[FAIRS & CELEBRATIONS]. A group of 19th-century broadsides promoting local celebrations including Independence Day.

The Glorious Fourth! Virginia, IL: Enquirer Print, [1878]. 5 3/4 x 12 in. letterpress broadside (chipping to edges with some loss to interior, modern pencil markings to upper right corners). Patriotic motif featuring an eagle holding a banner reading "American Independence" in its beak is centered beneath title and flanked by dates "1776" and "1878." Program of events below lists activities including "Sack and wheelbarrow racing, greased pig catching, greased pole climbing and bread eating," and more. -- Lunch!! At All Hours To-Day at M.E. Church! N.p.: n.p., [1874]. 11 7/8 x 8 1/2 in. broadside (discoloration and chipping to edges and corners, few interior creases). Broadside announces a fair and festival at M.E. Church on 13 February 1874. -- Basket Pic-Nic and Celebration! N.p.: Register Print, n.d. 12 3/4 x 24 in. letterpress broadside (fully separated at horizontal crease, with chipping and loss along each edge including separated edges, upper portion mounted to 1866 Wabash County, IL record-keeping sheet, toning throughout). Upper portion of broadside features a large illustration of an eagle on a shield holding a banner reading "The Day We Celebrate!" Given by the Pioneer H. & L. Company, the July Fourth celebration promoted here is to be held at the fairgrounds at Mount Carmel, Illinois, and to feature silver and string bands, orations in English and German, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence, among other activities. -- Wabash County Fair!! Fun! Fun! Fun! Mount Carmel, Illinois: Wilmans & Havill, Printers, [1873]. 5 3/4 x 8 3/4 in. handbill (toning to edges, light wear to corners). Undersigned in print by "Stewart & Martin," who have been given exclusive rights by the Agricultural Board to run a dance hall during the Wabash County Fair. -- And 3 other imprints including 2 copies of a handbill for a local school exhibition and a calling card for Frank W. Havill, Editor of the Mount Carmel, Illinois Register. -- Together, 7 imprints related to Wabash County, IL celebrations and publications.

Property of a Midwest Collector