The Village of North Pelham's Grand Fourth of July Celebration in 1907

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "The Haunted History of Pelham, New York"
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

"The celebration of Fourth of July of the year 1907,

will long be remembered by the residents of the town

of Pelham as the greatest in its history."

-- The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], July 5, 1907.

Each Fourth of July, Pelhamites are among patriotic Americans who celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.  The holiday actually is not a celebration of the "signing" of the Declaration of Independence.  Nearly a month passed before the actual signing of the document by most delegates. (New York delegates did not even give their assent to the Declaration until July 9.) It then took nearly two weeks for the Declaration to be "engrossed" -- i.e. written clearly and carefully on parchment.  Most delegates signed the engrossed Declaration on August 2, 1776, but five delegates did not sign until much later.  Additionally, two other delegates -- John Dickinson and Robert R. Livingston -- never signed it at all.

Pelham has a long and rich tradition of grand Fourth of July celebrations.  Indeed, I have written about a number of such notable celebrations.  See, e.g.:

Tue., Jul. 04, 2017:  Pelham's Fourth of July Celebration in 1877.

Mon., Jul. 04, 2016 19th:  Century Fourth of July Celebrations in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Jul. 04, 2014:  A History of Grand "Small-Town" Fourth of July Celebrations in Pelham.

Clearly the Fourth of July celebration in Pelham in 1907 was very special.  Indeed, it was a monumental spectacle that lasted the entire day and attracted "An Immense Crowd" that enjoyed a grand parade, oratory, music, and athletic games.  The athletic games alone attracted a crowd of two thousand spectators.  There was an official program for the celebration.  At least one local family had its photograph taken, dated, and placed on a Real Photo Postcard to commemorate the celebration.  And, as indicated above, one local newspaper reported the next day:  "The celebration of Fourth of July of the year 1907, will long be remembered by the residents of the town of Pelham as the greatest in its history."

Today, one hundred eleven years later and long after all who witnessed the celebration are dead and gone, Pelham "remembers" that long ago celebration.  Indeed, today's Historic Pelham Blog article documents a little of the celebration and transcribes a newspaper article that detailed the events of that day and the winners, results, and prizes awarded in the many athletic contests held that day.

Cover of the Program for the July 4, 1907 Celebration. Source:  Original

Held in Private Collection, But Image Provided to The Office of The

Historian of The Town of Pelham.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Although a committee of local citizens oversaw preparations for the big celebration in 1907, virtually the entire town was involved in the process.  The celebration began on Thursday, July 4, 1907 precisely at sunrise (4:29 a.m. that day since the concept of switching the clock back and forth due to daylight savings time did not gain widespread adoption in the U.S. until about the time of World War I).  At sunrise, a "salute committee" consisting of Paul W. Porter and H. Elliott Coe fire a 21-gun salute from a large mortar positioned in front of the North Pelham schoolhouse -- a forerunner to today's Hutchinson Elementary School that once stood on the same location.  The cannonading awoke Pelham residents, many of whom immediately stopped outside with their own firearms "of various kinds" and began firing to start the celebration.  

After breakfast, marchers planning to participate in a grand parade began to gather at Fourth Street (today's Lincoln Avenue) and Eighth Avenue.  At 10:00 a.m., the parade stepped off, headed to the North Pelham School grounds for formal ceremonies.  The order of the parade was as follows:

John T. Logan, marshal
Eisenberg Band of the Bronx
Chief Walter G. Barker of the Pelham Fire Department
Assistant Chief L. J. Buchanan of the Pelham Fire Department
Relief Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1 (in command of Foreman Kneeland Durham and Assistant Foreman Andrew Heisser)
Tuckahoe Fife and Drum Corps
Union Corners Hose Company (in command of Foreman Archer)
Fire Apparatus
Automobile containing Supervisor Louis C. Young, Ex-Village Trustee David B. Algie, and Town Clerk Harry A. Anderson
Automobile containing President Jacques of the village of Pelham and Trustee M. B. Nesbitto
Automobile containing Village Trustee Walter C. Morrissey of North Pelham, Town Assessors Barker and Kennedy, and Ex-Village Attorney Henry L. Rupert
Old Hose Reel from the Wartburg school, decorated with flags and bunting, drawn by ten boys;
Wartburg Band and Drum Corps
Wartburg Military Brigade
Company A. U. B. B. A., Eighth Provisional Regiment (Acting Colonel Clarence McDonald, commanding)
Company I. of the Seventh Regiment, U. B. B. A. (in command of Captain Forbes)
Company K, Seventh Regiment (in command of Sergeant Schottle, with Acting Colonel F. D. Dressoir commanding both companies)

