Party Like It's 1776!

We are about three weeks away from the fourth of July- right about time to start your party planning for the big day! There were no Independence Day festivities on the day the declaration was signed. In fact, historians aren't precisely certain that the signing all happened on the fourth. Regardless, this date, representing this act, is of great national importance. It is on this day that we are thankful for the freedoms we enjoy, thankful for the individuals who work and fight to assure those freedoms, and enjoy a sense of unity throughout this incredibly diverse country. And of course, there are fireworks and food!

Being a history lover, I wondered what it would look like if a celebration had occurred in 1776. How might we have welcomed the signers out of that stuffy room? What if, instead of sparklers and hot dogs, we took the fourth of July back to it's roots? Maybe, just maybe, it would look something like this. 

How to Throw the First Ever Independence Day Party!

Declaration of Independence image can be downloaded on Wikipedia. 

Wear: Apparently the temperatures in July of 1776 were unbearable in Philadelphia; high 80s, low 90s, and sticky. This made for a stench worse than a group of middle school boys after gym class. Fortunately, the clothing was made of lighter materials, such as linen. (1) Good news, for those of you who like dressing up. (Also, no need to skip the deodorant. We're going for an approximation here.)

Bilbo Catcher from Williamsburgmarketplace.com

Play: There are several games to choose from for a 1776 fete. Dice are popular, but beware- because they are used for gambling, many believe them to be corrupting. Adults may also enjoy a game of billiards or backgammon. Young boys would play with marbles or bilbo catchers (cup and ball connected by a string; toss the ball up and then try to catch it in the cup as it comes down. This would be an easy craft to make before or during the party), while young girls would play with dolls or tea sets (a colonial best seller!). And of course, there would be dancing! For background music, search for (or create your own) fiddle tunes! (2)

Eat: If we had been in Philadelphia, ready to dine with the signers, we probably would've hit up Tun Tavern, active since 1685 and a regular meeting place for the members of the Continental Congress. In addition to general tavern food, we probably would've gotten a "hot beef steak" from Peggy Mullan's restaurant, attached to the tavern. (3)

Read: At the first ever Fourth of July party, it would be appropriate to feature the document that inspired it. There would no doubt be a read aloud, with cheering from an enthusiastic crowd (we'll assume the Tories stayed home). Today, with quick and easy copying abilities, the document can be used elsewhere too: on invites and menu cards, for example.

Ben Franklin puppet from Upgnation.com

Socialize. Of course one of the most important aspects of the first ever Fourth of July fete would be the guest list. If you are so included, do some research and come in character. Or, you could create historical figure profiles as table centerpieces. We know who the VIPs would be: Ben Franklin, Tom Jefferson, and John Adams. Why not also invite some of the signers from your state (if it existed at the time)? To see a list of signers by state, click here.





(1) Cherri Gregg, "How Philadelphians Handled Heatwaves in 1776". http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/06/20/how-philadelphians-handled-heatwaves-in-1776/
(2) "The Emergence of Popular Culture in Colonial America." http://www.history.org/foundation/journal/spring08/pop.cfm
(3) "Tun Tavern Historic Beginnings".  http://www.tuntavern.com/tun-tavern-history.html