Valley Girl Views: The 4th Of July in Watsontown Pa,1894-1918

A Look At Celebrating Independence Day In Watsontown

1900 - 1918

All of the photos I have found are from the 1918 celebration, which was a Red Cross Carnival, held on Independence Day week-end . Red Cross carnivals were held in every local town during the war, but in 1918, the carnival was in Watsontown for the 4th of July.

Picture of the GAR from Dec 1894, labeled by the Watsontown Historical Association

In 1894 - "The GAR, fireman and other local civic societies will join in making the parade a feature of the day. The Danville baseball club will play the Watsontown team both in the morning and afternoon. The program for the entertainment of the visitors during the evening is being prepared and should the weather prove favorable no one will regret having visited Watsontown on the 118th anniversary of American independence.

"Chief Burgess Knight has given permission for the sale of fireworks in Watsontown on the 3rd and 4th of July. Persons selling them before those days, or after, will be subject to a fine as imposed by ordinance." June 29, 1894

In 1900, the big 4th of July celebration was in Sunbury, and most from local towns took the train there for the celebration.

In 1902 the Independence Day baseball game for Watsontown was held in Danville, and it lasted 13 innings. It was a close game at every inning, but Danville won, and the Montour American ran a detailed account of the game on July 3, 1902.

In 1909, the fourth of July was celebrated with picnics, baseball, and fireworks, in Watsontown. Only one incident occurred - when Ward Williamson had powder blown in his face by a toy canon.

The wiring to the new Watsontown Park south of town had been completed and Burguss Brunner "turned on the current Monday evening"

On July 4 1911, The "newly erected dwelling of Lemuel Welkle in North Watsontown was entirely destroyed by fire at 8'oclock this afternoon. "

In 1911, that part of town, in Delaware twp, was completely without fire protection. Although the fire was discovered quickly after it began, the family and neighbors concentrated on getting the furniture and possessions out, rather than attempting to save the home.

(It would be unlikely the could save the home, with just buckets of water.) The fire appeared to have originated in the garret. There had been no fire (for heat or cooking) used in the house for some time, as they were using an outside kitchen. The home was insured.

In 1900, the Miltonian reported that there was music at the trolley park all afternoon and evening, by Prof. Trate's orchestra. At night three were fireworks, and the dancing pavilion, merry go round, and Mrs Fouts restaurant along the river pier were all well patronized.

The Trolley Park was located between Milton and Watstontown.

The dedication of the Civil War Monument in Lewisburg, July 4 1901

In 1901, Many from Milton & Watsontown went to Lewisburg, where they unveiled their Soldiers monument on the 4th of July. In the evening the crowds went to the Milton Park (Trolley Park) to the dancing platform, and merry go round "for the youngsters". There were fireworks that evening as well.

In 1918, the Miltonian reported that there would be no fireworks if the wish of the government was carried out - as every fireworks factory was purchased by the war department and was being used to supply the army with flares and signal lights.

In 1918 in Watsontown, The "Day of all Patriotic Days" began with clear skies and sun. "From noon until midnight the streets were packed with people. The parade started promptly at 2:30, headed by the Orphanage Band.