The steep slopes of the hills on which the North Pelham School was built served as a "natural grand stand" protected from the sun by large, beautiful trees.  "Many hundreds" of spectators gathered on the slopes to watch the parade pass in advance of the formal ceremonies.

This location proved to be a popular location from which to view Fourth of July parades in the Village of North Pelham.  For example, the photograph immediately below shows North Pelham's Fourth of July celebration in 1910 and is believed to be taken at the North Pelham schoolhouse area.

Village of North Pelham Parade, July 4, 1910. Photo Taken by T. K.

Reynolds of 1014 Hoe Avenue, The Bronx.  Note the Spectators Watching

From the Natural Slopes.  Source: Office of The Historian of The Town

of Pelham.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

From 2:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. that day, two bands gave concerts.  Afterward, the Town Supervisor, Louis C. Young, introduced the keynote speaker:  Walter M. Chandler.  

Walter Marion Chandler of New York City was an attorney and a well-known author and lecturer who later became a member of Congress.  His speech that day focused on the greatness of America and the genius of those who participated in the U.S. constitutional convention held in Philadelphia in 1787.  

Later in the afternoon, two thousand spectators watched a host of athletic games for young men and women focused mostly on track and field events but also including such fun events as sack races, three-legged races, potato races, and the like.  A host of gold and silver awards including gold coins, gold and sterling watches, and other treasures were awarded to the winners of the various events.  

The day ended with a beautiful fireworks show witnessed by all of Pelham.  Pelham, it seems, celebrated the nation's birth with a celebration that was the "greatest in its history" on that Fourth of July in 1907.

Happy Fourth of July!

Obverse and Reverse of Post Card Showing Pelham Family on

July 4, 1907.  Source:  From the Author's Collection.  The Obverse

is Marked "JULY 4th 1907"  The Reverse States:  "Dear Sophia &

Family  Here is our little Family.  How do you like it?  To [sic] bad You

did not come for the 4th.  I had asked you to come when you were

here last tie.  Love from Marie."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *         *         *          *  

"PELHAM HAPPY OVER SUCCESS OF YESTERDAY
-----
Celebration of the Fourth Attracted An Immense Crowd To That Place
-----
PARADE, ORATORY, MUSIC AND ATHLETIC GAMES THE PROGRAM
-----

North Pelham, July 5. -- The celebration of Fourth of July of the year 1907, will long be remembered by the residents of the town of Pelham as the greatest in its history.  Ideal summer weather, a fine procession, oratory, music, athletic events, a first class pyrotechnical display in the evening, combined with the enthusiasm and hospitality of the residents, made the event the event a memorable one.

The town was in gala attire, the various residences being decorated with flags, bunting and lanterns.  The demonstration was conducted with great smoothness and success.

The celebrating began at sunrise, when a salute of 21 guns was fired from a large mortar in front of the North Pelham school house.  The cannonading awoke the residents who immediately joined with the salute committee in ushering in the glorious day with a discharge of firearms of various kinds.  The salute committee consisted of Paul W. Porter and H. Elliott Coe.

The parade formed shortly after 10 o'clock at the corner of Fourth street and Eighth avenue and moved in the following order:  John T. Logan, marshal; Eisenberg band of the Bronx; Chief Walter G. Barker of the Pelham fire department and Assistant Chief L. J. Buchanan; Relief Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, in command of Foreman Kneeland Durham and Assistant Foreman Andrew Heisser; Tuckahoe fife and drum corps; Union Corners Hose Company, in command of Foreman Archer; apparatus; automobile containing Supervisor Louis C. Young, ex-Village Trustee David B. Algie, Town Clerk Harry A. Anderson; automobile containing President Jacques of the village of Pelham and Trustee M. B. Nesbitto; automobile containing Village Trustee Walter C. Morrissey of North Pelham, Town Assessors Barker and Kennedy, ex-Village Attorney Henry L. Rupert.

