These stories can also be heard Sunday mornings around 10 am on WILD 102’s “Look Back in Time” program. Each week’s radio story will be posted here on our website.
Weekly radio stories are researched, compiled, and read by Sheila Winstead, RCHS Board Member.
July 2, 2023
Many of the small communities had their own celebrations of the 4th of July in the early days of the county. These two notices were published in a local paper inviting people to attend celebrations in Ross and Wannaska in 1911.
A grand celebration of the 4th day of July will be held on I. T. Collins’ place, ¾ of a mile north of Ross post office and if you are looking for the best time ever, do not fail to be there. The management is prepared to entertain you and give you a day of great pleasure, enjoyment and amusement.
There will be games and sports and dancing. A big bowery, holding 8 sets will be open in the afternoon and night for the enjoyment of all, with excellent music.
We want all to join with us in celebrating the National Holiday.
Then, Wannaska:
The patriotic people of Wannaska will celebrate July 4th and want people in the surrounding towns and throughout the county to join with them in making the eagle scream. Oration, reading, music and songs. There will be baseball, horse racing, foot and wheel barrow racing and sports of all kinds. Bowery dance day and night. Magnificent display of fireworks in the evening.
In the Roseau County Press dated July 7, 1906, Malung was mentioned in a newsbrief.
Fourth of July was celebrated at many different parts in the county, on quite extensive scales. Most of the Malung people celebrated at Roseau, a good many at Eddy and those who did not care to go away, took in the picnic arranged by the Baptist Church.
Just one week earlier, The Roseau County Press of June 30, 1906, describes Malung’s celebration of Midsummer Day.
The midsummer day picnic and entertainment came off as scheduled. A large number of people arrived early in the forenoon and when dinner was announced, the long table in the picnic grove was occupied several times. At 2 o’clock the Hall was filled and about half of the people present had to stay outside. The literary program was listened to with close attention and the frequent applauses showed that the different numbers were well received. The star number on the program was the lecture by Oscar Wolf of Holmes City. His main topic was: “Midsummer day events in the Swedish history.” His discourse made the swedes feel proud of their ancestry and the dalecarlians “to grow two inches.” His comparison of old time events with present conditions were in most instances logical and interesting. His hard hits against the republican party need not be taken seriously, as it is well known that he is a strong advocate of another political party.
After the close of the literary program the people enjoyed themselves in different ways and all agreed that midsummerday celebrations at Malung are alright. A well attended dance at G. J. Johnson’s closed the day’s program.
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