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ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Fourth of July
First
celebration in city was in 1840
Watertown Daily Times, 07 03 1939
The archives
of Watertown show that the first observance of the Fourth of July in this place
took place in the year 1840 and some of the circumstances surrounding the event
will be of interest and are drawn from an account of it written some years
later.
The four
years previous to 1840 — for in 1836 it was that Timothy
Johnson, the first white settler to come here, staked out a claim of 1,000
acres upon which the principal portion of Watertown now stands — there was no
formal reverence paid to the country's natal day and, the anniversary of
American independence passed "unhonored and
unsung."
"But,"
say the old archives, "in the year of 1840 of blessed memory, a spirit of
patriotism took possession of the Watertown people and it gave vent to a
rousing, jolly Fourth of July celebration that inspired their pride of country
and made them look back to Washington as the true father and defender of
Columbia."
Among the means
taken to appropriately celebrate the day was through the medium of a great ball
which was held in Savage's hall, later known as Van
Alstine's Exchange and the site on which now stands the Merchants National
bank at the corner of North First and Main streets.
One of the
original ball tickets, written on plain but rather yellowish colored note
paper, is couched in the following terms, verbatim:
"Independence Ball."
"The Co. of Miss Eliza Fisk
is solicited at the hall of Isaac Savage
in Watertown on July 4th next, at
2 o'clock p. m.
"J. B. Gaudern,
"E. Holmes,
"I. D. Lounsbury,
Managers."
It is suspected that the handwriting on the invitation is that of the
late J. A. Chadwick, father of the late Mrs. S. E. Holmes, West Street.
Forty
Couples Present
Forty couples were present at the ball, says the record in the
archives. It states that nearby places,
such as Jefferson and Fort Atkinson; furnished their quota, "to make it a
happy and pleasant party." Dancing
commenced at 2 p. m., says the record, "and was kept up with spirit and
vigor until daylight."
To again, quote the
record one finds this: "Thermometers were scarce those days, so we are
without the temperature on the occasion, but it is safe to assume that the
light fantastic was tripped by the sweat of the brow."
Among some of the people mentioned in the record as having been present
at the first Fourth of July celebration here are those of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Chadwick, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Cole, Peter V. Brown, Mrs. Andrew Willard,
nee Jane Temple of Beaver Dam.
William Sacia of Concord and his brother Austin, came here from the town
of Concord to furnish the music for the occasion. William Sacia was the grandfather of W. H. S.
Rhoda. The instruments they employed to
provide the music are not identified in the report, but the record states that
"these two gentlemen constituted a whole string band in themselves"
and it is evident that their selections were very popular with the crowd.
Savage's hall or tavern was the only building here at the time suitable
for an occasion of this kind and it is said that the construction of it had to
be hurried along so that a proper ball room could be had for the dancers
"who were expected from all around the country."
Another account in the archives of early Watertown gives additional
information concerning this great event and lists also the things which the
people in attendance had to eat. But to
quote at length:
"Our
pyrotechnics were limited, but firing an anvil, ringing cowbells and shooting
guns were the channels through which our patriotic feelings gave vent. For the Fourth of July dinner we were
satisfied with baked pig, mashed potatoes and baked pudding. For want of room in the hostelry, the tables
were set out of doors, under arbors built of poles with bushes laid across
them. Dancing commenced at 2 o'clock in
the afternoon and continued until broad-light the next morning. The ballroom, although not plastered, was
made to look handsome and cheerful with its decorations of leaves, vines and
bushes nailed on the lathing. We had not
yet reached that point where gas and electric lights with their franchises
troubled us, and tallow candles were the means employed to illuminate the
ballroom
Cross
Reference:
1981, by Evelyn Rose for the Daily
Times -- 1840: Watertown has outdone itself with parades
that have been great. First
celebration was on July 4, 1840.
Quote from the archives: "a spirit of patriotism took possession of
the four year old community and gave vent to a rousing, jolly Fourth of July
celebration that inspired the pride of country and made everyone look back to
Washington as the father and defender of Columbia ... a ball was held in
Savage's Hall at the corner of North First and Main streets . . . William Sacia
and his brother, Austin, came from the town of Concord to furnish the music . .
. dancing commenced at 2 o 'clock in the afternoon and continued to daybreak .
. . for the dinner baked pig, mashed potatoes and pudding. " The dance was held under arbors made with
posts and branches.
1847
06 23 &
07 07 First
in village [see above 1840 entry for the “first”] Watertown Chronicle
July
Fourth, 1847
Watertown Chronicle, 06 23 1847
We cannot learn that any arrangements are on foot, or are likely
to be, for the due observance of the 4th, in this village, the nearest
approximation to it which has yet transpired, are two balls - one to “come
off" at the American on the 2d, and the other at the Planter's on the 5th.
More on Fourth of July, 1847
“The Day We Celebrate”
Watertown Chronicle, 07 07 1847
Owing to the absence of the 4th, the 5th was observed in this
village in such a manner as seemed best to suit the individual whims or
inclinations of our citizens, great and small. As a prerequisite, the liberty pole
received a slice of 40 feet [?] on Saturday afternoon, and at dusk a beautiful
streamer kissed the breeze at its top, 112 feet above the heads of the
delighted multitude.
Before the 5th had fairly dawned, the reports of anvils, muskets,
pistols and firecrackers were to be heard in different quarters of the
village. This species of
amusement was continued through the day, though the patriotism of the gunners
was somewhat dampened in the forenoon by a brisk shower of rain. The skies brightening up about noon,
people from abroad commenced pouring into the village from all
directions. Among the
number were a fragment of a band of musicians, accompanied by the stars and
stripes; and if they did not "discourse eloquent music" for the few
hours they remained, it was not because they lacked the apparent disposition to
do so. A band of marshal music, so far as a fife and a snare drum are
entitled to the designation, also operated extensively during the afternoon,
and only ceased their labors as the nightingale attempted, by her evening
melody, to rival their sweet and spirit-stirring sounds. If to this be added the sport of the
wrestling ring, the more important doings of the day may be considered as
faithfully chronicled.