Old hose reel from the Watburg school, decorated with flags and bunting, drawn by ten boys; Wartburg band and drum corps; Wartburg Military Brigade; Company A. U. B. B. A., Eighth Provisional Regiment, Acting Colonel Clarence McDonald, commanding; Company I. of the Seventh 
-----
(Continued on Sixth Page.)

PELHAM HAPPY OVER SUCCESS
-----
(Continued From Page One.)
-----

Regiment, U. B. B. A., in command of Captain Forbes; and Company K, Seventh Regiment, in command of Sergeant Schottle, with Acting Colonel F. D. Dressoir commanding both companies.

The formal exercises of the day were held on the grounds adjacent to the North Pelham school.  The Sloping banks made a natural grand stand for the people and many hundreds gathered there under the beautiful trees.

From 2 to 2:30 band concerts were given by Eisenberg's and the Wartburg band.  Later Supervisor Louis C. Young introduced the orator of the afternoon, the Hon. Walter M. Chandler, of New York.  Mr. Chandler delivered a stirring speech appropriate to the occasion and was frequently interrupted by applause.  At one point he was stopped when one of the bands suddenly broke in and played 'The Star Spangled Banner.'

Mr. Chandler in his speech first dwelt upon the greatness of this country, and in regard to the constitutional convention which met at Philadelphia in 1787, said:  'It was the ablest body of jurists, legislators, statesmen and patriots that ever convened on the continent of America.  They gave to the world the American constitution, the best and noblest product  of human wisdom, that perfect crystalization of those maxims of liberty and law that in every age have been held to be both generous and just.  They believed and we believe now that they have devised a better form of government than that enjoyed by English men.'

He spoke of the great growth of the republic and of its marvelous achievements since its establishment.  'However,' he said, 'we must not become conceited.  If we want to know what others think of us Americans we must see ourselves as others see us.  The American does not see himself as the foreigner sees him.  The American will not criticize an American.'

After the speech the athletic events were held and were witnessed by about 2,000 persons.

Port Chester sent a number of athletes who carried away many prizes.  The starters for Port Chester were Agnew, Walker, Houghton and Steers.  Agnew captured first in the pole vault and third in the running broad jump.  Walker won first in both the standing and running broad jumps.  Houghton took first in the hundred yard dash and Walker second.  Mount Vernon furnished a star in Robert W. Gilroy, who threw the sixteen pound hammer 100 feet 4 inches.

The starter for North Pelham was Michael O'Flynn.  He captured first in the half and mile runs.  In both runs Penney was second.  Flynn also captured first in the 440-yard dash and Hughes first in the three-legged race.

The one hundred [yard] dash for ladies created much enthusiasm and was won by Miss Grant, of Mount Vernon.  This little girl beat her sister contestants.  At the close of the first heat, when approaching the tape, she looked back and saw the girl behind her gaining.  She made a dash for the tape that occasioned much cheering.

Miss Lillian Young won the cross country run for girls in great style.  She ran a quarter in 1:26.

The winners of the various events were as follows:

One hundred dash, first heat -- Lagg, first; Wilber, second; time, 11 1/5 seconds.  Second heat, won by Walker of Port Chester; Hubbard of Mount Vernon, second; time 11 1/5.  Third heat, won by Hughes, of Mount Vernon; Monroe, of Port Chester; second; time, 11 1/5 seconds.  Fourth heat, won by Brown, of Port Chester; Godfrey of North Pelham, second; Bacon being disqualified for starting before the shot of the pistol; time, 11 seconds.  Semi-finals, won by Flynn; Hubbard, second; Godfrey, third; time 11 flat.  Finals, won by Houghton, of Port Chester; Walker of Port Chester, second, and Flynn, of North Pelham, third.  Time, 10 4/5 seconds.  Prizes, sterling silver watch, silver brush and stick pin.

Boys' relay race -- Won by Monroe's team; time, 5:21.  The runners were Smith, Lowe, Cole and Monroe.  Prizes, four sterling silver cups.

