By jim zbick

jzbick@tnonline.comA century ago, one writer for the Tamaqua Courier talked about how the nation was trending to a more patriotic expression than the solemn July 4th gatherings of the previous generation."Of course the (town) fathers used to have a jolly time with wrestling matches, barbecues of fat animals, and other exuberance," he stated. "But when one reads the typical Fourth of July speech of the years 1840 to 1850, it is clear that the patriotism of today is at least more intelligent."He explained how the observance of those early holiday celebrations centered more around oratory."We were a bumptious youth and we used to proclaim the truths of statecraft to a waiting and awe-struck world, much as a college graduate of today tells how the earth would cease this distressing creaking on its axis if it would but grease the bearings with the wisdom of newly fledged alumni," he pontificated."As the youth grows more modest the further away he gets from his college degree, so America takes its place in the sisterhood of nations, with less aggressive self-assertion. We believe we have the best government in the world, but we do not feel that it is always good manners to be proclaiming that fact in the ears of our neighbors."He predicted that the "new Fourth" will look more into the future than to the past."If it tells of the deathless deeds of the patriots of old, it will be from no feeling of self-satisfaction but merely to show the youth of today the standard that is set for their far uphill climb," he stated. "The new Fourth will always be a day for young hearts."Then as now, the traditional fireworks displays played a big part in stirring those young hearts."If they stir the 'ahs' and 'ohs' from the children, that's a good thing," the writer said of the fireworks of 1911.Two other major components of Tamaqua's Fourth of July celebration a century ago revolved around a traditional parade, followed by athletic events.One reporter called the Liberty Brewing Company's float in the Tamaqua parade that year "one of the finest ever displayed in this town."It carried a Colonial theme, with a Liberty Bell in the center. Continental soldiers stood guard on the four corners while Miss Mae Henry, portraying Betsy Ross, was busily sewing the American flag.Civil War veterans John Bauseman and "Flucker" Whetstone rode horses and carried flags in the parade.One of the largest group of marchers was the 100-member Organization of the Red Men."Their uniforms showed off to advantage and the Indians certainly did put life into the affair," a reporter noted.After the parade came the much-anticipated athletic competitions."First and foremost, the New Fourth must always have manly athletics, for the first step in patriotism is to place a sound normal body at the service of your country," a reporter stated.Tamaqua certainly did not disappoint when it came to athletic competition. After watching the morning parade, most of the estimated crowd of 3,000 walked over to YMCA Park to watch the track and field events. In its preview story about the event, the Courier reported that about 1,000 athletes "from every town and hamlet in this section will gather and participate in the affair."Along with the long races and short sprints, both for runners and bicyclists, there were a number of novelty races such as a watermelon race and fat man's race.Winners received "beautiful and expensive medals," a writer said.While the athletic events fulfilled expectations, the fireworks display that followed in the evening did not. One reporter called the show "amateurish," and that many people walked home disgusted."The (parade) committee used great care in buying the fireworks and spent over $150 for the display but the thing was a fizzle with a big F," a reporter scoffed. "The pieces looked like smoldering cigar stumps, while the aerial bombs acted as though they lacked powder enough to send them heavenward."Although its fireworks display may have been a bust, Tamaqua was at least fortunate not to have anyone seriously injured. Other cities and towns in the state and nation were not so fortunate.In Pittsburgh, three died and 45 were injured during the celebrations. Two were children, burned in firecracker accidents. Another person was killed after being struck in the head by a bullet while sitting beside his wife in one of the city's parks.In Philadelphia, 11 people died from the oppressive heat and 12 more drowned in the rivers and creeks while trying to find relief. Another 400 persons were treated at hospitals for fireworks-related injuries.In western Pennsylvania the mining town of Kaylor was practically wiped out by a fire which was reportedly ignited by a Roman candle. All the principle business places in the Armstrong County town were destroyed.Firefighters in Chicago also had an especially busy day. Of the record 164 fire alarms turned in during July 4th, most were fireworks-related.Next: Summer rowdies