In the evening fire balls made their appearance, and were kept
upon the wing until the empty stomachs and exhausted frames of our patriotic
juveniles reminded them of their uneaten gingerbread and their inviting
pillows. Thus began and
thus ended, so far as we are cognizant in the premises, our first Independence Day in Badgerdom.
If the doings
were not upon as grand a scale as we have witnessed in the eastern cities, we
must say that they were marked throughout by a feeling alike creditable to all
who participated in them.
We regret to state that quite a serious accident occurred in the
forenoon. A little son of
Mr. PLINY B. BASSFORD [Basford] received in his thigh the wad from a pistol,
making a frightful wound some three inches deep. The wound was extracted by Dr.
HAMILTON, and the boy, who exhibited the greatest fortitude throughout the
operation, appears to be doing well.
[Note: Wis. became a state in 1848]
1853
07 09 Celebration
featuring Watertown Artillery Co. and Watertown Rifle Co. Democratic
State Reg.
1858
1859
06
02 Plans
for celebration, Young Men’s Association WD
1860
06
28 Plans
for celebration WD
1861
06 06 OUR
NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY
We are
requested to state that a public meeting will be held in Cole’s Hall next
Monday evening, the 9th inst. at 7 1/2 o’clock for the purpose of making
arrangements for the appropriate celebration of the approaching anniversary of
our National Independence.
There
are many reasons why the people of America should cherish the memory and
associations connected with the Fourth of July with renewed enthusiasm and
sincerity. All that they hold dear —
their free institutions and prosperity as a nation — had their origin in the
great event of that day, and the heroic deeds that followed the Declaration of
Independence.
Let us
then, one and all, kindle anew and brightly the fires of freedom in our bosoms
and as we pass in review the achievements of the statesmen and soldiers of
revolution, revive our devotion to the government, which their wisdom framed
and established, and resolve again that it shall descend unimpaired, a glorious
heritage to those who come after us.
We
hope this call will meet with a universal response, and we have the pleasure of
witnessing a demonstration of patriotism and zeal never surpassed by our
citizens. WD
06 20 The Fourth at Alderly—The
citizens of Alderly, Dodge County, are making
arrangements for a general and enthusiastic celebration of the coming Fourth of
July. Mr. D. S. Curtiss, editor of the
Oconomowoc Free Press, will deliver
the oration. We wish we could be there
to hear it, for we know it will be eloquent, appropriate and well written, and
just the thing for the time and place. WD
1862
1863
07 02 ROBINSON HOUSE READIED
The Robinson House, formerly known as the Planter’s,
has been rebuilt, enlarged, elevated, completely overhauled, refurnished, and
will be ready for the reception of guests and travelers on the 4th of July.
06 01 THE 4th OF JULY
The anniversary of the Declaration of American
Independence is rapidly drawing near. We
ought to get up in this city the best demonstration ever been known here. We can now all join in celebrating an
unbroken and strengthened Union, and pass in review the scenes and events that
have made it dearer and more durable than we dreamed before the war, which has
just closed so triumphantly. Who will
take the lead in this matter and make the enterprise a splendid success? We can celebrate the establishment of universal
freedom and rejoice in the overthrow of the curse of slavery, which is a
blessing both to the South and the North.
Let us celebrate. WD
07 20 THE FOURTH AT WATERTOWN
Correspondence
of the Milwaukee News
Madison,
Wis., July 5, 1865
Editor News: In the summer of
1844 I visited for the first time the place now known as the city of
Watertown. It was then a small
village. My second visit occurred on the
4th of July, 1865.
I was agreeably disappointed, not so much at the number of changes
that had taken place, as at the character of them. There is a neatness, a substantiality and a
solidity about the city which attracts the eye.
They indicate a thrifty and enterprising population. The city throughout has a home-like
appearance. There are many elegant
private residences there, but they all look as if they were built for
homes. I found by experience that I had
formed a correct estimate of the hearty hospitality of their proprietors.
There is another peculiar characteristic about Watertown. There is almost utter absence of poverty
about it. It has many very handsome
streets, among which Main Street is without a rival in the state, for its
regularity, neatness and beauty. It
extends in a straight line through the whole city, is of a commodious width, is
flanked by substantial sidewalks and its handsomely rounded and stone paved
gutters are wholly undefiled by filth.
In company with Hon. George B. Smith, who had been invited to make the
oration for the celebration, I arrived at Watertown early on the morning of the
4th. We were shown to the Lindon House, where the broad and good humored
face of “Adam” greeted us a smiling welcome.
The citizens of Watertown boast of having three as good hotels as can be
found in the state. I did not stay long
enough to try them all, but if the other two are as good as the one I did try,
the boast is well founded. This house
has been recently elevated, enlarged, improved and refurnished, and the tired
traveler who secures an asylum within its walls finds comfort and rest in its
ample rooms, plenty and excellence upon its well-spread tables. Mine host, Lindon, landlord and proprietor,
is cheerfully attentive to the wishes of his guests, and the radiant
cheerfulness that uniformly beams from the countenance of “Adam,” the clerk,
tempts one to think that he must have received both his name and disposition
from the first Adam, before he partook of the fatal apple.
Soon after our arrival we were warmly welcomed and cordially greeted
by Hon. W. M. Dennis, Gen. W. Chappell, Hon.
