On June 28, 2006, Governor Robert A. Taft signed legislation enacting section 5.2234 of the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio House Bill 393, to designate September 22 as Emancipation Day in honor of the anniversary of the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862.

The First Ohio Colored Regiment.

John M. Langston, colored, made a speech at the Court House, Tuesday night of this week, in behalf of the 1^st Ohio Colored Regiment, in Camp Delaware – asking for aid and recruits. We did not hear him, but learn from several who did that he made an eloquent speech, not surpassed in power by any one who has spoken in Marietta, this year. The house was filled, and at the close, the sum of $260 was raised and paid for the Regiment. It will be borne in mind that the Government does not pay bounty as for white recruits, the law not authorizing it. The colored people present raised $10 towards procuring colors for the Regiment. Two recruits were obtained. Dr. Coulter will canvass the county for colored recruits. This regiment now has between 700 and 800 men in it. The Marietta Register, Friday, October 2, 1863, p. 3, c. 2. [This may not have been an Emancipation Day event, but it occurred near September 22 and Langston was the speaker on at least two subsequent Emancipation Day celebrations.]

 

The Marietta Register, July 29, 1864

Emancipation Anniversary. 

The colored people will hold a Celebration on Harmar Hill, Monday, August 1st - forenoon and afternoon. Dudley Asbury of Harmar makes an address before dinner, and John M. Langston of Oberlin, one of Ohio's best speakers, at 2 o'clock P.M. A table will be furnished on the ground for dinner at reasonable rates. In the evening there will be a Festival at Marshall's Hall in Marietta, the proceeds to be devoted to the benefit of the Colored Church. The Marietta Register, July 29, 1864.

Celebration. 

The ‘colored people’ of Marietta, Harmar, and vicinity, held a celebration, on the beautiful Harmar Hill, Friday, 22d inst., in commemoration of the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln. Wonder if the Copperheads think now that that Proclamation was a ‘bull against the comet!’ Prof. Ferguson, of Albany, Athens county, made a first-class speech – a speech, we are informed, for we were not there, that would have done credit to any ‘white’ man. Rev. Mr. Bartlett, of Barlow, and one or two others, addressed the audience – about 200 colored and 50 white. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 28, 1865, p. 3, c. 3. [Thomas Jefferson Ferguson (1830-1887), founder, principal, and president of the Albany Enterprise Academy (1863- 1886) in Athens County.]

The colored men of this county celebrated the anniversary of the preliminary proclamation of emancipation, at Vincent, Saturday, 22d inst. John M. Langston, the eminent colored orator, addressed them on that occasion. At night, on very short notice, the Court House in Marietta, was filled, to listen to Mr. Langston. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 27, 1866, p. 3, c. 1.

The "colored fellow-citizens" are to have a grand celebration in honor of the Emancipation Proclamation, at Fleming Station, Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, eastern part of Barlow township, Tuesday, 24^th inst. John M. Langston, the eloquent colored orator, is to be present, with other able speakers. It will be a "big" day – a highly interesting occasion. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 19, 1867, p. 3, c. 1.

The colored people will celebrate the Sixth [fifth] Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, at Cook’s Grove, Belpre, Tuesday, 22d inst. Address by Rev. D. E. Asbury, of Wheeling; and perhaps there will be other speakers. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 17, 1868, p. 3, c. 1.

The Marietta Register, September 16, 1869

Emancipation Celebration. 

The celebration of the sixth anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, will take place near Flemming Station, on the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1869. All persons desiring to celebrate this glorious event are earnestly requested to come and aid us, while we tell you how we are marching along. Those attending will be entertained by addresses from Prof. P. H. Murray, of Philadelphia; Rev. H. E. Asbury, of Allegheny City; Hon. H. H. Garnett, President of Avery College, Allegheny City. Arrangements have been made for half fare. The train will leave the Depot at Harmar, for Flemming Station, at 7:15, A. M. It will leave Belpre at 7, A. M. All can return on an extra train, which will leave the Station at 5 o’clock, P. M. / An invitation is cordially extended to all. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 16, 1869, p. 3, c. 5.

The colored people hold a ‘Grand Celebration’ of the anniversary of the Proclamation of Emancipation, and of the business of Equal Rights, at Cutler, this county, Thursday, Sept. 22d. The speakers announced are Prof. Wm. Hannibal Thomas, of Allegheny City, Hon. Wm. P. Cutler, Rev. T. J. Ferguson, also Col. Realf, of South Carolina. Half fare on the M. & C. Railroad, leaving Marietta, on the mail train, at 8:35 A. M., and returning on a special train at night. The Marietta Register, September 15, 1870.

Emancipation Celebration at Belpre.

