Festive Nights

Sparkling stars, a crackling fire, laughter, the sound of a fiddle or two and a perfect evening of dancing and singing was underway. “Near the river a violin makes lively music, and some youths improvise a dance; in another quarter a flute whispers its lament to the deepening night.” Jesse Applegate, 1843

The Fourth of July was an occasion of hearty celebration, usually in the vicinity of Independence Rock. Now, almost half way to Oregon the travelers would relax and rejoice. “...no person left the table hungry. After our feast, patriotic songs were indulged in, winding up with three cheers for Uncle Sam and three for Old Glory...a Fourth of July on the plains never to be forgotten.” Enoch Conyers, July 4, 1852