E. Rothe, Mr. D. W. Ballou, Jr., of the Watertown
Democrat, Hon. J. J. Enos, Mr. H. C. Fack and others. Senator Budlong of Waterloo was also present
and contributed much towards rendering our visit pleasant and agreeable. The ceremonies of the celebration were gotten
up mostly under the auspices of the patriotic German Turners of Watertown. A handsome grove near the residence of Mr.
Enos had been selected as the spot where the people were to assemble to hear
the oration, and to this place the procession of
Turners and citizens marched [at] about two o’clock, under the leadership
of the chief marshal, Captain E. Off, formerly
of Barstow’s cavalry. The captain had
gained a high reputation, not only as a gallant officer, but as one of the most
accomplished riders in the regiment to which he belonged. The Milwaukee County Band contributed some
most excellent music to enliven the scene, and by the time we reached the
ground a large crowd had gathered there.
The ceremonies on the ground were opened by the reading of the
Declaration of Independence. This task
was performed by Mr. W. H. Rohr, of Watertown, and I must say that I have never
heard the immortal production of Jefferson read in better style. At the conclusion of the reading of the
declaration, Hon. Geo. B. Smith occupied about one hour in the delivery of an
extemporaneous address. It was a most
able effort and exceedingly appropriate to the occasion. Mr. Smith never for one moment forgot that he
was celebrating a national anniversary.
Although he was speaking to an audience, nine-tenths of whom were
democrats, he did not utter a single sentiment at which the most sensitive
republican could take offence. His
speech was characterized by a spirit of the broadest patriotism and
liberality. My limits forbid that I
should attempt at this time to give even an outline of the topics upon which he
touched. A radical but candid republican
who heard the speech remarked that he could not find any fault with it, and
further said that he was constrained to say that he liked it. Let it not be understood by this that Mr.
Smith assumed a single position in conflict with the doctrines of the
democratic party, for he did nothing of the kind. He simply let political questions alone, as
inappropriate to the day. His speech was
utterly free from the last [least] taint of partisan feeling and bitterness. There was not a democrat present but what
[who] was pleased [not] with it, as the applause by which it was greeted abundantly
testified, and there was not a republican present who could find fault with
it.
Behold here the difference between the spirit which governs the
democratic party and that which influences a faction of the republican
party. Here was a celebration in a
democratic city, an oration was delivered by a democratic orator, to an
audience overwhelmingly democratic, and not one word was said or thing done to
mar the harmony of the occasion, to insult or wound the feelings of political
opponents. I venture to assert that in
places where the celebration was gotten up by republicans a totally opposite
spirit prevailed, and that democrats were denounced, insulted, and stigmatized
in the most outrageous manner. In this
connection let me ask which is the right spirit? Who displayed the greatest nobility of
character, the democratic Germans of Watertown, or the American republicans of
Madison, who even after the conclusion of the regular ceremonies got up an
exclusively partisan celebration in the Capital park, where insult, obloquy and
reproach were heaped upon democrats generally, and where they had the
unparalleled meanness to abuse Judge Orton, the regular orator of the day, by
name?
After Mr. Smith had concluded, Mr. Fack addressed the audience in
German. Of the merits of Mr. Fack’s
oration I, of course, cannot judge, because I am unacquainted with the language
in which it was spoken, but it was lustily cheered and I know that he has now a
high rank as a German orator.
After these ceremonies were concluded I repaired in company with a few
others to the residence of Hon. J. J. Enos, where we were most agreeably and
hospitably entertained. Although a
strong republican, Mr. Enos has acquired the knack of making even democrats
feel entirely at home on his premises.
The balance of the day among the Germans was devoted to joviality and
social enjoyment, to the enhancing of which the potent lager was made to
contribute its cheering influences. Of
course it was drank in bounteous quantities, but I saw not a single German in a
state of intoxication. All were merry, a
cheery hilarity prevailed everywhere, and the sonorous voice of manly song made
the “welkin ring” with pleasing melody.
Thus passed the day and goodly portion of the night, for in the “we sma’ hours avont the twal,” from my room at the Lindon, I could catch the
harmonious sounds of distant song, in the very midst of which, swan-like, I
gradually floated off into the land of pleasant dreams.
I must not, however, forget to mention that I passed a portion of the
evening in a most agreeable manner in company with General Chappell, at the
hospital [hospitable] dwelling of Mr. Dennis.
Mr. Dennis and his accomplished lady, together with several of the
beautiful young ladies of Watertown, by their agreeable ways and cordial
manners, made the time pass so pleasantly that I much regretted the necessity
which compelled me to terminate a visit in which I had enjoyed so much
pleasure. I shall long remember with
feelings of deep satisfaction the 4th of July which I passed in the hospitably
city of Watertown.
I forgot to mention in the proper connection that I was informed that
two-thirds of the population of the city is Germans, and its growth and
improvements were almost wholly the result of German thrift and
enterprise. If this is true, it is
certainly a proud monument to the industry of a people, the largest portion of
whom came to this country with no capital but [with] strong arms and courageous
hearts.
Another circumstance also escaped me in its proper connection. It would hardly be excusable for me to
conclude this communication without mentioning the fact that I made the acquaintance of Mr. Timothy Johnson, the first
settler of Watertown. The old gentleman
still looks hale and hearty. Long may he
continue so. He has lived to see the
spot which he knew as a wilderness grow into a flourishing city of several
thousand inhabitants. I hope he may live
long to enjoy its comforts.
Yours, etc. Watertown Democrat
1872
07 03 THE FOURTH
To all appearances there will not be much glow to the patriotic fires
of the citizens of Watertown this year of our Lord, and this sad and
humiliating reflection forces itself upon us in view of the fact that no
arrangements have been made to celebrate the coining anniversary of our
National Independence now so close at hand.
Time was when the flow of patriotic ardor was as rife here as in other
places, but what now causes the defect in National pride is more than we at
this moment can determine. The big
doings at Madison, however, in part explains the deficiency of the proper
outburst of feeling here, a large portion of our citizens intending to be
present at the celebration there, at which it is expected so many prominent men
of the nation will appear.