A Big and Enthusiastic Crowd. / The celebration of the colored people in Col. Stone’s grove at Belpre, Monday, 23d inst., was an immense success, far exceeding any celebration held by them in Washington county. They came by cars, in ferry boats, in skiffs, in wagons, in buggies, and on foot, from Ohio and West Virginia, till, estimating after the manner of U.S. Democratic Senator Thurman, it was a ten-acre meeting. The Cincinnati Enquirer would put it at ‘the lowest figures, 5,000 of the sturdy yeomanry of the land present’ – provided it had been a Greeley crowd, which it was not. Cut the meeting into five parts, and each part would equal in numbers the Gen. Tom Ewing Greeley Libocratic meeting in Marietta, last week. It is not probable there was a Greeley colored man in all that vast throng, although several white Greeley men were there, Democrats, who did not at all relish the speakers. / The meeting was called to order by Mr. Sawyer, of Belpre, who was equal to the occasion at presiding. / The colored brass band, from Parkersburg, gave much satisfaction to all who heard their ‘mellifluous strains.’ / Prayer by Rev. Jesse Asbury, of Cedar, O. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was read by Wm. Cross, of Decatur township. / First speaker introduced, Thomas Still, of Chesterfield, Morgan county. Without pretension, he made a first-class talk, made good points and hits, - a speech that many a white man would be proud to deliver as well. / Dinner followed. There were baskets well filled with provisions, and many friends were entertained, pic-nic style. Twenty stands for the sale of refreshments, such as cold boiled hams, chickens, pies, ice cream, lemonade, &c., dotted the woods, and nothing stronger than sweet cider. One person was seen to ask for ‘suthin’ to take’ that might inebriate, but was firmly told, ‘Not ‘lowed on de ground. Here’s water. Dis a free country now sure, ‘cos of de Republicans, and you must take de free drink.’ / The drum corps waked the woods during the hours of mid-day. Also, the platform dance, to the music of three violins and a two-stringed bass viol, was in energetic operation all the spare time. / After dinner, Rev. J. W. McMaster, of Marietta, coming on the ground, was impressed for a ten minutes speech, the only white speaker of the day. / Prof. T. J. Ferguson, of Albany, Athens county, made the great speech of the day, drawing forth shout upon shout of applause. He was an able speaker, very. / Robt. W. Simmons, of Parkersburg, followed in a lively, ta[l]king speech. He is a sharp man, and was a delegate from West Virginia to the Philadelphia Republican National Convention. / None of the colored speakers had a word of comfort for Greeley. / The colored people, with reason, felt great pride in the success of their meeting. It was a very orderly assemblage, behaving with marked propriety of conduct. Men and women acted like gentlemen and ladies, and children were exceedingly respectful, quiet, tidily dressed, and did much honor to their parents. The Marietta Register, September 26, 1872, p. 3, c. 2.

The Marietta Register, September 17, 1874

Emancipation Day. 

Tuesday next, September 22d, is Emancipation Day, and we learn it is the intention of the colored people of Washington, Morgan and Athens counties to celebrate the event at Cutler Station, with speeches, music, etc. Gen. Dawes, Hon. N. H. Van Vorhes, and others speakers will be present. Rev. Mr. Thomas, of this city, will also deliver an oration. A half-fare train will leave Marietta at 7 in the morning; returning, will leave Cutler at 4 P. M. The train from Parkersburg will leave a little earlier. All well disposed persons are invited to participate. The Marietta Register, September 17, 1874, p. 3, c. 5.

Celebration at Cutler.

The colored friends of this and Athens county, joined in celebrating at Cutler, last Tuesday, the anniversary of President Lincoln’s proclamation of Emancipation. Similar gatherings were held at Parkersburg and at Nelsonville, in Athens county. These drew from the Cutler meeting, still it was largely attended. The day was beautiful, and the woods where the arrangements were made for spending the day, are delightfully situated, and close to the station. Excursion trains were run, and all the regular trains made stops. The German Band from Marietta was on hand to furnish music. Besides, there was vocal music by those taking part in the occasion. In the forenoon there was speaking for an hour, by Mr. Still, whose remarks we did not hear, but they were spoken of favorably. After dinner, the meeting was first addressed by Rev. Mr. Thomas, of Marietta, who spoke with a great deal of earnestness, entertaining the audience as few can. / He was followed by Gen. R. R. Dawes, the principal speaker of the day, who, for an hour held the large audience in unbroken interest. Gen. Dawes did himself credit, which, seeing he is a modest man, is all we feel at liberty to say. Jon. N. H. Van Vorhes was introduced and made a few remarks, being very unwell and not justified in attempting a set speech. / Mr. G. W. Harrison, of Harmar, was chairman of the meeting, and conducted it in a highly satisfactory manner. The day was innocently, pleasantly and profitably spent. No disturbances to mar the happiness of the occasion, which must have been participated in by nearly one thousand people. The conduct, the intelligent appearance of those in attendance, and the entire management of the exercises of the day were creditable to our colored friends, and would not suffer in contrast with any similar attempt of their heretofore more highly favored white brethren. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 24, 1874, p. 2, c. 4. [George W. Harrison (1829-1897) was the father of Charles Sumner Harrison, John Langston Harrison, and Walter Clifton Harrison, early Black graduates of Marietta College. He had been a conductor on the Underground Railroad and was a local activist for Civil Rights.]

Final Plans For Emancipation Day.

