Ahnapee and the 4th of July......

Ahnapee, July 4, 1886

Frank McDonald took this photograph looking east from Steele St. as it intersects with 4th

Celebrating the 4th of July was an event anticipated by the residents of Ahnapee and 1873 was no exception. The day dawned with a heavy fog prompting many to fear the long-awaited event would not be realized. Just before noon, there was a heavy thundershower, but an hour later the sun came out and fears were erased.

Citizens well remembered the remainder of the day which included a fund raising picnic for the Ahnapee band held at Rosier Place, the southwest corner of the intersection of today's Highways 42 and 54. Rufus Wing delivered the oration which was followed by dancing and visits to the various refreshment stands. At a grand ball given at Wilhelmshoeh, a silver watch was presented to the best marksman in the day's shooting contests. The Record reported that the day not only provided enjoyment, but was also a source of profit to "the excellent institution" - the veterans' organization - holding the celebration.

Ahnapee citizens celebrated the country's centennial on the 4th of July 1876 largely because of Wenzel Wenniger. DeWayne Stebbins, who had purchased the newspaper from W.H. Seymour a month earlier, had been trying to stir up interest in a centennial celebration. Few were interested. Then Wenniger got involved and enthusiasm spread.

Wenniger engaged the Ahnapee Brass Band to play for a picnic at his Wilhelmshoeh on the hill on the north side of the Ahnapee River. Ahnapee's string band played for a ball at Weilep's - today called the Stebbins - the night before. The First Baptist church - today the library site - held a dinner before a centennial party and program at the school just down the block to the west. The Record spoke of "good times" at Detloff's and Burke's at Alaska and of celebrations at Sturgeon Bay and Kewaunee. Ahnapee wrapped itself in bunting, displayed flags and enjoyed socials, fireworks and ice cream.

Independence Day 1880 was to be the largest celebration ever. Advertising in nearby towns, Ahnapee promised "no end" to amusements for young and old. The day began with a 38-gun salute, a shot for each state in the union. There were games, a parade, bands, dancing and fireworks, but the festivities did not hide feelings of ill will within the community.

Judge Charles G. Boalt was one of the speakers. He seemed to be pointing out that those with less than he, financially and intellectually, should not infringe on others such as himself. Boalt's speech railed against a minimum wage. He talked about ignorant people accepting communism and a religious fanaticism that seemed to be directed at Catholics. Although the papers often praised the industrious Germans, Boalt complained about them and other immigrants as well. Even before that, there were some years when Yankees and Germans held their own dances, possibly due to ill will. A year later, in 1881, some said celebrating the 4th was "humbug" because it was controlled by the "damn Yankees."

At least a thousand visitors came to Ahnapee on a G.A.R. - Grand Army of the Republic - excursion in July 1894. Steamer Eugene Hart left Marinette with about 750 men, women and children bound for celebrations in Sturgeon Bay and Ahnapee. The 200 who stopped at Sturgeon Bay enjoyed an afternoon of dancing. Those who went to on Ahnapee were met at the harbor by swarms of residents and two bands and were taken to a beautifully decorated new hall. Soldiers, citizens and music paraded past buildings festooned with bunting and flags. Following the afternoon ball, guests were escorted to the waiting steamer. "Overflowing hospitality and genuine open hearted attention" were shown by the residents of Ahnapee according to an article posted in the July 18th Marinette Eagle. It went on to report that the day provided travelers "happy recollections" for the rest of their lives.