were Traction Park, East Birmingham, the Baseball Park, North Birmingham and Liberty Park, be- tween the city proper and Thomas. At each place the crowd immense, and the most uproarious publications were had.