4 . July 10, 1866

The Fourth of July
Was duly celebrated in a very modest and becoming manner by the people of Neenah and Menasha. Owing to the moral effect of a grand gathering of the Sunday School children from all parts of the country…there was not a sign of drunkenness or rowdyism visible, which is an entirely new feature in our holidays and should be prominently chalked on the wall.

The day was happily a fair one and the people turned out en masse, the current leading to to Doty’s Island, to enjoy a basket picnic and hear Gen. Fallow’s address. Vinland and Clayton, as usual, sent in very creditable delegations, with two bands of music, and banners and devices of a religious character….

The Turners from Menasha, also had a characteristic exhibition and a good time on the Island. In the evening, Balls at the different Halls and fireworks in the villages wound up the ‘festivities’ of the occasion.