Westport loves Independence Day.
Our fireworks are the biggest, best and most fun party of the year. Nearly the entire town turns out.
We think we’re pretty cool.
But our forefathers (and foremothers) knew how to celebrate too.
Tom Lowrie was not around in 1876 (though, born on July 3, 1928, he missed it by only 52 years).
Yet he found this very intriguing news story from The Westporter. Published 4 days after the big centennial anniversary, it gives a vivid description of a very memorable day.
Why a 38-gun salute, and 38 young ladies dressed in white?
That was the number of states in the Union, 149 years ago today.
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wonderful! thank you.
“Tub and boat races” sounds like the great race out to cockenoe of my youth. That would be a great event to bring back.
It was called The Great Race. Check it out: https://06880danwoog.com/2015/05/10/the-great-race-from-disco-days-to-ducks/
great piece of history !!!!! great stuff !