Today's article is about the 4th of July celebration that occurred in Eau Claire in 1858. This comes from the book "Sawdust City" and is used by permission of the author's family, the Barland's. The Fourth Of July 1858 A detailed account of the third 4th of July celebration in Eau Claire was given in the Eau Claire City Telegraph: The Children's Festival in commemoration of American Independence was a complete success. As the Fourth fell on the Sabbath, the children took time by the forelock and celebrated on Saturday, the third. The Clerk of the weather had doubtless been consulted, for such a day is not had on ordinary or for common purposes, so cool, so free from dust, from cloud and extreme heat, and so exhilarating to physical nature. Very fortunately none of the parts of many sided Eau Claire, contains a gun of larger caliber than such as are carried upon the shoulder and not until Sabbath evening, under cover of darkness, did some persons having a greater propensity for noise, than care for their own safety, or respect for the Sabbath, discover that a great deal of racket could be got out of an old anvil, and so on Sunday morning our good people slept their usual sleep in peace, without molestation. The Sabbath schools of Eau Claire and Eau Claire City, met pursuant to appointment, and were put in motion precisely at 10 o'clock. The two processions united at the ferry, and with badges, banners and good music marched to the grounds which had been arranged for the occasion, under the direction of G. E. Porter, Esq., marshall of the day, and his assistants, Messrs. Ingram and Bridges. The procession, as it wound its way along the river bank and up the slopes was much larger and presented a finer appearance than could have been expected. The school from Eau Claire City, in the van bore a tastefully decorated banner, having the motto, "Union in Strength" together with many smaller banners, bearing appropriate sentences and devises. The Eau Claire Sabbath school carried for its motto "Righteousness Exalted a Nation," emblazoned on a banner, beautifully adorned with ribbons, flowers and evergreens. Each child also wore a badge of ribbon, neatly fastened with a sprig of green. On reaching the grounds, the exercises were commenced by the children from Eau Claire, who sang the appropriate hymn upon their badges, prepared by Mrs. Thorp. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Kidder, Esq. After a brief but very neat and graceful introduction by the President of the Day, J. G. Thorp, Esq., a glee "Hail, Happy Day" was sung, and the Declaration of Independence was read by Mr. Peabody. Rev. McNair followed the reading with a short address to the children. He referred to the Declaration which they had just heard, and to the courage and patriotism of those who had made and defended it. He called attention to the cruelty of a tyrant in these days, who abused his subjects more thoroughly than King George did our forefathers in the days of '76. He then and there proclaimed a new Declaration against King Alcohol, which met a hearty response. A glee "On Alpine Heights a Loving Father Dwells" was then sung by a quartet of gentlemen. Rev. Mr. Kidder also directed his remarks to the children in a colloquial style which interested them much, and drew out some pledges which we hope will be kept. He made a handsome offer to each boy who would attend the Sabbath School under his supervision regularly for the ensuing year. The Eau Claire City school responded in a stirring song, recently issued by the American Sunday School Union. Judge Mead referred to the rapid growth of the towns on either side of the Chippewa and considered the high tone of society, as indicated by the manner in which educational and religious enterprise were fostered and sustained, a matter of honest pride and congratulation. Mr. S. H. Peabody followed briefly. He referred to the singular coinsidence of the Bell in Independence Hall, which in accordance with the motto cast upon it "Liberty throughout the land and Freedom to the inhabitants thereof". He dwelt upon the propriety of instilling the spirit of true freedom early in the minds of American children and of guiding and controlling it by correct moral and religious instruction. The closing and most finished address of the day was delivered by Alexander Meggett, Esq. Its length and character will prevent any attempt to report it. Suffice it to say it was free from those robustious and consequential airs which often characterize orations on the Fourth of July. The thoughts were well conceived, clearly expressed, and finely delivered. After a spirited quartette "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean" the schools proceeded, under the direction of the Marshals, to the collation which had been very beautifully and bountifully prepared by the ladies. After a blessing had been asked by the Rev. W. W. McNair, the company resolved itself into a committee of the whole for the discussion of matters previously laid on the table. When the business had been thoroughly attended to, the glee club sang an anthem and the schools filed away to their homes. The exercises were not so protracted as to be tedious and so far as could be ascertained gave general satisfaction. Old and young went home well repaid for their exertions. Justice would not have been done by a passing notice of the music dispensed on the occasion by the band. Their pieces are selected with good taste, and performed in good style and time. As one of our established institutions they reflect great credit upon the town, and should receive patronage whenever opportunities offer. Moreover, what they promise to do, no superior inducements will prevent them from performing to the letter. Thanks is due to the Ferry companies for reduction of ferriage to those attending the celebration. An attempt to give the credit due to the numerous individuals who assisted in preparing and conducting this celebration would be wearisome to the reader and might be insidious to some who should happen to be overlooked. ++++++++++++++ Did you know there was a kangaroo court in Eau Claire? We'll be reading about that next. And maybe more! -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net