At the turn of the twentieth century, the Fourth of July was a day of heartfelt patriotic revelry. A time when neighborhoods were trimmed to the treetops with streamers and flags, community gatherings ran the gamut from games and impassioned oratory to prizes for the "best beard." It was an era when kids delighted in the POP of fireworks, patriotic poems found legions of appreciative readers, and fruit ices and whirling parasols kept the midsummer heat at bay. It was a glorious time indeed.

Anyone searching for that touch of old-fashioned panache to add to their own Independence Day celebrations will find inspiration in The Glorious Fourth of July: Old-Fashioned Treats and Treasures from America's Patriotic Past. Colorful images of early-twentieth-century postcards, authentic photographs, and examples of vintage patriotic memorabilia serve as the stunning backdrop while Diane C. Arkins treats her readers to tips for July 4 decorating, entertaining, food, and fun, just as the information appeared in the magazines and newspapers a century ago.

Arkins is also the author of the Pelican titles "Halloween: Romantic Art and Customs of Yesteryear," "Halloween: Romantic Art and Customs of Yesteryear Postcard Book," and "Halloween Merrymaking: An Illustrated Celebration of Fun, Food, and Frolics from Halloweens Past."

Independence Day evokes images of jubilant parades, star-spangled banners, and glittering flashes of fireworks while drums and whistles sound in the background. A celebration that has united communities for decades, the Fourth of July is splendidly captured in this scrapbook of our patriotic past. Bringing the holiday to life with vintage photographs and illustrations, Diane C. Arkins has compiled the essential handbook for hosting traditional Independence Day festivities with the flourish of the old-fashioned revelries. Spanning late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century popular customs, this book is packed with party and decorating ideas, delicious menus, and games, as well as inspiring poems and prose. Arkins also features patriotic collectibles such as fireworks memorabilia, parade ribbons, and party favors.

At the turn of the twentieth century, the Fourth of July was a heartfelt patriotic revelry. A time when neighborhoods were trimmed to the treetops with streamers and flags, community gatherings ran the gamut from games and impassioned oratory to prizes for the "best beard." It was an era when kids delighted in the POP of fireworks, patriotic poems found legions of appreciative readers, and fruit ices and whirling parasols kept the midsummer heat at bay. It was a glorious time indeed. Anyone searching for that touch of old-fashioned panache to add to their own Independence Day celebrations will find inspiration in The Glorious Fourth of July: Old-Fashioned Treats and Treasures from America's Patriotic Past. Colorful images of early-twentieth-century postcards, authentic photographs, and examples of vintage patriotic memorabilia serve as the stunning backdrop while Diane C. Arkins treats her readers to tips for July 4 decorating, entertaining, food, and fun, just as the information appeared in the magazines and newspapers a century ago. Arkins is also the author of the Pelican titles Halloween: Romantic Art and Customs of Yesteryear, Halloween: Romantic Art and Customs of Yesteryear Postcard Book, and Halloween Merrymaking: An Illustrated Celebration of Fun, Food, and Frolics from Halloweens Past.