Sack race -- Won by Bert Glover; Miller, second; prize, ink stand.

Special relay race between runners from the Companies I and K of the Boys' Brigade from St. Ann's church.  New York, and runners from Port Chester.  Won by J. O'Toole, of Port Chester.  Time, 4:11.  Prize, five dollar gold piece.

Ladies' 100 yard race -- First heat, won by Nellie Whalen; Miss Sullivan, second; time, 16 seconds.  Second heat, won by Miss Grant, of Mount Vernon; :Miss Fistere, of North Pelham, second; time, 14 2/5 seconds.  Finals, won by Miss Grant, of Mount Vernon; Miss Whalen, of Pelham, second; and Miss Fistere, third; time, 14 4/5 seconds.  Prize, gold watch.

Half mile run -- Won by M. O'Flynn; Pinney, second; time, 2:22.  Prizes, cup presented by J. F. Curnen, stickpin and knife.

Mile run -- Won by Flynn, of North Pelham; Pinney, second; Godfrey, third; time 5:36 2/5.  Prizes, silver loving cup, offered by Pelham club, and gold medal, cup for second place and match box for third place.

Cross-country run for girls -- Won by Lillian Young, of North Pelham; time, 1:26.  Prize, gold bracelet.

440 Yard dash -- Won by Flynn; Lambert, second; C. Godfrey, third; time, 59 1/5 seconds.  Prizes, silver cup, presented by Trustee Walter C. Morissey, soap dish and silver tray.

Three-legged race -- First heat, won by Flynn and Hughes; Glover and Foster, second, Second heat, won by Godfrey and Penfield; Brown and Houghton, second.  Finals, won by Flynn and Hughes; Penfield and Glover, second.  Prizes, two stickpins, Time, 14 seconds.

Special 440 yard dash, open to everybody -- Won by W. West, of Port Chester; time, 57 4/5.  Prize, five dollar gold piece, presented by John Young.

Potato race - Won by Miller.  Prize, chain.

Fat men's race -- Won by Brady; time, 10 flat.  Prize, silver watch.

Wheelbarrow race -- Won by Godfrey; Ryan second and Hamilton third.

Standing broad jump -- Won by Walker, of Port Chester; distance, 10 feet 3 1/2 inches; Brady, of New Rochelle, second, 9 feet 5 inches.  Prizes, loving cup and knife.

Running broad jump -- Won by Walker, 20 feet 4 inches; Brady, second, 18 feet 10 inches; and Agnew third, 18 feet 1 inches.  Prizes, two cups, presented by William Edinger, and stickpin.

Running high jump -- Won by Brady, of Port Chester, 5 feet 1 inch.  Prize, stickpin.

Shoe race -- Won by W. Glover; L. J. Lowry, second; Miss Belle Fistere, third.  Prize, sterling silver knife.

Pole vault -- Won by Agnew, of Port Chester; Brady, second.  Distance 91.0 niches99 1/2 inches.  Prizes, sterling silver military brushes and comb.

Putting shot -- Won by Lambert, of North Pelham, 35 feet 8 inches; Gilroy, of Mount Vernon, second, 33 feet 6 inches; Rubin, 31 feet 10 inches, third.  Prizes, gold link cuff buttons and silver brush.

Sixteen pound hammer throw -- Won by Gilroy, of Mount Vernon, 100 feet 4 inches; Walker, of Port Chester, second, 87 feet 5 inches; Flynn, North Pelham, third, 83 feet.  Prizes, sterling silver cup, link buttons and match box.

The following were the judges:  Dr. T. Barker, Nicholas Walsh, Walter C. Morrissey and W. L. Jacques; starter, C. A. Hill; referee, J. Burke; clerk of course, A. Beecher; announcer, D. J. Mead.

The committee was John H. Young, Gardiner Minard and Michael G. O'Flynn."

Source:  PELHAM HAPPY OVER SUCCESS OF YESTERDAY -- Celebration of the Fourth Attracted An Immense Crowd To That Place -- PARADE, ORATORY, MUSIC AND ATHLETIC GAMES THE PROGRAM, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 5, 1907, No. 4663, p. 1, col. 4 & p. 6, cols. 3-4.  

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "The Haunted History of Pelham, New York"
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."