Several towns in the county will observe “the day that speaks our
nation's glory,” in a befitting manner.
The citizens of Jefferson have arranged for a pleasant celebration,
which will include a grand theatrical performance by the Jefferson Boat Club,
of the Merchant of Venice, in which will appear the celebrated actress, Mrs.
Anna Cowell, assisted by Mr. W. G. Taylor, the popular tragedian, and others,
of Chicago.
At Waterloo there will be a regular old fashioned Fourth of July
Anniversary, for which extensive preparations are being made by the people of
the place and surrounding country. Our
citizen, Mr. Hall, delivers the oration.
We are not advised of other celebrations in the county, although other
towns may be preparing to properly observe the day.
We must content ourselves with either going away from home to give
vent to our patriotic feelings, or else spend the day in quietness, under our
own vine and fig tree.
Should the present warm weather continue perhaps the
latter alternative would in the end prove the most acceptable, so far as
personal comfort is concerned. Watertown
News
1873 Tornado. If the people did not get up much of an
excitement here on the 4th of July, the unruly elements did.
1875
06 17 Firecrackers and the Fourth of July have
become inseparable. The approach of the
glorious anniversary of freedom is distinguished by the snapping of
firecrackers in the streets when the average American boy considers himself at
liberty to burn up cities and villages, scare teams, and do as much mischief as
possible with these dangerous and incendiary playthings without which it is
utterly impossible to celebrate patriotically.
WD
1876
01 19 Shall We Celebrate
The
central location of Watertown makes her favorable as a point to hold a grand
Fourth of July celebration of the Centennial fashion. It is not any too soon to take the matter in
hand if we design celebrating this year, and all approving the project of a
grand old time next Fourth of July, should come together and talk the matter up
ere it is too late, and we are headed off by
celebrations at other points. What say
our business men to this idea? WR
06 26 The Turner
Society is busy making preparations for celebrating the glorious
Fourth. A series of amusements,
consisting of athletic, gymnastics and acrobatic performances, will be
presented in Turner Park, where a good time generally is anticipated. Charles Cech is announced to deliver an
oration in German, and it is the intention of the Society to secure also
someone to address the people in English . . . In the evening Prof. Richert
will make a grand display of fireworks, something entirely different from
anything that has ever been exhibited in this city. The chief attraction in this display will be
a cannonading balloon, one of the finest articles ever got up in the line of
fireworks. It will be made to discharge
at various elevations a continuous stream of meteors, bombs variegated showers,
gold rain, etc. etc. WR or
WD
07 05 THE CENTENNIAL FOURTH OF JULY
In paying proper tribute to the Centennial Fourth of July,
Watertown in her celebration was adequate to the important task.
1879
07 09 THE PHOENIX BOYS AND
THE FOURTH
Engine room in apple pie order
A most
interesting and pleasant feature connected with the observance of the Fourth
here was the splendid reception the boys of the Phoenix Fire Company extended
to their friends during the day.
In the
undertaking of course the boys had the cooperation and assistance of their lady
friends, and to the presence and good offices of the fair ones no doubt can be
attributed no little share of the success that attended it.
The
Silsby engine, always beautiful, this time shown with additional luster and
splendor, and was tastefully decorated with handsome floral trimmings. Everything in the engine room was in apple
pie order indicating the services of good housekeepers about the premises.
But
upstairs in the meeting room the climax was capped and the zenith of one’s idea
of perfection reached, for here was the eye captivated with furniture,
pictures, fixtures and adornments fitted for a parlor, while the sumptuously
spread board of dainty edibles, with a profuse accompaniment of lemonade, was
truly a sight for the beholder and sufficient to arouse within every breast a
most inspiring feeling of patriotic ardor.
`The
Phoenix boys and their helpmates were adequate to the occasion and spared no
pains to make it pleasant for all their callers whom It may well be judged were
not few nor far between. This affair was
certainly a very happy event of the day and those who were fortunate enough to
attend the Phoenix boys reception on the Fourth of July, 1879, will have reason
to long remember it. The
Watertown Republican, 09 Jul 1879
1883
06 22 FOURTH OF JULY will soon be here and every
patriotic American citizen is expected to celebrate the day in a becoming
manner. The Watertown
Rifle Company and the Turner Society will furnish amusement for all on that
day, at Turner Park. In the evening in Turner Hall the festivities
of the day will close with a ball. WG
06 27 THE FOURTH AT CONCORDIA
Concordia Island will be an attractive spot on the
Fourth next Wednesday. Picnicking will
be the order of the day amid the sylvan shades in this favorite retreat and the
hours will be enlivened with sweet chords of music from the Philharmonic Cornet
Band. Arrangements have been made for
grand balloon ascensions and other amusements during the afternoon. WR
07 02 FOURTH OF JULY IN THE PARK
It is proposed
to have our citizens partake of their dinner on Fourth in the city park, and
enjoy a good old-fashioned Fourth of July time among the flowers and in the
shade. Let everybody come who can and
spend a jolly time with some patriotic feelings and perhaps speaking and
singing mixed in. Bring your baskets
well filled. Seats and tables will be
provided for the many. Dinner will be
ready to serve at 1 o'clock. The ladies'
committee will sell lemonade and ice cream for the benefit of the park fund.