How the Afro-Americans Will do Honor to the Memory of the Martyred Lincoln. / A Big Foreign Delegation Will Be Present From Surrounding Towns – Good Speaking. / Good Music and a General Good Time Anticipated at Maple Glen Park – Excursion Rates and Everybody Going. / Thirty-three years ago to-morrow, President Lincoln with his foresight and love for his fellowmen, issued a formal proclamation announcing that the colored people who were then in bondage, should be considered free after a certain date. / It was in the midst of a great struggle; at a time when freedom was not wholly assured, but at the opening of the following year, however, the proclamation became effective. Freedom, to men who had been bound by the chains of slavery, was a dear word, and when it was put into actual practice, how gladly was in received and hailed with joy by the colored population throughout our land! / Since that time, no holiday, no celebration, has been so dear to the colored people as has the twenty-second day of September. It is then that their present condition is contrasted with that of but a few years ago. Appropriate exercises in the principal cities of the United States are prepared, and the day is made one of gladness and rejoicing. It is right and proper that it should be. / It has been the custom of the colored people of this city and the surrounding country to celebrate this day in a fitting way each year, and this year promises to be no exception to the general rule, but will perhaps be the most complete in the general make-up of any that has preceded. The celebration, next Monday, will be held at Maple Glen Park, which is situated about 18 miles up the Muskingum, and needs no description to be made known to the people in this part of the country. Amusements of various kinds will be offered, and besides the intellectual part of the program, a general good time is anticipated. / The speakers expected for the day are Gov. McKinley [spoke in Marietta Oct. 1 or 2, 1895], Hon. David Sleeper, of Athens, and Mr. Chas. S. Dana, of this city. It is useless to say that these speakers, if all can be present, will interest the people, as their reputation is already established as eloquent, patriotic orators. / Singer’s famous mandolin and guitar club will furnish music during the day. / A large crowd is expected from Parkersburg, since the smallpox scare at Wheeling prevents them from attending there, as they had anticipated. / Excursion rates have been secured on the Z. & O. and T. & O. C. E. railroads. / Good connections will be made by the T. & O. C. E. with the Z. & O., and the crowd will be well accommodated. / Several of the leading colored people of the country will be there, and impromptu speeches will be made, songs sung, and all of the amusements characteristic of the colored people will be in full blast. That the day will be gloriously spent and fittingly celebrated, is a foregone conclusion, as the program arranged, already testifies. The Daily Register, September 21, 1895, p. 4, c. 3.

The largest crowd that has left this city for some time to celebrate Emancipation day, left this morning for Maple Glen Park. A large crowd came from Parkersburg and many came in over the T. & O. C. E. and were joined by the colored people of the city. About five hundred persons made up the crowd. All left happy as could be and the happiness will no doubt continue during the day.” The Daily Register, Monday, September 23, 1895, p. 5, c. 1.

The speeches at Maple Glen Park, yesterday, were made by Messrs. Chas. N. Dana, W. B. McGill and I. R. Rose. They were all very interesting throughout and were heartily received by the people present. The celebration was a great success and the day was appropriately celebrated.” The Daily Register, Tuesday, September 24, 1895, p. 5, c. 2.

Marietta Daily Leader, September 20, 1897

Emancipation Day.

Colored People Anticipate a Big Time Wednesday Afternoon. / The local committee on arrangements for the Emancipation Day celebration at the City Park Wednesday afternoon are confident of a large attendance and an old-time celebration. The T. & O. C. E., Z. & O. R., B. & O. S. W. and C. & M. railways will all make special excursion rates, and as this is the only celebration in Washington county this year, big crowds are expected over each road. / The orator of the day will be Hon. Wm. H. Parham, of Cincinnati, who is a member of the Ohio Legislature and one of the most widely known colored orators of the state. The colored people will be addressed by Hon. Lorenzo Danford also and probably by other speakers not yet secured. / The celebration promises to be the most successful one ever held in the county. Marietta Daily Leader, September 20, 1897.

Emancipation Day. 

Colored People Have a Most Successful Celebration on Wednesday. / There was a large and enthusiastic crowd of colored people in the city Wednesday to attend the Emancipation Day celebrations at the City Park. The day was an ideal one for such an occasion and the celebration passed off most successfully and enjoyably for all. / At one o’clock the exercises began with a street parade headed by the Marietta band and the speakers in carriages. Seats enough for about 3,000 people had been erected in front of the orchestra stand in the park, and when Chairman Ambrose Barnett called the audience to order every seat was filled. The orator of the day was Hon. William H. Parham of Cincinnati, a member of the Ohio House of Representatives and one of the most widely known colored speakers of the State. He was enthusiastically received when introduced, and after the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Miss Justice, delivered one of the strongest and most eloquent addresses ever heard in this county on a similar occasion. He was listened to with great interest by his large audience, who frequently showed their appreciation of his eloquence by enthusiastic applause. / At the conclusion of his address the crowd was entertained with some excellent music by the Marietta band, after which Senator M. A. Hanna was introduced amidst great applause and made a neat and appropriate speech, calling attention to the rapid strides of the colored race since the shackles were stricken from them by the great Proclamation, and prophesying continued advancement and increased prosperity in the years to come. Marietta Daily Leader, September 23, 1897, p. 3.

Program and List of Events for Emancipation Day.

Following is the program and list of events for the 38^th Emancipation Day anniversary to be held in the City Park, Marietta, O., next Monday, September 23^rd. / 1:00 P. M. – Parade, starting at Bethel A. M. E. Church, South Third street, in the following order: Marietta Police Force; Marietta Band; Pioneer City Lodge No. 43, K. of P.; Fire Department; Afro-American League of Washington and adjacent counties; Speakers of the day in carriages. / The line of march will be on Third to Greene, Greene to Front, Front to Putnam, Putnam to Second, Second to Scammel, Scammel to Front, Front to City Park. / Music and Prayer; Address of welcome by Hon. W. E. Sykes, Mayor of Marietta; Music by Marietta Band; Reading of Emancipation Proclamation, by miss Lizzie Dickinson, Vincent, O.; Music by Marietta Band; Address by Hon. C. C. Middleswart; Music by Band; Address by Henry Savage, Esq.; Music; Address by T. M. Fletcher, on Knighthood; Music; Address by Dr. O. A. Lambert; Music; Address by Bishop A. Grant, of the African M. E. church. / Evening. / 7:00 P. M. – Opening concert by Marietta Band, in front of City Hall; 7:30 – Speaking at Auditorium by one of the following able, eloquent and entertaining orators; President Joshua H. Jones, D. D., of Wilberforce University, the able negro educator of the North; Prof. Booker T. Washington, of Tuskogee Normal Institute, the leading negro educator of the South; Vocal and instrumental music will be rendered. Marietta Daily Leader, September 21, 1901, p. 8.

