New Bern's 4th of July Celebration 169 years ago

This article appeared in the New Bernian newspaper on

June 17^th, 1843

“The Committee of Arrangements appointed by the Citizen Guards for the celebration of the 4^th of July, the birth day of our Independence, report the following Order of the Day:

The day to be ushered in with a Federal Salute and ringing of the Bells. Parade of Citizen Guards with firing of salutes until 8 o’clock.

         “At 9 o’clock, a Procession to be formed on the Academy Green to move in the following Order:

                        Citizen Guards

                        Orator and Reader

                        Clergymen

                        Temperance Society

                        Strangers and Citizens

From the Academy Green to Hancock-street, down Hancock to Pollok, down Pollok to Middle-street, down Middle to Front, down South Front to Craven-street, up Craven-street to New-street, up New to Middle-street, up Middle to Johnson-street, up Johnson to Hancock, down Hancock to the Theatre.

            “At 10 o’clock, the Declaration of Independence will be read by Mr. Thomas R. Wilson and an Oration delivered by Mr. George S. Stevenson. Music by Citizens.

            “At noon, a National Salute to be fired.

            “At 1 o’clock, a Cannon Parade with music.

            “At sun set a Federal Salute will be fired.

            “The day to close with a magnificent display of FIRE WORKS, commencing 8 o’clock, P.M., on the Academy Green—where seats will be prepared for Ladies only.”

COMMITTEE

LEMUEL WILKINS

NATH’L S. BROWN

JOHN I. LEE

SAMUEL A. DUNN

RIGBON WILSON

JOHN  J. STREET

WM. H. TAYLOR

THOMAS O. JONES

June 17^th, 1843

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director