Pelham's Grand Traditions of Celebrating the Fourth of July During the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

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"From early morning hours when the first fire cracker proclaimed the
dawn of the nation's greatest holiday, until well into the night

when the last skyrocket traveled its course across the sky, the
din of explosions and smell of powder brought recollections
of actual warfare."

----- Newspaper Description of Noisy Fourth of

July Celebration in the Town of Pelham in 1927.

The little Town of Pelham has a longstanding grand tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July in quintessentially-American ways.  Indeed, I have written on a number of occasions regarding grand Fourth of July celebrations in Pelham.  See, e.g.:

Wed., Jul. 04, 2018:  The Village of North Pelham's Grand Fourth of July Celebration in 1907.

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.

Fri., Aug. 21, 2009:  Pelhamville's Independence Day Celebration in 1894.

Today's Historic Pelham Blog article continues a tradition of describing fascinating Fourth of July celebrations over the years in the Town of Pelham.  Below are descriptions of celebrations that range between 1878 and 1927.  At the close of today's article is the text of each newspaper article on which the descriptions below are based.  The text of each article is followed by a citation and link to its source.

Quaint Celebration in 1878

Today's Pelhamites certainly would recognize the Fourth of July celebration held in their little town by our predecessors 141 years ago in 1878.  In those days, most of Pelham's population lived on City Island, so the island was ablaze in celebration for much of the day.  

Of course, what would an All-American Fourth be without the National Pastime?  For a week prior to the holiday, City Island's two baseball teams had been preparing for a big baseball game.  The Clam Diggers was the weaker local team.  Yet, for nearly a week its members talked trash to the members of the rival Vails.  According to one account, the Clam Diggers told "the Vails at every opportunity how they were going to beat them."  On the Fourth of July, however, the Vails crushed their trash-talking rivals 23 to 3.  Following the game, the vanquished Clam Diggers relented and told all who would listen that the game was the last they would play against the Vails.

Two local brewers, Diehl's and Loeser's, paraded wagons of their wares.  According to one account, the horses and wagons "presented quite a fine appearance on Monday last, as they drew up in front of the City Island Hotel, with horses and wagons decked with plumes and gay-colored ribbons."

The ladies of the local Methodist Episcopal Church of City Island had grand plans for the day intended to help fund construction of a new church building.  They announced the week before the holiday that they would host "a citizens' picnic and clam-bake, in the Scofield Orchard, near the church parsonage."  The event featured ice cream as well as dinner and refreshments, all in an effort to raise the $6,000 needed to fund and furnish their planned new church building.

As the day waned and darkness fell, financier William Belden hosted a grand fireworks display for all of Pelham on his grand estate on Belden Point at the tip of City Island.  The display cost $500 (roughly $19,000 in today's dollars).  As one would expect a "large number of people assembled on the Point to witness the display" which was accompanied by the City Island Cornet Band.

Pelham Had to Ban Revolvers for the Fourth of July Celebration in 1909

During the 19th century and even well into the early 20th century, it was common for Pelhamites to carry revolvers.  On the Fourth of July each year, such revolvers were used as part of the celebration, particularly by young boys and men.  

By the early years of the 20th century, however, the Village of North Pelham had enacted local legislation that barred the carrying of revolvers or other such weapons in the village.  Nevertheless, in prior years young men and boys ignored the ban on the Fourth of July and fired revolvers into the air as part of the holiday celebration.  

By 1909, the leaders of the Village of North Pelham were fed up with the practice.  Two days before the holiday that year, the Trustees of the village announced that the village would enforce the ban and that "any person caught, having a revolver in his possession, will be arrested."  The Trustees emphasized that they had "taken this action because many boys have used revolvers loaded with ball cartridges in past years and the dangers that have ensued."

1927 May Have Been the Worst of all Pelham Fourth of July Celebrations

By 1927, the availability of fireworks had become so widespread that the Fourth of July celebration seems to have spun out of control.  The holiday was unacceptably noisy due to local fireworks and one of the local fireworks stands set up in the town to sell explosives caught fire and burned.  The fire spread to, and completely destroyed, the adjacent De Feo & Donati Electrical Shop on Fifth Avenue.  Other nearby stores were damaged by water and smoke.  

Pelhamites, of course, grew increasingly unhappy with the nature of the celebration.  

The Town of Pelham no longer followed a tradition of a grand Fourth of July parade in 1927.  The problem, according to the local newspaper, was that the week of the Fourth of July holiday was among the most popular vacation weeks of the year.  The Town reportedly was a shadow of itself during the week as many thousands of Pelhamites left for "vacation resorts."  

