Utahns have been celebrating Independence Day since 1852, and the recipe for a successful Fourth of July hasn't changed over the years.
In her column in the July 4, 1954, edition of the Deseret News, Inez Robb wrote: "I want a Fourth of July complete with parade, a community picnic with foot races in the town park, fireworks and, to top it all off, some inspired orator to speak well of Uncle Sam."
Many Utah communities still follow that formula. Photo researcher Ron Fox has searched the Deseret News archives and uncovered photos from festivities of Independence Days past. These photos are now posted on deseretnews.com.
According to a historical column in the July 4, 1947, Deseret News, the first Independence Day observed in Utah was not until 1852.
"Until this time, since entering the Salt Lake Valley, the pioneers had blended their July 4 and 24 celebrations into one, making it a joint affair. On the first July 24 celebration, the Constitution of the United States was presented to President Brigham Young, president of the State of Deseret, and the Declaration of Independence was read.
"By 1852, July 4 was celebrated as a separate holiday with bands playing a concert in the tabernacle."
A few decades later, Utahns were flocking to local parks and resorts for the holiday.
A column in the July 14, 1886, Deseret News carried the following report:
"Yesterday, the 5th, was generally observed as a holiday in the city. The various pleasure resorts were crowded with visitors, and everything passed off peaceably. The celebration exercises at Liberty Park, by the G.A.R., drew out a good attendance. At Lake Point and Garfield there was probably the largest crowd that has ever attended those bathing resorts. Beck's Hot Springs, Fuller's Hill and Calder's Gardens were also busy during the day. The excursion trains to Ogden carried but few persons from this city to witness the celebration there, which was the grandest ever witnessed in Utah."
On July 4, 1901, the Deseret News printed the Declaration of Independence on the front page and listed the following events;
"Saltair — Great crowds but no special program.
"Salt Palace — Bicycle races and Wilber-Kirwin Opera company tonight.
"Circus Grounds — Sells & Gray's shows — three performances, morning, afternoon and evening.
"Calder's Park — Horse racing this afternoon, dancing and fireworks tonight.
"Lagoon — Big trains and usual attractions.
"Walker's Field — Park City vs Lagoon baseball teams this morning, former shut out, 6 to 0. This afternoon Park City vs Salt Lakes.
"Liberty Park — Reunion of Social Democrats who celebrated the day with political program."
Editorials throughout the years have reflected the sense of patriotic fervor that infuses Independence Day.
On July 4, 1942, the first Independence Day since the United States entered World War II, the editorial reflected these sentiments:
"This year, of all years, the Fourth of July should be celebrated as INDEPENDENCE DAY, and the celebration should be in complete harmony with the spirit of the historic document which was given to the world on that day in 1776 as our colonial patriots prepared to test their strength against the mother country.
"Every American should go to his book shelf, and take down the volume containing the Declaration of Independence and read carefully the high principles enunciated by the signers thereof on that history day one hundred sixty-six years ago."
E-MAIL: mhaddock@desnews.com