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Exploding Anvils: Celebrating Fourth of July in Eureka

7/4/2019

6 Comments

 
I’ve lived in Humboldt County for about 5 years and in that time, I’ve come to appreciate how many festivals happen throughout the summer- and how that festival season is growing longer and longer each year. Festivals run deep in Humboldt County’s history, and if there’s one that’s been a continual hit over that 150+ year history, it’s 4th of July. It’s been celebrated differently over the years depending on many factors including ease of transportation into the area, size of the population, and what was happening in the larger United States.
Picture
Boy Scouts marching in a 4th of July parade, 1925. Cat #: 2000.76.338
According to Ann Hunt from the Humboldt County Historical Society, early celebrations in the count around 4th of July typically focused on two goals: celebrating the Declaration of Independence and having a social event. Fourth of July festivities included reading the declaration of Independence to a gathered crowd, speeches, horse races, and dances. Balls were very popular for early 4th of July celebrations, oftentimes catered by local hotels. These events attracted the very dispersed settler population to socialize by attracting people into town to eat, dance, talk, and celebrate together. The first county-wide 4th of July parade in 1861 was led by Seth Kinman in his buckskin suit, who was followed by school children, fraternal groups including the Sons of Temperance and Oddfellows, local woman Nellie McGeorge dressed as the Goddess of Liberty, and military officers.  
Picture
A parade in Eureka. Cat #: 2005.78.140
Celebrations were scaled down in the depths of the Civil War, as residents wondered how there could be celebrations while so many people were dying in the war, and while the settlers were anxious about the local “Indian Wars”. Fireworks and bonfires were retained as important events to hold in celebration of the holiday and were noted to have a lightening effect on those that viewed them- some attendees also took up tossing flaming balls soaked in camphene (a type of lamp fuel) around the Arcata plaza while the bonfire burned in the center. Another popular form of fiery entertainment (that has its own fascinating history worth doing research on) was packing an anvil with black powder and lighting it, causing an explosion- a kind of improvised and very dangerous sounding firecracker.
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Photo of a decorated car on the 4th of July- check out the eagle hood ornament! Cat #: 2005.78.53
In 1864, many locals felt helpless towards the skyrocketing death rate of soldiers fighting in the Civil War due to unsanitary hospitals and living conditions. An anonymous newspaper editorial encouraged townspeople to donate to the cause of improving conditions for the Union Army via supporting the US Sanitary Commission. Support for the Sanitary Commission was strong in Humboldt County, events typically held to celebrate the 4th were turned into fundraisers for the Sanitary Commission. These fundraisers raised the equivalent of $13,000 in 2018 dollars in a county with a settler population of about 2,000. Women were heavily involved in these events, and these 1864 Sanitary Commission events marked the earliest ones where women were taking more visible roles as community builders. The U.S. Grant Quilt, currently on display in our quilting exhibit, was made around this period and auctioned to raise funds for the Sanitary Commission.
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After the Civil War ended, 4th of July celebrations became more festive again. Games like tug-o-war between teams of loggers took place at Sequoia and New Era parks. Firemen would race pull carts with hoses on them, concerts were held, and a variety of performances were held by local and traveling performers. One performance consisted of a man on a tightrope passing between the roof of the Humboldt County Bank at second and G (where the Black Faun gallery is now) to the Vance Hotel. Another popular performance was of a man who filled a balloon with hot air through a pipe over a fire, ascended into the sky, then parachuted down. In one performance, a dog parachuted down as well on its own parachute and survived the landing, but the performance was claimed to be inhumane to the poor dog, so it wasn’t repeated in Eureka.  
Picture
Preparing a hot air balloon on the Arcata Plaza Cat # 1965.11.1
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Group photo of No 1 Fire Engine Company, July 4th - 1892 outside the old County Courthouse. Cat #: 2006.70.85A-B
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Photo of Cal. Hose Co. #5 hose-pulling team which won the annual competition on many occasions. Cat #: 1997.061.039
Happy 4th of July everyone, have a safe and fun holiday! If you’re coming to Old Town for the 4th of July festival, be sure to stop by the museum- we’ll be open from 10 am to 6 pm.
Reference Articles:
Ann Hunt, 4th of July in Humboldt County, 1855-1865 Humboldt Historian, Summer 2012
Glen Nash, Entertainers, Hucksters, and Stunts Humboldt Historian, March-April 1986
6 Comments
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11/27/2021 03:32:29 am

There are many ways to celebrate the fourth of July, but there is one thing that all Americans have in common on this day. They are celebrating Independence Day. This year, people will be able to enjoy barbecues and fireworks with friends and family while watching their favorite athletes play in the Olympics.

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8/17/2024 05:04:12 am

The Fourth of July celebrations in Eureka, Humboldt County, have evolved dramatically over the past 150 years, reflecting changes in society, culture, and local conditions. Early festivities focused on both commemorating the Declaration of Independence and fostering community spirit. These early celebrations included reading the Declaration, hosting speeches, and organizing horse races and dances. The tradition of parades began in 1861, with a notable early parade led by Seth Kinman and featuring local figures in festive attire. These gatherings served as vital social events, drawing dispersed settlers into town to celebrate together. However, the impact of the Civil War tempered the celebrations; while fireworks and bonfires remained, they were often accompanied by fundraising efforts to support the Union Army and improve hospital conditions, as evidenced by the significant contributions to the US Sanitary Commission.

Post-Civil War celebrations saw a resurgence of festive activities, reflecting a return to a more vibrant community life. The post-war years brought a variety of new attractions and performances to Eureka’s Fourth of July festivities. Events like tug-of-war contests, fireman races, and performances by tightrope walkers and hot air balloonists became popular. Some of these performances were both innovative and controversial, such as the parachuting dog, which, despite its entertaining nature, was criticized for its treatment of animals. These evolving traditions illustrate how Eureka’s Fourth of July celebrations have adapted over time, blending historical significance with local culture and entertainment. Today, the holiday continues to be a major event, drawing visitors to Old Town for a blend of historical reflection and modern festivity.

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8/5/2022 05:12:34 am

The Eureka 4th of July parade is one of the largest Fourth of July parades on the west coast and features floats, bands and other entertainment. The parade starts at 10 am from the corner of 9th and H streets in downtown Eureka, heads down 9th Street to Main Street where it ends at the Humboldt County Courthouse

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8/17/2023 05:01:58 am

Celebrating Fourth of July in Eureka is a vibrant and patriotic experience that captures the essence of American heritage and unity. As fireworks illuminate the night sky and families gather for picnics adorned with red, white, and blue, the city comes alive with a sense of camaraderie and pride. Eureka's streets are adorned with festive decorations, and the air is filled with the sounds of laughter and cheers as the community joins together to commemorate the nation's independence. From lively parades that showcase a rich tapestry of cultures to community barbecues and concerts, the Fourth of July in Eureka offers a splendid array of activities for all ages. It's a time to reflect on the significance of freedom while forging lasting memories with loved ones, making Eureka a truly memorable destination for this cherished national holiday.

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8/21/2024 12:30:15 am

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