Fourth of July Celebrations01

 

WAUPACA REPUBLICAN POST

July 7, 1910

 

EARLY CELEBRATIONS IN WAUPACA COUNTY

Dana Dewey Tells of Fourth of July Celebrations In The Early Days of Waupaca

 

            In 1850 the first celebration of the 4^th of July held in this county was held on Lone Pine hill in the town of Lind.  About thirty were present coming mostly from the Chandler settlement.  They listened to no history of the Grand and Glorious Republic by a July orator, but enjoyed the time as well with their picnic dinner and toasts and the singing of patriotic songs. Several started from Waupaca but the news reached them that Duane Ware who was then carrying the mail between Plover and Waupaca Falls, was lost somewhere between the two places.  Of course we all turned back to assist in the search.  He was found on Sessions’ Prairie.  Our celebration was spoiled but we thought it glory enough for one day to find a lost boy.  Those who were at the celebration claim to have had an excellent time.

            In 1851 the celebration was held on what is now the Couth House square, then a fine grove of small trees. Rev. Silas Miller was the chaplain, E.C. Sessions read the Declaration of Independence, David Scott delivered the oration, N.P. Judson was toast-master, and Cranberry Jones made an impromptu speech.  With speaking and excellent picnic dinner, and with the noise and bustle made, by discharge of crackers, and by refreshment criers, the day passed off rapidly.  The ordinance used in arousing the spirits of young Americans was an anvil placed on the bank near the river.

            In 1852 we celebrated on the hill at the head of Mill Street.  Cutting Marsh was chaplain, David Scott moderator, S.F. Ware read the Declaration, Dr. I.W. Thayer and Wm. G. Cooper delivered orations, Wilson Holt declined to speak.  John Attsly was marshal.  This was the first celebration at which we had a marshal.  Our band, which furnished music for the occasion, consisted of a Mr. Darling, Isaac and Azarial West.  Mr. Darling played the fife and the two Messrs. West played the drums.  Just before noon we were formed in line and headed by the band marched down to the old “Exchange Tavern” then run by A. Vanduzee.  We then marched back and partook of a most sumptuous repast.  After dinner all felt so jolly good natured that it was decided to stay the rest of the day.  So we remained having our supper on the grounds.  In the evening the air was enlivened by “fire-works” and a burning barrel of tar which Erastus Putnam fired for our benefit.

            In 1853 we celebrated in the grove near the old Marsh place.  Cutting Marsh again officiated as captain, Wilson Holt read the Declaration, and Hon. E.L. Browne delivered an excellent oration.  Doctor Heath was marshal.  The choir for the occasion consisted of Robert Hampson, Sarah and Kitie Marsh and Mr. and Mrs. Horace Baldwin.  After the exercises we marched back to town for dinner.  At the close of the day, after the display of “fire-works”, all united in expressing pleasure for what it had brought them.  As I was to chronicle nothing but what happened in the early times, and as there was no celebration in 1854 I have considered it best to stop at the celebration of ’53.  It may not be improper to state that whenever since that time Waupaca has tried to celebrate, that she has made a success of it as she does in all her undertakings.