Lack of crowds, however, did not stop those left behind from celebrating.  Indeed, fireworks were easy to procure.  Local fireworks stands sprang up within the town and sold fireworks to virtually all comers.  The stands seem to have been located everywhere.  Ironically, there was one located directly across the street from the Pelham Fire Department.

Fireworks advertisements filled the local newspaper.  Stands such as Subitsky's Fireworks Stand (located opposite the Pelham Post Office on Fifth Avenue) carried a vast assortment of items including:  Salutes, Roman Candles, Cap Canes, Skyrockets From 1 oz. to 4 pounds, Sparklers, Jumping Jacks, Essex Tanks, Pin Wheels, Flashlight Crackers, Giant Crackers, Cock O' the Walk, Torpedoes, Fire Balloons, Devils-on-the-Walk, Ten Minute Torches, Five Minute Torches, Thunderbolts, Radio Candles, Fountains, Mines, Bingoes, Golden Shower, Serpent Hats, Flower Pots, Triangle Pin Wheels, Snakes, Aerial Flash Salutes, Railroad Torches, and Red and Green Fire.  

Today, of course, on the evening of July 4th, many Pelhamites head to the grounds of the New York Athletic Club or to Shore Park next door to watch the NYAC fireworks set off from Travers Island.  

Newspaper Advertisement for Electrical Store Burned and Destroyed

When Fireworks Stand Outside the Store Ignited on July 4, 1927.

Source:  WE WERE BURNED OUT!, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 8, 1927,

Vol. 18, No. 20, p. 1, cols. 6-7.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Text of Advertisement Transcribed Below to Facilitate Search.

Newspaper Advertisement for Sale of Fireworks at Fireworks

Stand Located, Ironically, Across the Street from the Pelham

Firehouse.  Source:  FIREWORKS! for the 4th, The Pelham

Sun, July 1, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 19, p. 12, cols. 1-7 (NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge).  Text of Advertisement Transcribed

Below to Facilitate Search.

"FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! for the 4th FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! GREAT BIG STOCK ALL READY FOR YOU TO SELECT FROM

You Get Your Fireworks For Less at Pelham Paint & Hardware Company

Firework Stand Opposite Fire Headquarters Fifth Avenue, Pelham

SAFE AND SANE

SAFE AND SANE"

Advertisement for Sale of Fireworks in Pelham Manor for

July 4, 1927.  Source:  FIREWORKS!, The Pelham Sun,

Jul. 1, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 19, p. 10, cols. 4-5 (NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge).  Transcript of Text Appears

Immediately Below to Facilitate Search.

"FIREWORKS!

BIG STOCK OF ALL KINDS OF FIREWORKS TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH

Get Your Fireworks In Pelham Manor AT BURGESS B. FIELD SERVICE STATION
BOSTON ROAD and PELHAM PARKWAY
(Foot of Secor Hill, Boston Rd., Pelham Manor)"

1927 Newspaper Advertisement for Subitsky's Firework Stand

Opposite the Pelham Post Office.  Source:  Hooray July 4th,

The Pelham Sun, Jul. 1, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 19, p. 16, col. 1

(NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge).  Transcript of Text

Appears Immediately Below to Facilitate Search.

"Hooray July 4th A GREAT BIG STOCK OF FIREWORKS!
Lots of Noise Makers But No Trouble Makers
-----
FINEST ASSORTMENT IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
-----
Living Up to Subitsky's Motto of Leading the Way

Salutes, Roman Candles, Cap Canes, Skyrockets From 1 oz. to 4 pounds, Sparklers, Jumping Jacks, Essex Tanks, Pin Wheels, Flashlight Crackers, Giant Crackers, Cock O' the Walk, Torpedoes, Fire Balloons, Devils-on-the-Walk, Ten Minute Torches, Five Minute Torches, Thunderbolts, Radio Candles, Fountains, Mines

Assortments, $1.00 Upward

Bingoes, Golden Shower, Serpent Hats, Flower Pots, Triangle Pin Wheels, Snakes, Aerial Flash Salutes, Railroad Torches, Red and Green Fire
-----
DON'T WAIT -- GET YOUR ASSORTMENT EARLY
-----
SUBITSKY'S FIREWORK STAND
(Opposite the Post Office)
Fifth Avenue Pelham"

"WE WERE BURNED OUT!
But We Are Not Quitting Business!

De Feo & Donati, proprietors of the electrical store at 149 Fifth Avenue which was burned in Monday's fire wish to announce that they have secured temporary premises immediately opposite the Post Office on Fifth Avenue.

Estimates on electrical work or radio installations and our general business will be conducted from that address for a time.  Our telephone number is Pelham 2753.  Only our stock was burned.  The skill of our workmen is still at your service.

