Emmaus Historical Society Celebrates 20 Years

The Emmaus Historical Society officially turns 20 years old this year — Feb. 19 to be precise. At the group's Feb. 15 meeting, as a way of celebrating this milestone, William Barto took the nearly 125 attendees on a trip back in time — to the 1909 celebration of Emaus’ 50 years. 

Barto, historical society vice president and program chairman, surprised the audience with the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” sung by Frank C. Stanley in 1901. He played the recording on his Edison cylinder phonograph (circa 1909). Although a little crackly, the music and words could be heard quite clearly with several people quietly singing along.

“The Golden Jubilee was the grandest and most colorful event held in Emmaus,” said Barto. “Since all the photographs are in black-and-white, we can only imagine what it looked like throughout the town.”

The 4,000 residents of Emaus readied the town for the Aug. 1 to 7 celebration (Jubilation Week). Nearly all buildings were decorated — homes, town hall, schools, businesses, playgrounds, etc. Lights, streamers, banners, and other decorations adorned the streets and buildings “in colors never before seen.”

Sunday, Aug. 1 — Religious Day — was the beginning of the jubilee. At 5:30 a.m., and for nearly three hours, the Moravian trombone choir played on various street corners. At 8 a.m. all the church and school bells summoned worshippers to God’s Acre, the site of the first church, built in 1742. An estimated crowd of 1,000 attended the service.

Aug. 2 — Welcoming Day — featured a procession led by the Emaus Band from town hall to the Central School, where several speeches were made. The opening address was made by Chief Burgess D. R. Miller. 

Filling in for Chief Burgess Miller at the Historical Society’s celebration was current Emmaus Mayor Winfield Iobst, who read Miller’s address.

The next day, Aug. 3, was History Day, in which many historical facts about Emaus were delivered in an address by Dr. M. J. Backenstoe. Several other speakers spoke of their memories of the town and its beginnings.

Wednesday, Aug. 4, Educational Day, saw the first parade of Jubilation Week and consisted of 600 school children, their teachers and members of the Board of Education. Led by the Emaus Band, they marched throughout the town, each one carrying a small flag.

The biggest parade ever seen in Emaus, nearly a mile and a half in length, took place on Military, Fraternal and Fireman’s Day — Aug. 5. It traveled nearly every street in the town, each packed with crowds of people. One hundred boys, members of the Juvenile Fire Co. of Emaus, pulled a hook and ladder truck in the parade.

Pennsylvania Governor Edwin Stuart visited Emaus on Aug. 6 for Industrial and Civic Day and the final parade. This parade featured “elaborately decorated floats and hundreds upon hundreds of marching men,” Barto said.

The conclusion of Jubilation Week was Saturday, Aug. 7 — Athletic Day. Events opened with a 10-mile bicycle race, with first prize being a pair of $7 puncture-proof tires. Other events included a fire hose attachment race, shot put, broad jump and an obstacle course.

Two streets were re-named during Jubilation Week — Golden Street and Jubilee Street, both of which pass by town hall.