A Patriotic Fourth of July in Cecil County

On the Fourth of July 1919, Cecil County celebrated Independence Day in a grand style.  The largest event took place in Elkton as thousands of people saluted the soldiers and sailors who had served in World War I.  They were welcomed home with a rousing reception on that particularly glorious Fourth of July 100-years-ago.

Never had Elkton been so “lavishly and artistically decorated,” proclaimed the Cecil County News as the Maryland Colors blended gracefully with the red, white, and blue.    Nearly every residence, store and public building in town was decorated in gala attire.

Leading the parade, the Navy Academy Band was followed by Harlan (Wilmington), Principio and Elkton bands.  The men returning from France formed the first division, and the colored soldiers headed by a colored band from Chester, PA followed.  Next came, horsemen, red cross units, and floats.    

The Cecil Democrat wrote:

The poor old dilapidated Civil War vets had a place of honor, just behind the young heroes of the nation.  Yes, we shared the glory of that day with the heroes of grand old Cecil.  The Spanish American War veteran heroes were in line, and of whom we are as proud as any other. . . . And the colored heroes were in line.  Yes heroes because they went every step of the way with their white comrades and did battle fierce for the very same old uncle and flag that we all so proudly love.”   

At noon the soldiers, sailors, marines, and nurses enjoyed a delightful feast at the Armory.  The colored troops were served at Providence Hall. 

Festivities continued throughout the afternoon and evening.  The bands gave a concert and politicians delivered speeches.  Over at the ballfield, the Elkton and Pennsylvania Railroad teams turned out for a game despite the intense heat.  At the end of the ninth inning, the score was tied, three to three.  However, when the visitors refused to go on the umpire awarded the game to Eklton. 

Around 6:00 p.m. more things to eat were handed out, followed by a public reception and dance in the Armory and Providence Hall.   

A most pleasing thing, the Cecil County News thought was the banning of automobiles from the line of march.  The result was that the immense throng of people who visited Elkton was able to view the parade in comfort and safety. 

The only thing marring the pleasure of the day was the memory of those who laid down their lives in the war, the News added.  A large draped canvas on the courthouse yard bore the list of names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This Fourth of July in Cecil County was one to remember

For more photos on the Fourth of July 1919 in Cecil County, see this post on Cecil County History on Facebook.

For more on the history of the Armory, see this blog post