All that planning paid off for the local organizers of the centennial celebration of America in 1876.
In an entry of about a week ago, it had been noted that in January, and as seen in The Oneonta Herald, Oneonta had hoped to organize a grand event for July Fourth, and planning got underway.
Excitement was in the air, and many felt why wait for the fourth? As readers of the July 7 edition of The Herald learned, “The evening of the 3d of July most surely indicated the approach of the Glorious Fourth. Many residences and buildings were beautifully illuminated. After nine o’clock there was a continual blowing of disagreeable sounding horns.
“Patriotism was on the increase. About half past eleven, a company styled in the Spirits of Seventy-six, composed of forty or fifty young men, closely wrapped in white sheets, led by music of no choice selection, made a parade through the principal streets, and attracted the attention of all who could hear their unearthly accompaniment.
“About two or three o’clock a.m., the pugilistic efforts or the day commenced, and at one time, while ten or fifteen men were fighting furiously, it seemed certain that a general riot would ensue. Finally, Al Lewis made a circuit of the street, and a speech to the bruisers, which they seemed to comprehend, whisky not being strong enough to even suggest any resistance.
“About four o’clock a.m., the ringing of bells commenced. This continued for half an hour, accompanied by the whistles of twenty five or more railroad engines. There was a sort of melody about the conglomerate sound, that rendered it anything but unpleasant.”
Oneonta residents will be glad to know that none of the above plans are made for Oneonta’s 250th anniversary celebrations, to which there are four days.
The Herald continued, “Soon after day-light, people commenced coming into town: whole families came, young fellows with their girls came, and squads of boys were marching into the village from neighboring farms. A great many folks were here more than on any day we remember of.” The Herald said there were 6,000 visitors that day.
“All went along quietly till about eleven o’clock, when the first public event of the day occurred. The grand parade was made. A line was formed on Main st,” with Maj. Gen. S.S. Burnside as Chief Marshal, aids including Maj. C.P. Root, Henry Wilcox and Burr Mattice, led by a platoon of police and Parmalee’s Military Band, and followed by many other entries.
“The line of march was down Main to River, through Burnside-ave., to Luther-st, to Main to the Central Hotel, where the Orator, Reader, Chaplain, President and guests were received and escorted to Walling Grove,” which is the present day Wilber Park. Speeches took place, as did a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
“Returning from the Grove, the Fire Department broke ranks at the Engine House (today’s 242 Main St.) and First Separate Company of the Armory.
“About four o’clock, Separate Company had their target practice, a large number of spectators present.
“About half past five, the Steamer and Hose Companies marched at a double quick, to the mill pond, and for nearly an hour a large number of people were entertained with wonderful exhibitions of throwing water by one and two streams. The machine worked well, the boys were prompt and attentive, and their part of the day’s demonstration was exceedingly interesting.”
A few people behaved poorly, as there was a greased pig contest, location not given, but the Herald said, “This all was equally ridiculous and shameful.” About a half dozen tumbled on the pig and four fights broke out as they tried to get the pig away from the others. The pig was stabbed several times.
The final event of the day made up for this ugly scene. According to The Herald, “The weather was exceedingly unfavorable, with occasional hard showers, but a large crowd of people congregated upon the Presbyterian church grounds. The fireworks were discharged from the opposite side of the street. The Committee made good selections. There were several very fine pieces, and had the evening been pleasant, the feature of the day would have been exceedingly entertaining.”
On Tuesday, a local business beat in July 2001.