 By 1895, most villages were celebrating July Fourth by sticking closer to home, rather than traveling to larger celebrations in towns like Williamsport. That town celebrated by having orators read The Declaration of Independence, and enlisted Lawyers and Judges to give patriotic speeches. This was usually followed by basket picnics.
When someone wanted to host a celebration, they simply told Darwin Streeter, the Editor of the Emmons County Record. The host would specify whether to bring a basket picnic, or note that food was being served, as well as liquid refreshments. Editor Streeter would publish a notice, and everyone was cordially invited, to come spend the day, and the evening, as well. Nate Shorman advertised his Fourth celebration. About 200 people, including their children, responded.
At the mouth of Beaver Creek, Nate Shorman had created a “well-kept, circular racetrack,” according to reports by The Emmons County Record. He had also erected an elevated judges’ stand, overlooking the track. Underneath was a small stand that sold lemonade and cigars. There was boating in the creek, and Shorman had built a small bridge across the creek for full access to the grove that surrounded it. Shorman had also built a permanent dance floor in a cool and shady grove that he had cleared of underbrush. People danced throughout the day. The paper reported that a “Ragamuffin Squad” of small children marched to the dance floor and joined in the dancing. In the large house adjacent to the grove, Shorman had created a large hall for dancing, which served for the “house dance” which was held in the evening. Musicians George Whalen and George Carman provided the music, and the dance lasted until dawn.
When the various horse races began, Sheriff Peter Shier, William Patterson and W. E. Petrie were chosen as judges. The Trotting Race lasted one mile, and the winner was the best two of three heats.
F.C. Walker’s black stallion named Tempter S. won both the second and third heats against F. E. Pierce’ s bay stallion named Clinker, Jr. The next race was the Free-for-All, a half-mile heat, with the best two out of three. Billy Knox, the horse ridden by Barney Burbage, won in two straight heats.
The Pony Race, a quarter mile race had four entries. The horse, Billy Knox, won the first heat. However, Minnie, ridden by Willie Lee, won the next two heats, and was the overall winner.
Nate Shorman told his guests that his grove was open to everyone, any time, for celebrations and picnics. In 1895, spending the Independence Day with all your neighbors was a sociable and pleasant way to celebrate the glorious Fourth.
Click on picture for larger view. The above was prepared and contributed by Mary E. Corcoran. |