One hundred years ago, on July 4, 1897, Riverton held its first "Children's Flag Parade."
Reprinted from the Fourth of July Committee 1997 program featuring
local historian Betty B. Hahle, Past President of the
Historical Society of Riverton
Independence Day has been celebrated here since soon after the village began, with homes decorated with bunting and flags, and Chinese Lanterns, which remained popular well into the century. It was a day for family gatherings, for religious services, and for patriotism. Fireworks were set off on "the Lawn" by individual property owners, and enjoyed by all who cared to watch, since the riverbank was recognized as a public place.
From the time the Yacht Club formed in the first week of July, 1865, activities focused on their races, for boats of all classes. Before long swimming was added to the list. Villages and cities had athletic teams, and a game by Riverton's baseball team soon became traditional, as were Cricket matches. Later on, tennis replaced Cricket.
From time to time there would be an impromptu parade. Sometimes a Club would march around the village streets; sometimes a winning athletic team, accompanied by a fife-and-drum corps or a brass band, paraded. In 1894 there was a big celebration by the Riverton Athletic Association when their Bicycle Track was dedicated. Reports said that five hundred children marched in a parade, after which each was given a box of candy. Special trains brought large crowds of spectators to Riverton's field, located from railroad to Seventh Street between Thomas and Lippincott. There were riding demonstrations, races, and concession stands; at dusk there were fireworks.
In 1897, Charles W. Davis and Albert J. Briggs proposed an annual parade, to be called a Children's Flag Parade, and the Yacht Club agreed to sponsor it. Each child was given a silk flag, and prizes were offered for each category- decorated baby coaches, doll coaches, costumes, floats, and velocopedes. Decorations were primarily fresh flowers, and/or crepe paper. The Parade route was from Howard/Main Streets to the Riverbank, where there were then patriotic speeches, group singing, and band concerts. For the rest of the day there were aquatic and athletic games, followed by fireworks from the pier.
The Parade Marshall carried a tall Calcutta cane bought from India by Ogden Mattis. After the parade a silver band engraved with the name of the Mayor and the number of children participating that day was attached to the cane. That custom continues- although steel bands have replaced silver, and a second cane is by now almost filled. Today it is the Mayor who carries the cane.
Programs were printed by The New Era, and patterned after the Yacht Club's burgee. They contained the Club's history, rules for sailing, the season's schedule, and listed prizes (mostly fine jewelry) and the individuals who had donated them. These activities lasted from early morning until dark.
Click the link below for Part Two of Betty B. Hahle's 1997 article.