Emancipation Was Fittingly Observed by a Large Crowd on Monday.

On the 22^nd day of September, 1862, being thirty-nine years ago Monday, President Lincoln proclaimed to the world his famous Emancipation Proclamation, which became effective January 1^st, 1863, and which resulted in freedom to all slaves in the United States. / Each year September 22^nd is set aside by the colored people on which to rejoice over their freedom, and on Monday of this week the celebration of the 38^th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation was held in the City Park, this city. / Church Dedication. / On Sunday, as a preliminary to the Emancipation exercises, Bethel A. M. E. Church, on Third street, was dedicated, the sermon being delivered by Rev. C. S. Gee, Presiding Elder of the Columbus district of the A. M. E. Church. This took place Sunday forenoon, and in the afternoon exercises were held at the Auditorium, the sermon being delivered by Dr. Talbert, Secretary of Wilberforce University. Rev. Dr. Townsend, pastor of St. Paul’s A. M. E. Church, Columbus, preached at Bethel Church Sunday evening. / Emancipation Day. / Monday was a typical autumn day and hundreds of visitors from various sections came to the city to attend the exercises. / At one o’clock the parade formed at Bethel A. M. E. Church, South Third street in the following order: Marietta Police Force; Marietta Band; Pioneer City Lodge, No. 43, K. of P; Parkersburg Lodge, K. of P.; Fire Department; Afro-American League of Washington and adjoining counties; Speakers of the day in carriages. / The line of march was on Third to Greene, Greene to Front, Front to Putnam, Putnam to Second, Second to Scammel, Scammel to Front, Front to City Park. / Rev. W. H. Thomas, Pastor of Bethel Church, presided. First came music, then prayer, then an address of welcome by Mayor Sykes, then music, followed by the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, by Miss Lizzie Dickinson, of Vincent. Music by band. / Dr. O. A. Lambert was introduced and talked from a historical standpoint on slavery at length. He was followed by Henry Savage, who urged the colored people to organize. Hon. C. C. Middleswart talked of the great progress made by the colored race and of the importance of education. He was followed by Elder Gee and Dr. Talbert, both of whom made very interesting and instructive addresses. The speaking part of the program was interspersed with good selections from the Marietta Band. Marietta Daily Leader, Tuesday, September 24, 1901, p. 1, c. 2-3.

53 Years of Freedom To Be Celebrated.

A celebration more elaborate than that held three years ago, which marked the semi-centennial of the abolition of slavery in this country and brought a large crowd of people of the colored race from miles around, is being planned this year, the occasion being the fifty-third anniversary of the freedom of the negro from the bondage of slavery. The fittingness of a celebration of this kind finds ample justification in the marked progress of the race during its fifty-three years of freedom and everything points to the largest celebration of the kind ever held in Ohio. / The celebration this year will be of the nature of a Home Coming Week, during which former residents of this county and state are to be invited back to join in the celebration which comes to a close on Emancipation Day, September 22.  / Thursday evening a concert at the Auditorium theatre here by Miss Rachael Walker, prima donna soprano, who has won fame in the musical world and distinguished herself among the people of her race. The appearance of Miss Walker here promises to furnish a fitting climax to the week of festivities. Miss Walker is a former Cleveland, Ohio, girl. She is a finished singer, has been complimented by royalty and also by Mme. Patti. She is a pupil of the famous teacher, the late Mme. Marchesi. / The concert will be held Thursday evening, September 21, and local talent will contribute to the entertainment. The presence of Wright's Orchestra of Columbus will also be a pleasing feature.  / The celebration will begin with special services at the Wesleyan M. E. church here on Sunday, September 17. Monday evening a reception will be given at the church according to the tentative arrangements. Tuesday, a picnic and dance will be held at Fern Cliff Park, and on Wednesday, a lawn fete will be held at Sacra Via Park. Thursday evening Miss Walker will appear in a musical at the Auditorium, and Friday a general celebration of Emancipation Day will be held. / A big parade will be held in the morning. William Peyton of Rockland, an ex-slave said to be past 107 years old, will lead the parade, which will proceed to the fair grounds where the festivities will be held, including speeches and athletic events. / Governor Willis has been invited to address the holiday crowd and a colored speaker of national reputation will be included in the program of addresses. Gloucester, Athens, Middleport and Pomeroy will join with Marietta in the celebration of Emancipation Day, and large delegations are expected here on that day from Zanesville, Cambridge, Noble County, and the many other points in this section of Ohio and West Virginia. / A committee has been appointed by the Chamber of Commerce here to cooperate with the committee which has the arrangements for the celebration in charge and this furnishes even greater assurance of the success of the affair. The Register-Leader, August 19, 1916.

