The 4th of July was a busy day in Webb City 118 years ago

In 1904 a large 4th of July celebration took place in Webb City. Merchants decorated their storefronts and provided seating for the parade that would take place on Allen (Main) Street. The city provided numerous banners welcoming residents and visitors to the festivities. Morning showers put a slight damper on the parade but the turnout was still large.

Leading the parade were the mounted police chiefs of Webb City and Carterville, followed by the mayor and city officials in W. E. Patton’s automobile.

Next was the Webb City Fire Department, with their tastefully decorated fire wagon, driven by Chief Kerns, and trailed by the Carterville hose reel company, with banners proclaiming they were the champion volunteer company of the southwest.

These groups were followed by numerous floats, assembled by local businesses, lodges and organizations. The West End string band and the Webb City Band, under the direction of Harry Hulett, also performed in the parade. The best float prize of $10 was awarded to Council 699 Knights and Ladies of Security, a local fraternal organization.

After the parade, an exhibition was put on by the Webb City Company of Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias drill team under the direction of Major Fred Nesbitt. Lunch was then served at the Salvation Army barracks, which along with the Y.M.C.A. would also serve as resting places for visitors throughout the day.

At 1:30 p.m., a program of field sports, hose reel races, bicycle races, competitive and exhibition drills was held. The Blake Theater hosted a basketball game between Webb City and Galena at 4 p.m. All uniformed companies that had participated in the day’s activities put on a dress parade at 7 p.m.

The end of the day was highlighted by a fireworks display that lasted from 9 to 11 p.m.