Fireworks and Fanfare: A Brief History Of Fourth of July Celebrations By Heather Roselle
In 1776, John Adams wrote in a letter to Abigail that the celebration of America’s independence “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other.” If you’re wondering what “shews” are, they’re not the kind that go on…