A Day to Embrace 'We the People' ; Traditions Change, but the Holiday Still Honors a Nation Like No Other Series: Celebrating Independence About the Series Inside Today: Authorities Say They'll Be On the Lookout for Mainers Trying to Bring in Fireworks From Out of State. Back Page Coming Friday, the Third and Final Part of Our Series: The Fourth of July Holiday Means Various Things to Mainers - As Does Freedom.

Portland Press Herald › July 03, 2008

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Summary

Gardiner residents went all out when they resumed holding Fourth of July parades in 1907.

They hadn't organized an Independence Day procession for 20 years. But that year, enjoying a shoe-manufacturing boom, the town was in the mood to celebrate. Bands, buggies and men on horseback streamed down Water Street.

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Extract

A Day to Embrace 'We the People' ; Traditions Change, but the Holiday Still Honors a Nation Like No Other Series: Celebrating Independence About the Series Inside Today: Authorities Say They'll Be On the Lookout for Mainers Trying to Bring in Fireworks From Out of State. Back Page Coming Friday, the Third and Final Part of Our Series: The Fourth of July Holiday Means Various Things to Mainers - As Does Freedom.

The 1908 parade was even bigger. It featured three of the 15 automobiles owned by Gardiner residents, and an eye-catching group known as the Lady Riders. Led by a brass band, 21 women on horseback wore coordinated costumes and hats.

"Throughout history, no matter how modest the community, most would try to mount a para...

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