State Library Of Massachusetts: News Historical Celebration, 1849: Leicester, Massachusetts

Press release from the State Library of Massachusetts:

7/01/2021

July's Collection Spotlight!

Historical Celebration, 1849

Historical Celebration, 1849

Broadside 124

This month, as towns across the Commonwealth are preparing for Fourth of July celebrations, our Collection Spotlight is a broadside titled “Historical Celebration” that dates to 1849 and describes the “order of exercises” that were planned for the town of Leicester on July 4, 1849. The day started with music by the band, followed by a prayer by Rev. J. Nelson, D.D., a hymn by Henry S. Washburn, Esq., and an address by Hon. E. Washburn. A dinner was held at the conclusion of the event. Most of the broadside consists of the lyrics of the hymn, set to the tune of “Old Hundred.” Written seventy-three years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the lyrics call on the memory of who fought in the war and the freedoms that came as a result of their service and sacrifice.

Take a closer look at this broadside on DSpace and best wishes for a happy and safe Fourth of July!

This press release was produced by the State Library of Massachusetts. The views expressed here are the author’s own.