Fourth of July in 1909

Courtesy of the San Anselmo Historical Commission, check out these photos of a San Anselmo Fourth of July celebration from 1909.

Over a century ago, around 5,000 people gathered for a baseball game, parade, afternoon races, and a concert and dance.

The following article ran in the July 8, 1909 edition of the Marin Journal:

A large crowd of people from all parts of the county gathered at San Anselmo on Monday to celebrate the glorious Fourth of July. It was estimated that upward of five thousand people were out in their summer clothes. The streets of the town were decked with flags, banners, Japanese lanterns and strings of electric lights and all the buildings and homes had their share of decorations.             

The festivities began with a baseball game in the morning which was well attended. After the lunch hour the grand parade made its line of march. The first feature was a drill by 20 school girls in boating costumes. The children carried canoe paddles and presented a pleasing appearance as they went through graceful maneuvers. At the head of the parade was Town Trustee W. E. Jones, mounted on a gay steed and wearing a long white plume in his hat. Then followed floats, decorated automobiles, carriages, bicycles, mounted police, “horribles” comical characters, ladies on horseback and a number of other features which were received with applause.             

At 4:30 in the afternoon races of all kinds for boys, girls, fat women, fat men, horse, etc.             

At 7:30 in the evening a band concert was given at the ball grounds by St. Vincent’s band, which also played during the entire day. The music was very fine and the boys received much due praise.             

The fire works proved a grand success and were much enjoyed by the large throng. The literary exercises were held in the open square near the depot, where a platform had been erected. The many incandescent lights lent a fairy-like effect to the scene, and hundreds of spectators applauded the different numbers on the program.             

Other attractions followed and then the Star Spangled Banner was sung by the school children.             

Many enjoyed the dance which was given in Pioneer Hall. The celebration was a complete success and all those interested in getting up the affair deserve great credit. One thing which should not go unnoticed was the excellent behavior of the large crowd.