Written by Beth Mitchell, Genealogical Society research volunteer, for the Wilmington News Journal in July 2025.
The article published in the Wilmington News Journal July 9, 1879 gave an hourly account of the celebration of July 4, 1879. It was cited as a “glorious parade”. Sometimes it does the heart good to look at early events and appreciate things which brought people together and made them smile. It is described as “the largest crowd ever gathered in Wilmington”. The event was held at the site of the present fair ground.
The weather was beautiful and some folks were there as early as 7:30 A.M. and stayed “until the last dog was hung”. The decorations were outstanding – all in red, white, and blue. There was great anticipation in waiting for the arrival of the 8:30 A.M. train to bring some of the “fine entertainment”. At 8:25 A.M. the Denver Guards and Custer Guards headed by the Wilmington Cornet Band marched down the street to the depot. Shortly before the train arrived General Denver, “riding a fine bay horse”, rode down South Street wearing his full Brigadier General uniform. “It was a sight to behold and represented well the atmosphere of the event”.
“When the train arrived, it brought the Circleville Guards and the Sabina Band. The Circleville boys soon formed into line and joined the procession”. While the military were waiting, Quartermaster H. F. Walker came. Major Anderson of the Sixth Regiment was also on the train. General Denver, Major Anderson, Sergeant Major Egbert, and Quartermaster Walker headed the military and all moved down the street with the Wilmington Band in the lead. The next stop was City Hall.
About 11:00 A.M. marching orders were given. Chief Marshal of the day, James Hackney, was assisted by Henry Barlow and Calvin Babb. The order of the parade was the Wilmington Band, General Denver and Staff, Circleville Guards, Waynesville Guards, Custer Guards, Denver Guards, Base Ball Clubs, Fire Company, hose carriages, and a cannon drawn by small boys. After arriving at the Fairground, the program began. C. B. Dwiggins, Esq., read the Declaration of Independence. Dr. Welch, James Henry, and N. L. Linton were then in charge of festivities.
Several events followed. John McKecknie, David Taylor, Charles Dimmery, and Coleman Johnson competed in the two-mile race. John McKecknie won the silver cup. The next event was the sack race and the contestants were C. W. Brotherton, O. Hiatt, Preston Jeffers, and Clarence Moon. Clarence Moon won the cup. The “wheelbarrow event” was next. Clarence Moon, Preston Jefferies, Walter Hinman, Oliver Hyatt, Tom McDermott, David Jenks, Butler Babb, Arch. Anthony, Frank Frazure, L. C. Achor, Chas. Haynie, Ed VanHorn, Chas. Curl, and David Little competed. Butler Babb took the prize. The pole-climbing event created a lot of interest. A silver cup had been placed on top of the pole. The pole was liberally “soaped” and the competition began. Two of the contestants were Kearney Grantham and Charley Dimmery. In the end, Kearney Grantham got to the top and claimed the silver cup.
Next came the feature of the day – the band contest. Five bands competed and the first prize was awarded to the Wilmington Cornet Band. (Could there have been a bit of hometown pride that influenced the judging?) The day ended with an exhibition of the steam fire engine which operated for about ten minutes. WHAT A DAY!!!!!!