Stars, Stripes, and Stories: A look at July 4th celebrations throughout local history

This year’s July 4th celebration will mark the 248th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence and the 247th year of celebrating that independence. In honor of this, this week’s local history spotlight will center around how locals have celebrated throughout this area's history.
Our archives begin in 1896, just four years after the paper was established. However, the first fifteen years or so are of little use when it comes to local matters. During that time, local happenings—other than births, marriages, and deaths—were not really considered news because everyone already knew about them. The paper focused more on what was happening elsewhere.
The first mention of a celebration on the Fourth of July appears in 1911. A prohibition picnic was hosted at Pleasant Grove, boasting good water and shade for men and horses.
In 1912, an article was written proclaiming that business that should be coming to Groesbeck was instead going to Teague and Mart because the merchants in Groesbeck were not making enough effort to attract people. The author suggested that local merchants host a grand Fourth of July picnic, as none were being hosted in the area yet. However, no evidence in the archives suggests it actually occurred that year.
A small advertisement in 1914 announcing the annual Fourth of July Picnic hosted by the Pleasant Grove Ladies Aid Society suggests the task was taken up by 1913.
In 1915, a rather grim article urged people to rethink fireworks as a celebration technique by publishing the number of people injured or killed by exploding fireworks from 1903 to 1914. The numbers, if accurate, were staggering, totaling 42,736 people injured or killed in that time frame.
By 1929, the local American Legion Post had taken over planning and executing the July Fourth celebration. That year featured a full day of activities at the Confederate Reunion Grounds, including a statewide yo-yo competition and a sunset patriotic program featuring the high school’s pep squad.
In 1932, the Jack’s Creek Reunion Grounds were open for four days. The Mexia American Legion Post’s celebration included horse races, a rodeo, and a parade. The Coolidge American Legion Post hosted a combination rodeo/homecoming event. The Reunion Grounds celebration included Roy Gray Carnival Shows and multiple concerts at the pavilion.
In the 1940s, articles advertising the city park as a place to celebrate and announcements of family reunions on the fourth dominated the scene.
In 1958, the Jaycees planned the “Biggest and Best Yet” parade. They not only hosted the parade but set up the full celebration, including political rallies, a beauty contest, local games, and a carnival. Multiple local cemeteries also held memorials on the fourth.
In 1964, a man named Ralph Thomas wrote a letter to the editor proclaiming the Box Church Fourth celebration to have “the best barbeque [he] ever ate.”
Today, we have a pancake breakfast, a parade, a youth pageant, and a pyrotechnic display. These events, except for the pancake breakfast, are exclusively sponsored by the Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce and the City of Groesbeck.
From prohibition picnics to grand parades, from cautionary tales about fireworks to vibrant carnivals, each era has brought unique flavor to our Independence Day celebrations. As we gather once more to honor our nation’s independence, let’s cherish the shared heritage that continues to bring us together in celebration and remembrance.