Manuscript Resolutions to Organize a Fourth of July Procession ca. 1843, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.

Sabbath Schools unite to celebrate “the coming anniversary of American Independence”

---

“Ladies in front. The Citizens in the rear.” Manuscript copy of resolutions by various Columbia County, Pennsylvania sabbath schools to organize a Fourth of July celebration, ca. 1843.

Details of the public procession are clearly spelled out:

Resolved. That the following be the order of the day. The Schools will meet at Light Street Church at 9 o’clock A.M. and there form in procession under the directions of the Chief Marshalls of the day in the following order. 1st Clergymen, 2nd Superintendent &c., 3. Musick, 4. Orangeville School, 5. Espytown School, 6. Pleasant Grove, 7. Brier Creek, 8. Mt. Pleasant, 9. Light Street The Schools be arranged according to sise [sic]. Ladies in front. The Citizens in the rear ... refreshments after… The declaration of independence will be read and an oration delivered. ...[the schools] will be called together to listen to address after which the committee will again pass refreshments…

These resolutions, including a resolution to send a copy to each school, were transcribed by W.S. Thompson, Secretary. This copy is addressed to Isaac Low of Pleasant Grove Sabbath School who also served as committee chairman.

Committee members of all the schools are named as are the two parade marshalls. The celebration of “the birth day of Liberty” was to be held “in a Grove belonging to Mr. Shug near Fishing Creek.”

The date “Monday…June 26” is mentioned in the manuscript. This, coupled with the handwriting and stationery styles and the death of one Isaac Low of Lime Ridge, Centre Township, Columbia County in 1847, suggests that the manuscript possibly dates from 1843.¹

Price: $45.00