Independence Day in 1873 – Festivities in Grant City, Allenville, and Oxford

Back in 1873, Fourth of July celebrations were held in Grant City, Allenville (now Allendale), and Oxford which drew many people, according to the Grant City Star of July 10th, 1873.

In Grant City, the day was started with the firing of anvils at the break of dawn, then the flag was raised in the Courtyard. By 8 am, people from all over the county had streamed in to take part, and the Grant City Cornet Band began to play. At 9, a procession of delegations was organized by Judge Kirkpatrick, who was Marshal of the Day, along with Captain Jackson Dye, Wesley Watson, Isaac Salisbury, and William Malan. They formed themselves into groups and marched around the Square, with the Grant City Cornet Band, the Isadora Martial Band, and the Union Township Glee Club marching to the grove on the south end of town. By way of comparison, early 1900’s Decoration Day ceremonies involved marching to the Grant City Cemetery on the west end of down.

The Union Township (which includes Sheridan) delegation brought over 100 wagons to the parade that year, and they were presented with a large flag. After more music from the Glee Club and the Cornet and Martial Bans, Rev. Rathburn offered a prayer. Following more music, John H. Pierce, Esq., read the Declaration of Independence, and Rev. Bloomer delivered the oration.

Following a one hour break for lunch, more activities followed all day, starting with the Cornet Band playing “Yankee Doodle.” Miss Lottie Stevenson then presented the winning flag to Miss Jane Simmons and Mr. Edward Allee of the Union Township delegation. Toasts and responses were given by Capt. Collins, Rev. Rathburn, and Mr. John Allee Sr. Mr. Goodwin of Lanning’s Mill, in Nodaway County, sang a national song to close.

For Allenville, the firing of anvils and firecrackers at the crack of dawn woke up the town, and Captain Calhoon was named Grand Marshall. Festivities started at 9:30 am, and a procession of 150 wagons was formed. Around 1,500 people attended. A Martial Band was formed and led a procession to a grove northwest of town, where Rev. Jones opened with prayer and W.C. Jones read the Declaration of Independence. Judge Goodman gave the oration, followed by a basket lunch.

In the afternoon, short speeches were given by Rev. Jones, John Ewing, and R.T. McLain. Subsequently, the young folks went to either the Eagle Hotel for a dance or a sociable at the Ohio House. At its peak that day, the Allenville crowd numbered between 2,000 and 4,000 people. Even today, the annual Fourth of July Breakfast at Allendale draws over 800 people.

At Oxford, Mr. D.S. Ethington was the Marshal of the Day, and people marched from the grounds to the town and back. A.P. McAfee read the Declaration of Independence. Speakers were Captain Bentley of Sweet Home and Dr. O.S. Harding.

Led by a band, the crowd then marched to dinner and then subsequently went to Sharp’s Mill and the community hall in Oxford to dance.