“The Fourth of July celebration at Watonga was a complete success and nearly everybody was pleasantly disappointed (sic) over the result. Notwithstanding numerous celebrations all around Watonga, there was an Immense crowd here. When the patriotic and energetic people in and around Watonga undertake anything, they stay with it to the finish, and the result is a demonstration which is a credit to the community and a credit to the country.
While the inhabitants of the place were sweetly slumbering at 2 o’clock on the morning of the Fourth, the Geary band entered the city pumping “Marching through Georgia’s” melodious and patriotic notes on the stillness of the night, and everyone was aroused to the fact that over one-hundred years ago, we licked the British.
The people were again reminded of the fact at daybreak when Col. W. H. Munger shook the heavens with some dynamite bombs, and soon the throngs commended to assemble, and the grand celebration was under headway.
From every building, the national colors floated. A grand arbor had been erected. The weather perfect, and everything was propitious for a gala time.
At ten o’clock the parade, headed by the speakers of the day and Geary brass band, marched through the streets of the city, and was followed by the concourse to the arbor. Rev. Jewett in a patriotic petition, invoked Divine guidance and wisdom in the exercise of spirit of Liberty. After the reading of the Declaration of Independence by J.H. Campbell, Hon. F. E. Gilette of El Reno, was introduced. He was followed by Hon. A. T. Sweet, of Watonga. Both men are model speakers, and patriotic utterances were well received.
In the afternoon came the various amusements, horse races, foot races, potato races, etc.
The celebration ended with a ball at night which was grand affair. Young people from twenty miles distant were present. The large courthouse (pre-1906 courthouse) hall was a throng of respectable, goodlooking people. Everything was orderly. To the finest music the fantastic was tripped until the Fourth had passed away.”