07 09 A GRAND FOURTH
The Fourth
of July has passed in this city had a sort of free-for- all turn about it,
our people mostly rendering homage to the anniversary with a true spirit of
independence. Bunting was profusely
displayed along the streets, and the fire cracker was ever present and of good
report. The largest muster of people was
at Turner park, where the new cornet band held forth from the pavilion, and
Miss Pauline Voss read the Declaration of Independence. In the city park a number of families partook
of their dinner, which was spread from numerous well-filled baskets taken to
the grounds, tables and seats having been provided. Many pleasantly chatted and visited under the
teepees during the afternoon, while the young people, with a few older ones
mixed in for variety, engaged in frolic and amusement in the shaded recesses of
the enclosure. WR
07 09 A PREMATURE FOURTH
[same date]
A premature fourth of July celebration occurred at Chas. Goett's store Thursday
evening. A sky rocket let off in the
street instead of shooting heavenward, "as the law provides," took a
scoot across and went through the window.
In its flight it set on fire a lot of fireworks in front of the store,
causing a promiscuous pyrotechnic display, and for a few moments matters looked
threatening for a serious fire. A little
timely work, however, and all danger was over, Mr. Goett’s loss amounted to
about $15.00. A lucky escape. WR
1891
07 10 A
QUIET FOURTH
Fourth
of July passed off quietly in Watertown.
Most of our people remained at home and celebrated the day in a quiet
way, whilst others visited the circus, baseball game and the picnic at Turner
Park. In the morning the Watertown band,
drum corps, Turner Society and St. Bernard's cadets paraded our streets,
winding up the march at Turner Park. In
the evening there was a good display of fireworks in the park and a dance at
Turner opera house, which drew together a large crowd.
1894
mid
1890s
Alvin Kraemer and Arthur Zimmerman trained their goat and dog
for the Fourth of July parade
[FACES & PLACES - WATERTOWN AREA, Published by Watertown Daily
Times, 1999, p 19, picture]
1896
PARADE IN FRONT OF #10 BLOCK OF MAIN ST
1898
07 04 FARMER’S PICNIC, FOURTH OF JULY, 1898
07 06 The Fourth passed very quietly here,
there being no public celebration. Many
of our people took in the attractions offered by neighboring places. In the afternoon the Sinnissippi
band played in the city park and the day wound up with a liberal display of
fireworks by private parties and a ball at Turner Opera house. WR
1901
04 26 The local newspapermen here are
interesting themselves in a Fourth of July celebration the present year and if
plans mapped out by them receive proper encouragement from our citizens and the
businessmen, one of the most successful celebrations in the state will be held
here July 4th. Nothing of the kind has
been held here in several years, and there is no reason why a rousing one
should not be held here this year. It
can be made a paying investment, as well as a day of much pleasure to all
citizens and visitors. WG
1902
07 12 THE FOURTH AT WATERTOWN
The celebration
of the Fourth of July at Watertown was a success in every particular, and
deserved to be, as it was excellent in every feature; the good work of each
committee having the matter in charge fitting into that of every other with
such exact nicety that it was hard to tell just where the perfect work of one
left off and that of another began.
From
the afternoon of Thursday until well along into the early morning of Saturday
the preparation for the enjoyment of and the sense of satisfaction after the
National Holiday filled in every waking minute.
The
decorations were abundant. Flags and
bunting everywhere. The street
decorations across and along Main Street extended from the Lewis public
fountain east to the Seibel residence.
These supplemented by private effort seemed to cover every available
space.
The
attendance from out of town was very numerous, and all day long and well into
the night our streets were crowded with people, good-natured, happy and bound
to enjoy to the limit the fine weather and the occasion.
The
parades were all that had been promised.
The old veterans of the Civil War, decorated with their G.A.R. and Corps
badges, and the corps of German veterans wearing proudly medals and emblems
attesting their loyal service in their Fatherland, kept even step to the music
of patriotism under the waving folds of the Stars and Stripes, and found equal
pleasure in being constituent parts in the grand object lesson of the day.
The
floral hoop march by a crowd of little girls was like a bouquet in the midst of
the grand parade. They were neat,
pretty, graceful in pose and action, and were loudly cheered everywhere.
The
speech of Hon. W. C. Leitsch. of Columbus, orator of the day, though brief, was
eloquent, agreeable to listen to and suitable to the occasion.
All
the street attractions were up-to-date and fulfilled in every particular the
published and poster announcements. The
evening program was not lacking in interest.
The
fire run by the department was a grand feature and was in itself an object
lesson, not as an example of what our fire laddies
might do in an emergency, but what they do time and time again without hardly
attracting even a casual word of praise.
It was fine, even the horses seemed to enter into the spirit of the
occasion. With ears laid back, distended
nostrils and eager, flashing eyes, and every muscle in active play, they needed
no urging to make them beat the devil’s tattoo with their iron-shod hoofs on
the brick pavement as they swung into view and out of sight between two long
drawn breaths. Every man was in his
place, the engines under a under a full head of steam, flying sparks and
clatter of horses feet, one by one, engines, hook and ladder trucks and hose
carts passed in flying review, and as the people saw it they might well realize
how much they are dependent upon the efficiency of our fire department for the
safety of life and property.
Hurrah
for the fire boys, anyway; their show was fine because it was real. The Watertown News
1903
07 09 HAZARDOUS
HOLIDAY
July
4th, 1903, was an unusually quiet day. No general celebration was held, and we
would scarcely know here that it was a great national holiday were it not for
the small boy and his firecrackers. In
the afternoon and evening the Plattdeutscher
Verein held a picnic on Tivoli Island, which was well attended.
The
usual number of small accidents occurred. Friday night a carelessly fired
skyrocket struck the curb in Main Street, then flew upwards and struck Miss Jaedecke, setting her dress on fire. Men nearby went to her rescue and put the
fire out before any serious damage was done.
Francis Darcey had his face burned with a canon cracker; Edward Conrad
had his left hand injured with a toy, pistol; Herbert Kusel’s face and eyes
were slightly burned with a toy cannon; Miss Julia Pfaffenbach had her hand
injured with a skyrocket, and Henry Behrens, town of Watertown, had a finger
torn off with a cannon cracker.
