Scope and Contents This collection is composed of two programs for Fourth of July celebrations in Kalamazoo in 1884 and 1891. The 1884 item showcases the “New Court House” and states that part of the day’s events will include the laying for the corner stone for the new court house. The 1891 program's front page of the item has a red boarder with a red portrait of George Washington in the center of the page covered by “One Hundred and Fifteen Years of Independence” “Fourth of July Celebration at...

Scope and Contents

Kalamazoo hosted a major Centennial event on July 4th, 1876. Fireworks, speeches, a major parade, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, and numerous songs. Celebrations began at 6pm on July 3rd. The events of the 4th were affected by rain at 4pm. After about a half hour the rain ended and the activities resumed.