Vintage 4th of July festivities
Back in the early days, celebrations were noisy and spirited. In fact, John Adams predicted the anniversary would be remembered with “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations.” That pretty much still sums up how many Americans celebrate today. Towns across the country hold parades with marching bands and local organizations walking the route, just as they did over a century ago. Cannon fire and musket salutes were also part of early festivities — though modern fireworks have taken their place in most places.
Food & the 4th
Food has always played a big part in the fourth of July, too. In the 1800s, it was common to host large public feasts. Roasted meats, homemade pies and seasonal produce were usually on the menu. By the mid-20th century, family barbecues and potlucks became more common, featuring dishes like deviled eggs, burgers, Jell-O molds and macaroni salad. Today, those retro recipes still hold up as Fourth favorites.
The holiday has also been a time to reflect on national values. During wartime or periods of political change, Independence Day speeches and editorials often took on more serious tones. People used the moment to consider what freedom meant in their current era. And while the tone might shift depending on the year, the core idea of celebrating unity and independence has remained the same.
If you’d like a vintage celebration this year, we’ve gathered some old-fashioned ideas and recipes to give your July 4th holiday some truly retro style!
Celebrate your 4th of July with these vintage-inspired ideas & recipes
2 pretty patriotic Jell-O desserts: All-American trifle + Red, white & blue loaf (1990s)
If you’re bringing dessert to this year’s 4th of July potluck, these easy patriotic Jell-O desserts have an all-American appeal that everyone will love.
14 retro hamburger recipes for a differently delicious 4th of July
Why should hamburgers be limited only to the common, everyday variety? Why not dress them up -- especially for a July 4th cookout? Here are 14 retro hamburger recipes you might want to try.
Perfect picnic ideas from the '70s, with 18 summery retro recipes
We’ve gathered recipes, tips and more great picnic ideas from the ’70s so you can have a fab summer celebration, retro-style!
10 old-fashioned macaroni and cheese recipes
These 10 delicious classic mac & cheese recipes (many of which might be new to you!) are just right for a 4th of July potluck!
Cool 'n' easy 4th of July pie, no-bake blueberry pie & blueberry fluff (1999)
Here are three super-simple no-bake pie recipes for you All-American no-bake blueberry pie & Blueberry fluff are easy to make, and perfectly festive for summertime and all the patriotic holidays!
Celebrate the USA with these red white and blue stars & stripes desserts (1955 & 1972)
This star-shaped dessert seems so very American. It starts with red Jello, and has a white layer with marshmallows, then is topped with blueberries — a fruit that is native to North America.
Red, white and blueberry delight fruity marshmallow dessert (1976)
Hail the red, white and blueberry. A simple summer dessert that’s frozen fantastic.
Garden toss spaghetti & salad recipes (1982)
Pasta salad is the perfect summer holiday side dish. Make it vintage-style with these recipes from the 80s.
All-American Jell-O flag & patriotic parfaits (1999)
Here’s how to make a spectacular red, white and blue Jello dessert – the perfect retro treat for 4th of July, Memorial day or any other patriotic holiday!
22 divinely delicious classic deviled egg recipes
The devilied egg is truly an American innovation -- and what better way to celebrate the most American holiday this year? Here are 22 different old-fashioned and divinely delicious deviled egg recipes for you to try!
Revisit these patriotic symbols of our independence
Vintage postcards for the 4th of July to see & share
Here’s a selection of vintage 4th of July postcards to celebrate Independence Day, all dating back to the first two decades of the 20th century!
The fascinating history of the American flag, and its evolution since 1777
There’s so much story packed into the history of the American flag and how its design adapted over nearly 200 years — in step with the evolution of our union.
As you celebrate Independence Day on this July 4th, we hope you enjoy this comprehensive history of the American flag — a retrospective that was originally published in 1976, the year the USA celebrated the Bicentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)
While true independence was still a rebellion away in 1776, Americans celebrate its ultimate success on July 4th each year, the day our intentions were declared. Click here to see the full text of the iconic, foundational document that inspired the concept of constitutional republics the world over.
How the Liberty Bell was cracked, according the boy who said he broke it (1915)
Here is one theory about how the Liberty Bell was cracked -- at least according to an old man who confessed to breaking the famous bell when he was just a boy.
The true story of the Boston Tea Party (1773)
The Boston Tea Party resulted from at least four important historical factors, and was, in fact, the catalyst for the Revolutionary war for independence.
Vintage 4th of July holiday celebrations
Look back at how Americans celebrated the 4th of July long ago
How was Independence Day celebrated in the past? It varied a lot over the decades, but early on, there was cannon fire, great communal feasts in the village green, and all kinds of noisemakers and thundering sounds.
Join the parade! See a 4th of July celebration in Oregon (1941)
Here are some sweet, small-town photos from the 4th of July parade, picnic and other carefree fun of the Independence Day celebrations in Vale, Oregon on July 4, 1941.
Firecracker & fireworks coloring pages: Celebrate with free printables!
Whether you’re looking for Fourth of July coloring pages, New Year’s coloring pages, or another bright and beautiful fireworks display, you’ve come to the right place, because these fireworks coloring pages and printable firecracker drawings offer a perfect way to celebrate.
Print one or more of these pages out, have some fun, and let the colors of fireworks and firecrackers light up your day!