Fourth of July in Marietta, 1798

 Home News, August 20, 1859

A correspondent of the Columbus Gazette, in searching among the old records in the Secretary of State's office, had his attention called to the following account of a Fourth of July celebration in Marietta in 1798. It was found in manuscript on the fly leaf of a surveyor's field note book, and no doubt the readers of the Home News will be interested in its perusal and preservation:

The day was ushered in by the discharge of cannon in three principal divisions of the town. At ten o'clock, Capt. Buell's company of Volunteer Cavalry paraded on the common near Campus Martius, uniform and martial (appearance) with the various movements performed in the course of the day, yielded honor to themselves and those who composed it, gave great pleasure to the spectators. Except Capt. Buell's company, who dined at Brough's tavern, the principal gentlemen of the town dined under a bowery erected for the purpose, on the banks of Muskingum river, and after dinner the following toasts were drank, under the discharge of cannon:

1. The day we celebrate.

2. United States - May her arms be successful against the enemies of her Independence, and her justice terrible to the agents of foreign influence and intrigue.

3. The Congress - Wisdom and unanimity in their Councils, firmness and decision in their measures.

4. The Hero and Father of his country, George Washington, President of the Society of Cincinnati. May his fellow citizens imitate his virtues and pursue and precepts left them in his last legacy.

5. The Citizens of the United States - May all Jacobins be made to know that the people of America cannot be separated from their government.

6. The Army of the United States - May they remember they are citizens in arms, employed for the defence of their country and the support of the rights of freemen, and not for the purpose of keeping the slaves of tyrants in subjection.

7. The Navy of the United States - May it be successful against the piratical cruisers of the Ocean, and soon become a scourge to all who shall dare insult our lawful Commerce.

8. The men who had the sagacity to suspect, the wisdom to detect and the courage to oppose French politics and intrigue.

9. Our late Envoys Extraordinary to the Republic of France.

10. Success to the Agriculture, Manufactures and Commerce of America.

11. The Territory in which we live. May we soon add another star to the American Constellation.

12. The Marquis La Fayette - The Hero and magnanimous sufferer in the cause of liberty. May his sufferings be held in grateful remembrance by every true American.

13. Governor St. Clair.

14. The American Fair - May they never give their hearts nor their hands to any but the friends of their country.

15. May the happy period soon arrive when the joyful song shall resound from pole to pole, "peace on earth and good will to men."

16. May those virtuous patriots by whose arduous struggles our National independence was achieved, never want successors, who at every hazard will defend our national honor and interest against the open attempts, or secret intrigues of foreign enemies or domestic conspirators.

And not only in Marietta, but in all the towns in its vicinity, the day was celebrated by every class of citizens, with festivity and joy, expressive of their attachment to the government of the United States, and their firm resolution to give their aid in the support of the Independence of their country. In truth it is not known that there now is, or ever has been, a Jacobin inhabitancy within the circle of the Ohio Company's settlement.

The Gazette correspondent adds, Capt. Buell named was Capt. Timothy Buell, not Gen. Joseph Buell of a later date.

The allusion in the second toast, to wit, of foreign influence and intrigue, evidences how fearful and jealous were our forefathers of the intrigues of European Courts, which were so prevalent in those days.

And the reference to Jacobians in the fifth toast, will be understood when the young reader calls to mind that at that time, the Infidels and Jacobins were making sad havoc in France, and it was found by "the fathers," that some of our own statesmen of that day were impregnated with what were called "French Ideas."

It will be seen by the tenor of the sixth sentiment that the people had not yet acquired a perfect confidence in the integrity of a standing army, hence the warning given.

The eighth toast again alludes to "French Politics," all of which shows that the patriots of those times were ever on the watch for the enemy, let him be in whatever guise he might.

The Ministers to France from the United States were James Monroe, 1794; Francis Dana and Charles C. Pinckney, 1797.

The wish expressed in the eleventh toast was realized five years subsequently, as we all know, and a glorious star has she become in a short half century.

The fourteenth sentiment would be well to repeat every 4th of July at least.

The fifteenth, hope for blessing upon the earth, has not been fully realized as yet!

Celebration Arrangements Are Complete

The Marietta Daily Times, Wednesday, October 28, 1925:

A Hallowe'en celebration that will probably surpass affairs of its kind here will be held under the auspices of the Marietta Lions Club, Friday night on Second Street. An elaborate program has been arranged. This is the first Hallowe'en celebration to be given by the Lions club, and it will become an annual affair, if proper support is received from the people.

A parade will form on Second Street below Putnam at 7 o'clock. It will include the Marietta school band, the members of the Lions club and persons who will be masked. The line of march will be down Second to Greene, down Greene to Front, up Front to Putnam, up Putnam to Second and down Second past a judge's stand, where selection of the best fancy costume and comic costumes will be made. The judges are George W. Lansley, John H. Rennard, Ray Sprague, and Luther E. Toller. Prizes will be given the best costumed individuals. Fox News will take photographs of the party.

Following the parade, Second Street will be roped off into three sections. The first, from Putnam Street to the alley, will be used for modern dancing, and the Chrysler orchestra will furnish music. The second will be from the alley to the fountain, where Sam Farmer's band will play for the square dances. The third section will be from the fountain to the railroad tracks, where roller skating can be enjoyed. Crippen's orchestra will furnish the music there. Permission has been given by Mayor Sprague for throwing of confetti, which will be sold by college students.

As an added attraction for the big celebration, Tom Lowry, local artist, will give a chalk talk at the judge's stand.

A mystery man, who is to be a Lion from the Parkersburg club, will mingle in the crowd and the first person to ask him the question, "Are You the Mysterious Lion?" will be awarded $5 in gold. A Kennedy radio will be given away during the evening. The local club requests that persons who do not dance remain back of the ropes.

