Unionville Celebrates Independence Day - July 4, 1833
On July 8, 1833, the Hartford Courant published an article recounting Unionville's Fourth of July celebration. It was the earliest known mention of Unionville in the Courant. The article reflects the patriotism and aspirations of residents living during a period of rapid economic and political change. Nationally, the country was embroiled in the aftermath of the Nullification Crisis, in which South Carolina challenged the authority of federal law. Connecticut was also experiencing the rise of the Jacksonian era, marked by expanding voter participation, vigorous political debate, and growing tensions between traditional New England values and the democratic politics sweeping the nation. Those interested in Unionville's history are fortunate to have this glimpse into the thoughts and concerns of villagers as they celebrated Independence Day in 1833.
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT.
HARTFORD, MONDAY EVENING JULY 8, 1833
HARTFORD, MONDAY EVENING JULY 8, 1833
The following account comes to us from Unionville, a village in the West part of Farmington composed principally of Farmers and Mechanics.
CELBRATION AT UNIONVILLE, FARMINGTON
At sunrise 24 guns were fired from a six-pounder, at 2 o’clock P.M. the Declaration of Independence was read, after which about one hundred sat down to a dinner under a bower. After the cloth was removed the following toasts were drank, and the company departed in good harmony at an early hour.
1.The day we celebrate. Sacred to the memory of those sages who toiled and those heroes who bled for our independence.
2. Agriculture, Commerce and Manufacturers. Three respectable citizens doing business in company, whenever they shall dissolve co-partnership, we are bankrupt.
3. Cheerful and cordial submission to wholesome laws. The grand secret of national liberty.
4. The Government of the United States. May it ever be planned with wisdom and executed with firmness.
5. The spirit of ’76. May it be an operative principle in the heart of every American to the latest generation.
6. State rights can never extend to a resistance of the Constitutional laws of the Union.
7. The Electors of Connecticut. Among the first to apprehend their rights: may they be the last to abandon them.
8. Our Government. Endued with the vigor of youth, combined with the maturity of manhood, may it remain firm as the Rock of Ages.
9. Our Fathers’ Children. Inheriting the freedom, may they ever possess the virtues of their ancestors.
10. The young men of our country. Too young and vigorous for those that would force them, too old for those that would entrap them.
11. The true American System. At home equal privileges and Union: abroad, neither to do nor suffer wrong.
12. The President. Full of years and full of trouble: may he find relief by travelling.
13. Water power, steam power, horse power, dog power, any power that will drive machinery: but none of your power that would drive us into the service of demagogues and office seekers.
14. Withered the arm that will not defend his native soil and protect his country’s rights.
15. Union is strength.
16. The Clergy. Let us revere their persons and copy their virtues.
17. The Literary Institutions of our country. Worthy to be cherished by every citizen.
18. May that spirit of patriotism and unanimity which caused our fathers to bleed, ever animate the breasts of the mechanics of Unionville.
19. The Patriots of the Revolution. We shall find it profitable to keep their example in view.
20. The march of mind which commenced in the year 1775 to the tune of Yankee Doodle, has kept the quick step ever since.
21. Our Southern Brethren. While they strive to nullify our constitution and laws, let them beware lest their slaves improve on the system and nullify their masters.
22-23. The Matrons of our land. The intelligence and morals of the rising generation will tell how they have discharged their duty."
CELBRATION AT UNIONVILLE, FARMINGTON
At sunrise 24 guns were fired from a six-pounder, at 2 o’clock P.M. the Declaration of Independence was read, after which about one hundred sat down to a dinner under a bower. After the cloth was removed the following toasts were drank, and the company departed in good harmony at an early hour.
1.The day we celebrate. Sacred to the memory of those sages who toiled and those heroes who bled for our independence.
2. Agriculture, Commerce and Manufacturers. Three respectable citizens doing business in company, whenever they shall dissolve co-partnership, we are bankrupt.
3. Cheerful and cordial submission to wholesome laws. The grand secret of national liberty.
4. The Government of the United States. May it ever be planned with wisdom and executed with firmness.
5. The spirit of ’76. May it be an operative principle in the heart of every American to the latest generation.
6. State rights can never extend to a resistance of the Constitutional laws of the Union.
7. The Electors of Connecticut. Among the first to apprehend their rights: may they be the last to abandon them.
8. Our Government. Endued with the vigor of youth, combined with the maturity of manhood, may it remain firm as the Rock of Ages.
9. Our Fathers’ Children. Inheriting the freedom, may they ever possess the virtues of their ancestors.
10. The young men of our country. Too young and vigorous for those that would force them, too old for those that would entrap them.
11. The true American System. At home equal privileges and Union: abroad, neither to do nor suffer wrong.
12. The President. Full of years and full of trouble: may he find relief by travelling.
13. Water power, steam power, horse power, dog power, any power that will drive machinery: but none of your power that would drive us into the service of demagogues and office seekers.
14. Withered the arm that will not defend his native soil and protect his country’s rights.
15. Union is strength.
16. The Clergy. Let us revere their persons and copy their virtues.
17. The Literary Institutions of our country. Worthy to be cherished by every citizen.
18. May that spirit of patriotism and unanimity which caused our fathers to bleed, ever animate the breasts of the mechanics of Unionville.
19. The Patriots of the Revolution. We shall find it profitable to keep their example in view.
20. The march of mind which commenced in the year 1775 to the tune of Yankee Doodle, has kept the quick step ever since.
21. Our Southern Brethren. While they strive to nullify our constitution and laws, let them beware lest their slaves improve on the system and nullify their masters.
22-23. The Matrons of our land. The intelligence and morals of the rising generation will tell how they have discharged their duty."
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Committee of Arrangements
ELIJAH O. GRIDLEY, EDWARD SEYMOUR, MARCUS N. WADSWORTH, Wm. GRISWOLD, ELISHA TOLLES, SHERMAN PIERPONT, President of the Day |
