LIFE

“The citizens of Cromwell manifested their delight on Wednesday evening upon attaining the dignity of a free and independent township, by the firing of guns, burning of tar-barrels and sundry other demonstrations usual upon such occasion.” –Hartford Courant, June 23, 1851

“The second of July will be the most memorable ‘epocha’ in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival … it ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.” John Adams, July 3, 1776.