1908
07 03 Fourth celebration
1909
07 09 Fourth celebration, July 5th declared the legal holiday. WG
1921 PARADE ON THE 4th
1922
PORTFOLIO OF PARADE PICTURES
1935
07 04 ACCIDENTS MAR FOURTH
Police Active Thursday. Several arrested during
day. Among some of the problems were
when two more or less inebriated merrymakers chose Wednesday evening for their
fun, and hauled a miniature cannon down Third Street, the explosions from which
sounded like a re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg. The cannon is now resting in the Lost &
Found Department of the Tribune
awaiting the arrival of its owners.
WTribune
1941
07 04 FOURTH
OF JULY PARADE
1953
07 04 FOURTH
OF JULY PARADE
1954
07 04 FOURTH
OF JULY PARADE
1956
07 04 FIRE
DEPARTMENT FLOAT ENTRY
1959
10 13 RIVERSIDE PARK POPCORN HASSLE
Sales on midway restricted to carnival company
The Riverside
Park popcorn hassle, which was brought into the open at the city council
meeting on Oct. 6 today seemed headed toward a solution and a report to that
effect will be filed with the council at its meeting next Tuesday night. The issue was brought into the open by the
Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No. 189, the American Legion when its commander told the
council that officers would find it difficult to sign up a carnival for rides
and concessions unless such group was given exclusive rights to concessions at
the park for the annual Fourth of July celebration which the Legion sponsors
each year. A report received by the
Times today stated that the solution calls for the carnival company to have
complete control of all concessions on the Fourth of July midway in the
park. There is nothing to bar
“outsiders” to maintain stands in other parts of the park, but they will not be
permitted on the midway. WDT
1960
06 24 WACKETT GRAND MARSHAL
Byron
F. Wackett, Jefferson County assemblyman and a former mayor of Watertown, was
named grand marshal of the Fourth of July celebration. Kenneth Kropf is serving as parade
marshal. WDT
1961
06 10 FOURTH CELEBRATION NO LONGER
THREATENED
Officers
and committees of the Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No. 189, the American Legion today
continued with their plans for the coming Fourth of July celebration at
Riverside Park which for a time yesterday were threatened when Charles Brasch
of the Brasch Bros. Shows announced he
was canceling the contract he holds with the Legion for the celebration. Brasch’s statement came after the common
council Tuesday night failed to take definite action on the so-called “popcorn” controversy. Mayor Robert P. White, when informed of the
Brasch statement, arranged a hurried meeting which was held yesterday afternoon
at the city hall in an effort to iron out the difficulties if possible. As a result of the meeting it was announced
that the Fourth of July celebration will go on as planned and that the coming
Labor Day celebration, under auspices of the Watertown Central Labor Council in
September, will also proceed as planned.
Brasch Bros. also holds the contract for that celebration.
07 05 123rd
ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF JULY FOURTH
The
third largest parade in the history of Watertown, surpassed only by the Timothy
Johnson centennial parade in 1936 and the city centennial parade in 1954, wound
its way through Watertown’s business district yesterday while thousands watched
from the sidelines. It was the
introduction to the city’s 123rd annual observance of July Fourth. The weather was pleasant and the sun was out
bright and early and remained out right down to sundown last night. Marching units, bands, drum and bugle corps,
floats and a variety of other entries from far and near joined in the parade,
with banners flying. It was a spectacle
of color, music and patriotic fervor. WDT
1964
07 03 CALLIOPE
FEATURED IN PARADE
A genuine old-time calliope will be in
Watertown’s July Fourth celebration parade.
The appearance of the calliope is being sponsored by the D. and F. Kusel
Co., in connection with the company’s 115th anniversary as a Watertown business
concern. It is the oldest hardware store
in the state. The calliope will be drawn
by four miniature ponies.
1966
07 04 OBSERVANCE OF JULY FOURTH
1969
06 26 FIRST AID STATION FOR THE FOURTH OF
JULY
At a
meeting of the Watertown
Auxiliary Police held Thursday evening in the squad room of the municipal
building it was decided that a first aid station would be provided during the
Fourth of July celebration. The station
will be located in the upper pavilion at Riverside Park and will be manned by
auxiliary police members. Anyone
interested in joining the force may do so by contacting any of the following
officers: Wendell Wilson, president; W. T. Connor, vice president; Merlin
Holtz, secretary; Milton Wagoner, treasurer, or Captain James Meyer.
1981
07 04 PORTFOLIO OF PICTURES
1982
07 06 Dr. Walter W. Arzberger, honorary
marshal. WDT
In the 1982 parade dresses from the
Watertown Historical Society were used to model and 1907 photo used as
reference.
1984
06 27 William Kwapil Sr., honorary
marshal. WDT
1985
06 28 Jack Nass, honorary
marshal. WDT
07 03 PETER
COLLETTI honorary marshal
Peter Colletti, a retired math teacher and coach at
the junior high school, has been selected as the 1989 honorary Fourth of July
parade marshal. The parade will get
under way at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of North First and Main
streets. “I was surprised, I was really
surprised,” Colletti said regarding his selection as parade marshal. He said he was surprised because the community
has so many capable people that could have been selected for the honorary
position. Colletti was born in Madison,
attended Madison grade schools, and graduated from Central High School. He received a degree in math and science from
University Teachers College. WDT
1990
06 25 KRUEGER HONORARY PARADE
MARSHAL
Robert
W. Krueger has been selected as the honorary marshal for the city’s Fourth of
July parade. Krueger, 314 S. Monroe St.,
has been active in many organizations and is a member and past commander of the
Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No. 189, American Legion. Krueger is also a member of
the Jefferson County 40 et 8, Voiture No. 750; past commander of the AMVETS
Post No. 35; life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7852;
Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666; life member of the Past Commanders Club; life
member of the Wisconsin National Guard Enlisted Association; life member of the National Guard of the
United States and has served as service officer for the AMVETS Post No. 35 for
15 years.
