100 Years Ago: “Bastile Day” at the Field Club: French Independence Day Observed in Fitting Manner Saturday

Source: Greenwich News Graphic, Tuesday, July 17, 1917. Page 1.

The “Bastile" Day fete which was held at the Field Club on Saturday evening proved one of the most brilliant social affairs of the summer season, here and many persons prominent in metropolitan society were present. The celebration was in the nature of a dinner dance and the decorations proved a real feature of the occasion.

The colors of France and the United States were everywhere in evidence and a great 100 foot French flag floated in the breeze in front of the clubhouse. The favors were in keeping with the spirit of the occasion and the orchestra rendered patriotic music which inspired the diners and dancers to frequent outbursts of enthusiasm.

Among those present were Mrs. William G. Rockefeller, Mrs. Fritz Hoenitighaus and Mrs. Colby Chester, Jr., who were attired in French costumes of red, white and blue.

Some of the other guests were Mrs. Frederick W. Lincoln, Miss Florence Lincoln, Theodore Flake, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Gilbert Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar N. Pouch, Mr. and Mrs. Clement Cleveland, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Browning, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Burt and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fletcher.

100 Years Ago: The Glorious Fourth, Greenwich, Connecticut 1917

The Glorious Fourth

Greenwich Graphic (Editorial) 

Tuesday, July 3, 1917

(Audio reading here)

Tomorrow is the Glorious Fourth; a holiday strictly and purely American, set apart to commemorate the birth of National freedom and the right of a free people to govern themselves. Tomorrow the American nation will observe the day with a more solemn and profound conception of its real meaning, and a deeper realization of the value of the blessing of freedom, than it has felt since the old Liberty Bell on Independence Hall pealed forth its message one hundred and forty-one years ago. 

For today the national birthright is in danger; our heritage of freedom is threatened; the structure reared by the struggles and sacrifices and sufferings of our forefathers is menaced by foreign vandals bent on world conquest and world enslavement, and the country is in arms to save the priceless heritage for all that Independence Day stands for.

With thousands of our bravest are already on the field of battle, and thousands more are ready and awaiting the call, and other countless thousands in reserves and sure to be called, it is inevitable that the nation must enter upon the observance of the holiday in a more reflective attitude of mind and a deeper sense of appreciation of the real meaning of the day than ever before.

It should indeed bring a new baptism of patriotism, a new consecration to the duties of citizenship, a new pride in the privilege of boasting that we are Americans, and a new resolve to not only deserve its blessings but defend to the uttermost "the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Welcome to Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons

Welcome! Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons, is a new radio show under development to be broadcast on 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com. 

Hosted by Radio Personality Jeffrey Bingham Mead, a descendant of the founders of the town, the show will present lively stories, news and perspectives of the history and culture of Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut throughout its 375-plus years. 

The show seeks to educate and build bridges between past and present; feature local business, historical news and cultural events for long-time residents, expats and newcomers alike; entertain, contribute to and heighten knowledge of the history of Greenwich, Connecticut.