This Day in History: 1926-07-05

In celebrations hailed by The Ramsey Journal as one of Ramsey’s “biggest days ever”, the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was marked. There was a parade with many floats and delegations from most of the local organizations including the Red Men, the Fellowcraft Club, the Fire Departments from Ramsey and surrounding communities, the Village Improvement Association, and cars filled with such dignitaries at John B. Finch, Mayor Gertzen and John Y. Dater, the Fortitude Chapter O. E. S., De Molay and Post’s Military Band. Police Chief Landers was in charge of the line of march and participated himself on his motorcycle. Nothing was allowed to interrupt the parade except, inevitably, a train on the Erie which cut it in half. There were patriotic speeches, good things to eat and, of course, fireworks. Many from Mahwah attended, getting the benefit of fireworks two nights in a row, following Mahwah’s celebrations on the Fourth. (Bristow)