We Thank Our Patrons for the Many Kindly Messages We Have Received During the Last Few Days"

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.

*          *          *          *          *

"City Island.

On Thursday, July 4th, the ladies of the M. E. Church of City Island propose holding a citizens' picnic and clam-bake, in the Scofield Orchard, near the church parsonage.  Proceeds for the benefit of the crew church in contemplation.  Dinner, ice cream and other refreshments can be procured on the grounds.  If the day should prove stormy, the picnic will be held the next fair day.  It is to be hoped that the ladies will reap a large sum from this enterprise, thereby helping to forward the new church movement.  The old church is entirely too small for the congregations that meet in it from time to time.  The people of City Island have done nobly.  Thus far over $2,000 have been pledged, and it only remains for a few of the wealthy men on and near City Island to swell the amount so that the work can go on.  The lot is clear, or the balance due on it otherwise provided for, and when $5,000 has been pledged work will be begun and pushed forward to a rapid completion.  The congregation want to build a church that will cost, furnished comple[te], about $6,000.  The plans have been prepared and from the description given us, the building will be not only sufficiently commodious, but an ornament to the island. . . ."

Source:  City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 28, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 458, p. 2, col. 5.

"City Island.

On Tuesday, July 2nd, the schooner Illinois, while at anchor about three miles south of Captain's Island, was run into by the steamer Massachusetts.  At the time of the disaster the captain was rigging the fog-bell and the mate was blowing the horn.  The schooner was struck amidship and almost immediately sank.  A boat was lowered from the steamer and the schooner's crew was picked up.  The schooner, Kate Kallahan, Captain E. J. Horton, went to the assistance of the wrecked schooner and made fast until the wrecking steamer, James McMahony, arrived, when the sunken vessel was raised and towed to City Island, where she was beached.  She is now on the ways at Hawkins's ship yard for repairs.  The schooner was badly damaged.  It will cost about $1,500 for her repairs.

The two brewers, Diehl's and Loeser's, turnouts, presented quite a fine appearance on Monday last, as they drew up in front of the City Island Hotel, with horses and wagons decked with plumes and gay-colored ribbons.

A game of base ball was played on the Fourth of July, between the Vails and Clam Diggers, both of City Island, which resulted in an overwhelming victory for the Vails.  Score, 23 to 3.  The Clam Diggers declare this is the last game with the Vails.  Mr. Editor, we would say nothing about this if it were not for the fact that, for a week before the game came off the diggers were telling the Vails at every opportunity how they were going to beat them.  But we are all liable to mistakes, and such was the case with the Clam Diggers on July 4th.  Umpire, Mr. Geo. Bell.

Mr. Wm. Belden gave the citizens of City Island a grand treat by the display of about $500 worth of Fireworks on the night of the fourth.  A large number of people assembled on the Point to witness the display and the City Island Cornet Band discoursed some good music.

At Carll's ship yard the sloop G. J. Demarest is on the ways for recaulking and painting.  The sloop Long Island has been hauled out for cleaning and repainting.  The steam yacht, just completed, was launched on Saturday last, and left for Key West on Sunday.  The Minnie Griffin is having a new spar put in and is being recaulked.  The schooner Ella Cooper is hauled out for cleaning, caulking and painting."

Source:  CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 12, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 460, p. 3, col. 1.  

"FOR A SANE FOURTH.
-----
Pelham Trustees Put Up the Ban on Revolvers for Next Monday.
-----

North-Pelham, July 2. -- The village trustees are going to keep the young patriots in bounds who may wish to celebrate to an unlawful extend next Monday.

Trustee Lyon said this morning that the board would enforce the law about carrying weapons and that any person caught, having a revolver in his possession, will be arrested.

The village trustees have taken this action because many boys have used revolvers loaded with ball cartridges in past years and the dangers that have ensued."

Source:  FOR A SANE FOURTH -- Pelham Trustees Put Up the Ban on Revolvers for Next Monday, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 2, 1909, Whole No. 5971, p. 1, col. 6.  

"FIREWORKS POP ALL OVER STREET WHEN STAND BLAZES UP ON NIGHT OF FOURTH; FIRE DESTROYS STORE
-----
De Feo & Donati Electrical Shop on Fifth Avenue Total Loss -- Other Stores Nearby Damaged by Water and Smoke -- Origin of Fire Unknown -- Fire Loss Estimated at $5,000
-----

While Pelham was celebrating the Fourth in great style on Monday evening, about 7:30, the firework stand outside the electrical store of De Feo & Donati at 145 Fifth avenue became ignited.  Five hundred dollars' worth of fireworks exploded within the next few minutes.  The electrical store and its contents valued at $5,000, were destroyed.  Damage to surrounding stores and apartments by smoke and water is estimated at $15,000.

