Tag Archives: Washington’s Birthday

celebration preparation

Posted on March 1, 2026 by SUMPTER

In its February 19, 1876 issue Harper’s Weekly published some artist’s sketches from the grounds of the U.S. Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia as the May 10th opening approached: CENTENNIAL SKETCHES. We give on page 149 a few choice sketches from … Continue reading →

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“guiding star”

Posted on February 22, 2023 by SUMPTER

From the March 1, 1873 issue of Harper’s Weekly: WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE. [see Illustration on First Page.] O Noble heart! that ne’er from duty swerved, Nor thought of self through all the weary hours! O noble life! that did … Continue reading →

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artifact on parade

Posted on February 22, 2022 by SUMPTER

From the March 16, 1872 issue of Harper’s Weekly: WASHINGTON’S CARRIAGE. ONE of the most interesting incidents of the grand parade in this city [New York City] on the 22d of February was the appearance in the procession of a … Continue reading →

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civvies lesson

Posted on February 22, 2019 by SUMPTER

According to the February 23, 1869 issue of The New-York Times Washington’s Birthday 150 years ago was kind of a humdrum day in the great metropolis, a day that “had the air of something that has missed fire. It was … Continue reading →

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used furniture

Posted on February 22, 2017 by SUMPTER

According to the February 23, 1867 issue of The New-York Times, even though Washington’s Birthday had been a legal holiday in the state for four years, New York City’s celebration was rather subdued. Customs were slow to change and the … Continue reading →

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birthday bashing

Posted on February 22, 2016 by SUMPTER

Back in 1861 even small towns celebrated Washington’s Birthday with cannon fire and bells. Five years later there were definitely some fireworks in Washington, D.C. as a crowd looked for a speech from President Andrew Johnson. It was a couple … Continue reading →

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