We Still Celebrate Our Independence Day Like We Did in 1777

Although the 4th of July has only been a federal holiday since 1941, you’ll find some good suggestions from the far past when you're making preparations for next year. Not much has changed since the first 4th of July celebration in 1777: Fireworks, parades and "drunken revelry"! There are the parades in cities (from Nome Alaska to NYC); neighborhood block parties, barbecues; family picnics; and baseball games . . . as well as, of course, fireworks (although it was mostly gunfire in the 18th century!). Even the warnings about firecrackers haven't changed through the years (for instance, the 1910 Puck magazine on page 1 - which your pets will appreciate)!