Fire Chief Dominick Amato and the firemen of the first fire district fought the blaze amid a series of explosions and shooting fireworks.  Four lines of hose were laid and the fire was in hand half an hour after the blaze started.

The De Feo & Donati store is the center of a block of five one-story structures near the Westchester & Boston R. R. station.  To the north is the Astarita fruit store and the Marion Dress Shop.  To the south the Tybee Tea Room and the Betty Hat Shop.  In the rear of the stores are five apartments, occupied by Mrs. Marion Held, proprietress of the dress shop; J. W. Bradshaw, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Adair, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Singer.  All the stores and apartments were damaged by smoke and water.

The fire spread with amazing rapidity.  A few seconds after the start the front windows of the De Feo store were broken by the exploding fireworks and the blaze had spread to the electrical store.  When the firemen arrived flames were roaring through the skylight and had mushroomed under the room setting fire to the Astarita store and threatening the entire row of buildings.  Fire Chief Amato, who operates a garage a few doors away, was talking with De Feo when the fire started.  He grabbed a fire extinguisher from his stock nearby and waded through the mass of exploding fireworks into the store in an effort to prevent the spread of the flames.  Several autos which were parked at the curb were removed to safety under the supervision of Police Chief Fitzpatrick. 

Proprietor De Feo, remembering that there was a considerable sum of money in a desk and cash register inside the store, made a spectacular dash into the store.  Armed with an axe he smashed the desk and obtained a sum reported at over $200.  

To fight the spreading of the flames, firemen tore holes through the ceiling of the Astarita store.  Household furniture was removed from the Bradshaw home in the rear of the store.  The work of the firemen was effective.  The recall was sounded at 9:45.

The building is the property of Dr. Wm. I. Wallach, 141 Center avenue, New Rochelle.  It is protected by insurance.  Dr. Wallach said that he had had no opportunity to estimate his loss but would at once proceed to repair the building.  The following loss is being reported:

De Feo & Donati, electrical store, total loss, $5,000.  Insurance carried, $3,000.

Tybee Tea Room, damage by water to foodstuff stored in basement, together with tapestry and hangings in restaurant, $1,000.

Astarita Fruit and Vegetable Store, damage to the stock in store and basement, $1,500.

T. S. Hughes, sewing machine agent, damage to stock of machines in basement of De Feo store, $1,500.

Betty Hat Shop and Marion Dress Shop, stock damaged by smoke, $1,000.

Various conjectures are made as to the origin of the fire, but no one has any authentic story.  The Tybee Tea Room resumed business on Tuesday, but the other stores in the block were forced to shut down."

Source:  FIREWORKS POP ALL OVER STREET WHEN STAND BLAZES UP ON NIGHT OF FOURTH; FIRE DESTROYS STORE -- De Feo & Donati Electrical Shop on Fifth Avenue Total Loss -- Other Stores Nearby Damaged by Water and Smoke -- Origin of Fire Unknown -- Fire Loss Estimated at $5,000, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 8, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 20, p. 8, cols. 4-5.

"No Injuries In Noisiest Fourth Of July Program
-----
Firecrackers and Fireworks Proclaim Anniversary of Signing of Declaration of Independence
-----

Although it is estimated that fully one-third of the residents of the Pelhams took advantage of the week end holiday and spent the Fourth of July at vacation resorts, those who remained, gave Pelham the noisiest Fourth of July celebration that can be remembered by even the oldest of the residents of the town.  From early morning hours when the first fire cracker proclaimed the dawn of the nation's greatest holiday, until well into the night when the last skyrocket traveled its course across the sky, the din of explosions and smell of powder brought recollections of actual warfare.

Although all manner of noisemaker and fireworks was utilized in the celebration there were no injuries reported by the local physicians.  Pelham luckily escaped the toll of burned fingers, and other injury that ordinarily accompanies the noisy and unsafe program of Fourth of July celebrating.

No organized program has been prepared for the observance of the day.  The early days of July see the exodus of vacationists to summer resorts and the custom of a town celebration has been abandoned.  Vacant houses were kept under the vigilant supervision of the police departments and though this service vacationing Pelhamites were assured of home protection during their absence.

Traffic was heavy on all through highways.  On the Boston road long traffic lines were managed without mishap.  Police officers kept the cars moving at a fair rate of speed despite the heavy traffic."

Source:  No Injuries In Noisiest Fourth Of July Program -- Firecrackers and Fireworks Proclaim Anniversary of Signing of Declaration of Independence, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 8, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 20, p. 7, col. 2.  

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

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"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.  

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