07 01 LEBANON BAND 100th
ANNIVERSARY
LEBANON — The Lebanon Band, this year
celebrating 100 years of dedication to music and fellowship, is one of the biggest bands from one of the smallest
towns in the United States. The
band, with close to 50 members, will be performing in Watertown’s Fourth of
July Parade this year as a part of its extensive centennial year schedule. As the band performs this summer,
parade-goers from all over Wisconsin will be treated to a proud and historic
group in action. The band’s founders
were music-loving German immigrants. In 1885, Henry F. Seeger, a German born
parochial school teacher, came to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lebanon to serve
as a teacher, organist, choir director, and instructor of instrumental music
for which he received 10 cents per lesson.
After five years his teaching had produced enough instrumentalists to
form a band in Lebanon in 1890. WDT
1992
09 29 ARTHUR KEHL
The Watertown Fourth of
July parade committee has named Arthur W. Kehl as the honorary parade marshal
for the 1992 parade. Kehl served in the Army as a technical sergeant, receiving
his training at Camp Blanding, Fla. He served as an instructor at Camp Blanding
for two years after which he was transferred to Fort Knox where he was in
charge of an office. He has been employed at Brandt’s, Kusel’s, Tri-County
Tobacco, G.B. Lewis Company and Dadant
and Sons. He was involved in beekeeping at Lewis’ and Dadant
and Sons and lectured at Midwestern universities on beekeeping. He served as
president of the Jefferson Beekeepers Association and Wisconsin Honey
Producers. He was named beekeeper of the year, the highest honor given by the
Wisconsin Honey Producers.
1993
06 29 CHARLES WALLMAN
Charles Wallman,
retired industrial executive, is the honorary marshal for Watertown's annual
Fourth of July parade. The annual parade
will begin Sunday, July 4, at 12:30 p.m. from its traditional location at Main
and Water streets. The route has been
modified this year because of the Division Street reconstruction project. The route will be east on Main Street to
Fourth Street, north on fourth to Labaree and then Labaree to the park.
Wallman is retired executive vice president of Brandt, Inc., in Watertown
and is active in a variety of community projects. In addition, he has written several books of
a historical nature. He is a 1942
graduate of Watertown High School. He
subsequently entered Marquette University, then Texas College of Mines and
Metallurgy, El Paso, where he received a certificate in basic civil engineering
in 1944. He later studied at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received a Bachelor of Business
Administration degree in January of 1949.
1994
06 26 KROPF HONORARY PARADE
MARSHAL
A former Fourth of July
parade committee chairman will be the honorary parade marshal of this year’s
event. Kenneth D. Kropf will take the
place of honor near the front of the parade lineup that is set to kick off at
10 a.m. Monday, July 4. Kropf was the
main parade organizer for several years.
Bob Lueck has since filled the position. But Kropf was also involved in
the fireworks display for the Fourth of July celebration for 30 years.
1998
06 23 Gerald Hepp honorary marshal WDT
1999
06 24 John “Jack” C. Lemke honorary marshal WDT
2000
06 25 DON CAYAN honorary marshal
A veteran of World War II and an active supporter of
the Watertown Senior Center has been named the honorary parade marshal for this
year's Fourth of July parade through downtown Watertown. Don Cayan, who served as a private
first-class in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946, was stationed at the
Aberdeen Proving Ground where he worked on an experimental gun that fired a
36-inch shell. It was called "Little David" and was never used.
Cayan, retired, has held many jobs throughout the area. He formerly worked at Waukesha Foundry,
Brandt Automatic Cashier, Charley Howard's Tavern for seven years as a
bartender, grower and deliveryman for Johannsen Greenhouse, G.B. Lewis and was
janitor for the Watertown school system, where he attended school. WDT
2002
07 02 MARK KUEHL honorary marshal
Mark D. Kuehl,
circulation manager of the Watertown Daily
Times and an active participant in a variety of community activities, has
been named honorary parade marshal for this year’s Fourth of July parade. Kuehl will ride in one of the first vehicles
in the Fourth of July parade. This year
the parade will travel east on Main Street and north on Fourth Street to Labaree Street and then out to the park. The theme of this year’s parade is “The Flag
Still Stands for Freedom.” WDT
2003
06 12 Active community member Ora Kuckkan has been named honorary parade marshal for this
year’s Fourth of July parade. Kuckkan will ride in one of the first vehicles in the
annual Fourth of July parade which is scheduled to step off at 10 a.m. July 4
at the intersection of Main and Water streets.
This year the parade will travel east on Main Street to Dewey Avenue,
north on Dewey Avenue to Division Street, east on Division Street to Labaree Street and conclude at Riverside Park where the
rest of the festivities will be held.
“It is a very rewarding experience to be able to volunteer in various
organizations in the community and church,” Kuckkan
said. “Watertown is a great place to
live in.” WDT
07 01 Family and tradition are two key factors for
the Loeb family when it comes to celebrating Independence Day. This marks the 50th consecutive year the
Loebs have had entries in the July 4th parade and 50th successive year Archie
Loeb has driven horses in the parade.
This year he will
drive a Rockaway carriage along the route.
“It’s something like an anniversary.
Fifty years is a long time and this is the oldest one we have,” he said. Other units the Loebs will have in the parade
this year are two antique John Deere tractors, two antique fire engines and a
1929 Model A Ford. In their first parade
in 1953, the family had entered a lugger truck (used for hauling scrap medal)
and a team of horses. WDT
2004
07 01 JERRY
HEPP honorary
parade marshal
Jerry Hepp will be
the honorary fire chief for the city of Watertown during this year’s Fourth of
July parade on Sunday. He will be riding
in Watertown Fire Department car # one during
the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Water and West Main
streets. Units will travel down Main
Street and conclude at Riverside Park.
