Bainbridge Republican, July 10 1879
July 4th, 1879 in Bainbridge
Calm and serene was the birthday of the ever glorious in Bainbridge. Neither the canon's boom, the rockets red glare, booms bursting in air, nor even the youth's fascinator, the Chinese cracker, rang out on the stilly night, as the clock revealed the anniversary of that Day when tried the souls of all true patriots, and the Nation stood 108 years old. A few of the boys, awakened to a sense of the importance of the occasion had, early on the evening of the 3d, paraded the streets with the paraphernalia of the Continentals--tin pans, horns, etc.; but even their patriotism waned ere the hour of midnight, and the day was remarkable for naught save its quiet and serenity. During the day the streets were nearly deserted, save by an occasional bacchanal, who endeavored to keep up the '76 spirit by pouring down that of '79. But there were but few even of these misguided patriots to be seen, and the day generally had the appearance of a sea coast town during the cod fishing season. Several of our citizens went to Sidney to join in the celebration there, but found but few more people than they had left at home. The program was well carried out, however, and lacked only the multitude to make it a perfect success. Mr. Danforth's oration, was appreciated by those present, and heartily applauded. Those believing an occasional war whoop preferable to unbroken quietude, should have gone to Sidney; but those who glory in repose--noonday siesta, and all that sort of thing, Bainbridge was the haven they should have sought. It will long be remembered by the youth as the year "when the Fourth didn't come to Bainbridge."
July 4th 1879 in Sidney Plains
The 4th of July celebration at this place proved a pleasant and interesting affair. The oration by Elliot Danforth, Esq., of Bainbridge, was not only an able production but one replete with erudition, and confirms the already oft expressed opinion, "that for oratorical capabilities Mr. Danforth has few equals." The reading of the declaration of Independence, as well as the introductory remarks, by T.G. Smith, were excellent. The Chaplain, Rev. Samuel Johnson done honor to himself for the nobel and national sprit which he manifested on the occasion. The Unadilla "Cornet Band" are also deserving of much praise for their gentlemanly deportment and willingness to contribute interest on the occasion by their prompt response with music, voluntarily or when requested, and for their genial presence until the closing exercises in the evening. The Fusilier parade was a grand success, and was highly spoken of by all who witnessed it, the characters represented were well sustained, and the "getters up" are entitled to much credit for their good exhibition of the semi-comic-ridiculous. The display of fire works was fine, and it was estimated that nearly 1000 people were present during this portion of the entertainment. And we are only to chronicle one slight accident during the day, and that consisted of a young man by the name of Peaslee, getting his hand powder blown in firing off an anvil. There was also observable in the evening a few old land soakers who had succeeded in obtaining a little "somethin" from some where, that made them feel "kinder natural like," otherwise no disorderly conduct was witnessed, to mar the pleasure of anyone. We noticed quite a number of visitors from adjoining towns, and especially from Bainbridge, among whom were the Proprietary, Editor, wife and child, and the printers "devil" of the Republican. The Marshals of the day... discharged their duties well and made fine appearance upon their horses, particularly "Joe," who with his full Zouave uniform of the old 53 regiment, appeared as tho' he felt at home. And taken all in all, the program was well carried out, but of course in getting up a celebration, the great bulk of work and trouble necessarily burdens itself upon a limited few, who do not really wish to shirk a responsibility, and in this instance none are deserving of more praise for their untiring efforts and hard labor than S.L. Fisher, chairman of the committee of arrangements, and the only failure we have cognizance of in connection with the celebration was that of a self conceited individual who thought that by withholding his purse and influence could annihilate the 4th of July.
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