|
|
Article: Businessmen led early Independence Day fun.(LOOKING BACK)
- Article from:
- Wenatchee Business Journal
- Article date:
- July 1, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 Sound Publishing Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
America's Independence Day holiday was a well-established tradition long before the Washington Territory came into being. By the early 1800s, communities all across the U.S. celebrated freedom and democracy with parades, picnics, games and fireworks. People took the day seriously; virtually everyone turned out for the events, which were usually organized by a committee of business leaders.
The earliest Fourth of July celebration on record in Wenatchee was in 1889, a year after the town was platted. Attorney Kirk White delivered the oration and Charles "Irrigation" Reed, backer of the Highline Canal, was master of ceremonies for a program that included foot and ...