*     *     *

The Marietta Daily Times, Monday, October 30, 1950:

Lions Club Holds 25th Annual Halloween Celebration Tuesday

Ghosts and goblins, black cats and witches, and just plain Halloween-loving kids form six to sixty will take over here Tuesday night as once again Marietta observes the merrymaking preceding All Saints Day.

Parties and "trick or treat" jaunts are scheduled all over the city and county, but the festivities will center around the annual parade of costumed celebrants.

Started 25 years ago by the Marietta Lions Club with the primary purpose of keeping youngsters out of malicious mischief, the parade has been enlarged through the years and this one will be the "best ever," according to Co-Chairman Tom L. Schwendeman. 

Four musical organizations - the Marietta High School Band, the Norwood Drum and Bugle Corps and the high school bands of Salem-Liberty and Waterford - will keep the parade stepping. The Tiger band will lead off behind a police escort and the Lion's cage, and the other three bands will be spotted among the costumed paraders. Several local Boy Scout troops will also participate in the parade.

Scheduled to start moving at 6:45 p.m., the parade will be marshalled at 6:15 at Putnam and Fourth streets. The parade route will be down Putnam Street past the judges' stand at Third and Putnam to Front Street, down Front to Greene Street, and then up Greene to Municipal Stadium. Final judging and awarding of cash prizes in 14 separate divisions will take place at the stadium.

Judges, named by the sponsoring Lions, are Miss Florence Hennis, Miss Barbara A. Breese, the Rev. Frank Nagy, Dr. R. D. Smith, and Maurice Mitchell.

Serving on the parade committee with Co-Chairmen Schwendeman and Brad Vrooman are Norman LaFaber, H. M. Taylor, John Trader, D. M. Winans, Robert Hausser, Neil Christy, Leonard Ogle, Dr. H. Lester Krieg, Ted Angel, Dr. Harold W. Oyster, James Stowe, T. H. Mehlberg, Leigh Smith and Dr. W. L. Sackett.

 

Governor-elect White is Home to Enjoy Christmas in City With His Family

 The Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1930

Governor-elect George White is back home and will carve the Christmas turkey in his own intimate family circle at the White home on Fifth Street. He came home Monday evening and within the next 24 hours all members of the family will join him in the yuletide festivities.

The two daughters of the next governor, Misses Mary and Charlotte White, arrived from Columbus on Sunday and began arranging for the Christmas celebration at their home. The governor-elect came in on Monday evening a few hours after his sons, Robert and George, had arrived from their school at Princeton. David White, the eldest son, will come from New York on Wednesday.

Mr. White had a double purpose in coming home at this time. He wanted to be with his family during the yuletide season and he wanted to obtain a brief rest from the arduous duties that have evolved upon him in recent weeks.

He said at his Marietta office Tuesday that he has put aside the making of appointments until after Christmas and it is not likely that he will have any official announcements to make in this line until he returns to Columbus.

He spent several hours on Tuesday attending to private business interests, and with his desk cleared this evening he will join his family and intimate friends for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration at his home.

Alden Home First to Have Lighted Outdoor Christmas Tree Here

 Marietta Sunday Times, December 22, 1929

Marietta's first decorated outdoor Christmas tree is said to have been the lighted tree in the front yard of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Alden at 202 Sacra Via about 15 years ago, so far as folks remember. The idea that is now universal in the East was inaugurated here by Mrs. A. M. Briggs, daughter of the Aldens, who came from her home at Garden City, Long Island, to spend the yuletide at that time. And, the beautifully lighted tree was there in honor of little Miss Priscilla Alden Briggs, the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alden.

Mrs. Briggs not only brought the idea of a beautifully lighted Christmas tree in the out-of-doors, but she brought also the pretty colored bulbs which decorated the tree. Outdoor decorated tees have been regular features on the Alden premises ever since.

According to John Kaiser, one of the first decorated outdoor Christmas trees in Marietta was one sponsored as a newspaper enterprise, when there was a community Christmas tree on the court house premises years ago. The school children of Marietta sang Christmas carols, with Professor James Bird the director, the program commencing at 4 o'clock in the afternoon of Christmas day. And one of the largest crowds ever assembled down town was there to witness the first community Christmas tree festival. B. F. Strecker donated the tree that was quite large, and the Sprague Electric Company placed the strings of bulbs.

Among those who had outdoor decorated trees for the past seven or eight years are Mrs. J. S. Goebel and John Dietz. They use living evergreen trees which grow on their premises. Mrs. Goebel uses an arbor vitae and a Frazier fir, and Mr. Dietz an arbor vitae.

Marietta Christmas Advertisements of the Past

 

The Marietta Times, December 19, 1900

Leader Dry Goods Store

Marietta Daily Times, December15, 1914

Brown Piano Co.

Marietta Daily Times, December 15, 1919

The Marietta Book Store Co.

Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1919

The Wieser & Cawley Co.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 15, 1920

The Turner, Ebinger Co.

The Register-Leader, December 21, 1921

George C. Wilderman

Marietta Daily Times, December 11, 1924

L. Gruber & Sons Co.

Marietta Daily Times, December 11, 1924

The Wainwright Music Co.

Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1930

The Stanley & Grass Co.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 15, 1932

Montgomery Ward & Co.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1940

Broughton's

The Marietta Daily Times, December 17, 1942

The Ohio Bell Telephone Co.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 5, 1947

Otto Brothers

The Marietta Daily Times, December 23, 1954

Wun-Der Shoe Store

The Marietta Daily Times, December 11, 1968

Kresge's

Halloween Dance

The Marietta Daily Times, October 31, 1908

The dance at the Marietta Country Club Friday evening was a decided success. One hundred and eighty people took the five o'clock car for the Club house. The entire house was elaborately decorated. Corn, apples and jack o'lanterns and autumn leaves were in all rooms and strings of black cats made of cloth were festooned about the walls, making very effective Hallowe'en decorations. After the arrival of the car, a grand march was held and the guests all marched to the dining room where the dinner was served. At seven o'clock the Marietta orchestra arrived and dancing was begun, lasting until eleven o'clock.

All were costumed and some were especially interesting as well as amusing. Mrs. Harry Chamberlain was gowned in her wedding dress and wore a veil. Misses Nellie Sugden and Laura Morse were dressed as clowns and were very good. Miss Waldine Rathbone had on one of the latest directoire gowns, pink with large black dots. It was extreme and effective.

Mrs. William Hastings wore an enormous Merry Widow hat and old fashioned shawl, which created much amusement. Miss Carol Hall was dressed as a ghost and Mrs. Harry Curtis as a witch. Both were effective.

Miss Carol Shaw represented a Mexican girl, Mrs. Ed A. Merydith was a Sis Hopkins, Mary Harper a Hobo. Mrs. C. T. McIlyar as a chorus girl with large hat and ballet dress was awfully good. Mrs. George Cann and Miss Blanche Leeper were colored Topsys and created much amusement. Mrs. Ed B. Follett, Mrs. J. Henry Best and Miss Hope Turner were colonial dames.

Miss Kitty Nye was very good as a college student. Mrs. Herbert Milshall represented a Spanish girl and Mrs. Beman Dawes a summer girl. Miss Hanna Sleigh and Mrs. Julia Flanders were "ye dames of ye eighteenth century" and were very good. Dr. Ballard in overalls and wearing a red wig was unusually good.

Charley Grace and Fergus O'Connor were hoboes. Elmer Thorniley, Uncle Sam. Eddie McTaggart and Mr. Merriam, Beau Brummels, and Harry Chamberlain, King Harold.

 

"Fourth"

Marietta Daily Leader, July 6, 1898

Picnics and Excursions On All Railroads and Boats.

Everywhere the Report of Patriotic Gun, Pistol and Cracker Rent the Air.

The Day Born, was Not Without Its Sad Accidents, and We are Called Upon to Report Death, Whose Sting Will Last forever, and Injury, Whose Hurt Will Last a Lifetime.

Old King Sol rose bright and early Monday morning and July 4th, 1898, was born. Not, however, without its casualties. A light shower about seven o'clock cooled the scorching rays of the sun and the day started off one of patriotism and pleasure. Daylight found many a young patriotic boy on the street with cap and pistol, doing honor to Uncle Sam's birthday.

The day was a fitting one to celebrate. One hundred and twenty-two years ago last Monday was United States declared herself to be a free and independent country. Today we are in the midst of a war with Spain, fighting for the freedom and independence of the poor, half-starved, imposed upon people of Cuba.

In the midst of shot and shell at Santiago de Cuba, aboard the men-of-war in the harbors and on the high seas, amid the noise of paper cap and pistol along the streets of the cities, in the fields, the valleys and on the hill tops, in fact everywhere that the stars and stripes float, the American people are with one accord. All hail Columbia! The land of the free.

Early in the day excursions began to arrive on the different railroads and boats. The T. & O. C. E. brought in about 800 people, the B. & O. S. W. 300, the Z. & O. 200, the C. & M. 345, the Ohio River 150. The steamer Barnsdall brought down about 50, Oneida 100, and the Sonoma about 100. The streets in the early morning were crowded with people, some with baskets, some without, all going according to their various desires, to the different places of amusements, all with one thought, a bright and pleasant holiday, one of rest and vacation.

Trades and Labor Picnic

Promptly at seven o'clock the steamer William Duffy left the wharf boat with the first load of picnicers for the Buckeye-Eureka Park at the head of the island, where the Trads and Labor Council of Marietta gave a large picnic.

The steamer Ollie Neville, the ferry boat at New Martinsville, had also been chartered to assist the Duffy in getting the large crowd to the picnic. The boats, alternating, left the wharf about once an hour, making it possible to catch a boat about every half hour.

Everything possible was done by the members of the order to make this a gala day long to be remembered. How well they carried out their part we all know. Refreshments of all kinds, swings, hammocks and amusements galore were to be found on the island.

Schlicher's full reed band led the procession early in the morning to the boat. The orchestra accompanied them to the picnic and furnished music for the dance loving people throughout the day and evening.

About 3,000 people enjoyed the day at the island and late in the evening returned to their homes, reporting a good time.

German M. E. Sunday School

The members of the German M. E. church and their families left at ten o'clock on the steamer Sonoma for Bartlett's Grove, where they put in the entire day. About 100 enjoyed the picnic and all report a very pleasant day spent in the beautiful woods at Bartlett's. Nothing happened to mar the pleasure of the day and all returned late in the afternoon, a happy crowd.

