The Washingtonian Magazine has an interesting article they titled, "The History of White House July Fourth Celebrations Is Really Weird."
If you like history, you'll like this look back at what was done by the presidents who celebrated our Independence. John Adams was the first occupant of the White House, but was gone by the time of the 4th of July which made Thomas Jefferson the first president in house on that date in 1801. According to the reports, "he went all out. He hosted a public reception at the White House where he greeted citizens and diplomats and even a group of Cherokee chiefs in the Blue Room. And then on the north grounds of the White House they had horse racing, they had festivals, food, all that kind of stuff."
Next up was John Quincy Adams in 1826. His story is out of the ordinary because both his father and Thomas Jefferson died on that day. He, however did not learn of this until some days later since there was no tv news, telephone, or internet. Just someone on horseback carrying the news. Anyway, John Quincy Adams 4th of July was momentous because it was the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence as well as his son's birthday. He wrote in is diary about how he spent his day: "Reviewing military companies on the lawn of the White House, then joining a procession to the Capitol where the Declaration of Independence was read aloud."
One more before I let you go to the link and read the rest. James Polk had his 4th of July in 1945 and is believed to have introduced DC to its first fireworks display. This display was held at the White House in front of thousands of people. But the worst happened as "rogue fireworks" ended up discharging and it injured dozens and ended up killing a man. This is what we are always warned about on our 4th of July celebrations. However, I have no idea what a "rogue firework" is. It sounds like the firework made its own decision to go rogue. Polk also had temperance groups having a dinner on the White House lawn (not protests :). No beer was served that year.
Honestly, you just have to settle in and read the others.
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