July 4th and the BBQ
The 4th of July is a day of celebration and a day to celebrate America's Independence. In the 1800's Americans still had parties and celebrations. Philadelphians remembered the 4th by setting off firecrackers, ringing bells, firing guns, and lighting candles. When the war ended in 1783 the 4th essentially became a holiday . In 1941, Congress finally declared July 4th a National Holiday. How have celebrations changed over the years?
Over time, various other summertime activities also came to be associated with the Fourth of July, including historical pageants, picnics, baseball games, watermelon-eating contests, and trips to the beach. Common foods include hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, apple pie, cole slaw, and sometimes clam bakes.
The second president, John Adams, would have approved. "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival," he wrote his wife, Abigail. "It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."
Fire up your grill for the 4th!
18th Century 21st Century
