As Marin County gets ready for another Independence Day, it’s kind of fun to look back at how folks here used to celebrate. Two Marin Independent Journal contributors—William T. Orman in 1964 and Jack Fallon thirty years later—shared some vivid memories of Fourth of Julys in the early 1900s.
They described everything from the lively parades in San Rafael to family get-togethers in Mill Valley. Their stories show how our traditions have changed, but the community spirit still sticks around. You can almost picture the sights, hear the sounds, and even laugh at the mishaps that made these celebrations unforgettable.
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San Rafael’s Grand Patriotic Processions
William T. Orman wrote about San Rafael in the early 1900s, and honestly, it sounds like the whole town got swept up in patriotic excitement. Downtown, especially near Fourth and E streets, turned into a sea of American flags and red, white, and blue bunting.
People didn’t just hang up decorations for show. Those flags meant something—they showed off the town’s pride. Public celebrations like these brought everyone together in ways that feel kind of rare today.
The Traditional Parade Route
The parade itself was a big deal, winding through San Rafael’s main streets. A grand marshal led the way, with local dignitaries, military veterans, and fire department members marching right alongside cadet groups.
Marching bands filled the air with music, adding to the excitement. Residents came from all over—from Fairfax to Novato—just to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. For a lot of people, these memories stuck around long after the holiday ended.
Community Celebrations Beyond the Parade
After the parade wrapped up, people in San Rafael headed over to a local pear orchard. It was kind of like the early version of today’s community barbecues in Corte Madera and Larkspur.
There was plenty of food, and neighbors spent time together, just enjoying the day. These gatherings made the community feel tighter, especially in a time when life moved at a slower pace.
Baseball and Dancing: The Day’s Grand Finale
In the afternoon, baseball games took over, drawing crowds looking for some fun. As the sun went down, everyone shifted to the Armory for the Grand Ball.
People danced late into the night. Social gatherings like these were huge in places like Tiburon and Sausalito, and folks looked forward to them all year.
Evolution of Family Celebrations
Jack Fallon later wrote about how Fourth of July traditions changed, but still kept their heart. By the mid-1900s, families in Mill Valley and Belvedere started their own rituals, like:
The Reality Behind the Nostalgia
Both writers colored their memories with nostalgia, but Fallon didn’t ignore the less glamorous side of these celebrations. Minor burns happened all the time in Kentfield households.
In Ross, neighborhoods sometimes got tense when fireworks went off course. On top of that, these gatherings could strain family budgets, especially during tough times.
Still, people kept the spirit of celebration alive, even when money was tight. That says a lot about how folks valued these moments together.
Marin County’s Fourth of July celebrations today look a bit different. They’re more regulated and safety-focused than in the past.
But the heart of it? That’s still there—communities from Bolinas to Strawberry gathering in pride and joy, grateful for the freedoms we hang on to.
Here is the source article for this story: History: Fourth of July celebrations in Marin
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