Early American July 4 celebrations included toasts, along with a speech and dinner. July 4 was a patriotic observance, not yet the recreational holiday of today. The victory and sacrifice of the Revolutionary War were top of mind. Many veterans or their survivors were still living.
First, "OFFICIAL" toasts were offered with wording often approved in advance by a committee. These toasts emphasized patriotic themes, heroes, and more - including women. Women? That seemed a gratuitous gesture from the male toastmasters, yet it recognized women's vital domestic role, though women could not yet vote or participate in most male-dominated vocations. After each toast, participants took a drink, gave a loud HUZZAH! (“Huzzay,” as in today’s HOORAY!), and guns or cannon were fired. With each toast and gulp the vibe became more spirited, you could say.
Flag that flew over Fort Harmar. It was a garrison-style flag, 16-20 ft long by 12-14 ft wide, with 13 stars and stripes for the original 13 colonies/states
The earliest official toasts numbered 13 – for the 13 original colonies. The first July 4 celebration at Marietta in 1788 featured 13 toasts to: “The United States, Congress, the King of France, The United Netherlands, The Friendly Powers throughout the World, The New Federal Constitution, George Washington and the Society of the Cincinnati, His Excellency Governor Arthur St. Clair and the Northwestern Territory, The Memory of Heroes, Patriots, Captain Pipe (Delaware Indian Chief) and a Successful Treaty, The Amiable Partners of Our Lives (women), All Mankind.”
"VOLUNTEER" toasts followed the official toasts, offered impromptu by those present. These could be highly personal, humorous, and partisan, often fueled by alcohol.
Below are toasts (edited) for July 4, 1816, in Marietta, composed by civic leader/newspaper editor Caleb Emerson – document from Marietta College Special Collections. These sentiments reflect the national situation in the post-War of 1812 period.
1. The day we celebrate. Time can destroy the marble monument and clothe with oblivion the noblest works of man, but the memory of this day shall live.
2. President James Madison. He has been weighed and not found wanting- his service deserves our gratitude.
3. Congress - may their exertions for the country be more conspicuous, solicitude for their own emolument be less conspicuous.
4. The memory of George Washington - the faithful guardian of our infant liberties... what tongue shall withhold its praise?
5. Thomas Jefferson - the firm patriot and enlightened sage. Retirement has not diminished our admiration of his virtues.
6. The Army and Navy - they have both conferred immortal honors on their country.
7. Our next president - James Monroe - the pride of his country.
8. The sovereignty of the people - the only source of legitimate power...
9. Gov. Shelby (governor of Kentucky?), the soldier and patriot.
10. General Jackson - The gallant Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans will be remembered.
11. Vermont and New Hampshire - northern lights, not blue lights. (A jab at Federalists from a War of 1812 event.)
12. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut - not the first time that the oldest children turned out to be a disgrace to the family...(another partisan barb)
13. The western states (those west of the Appalachians) - may their patriotism keep pace with their wealth and strength.
14. Agriculture, commerce, and manufacturing - the main pillars of...our greatness
15. The patriots of South America- may their struggles for liberty be attended with complete success.
Click here to view the original document listing the toasts. Note the edits and the cursive handwriting flourishes.
Most of Emerson’s toasts resembled typical nonpartisan official toasts. But a few (number 3,11,12) are more personal, reflecting his Democratic Republican Party views. That party was in power; Federalists’ influence was fading. The politics angle made me wonder what current volunteer toasts might sound like with today’s unbridled discourse? I asked AI. Here are a few such AI-generated hypothetical current toasts to:
Free elections and the peaceful transfer of power – the quiet strength of a republic,
Civil disagreement – may we argue ideas without forgetting our common citizenship, Future generations – may they inherit a nation more united than today,
May public service always place the common good above private gain.”
These are worthwhile sentiments; maybe we ought to bring back July 4 toasts.
At the first July 4,1788 celebration in Marietta, toasts expressed sentiments more specific to independence and the new settlement:
The United States, Congress, the King of France, The United Netherlands, The Friendly Powers throughout the World, The New Federal Constitution, George Washington and the Society of the Cincinnati, His Excellency Governor Arthur St. Clair and the Northwestern Territory, The Memory of Heroes, Patriots, Captain Pipe (Delaware Indian Chief) and a Successful Treaty, The Amiable Partners of Our Lives (women), All Mankind.
Impressive list. Volunteer toasts, if offered, were not documented.
There may have been disagreements and partisan bickering on the other 364 days of the year, but there was usually a spirit of unity on July 4. A participant at Marietta on July 4, 1788 recalled: “We were one great family, loving God and each other, proud of our new home and resolved on success.”
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