AREA HISTORY:  Fourth of July, 1819, York Borough, York County, PA

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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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FOURTH OF JULY, 1819 – Page 553

During the first half century of the American Republic, the Fourth Day of July was celebratd 
with unusual pomp and display in all towns in the Union, and especially so in York, which had 
done so much for the patriot cause.  At these annual celebrations, the patriots who had engaged 
in the battles of the Revolution always occupied a prominent position, and were the most 
conspicuous personages.  The Fourth of July, 1819, came on Sunday.  The “York Phalanx,” an 
excellent military organization, commanded by Capt. Doudel, met at the court house, in full 
uniform, and attended religious services at the Episcopal Church.  Monday was set apart for the 
demonstrations.  The day was ushered in by a discharge of artillery from the public common, the 
ringing of bells and the beating of the reveille.  At early dawn all the military organizations 
of the town and vicinity paraded, and afterward, with a large concourse of people, assembled at 
Kraber’s Spring, now known as Brockie, home of the late Hon. J. S. Black.  There a feast was 
prepared by ladies.  After the dinner was partaken of, a long array of patriotic toasts were 
proposed and responded to.  Dr. John Fisher was president of the meeting, and Michael W. Ash 
delivered the oration.  He was a lawyer of considerable ability, and a member of the York bar.  
This anniversary was only a typical one, like many others that occurred, both before and after 
this one.