State Celebrated Fourth Of July With Big Events 180 Years Ago

By Tom Emery

Today in Illinois and elsewhere, the Fourth of July is a holiday for boating, barbecues, and fireworks. Over 180 years ago, the celebrations were more scripted and formal, though fireworks were always a constant.

Back then, revelry on July 4 was an all-day affair, complete with processions, bands, and a multitude of speakers. The events were large and sweeping, and most of the town took part.

In many events, the men of the town gathered at a local tavern or hotel for dinner, complete with thirteen formal toasts – one for each of the original colonies. Though thirteen is an unlucky...