Bristol 4th of July Addendum to Part VII: That Old Demon Rum

Addendum to Part VII:
That Old Demon Rum

A few additional gleanings from the pages of nineteenth-century the Bristol Phoenix.

1841. No military parade, but an address on temperance was the only official observation of the day.

1843. The celebration was devoted to the cause of temperance. The Phoenix rose to say in its July 1, edition that a notice was posted of the approaching celebration inviting the “Ladies whose happiness is so intimately connected with the triumphs of total abstinence to unite in the procession. We think such an example would do well in this place.”

1845. The temperance celebration and procession were under the direction of David Colt, Marshal. At the exercises there was “voluntary singing” by the Cold Water Army.

1849. From all reports, the 73^rd anniversary celebration was a grand affair with the military, the Sons of Temperance, the Governor and the Lt. Governor, the Volunteer Firefighters, and elected town officials in the parade. Once again, the temperance societies must have had some influence because, “A collation was taken in an orderly manner,” at which pure water took the place of ardent spirits.

1851. The Sons of Temperance held a prominent position in the parade as did the Bristol Total Abstinence Society. The procession proceeded along the principal streets of the town until it came to the Congregational Church where exercises were held.

1854. There being no drunken riots or brawls, the day passed off very quietly, In the afternoon the Bristol Train of Artillery went through various military exercises in State Street, much to the satisfaction of the “multitude” of spectators, In the evening the band “discoursed some excellent music.”