July 4th: “A Demonstration Unusually Elaborate”

Independence Day has been H.B.’s biggest annual civic celebration since 1904. On July 4^th of that year, more than 50,000 people gathered to celebrate not just our nation’s birth, but also “Founders Day,” the recent renaming of the town (from Pacific City to Huntington Beach), and most importantly, the arrival of the first Pacific Electric Railway “Red Car.” This light rail system connected Huntington Beach to Long Beach and Los Angeles and assured the town’s survival.

[The photo above is from roughly the same period, but doesn't show the Independence Day crowds. The photo of the Red Car below was taken some years later, but shows the cars and station.]

Actually, the Red Cars began carrying passengers the previous Friday, with the festivities beginning on Saturday and building up to the big official celebration on the 4^th.   

And what an Independence Day it was! The trolleys arrived hourly all day, and most were full to capacity. The Board of Trade (the forerunner of the Chamber of Commerce) sponsored a huge event with food, games, music, fireworks and speeches. The Los Angeles Times called it “a demonstration unusually elaborate.”

J. V. Vickers, president of the Huntington Beach Company, addressed the crowd from the back of a farm wagon, expounding on the bright future of our town. Barbeque was served throughout the afternoon. In total, 11 sides of beef were cooked in a pit at 5^th and Walnut. Meanwhile 52 real estate agents worked the crowds, selling lots.

[The photo above shows Main St, looking north, in 1905. Eader's Home Bakery is on the left.]

Both an orchestra and a concert band performed, and there was dancing at the Pavilion, next to the pier.

Moore's Fidelia Concert Band began their morning program with a rousing march: “Under the Banner of Victory," by Von Blon. The band also played Strauss, Verdi, and a new piece of music called “Plantation Dreams," by Mr. J. Ullrich. After an intermission, the band returned with "The Poet and the Peasant" by Suppe, a solo of "Asleep in the Deep" for trombonist J. Moreno, and more.

During the afternoon program, from 2 to 4:30 pm, the band played popular songs including the overture from "The Flying Dutchman,” "The William Tell Overture," and "Lucia" by Donizetti. There was also a duet for flute and clarinet, performed by Messrs Addeinanda and Vilelle. The band likely wrapped up the program with its usual grand finale, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” 

Naturally, the evening was capped off with a fireworks display.

I hope you have a great Fourth of July too.

-CJ

Comments

[Chris Jepsen]

Yes, I'm commenting on my own entry. Actually, I just wanted to point out that there's some related info available on my O.C. History Roundup blog:
http://ochistorical.blogspot.com/2007/07/happy-birthday-america.html

[Todd Pelkey]

Man, I wish we had those red cars back today! Thanks for sharing those pics and stories - that's a neat perspective on what's become a long-standing tradition here.

[jummoonmpjuzp]

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