The Sesquicentennial in Riverside: 1926's Most Talked-About Fourth

From June 1 to December 31, 1926, the United States celebrated 150 years of American Independence. The main Sesquicentennial Celebration took place in Philadelphia and featured an International Exposition. President Calvin Coolidge delivered a speech on July 5, 1926, at the Philadelphia site, emphasizing the principles of the Declaration of Independence.

Celebrations transpired across the nation, especially around the Fourth of July. Riverside and its people joined in commemorating our country's 150th anniversary with events, especially on July 5. Merchants used the event to tie together their businesses with the historical occasion.

With July 4 falling on a Sunday, some local ministers joined in by preaching sermons connected to the celebration. Dr. W. C. Selleck of All Souls Universalist Church spoke on "The Achievement of American Independence," focusing on the works of Thomas Jefferson. G. H. Hillmer, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran, delivered a sermon titled "Why We Love Our Country." Calvary Presbyterian Church and the First Congregational Church held a joint union service that Sunday morning with patriotic music and a sermon. On Sunday evening at the Y.M.C.A. city-wide patriotic service featured representatives from many of the Riverside churches with music beginning with "America" and ending with the "Star-Spangled Banner." Dr. Ira W. Barnett of Calvary Presbyterian delivered the sermon on "The Patriotism of Jesus."

The main celebratory events occurred on Monday, July 5, with what the Daily Press called "one of the most interesting celebrations that has been held in Riverside for many years." But even before that, Fairmount Park was filled with picnickers and vendors selling ripe watermelons, hot dogs, ham sandwiches, and cold bottles of soda. The row boats on Fairmount Lake were in continuous use, so much so that the lake "nearly achieved waves so vigorously was it stirred by the oars of those piloting the fleet." The plunge was described as one big splash with so many swimmers in attendance.

The day's organized events began at 2 p.m. with a Water Carnival on Lake Evans featuring thirty prizes. Competitions were divided for men, women, boys, and girls. The long-distance swim was from the island to the American Legion Clubhouse—diving contests, rowboat races, jostling contests, and life-saving demonstrations. The most entertaining event was a greased pole climb, with only one contestant, Harley Barnum, reaching the top.

The Riverside Military Band, under the direction of Gustav Hilverkus, performed two concerts in the Fairmount Park Bandshell, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Both featured appropriate music, most of which was patriotic.

The day culminated with fireworks shot off over Lake Evans from in front of the American Legion Hall. The shots over the lake enthralled the spectators who lined the lake and the nearby hills. Set displays lit up in front of the Legion building included images of President Coolidge, the Statue of Liberty, and Old Glory.

The final act at 10 p.m. was by Roman Warren, the Cowboy Aviator, who earlier that year had captivated Riverside by flying under the Mission Bridge at the base of Mount Rubidoux, and again performed a daredevil flight that delighted the crowd. A report colorfully described the stunt.

Like a comet from the southern sky, so high that the hum of the motor was hardly distinguishable, came the plane with fireworks attached. It made a stream of red and white light against the blackness of the night. Circling downward, Warren brought his plane directly over the park, and then began a series of loops, spins, and rolls which were breath-taking to the crowd as the colorful fire died out, powerful searchlight from the plane illuminated the entire scene — the lake looking like a sheet of silver under its glare, and the crowd on hillsides and lake shores making an unusual picture as people stood with upturned faces to watch the flyer. Then, as suddenly as he had come, Warren extinguished the searchlight and flew away into the night, having added another unique stunt to his list of achievements in the air.

One hundred years ago, on the Sesquicentennial celebration of the United States, the people of Riverside enjoyed a splendid time joining in the festivities of the city. With picnics, contests, music, fireworks, and the stunt flying of Roman Warren, the people did what Riverside does so well — celebrate together a historic event.