Connie Sychowski
Editor Genealogy Corner
U.S. Legacies
In keeping with this month’s celebration of our country’s independence and the tradition of a fireworks display, I thought it would be interesting to review our first celebration of Independence Day.
The earliest settlers (around 1600) brought their love of fireworks with them to the new world. A far cry from the fireworks we know today, it was still in its infantile stages. They used the black powder to celebrate and impress the natives. At one point in time, its mischievous use became banned in Rhode Island in the year 1731 because of pranksters in the colony.
By the time of American Revolution its use was widely known as a way of celebrating important events. It was only natural that fireworks were thought of by the signer’s of the Declaration of Independence as a tool for celebrating this country’s independence. The first official Independence Day celebration didn’t take place until 1777, only one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence and six years before the Americans would even know if their country would survive the war.
Philadelphian’s marked the first anniversary of American independence with a spontaneous celebration. Observing Independence Day only became commonplace after the War of 1812. Soon, events like ground-breaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were scheduled to coincide with July 4th festivities.
The birthplace of fireworks is actually, China. It seems that a cook accidentally combined 3 common kitchen ingredients, potassium nitrate or saltptre, sulphur and charcoal (black powder) which resulted in colorful flames and when placed in a hollowed out bamboo shoot it made a tremendous explosion. The theory took root that the loud sound chased away evil spirits and was great for celebrating victories in battle and weddings.
During the Renaissance in Europe (1400-1500), the Italians began to develop fireworks into a true art form. Since this was a period of artistic creativity and expression, many new fireworks were created for the first time. Military rockets could be modified by adding powered metals and charcoal in order to create bursts of gold (orange) and silver (white) sparks in the sky.
Until the 19th century the fireworks lacked multiple colors. Pyro-technicians began to use a combination of potassium chlorate and metallic salts to make stunning colors. The salts of these metals produce the different colors: strontium burns red; copper makes blue; barium glows green; and sodium, yellow. Magnesium, aluminum, and titanium were found to give off white sparkles or a flash.
If you have relatives who have served our country and help to keep us a free nation, send us their stories, what a wonderful gift to give back for all they have done.
Wishing you a colorful 4th Of July, 2003.
Published U.S. Legacies July 2003
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