Colored Knights of Pythias

The Colored Knights of Pythias, Marietta Lodge, held a large picnic at Fountain Park on the T. & O. C. E. R. R. to which was invited a large number from Parkersburg, Belpre, Rainbow and from different points along the T. & O. C. E. The Marietta train left at 7:00 and by 10 o'clock the grounds were packed. About 1,500 people were present. Sports of all kinds were indulged in. Th wheelbarrow race was won by Charles Strawder, bicycle race by Otto Singer. No one was able to reach the top of the greased pole.

Band Wagon Picnic

The Misses Dye, Curtis, Cooke, James Clerc, Smith, Grafton, Leeper, and Messrs. Torpy, Hutchison, McClure, Reed, Harper, Leeper, Payne, and Bay, chaperoned by Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Reeser, enjoyed a bandwagon picnic at Devols Dam Monday, where they took supper and returned late in the evening. 

The Misses Florence Dye, Mary Brigham and Mr. J. Herbert West and Mr. Will Brigham drove up the Ohio and took supper for their Fourth of July.

The Misses Helen Chamberlain and Minnie Leeper and Mr. Walter Sniffen and Eugene Minshall took their Fourth of July supper up the Muskingum River.

Several families drove to the different parts of the country and enjoyed either their dinner or supper.

The Races

The races at the Fair Grounds were not a success either for speed or in a financial way. The crowd was small and but little interest was taken. Rather than disappoint the few people that attended, the owners of the horses gave a free blow-out. They gave two races, both mixed, in which the following horses entered:

    Spanish Boy, owned by F. B. Biszantz

    Elmer D., owned by Robert Gates

    Oudan, owned by Ellenwood & Smith

    A gray from Parkersburg 

 

Spanish Boy won in three straight heats in 2:25, 2:24-1/2; 2:28. In the second race were Billy H., owned by Kelly; Walter B., owned by Curry & Holdren; and a bay mare. Race won by Walter B. in 2:35.

Business in the city was generally suspended. In the evening from all parts of the city could be seen displays of fire works of all kinds. The heavens were bright with skyrockets and roman candles. A large number of balloons were also sent up.

At the St. Cloud Hotel, a large crowd of people, men, women and children, gathered to witness the display there.

The Chinamen on Butler Street also had a patriotic turn of mind and lent a hand in celebrating the day.

Casualties of the Day

The steamer William Duffy had the misfortune to break a hog-chain in the morning on her first trip up. The damage was quickly repaired, however, and the boat continued on its way.

The Ollie Neville Ashore

The Ollie Neville, the New Martinsville ferryboat, after landing a large party of picnicers at the head of the island and had started back to the city with about twenty-five passengers, in attempting to make a landing at Buell's, ran on a rock and tore a hole in her hull. The Duffy happened near and put her pumps at work. The water was soon pumped out and the hole stopped up without serious damage.

Burnt By a Fire Cracker

Charlie, the seven-year-old son of Mrs. Charles Loomis, Third Street, while shooting fire crackers was badly burned on the hand. It is a painful, though not dangerous, wound.

Hurt By a Torpedo

James Ancell, while on his way to Marietta from Parkersburg, was hit on the arm by a torpedo thrown by some unknown person. His arm was badly lacerated and his nose cut. It was a very painful accident and will keep him from his work for some time.

Foot Badly Hurt

Mrs. Charles Frantz, 117 Fourth Street, while standing across the street from the St. Cloud hotel watching the display of fire works, was hit on the foot by a skyrocket, which had broken and flew across the street, part of it going through the plate glass window of Charles Peddinghaus' and the other hitting Mrs. Franz on the foot. The foot is badly cut, but will result in nothing serious. 

William King was slightly hurt by a roman candle.

We have heard of no other accidents. Drunkenness on the streets was conspicuous by its absence. There was no lawless ness and everybody seemed to carry themselves in good form.

New Record Hung Up at Post Office

The Marietta Daily Times, Tuesday, December 23, 1924

Fifty Thousand Letters and Cards Cancelled on Monday.

Receive Nearly 2,000 Parcels.

Fourteen Truck Loads of Packages Delivered in City.

Fifty thousand letters and cards were sent through the cancelling machine at the post office on Monday, which was in all respects the largest single day the Marietta office has ever had. This new record for the number of letters and cards stamped makes the previous high record of 38,100 hung up during the Christmas rush of 1923, seem like the usual Monday rush.

Thirty-nine employees at the Marietta office and eight rural carriers working out of this office were pushed to the limit on Monday.

Parcel post packages to the number 18,025 were delivered. In addition, 150 C.O.D. packages were delivered and the money collected. It took 14 large truckloads to get out the parcels on Monday afternoon and the boys and men handling this mail were kept on the jump.

Postmen starting on their regular routes from the office had all the appearance of so many Santa Clauses except they were minus grey whiskers and red and white uniforms. Their pouches were loaded to the guards and they were backed up and forced to make several trips.

The large work room is the scene of intense activity. The parcel post packages were piled half way to the ceiling during the morning, letters and cards were packed here and there in masses and the clerks were working swiftly to again see light.

During the morning the letters and cards were coming through the slots so fast that it was necessary to keep two men at the counter in order to sort them. The stamp cancelling machine was kept running at capacity for a time, but because it takes longer to sort and place them to cancel, the machine was never going at its best.

Post office officials stated that it is impossible to tell yet just what the receipts for Monday were, but it is evident that they were larger than they had ever been before.

Tuesday started out like another record breaker. The indications are that this will be another big day and may surpass Monday.

While everything was being handled in an orderly and systematic manner, a good way to cause a riot on Tuesday morning would have been to stick your head in a door leading to the large work room and yell a "Merry Christmas."