The Ocala evening star., 1905-07-01
THE FOURTH A
CENTURY AGO.
Simplicity of Early Celebra-
tionS the Rule.

ducS, anu lllc vi VI
as many toasts as there were States
in the Union formed the characteris-
tic features of the early Fourth Of
July celebrations. There was less
noise a century ago than is usually
the case to-day, and absolutely no
overindulgence in fireworks. because
fireworks were so scarce that their
use was practically restricted TO the
public gardens. These popular re-
sorts, Of which there were several in
New York, Boston. Philadelphia. and
other large cities. were careful 70 an
nounce. often weeks beforehand. the
attractions prepared for the anniver-
sary day.
In New York an elaborate display
OF fireworks was always given in
the famous Vauxhall Gardens, and the
genial proprietor, Joseph Delacroix,
was occasionally more successful in
his advertisements than in the salts
factory results of his entertainments.
Patriotic fervor, then as now, fire.
quently overlooked a multitude of in
conveniences, but the VauXhall fire.
works in 1905 were evidently so mis-
erably disappointing that sarcastic
letters on the subject were published
in the newspapers.
Joseph Delacroix had stated that the
day would be celebrated in his gar
dens I'm style superior in taste and
magnificence to anything hitherto ex-
hibited in this city. No pains nor eX-
pense has been spared on his part TO
evince his profound attachment TO the
principles of the American Revolution
by contributing spectacles analogous
to the event for the amusement of the
public"
How well this boast was fulfilled
may be inferred from the following
criticism sent to one of the daily pa
pers the next day.
"A most terrible cracking was
heard by every ear, great light was
seen by every eye, and, above all,
mighty puffs of birthstone and smoke
were snuffed up by every noStril;
this. however, was very patiently en-
dured. because everything that had
dlSpidNt "dS COnSlutltu dS d
mere prelude to the astonishing spec
tacle alluded TO in Mr.. Delacroix's
monstrous advertisement. But, alas!
il was soon pretty evident that all
was over, and now, instead of bursts
of applause. nothing was TO be heard
but eXclamatiOns OF disappointment"
Seldom, however, were complaints
publicly expressed. There was a sim
plicity in the celebrations and a spon-
taneOus enthusiasm for the memories
of the day by both the young and old.
Nearly every town and village could
point with pride to Revolutionary vet
Grams, and the presence of these war
riors who had contributed their share
toward making the Declaration of In
dependence mean something to the
country added to the deep personal in
tereSt in the day The love for their
young country rang out true and clear
In every OratiOn and after-dinner toast.
During the early years of the last
century the celebration in New York
invariably opened with a discharge OF
cannon from the Battery. A parade
OF the militia and volunteer rifle or
ganiZations. accompanied by the lead
Ing societies Of the city, in which
Tammany was always well represent
ed. marched through Broadway below
the present City Hall, Wall Street,
and some of the other thoroughfares.
After a march of about an hour the
paraders filed into St. Paul's or some
other prominent church. where the
Declaration of independence was al
ways read. followed by an oration.
In the evening every tavern and cof-
fee house had a special Fourth of
July dinner. This latter custom was
universal. No hamlet was so small that
1t could not gather its company Of pa
triOtic diners in the village tavern,
where their enthusiasm was displayed
not only in repeated protestationS of
loyalty to their country but in drink
ing heartily to the tOasts. which al
ways corresponded in number to the
States in the Union.
In 1904 there were seventeen States,
and this system was continued sever
al years longer until the accumulation
OF States became so numerous that il
was an absolute impossibility for the
diners to keep pace with them in
drinking ability. and so. perhaps
somewhat regretfully. the time-honor-
ed custom of toast for a State was
abandoned.
In Boston there was also the inevit-
able parade. followed by services in
the Old South Church. The Boston
ians were intensely loyal TO John
Adams and the toasts proposed to his
honor were often far more eulogistic
than those given for jefferson. In
one this sentiment was expressed:
John Adams-toO wise for office,
too just for federation. Yet be il re-
membered that oStracism of Greece