Hepp is the first person to receive the new annual title because he was
the top bidder in an auction for the aerial platform truck fund-raiser held at Badgerland Park in September. WDT
06 19 LYLE
WUESTENBERG
honorary parade marshal
Lyle Wuestenberg has
been named honorary parade marshal of the 2004 Watertown Fourth of July Parade
in honor of his support of many organizations and programs over the years. He is president of J&L Tire Inc. of Johnson
Creek, which he owns with his brother, Jim.
I am humbled and honored and never would have imagined that I would be
chosen, said Wuestenberg, who has been a strong supporter of many organizations
and programs in Watertown and the surrounding area. He has been involved with numerous charitable
projects over the years. WDT
2007
06 22 RALPH AND MARGARET
KRUEGER, HONORARY PARADE MARSHALS
Honorary parade
marshals for this year’s Fourth of July event are Ralph and Margaret Krueger,
part owners of the Watertown Daily Times.
They are Watertown natives and have resided in Watertown most of their
lives until moving to Lake Mills in 2004.
Both are volunteers for Meals on Wheels and Riverfest, and are members
of the John D. Clifford Scholarship Committee.
Ralph Krueger has
been active in the Watertown Lions Club for many years and currently serves on
the publicity committee. He assists with
several club projects including distribution of Lions mints to local businesses,
Rose Day sales, Lions tractor pull, and the concession stand at Brandt/Quirk
Park. He formerly served on the Lions
Board of Directors. He is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Margaret Krueger is a
member of the Friends of Watertown Memorial Hospital, Friends of the Watertown
Public Library and Watertown Historical Society. She received the 2007 Outstanding Community
Service Award from Madison Area Technical College and serves on the
MATC-Watertown scholarship committee as representative for the John and
Catherine Clifford scholarships. She is
secretary of the Rock Lake Improvement Association, and served on the publicity
committee for the Friends of the Lake Mills Public Library 2006 tour of
homes. She is a former volunteer for
Bread and Roses.
2008
06 15 HONORARY PARADE
MARSHALS
Honorary parade marshals for this year's Fourth of July
event are George "Soapy" and Karen Oestreich, former owners of Vogue Cleaners and
Easy Wash Coin Laundry in Watertown.
Both have resided in Watertown their entire lives and have been involved
in many community activities.
"We're very proud of our community and that's why we've been
involved in a lot of things," Karen Oestreich said. "I just can't imagine living anywhere
else." The Oestreichs
purchased Vogue Cleaners in 1972 and built Easy Wash Coin in 1982 before
retiring in 2004. They were members of
the chamber of commerce for 31 years.
06 29 PARADE ROUTE CHANGED
The 2008 Fourth of July
Parade route and staging area have been changed to accommodate local road
construction projects, according to Deputy Chief Tim Roets of the Watertown
Police Department. The parade is
scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Friday and 121 units are scheduled to
participate. The closure of the
Milwaukee Street bridge and the North Church Street reconstruction project have
caused city officials and parade organizers to place the staging area and the
parade start location east of the Rock River.
The parade will start on East Main Street at Second Street and progress
east to Dewey Avenue, then north to Division Street, east to Boughton Street
and then north to Labaree Street at Riverside Park.
2009
06 11 BOB LUECK HONORARY
MARSHAL
Bob Lueck has been chosen to serve as this year’s honorary marshal for
the annual Fourth of July parade in Watertown.
“When the time came to choose the parade marshal for this year’s Fourth
of July parade, the parade committee didn’t have to look any further than their
own backyard,” said Sue Hepp, a member of the parade committee. “It was a unanimous decision to choose Bob
Lueck. “We all agreed it was time to
honor the years of commitment and devotion he has spent to bring our community
a great parade year after year,” she added.
“We, on the parade committee, applaud his dedication, especially this
past year, as he has struggled with some health problems.”
2011
2012 William
Jannke honorary parade marshal for 2012’s Fourth of July parade.
Jannke
was born Feb. 12, 1961, in Watertown. He
is the oldest child of the late William and Phyllis (Jacobs) Jannke. His ancestry is German and his family settled
in Watertown as early as 1847.
He
attended Lincoln Elementary School in Watertown and graduated in 1979 from
Watertown High School. Jannke went on to
Madison Area Technical College and graduated from the commercial art program in
1985.
Jannke
was one of the founding members of the Dodge-Jefferson Counties Genealogical
Society in 1981 and served as the group’s president. He has been affiliated with the Watertown
Historical Society since 1983 and has served as its president for over 12
years. In 1988, he founded the Watertown
Players, Inc., the city’s community theater, which will be celebrating its 25th
anniversary next year. He also was a
founding member of the Watertown Tourism Board and was its secretary for six
years. He also served as president of
the now defunct Jefferson County Historic Alliance.
He has
also written several plays and writes and directs the annual Christmas play for
the Watertown Historical Society, which is performed in the famous Octagon
House Museum. He has done so for almost
25 years.
In
2011 the Main Street bridge was named in his honor.
Jannke
works as a clerk at the Jefferson County Veterans Service Office, located at
the Jefferson County Courthouse.
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
WATERTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY & WATERTOWN LIBRARY FLOAT
FIRST PLACE
A live scene was displayed of the
Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam (Melissa Lampe and son Nathan)
Cross-References:
Library of Congress photos,
undated: No 1, No 2, No 3, No 4, Waiting for parade,
No 5, Watching the parade, No 6, Watching the parade
Ray Dobbratz and wife Marie annually
sponsored a unit in the Fourth of July parade to promote patriotism
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Fourth of July Parade |
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin