Marsh Street Parade
November 3, 2008 – 5:16 pm
Tribune librarian Sharon Morem found this undated postcard photo of a Marsh Street parade in the files.
That is our starting point.
From here we start making guesses. The spectators are dressed in their holiday best, plenty of folks are wearing long sleeves and there are no shadows under an overcast sky. The street is unpaved; this may be the bridge where San Luis Creek goes under Marsh Street.
There is a patriotic theme which could make this a July 4th celebration.
Looking at the fashions it is the early 20th century after electric fixtures came to town. My guess is that this is an Armistice Day parade (later renamed Veteran’s day.)
The first official Armistice Day was November 11, 1919 to remember those who had fallen in World War I.
If someone has better information please post a comment.
5 Responses to “Marsh Street Parade”
At first I thought it was a July 4th thing because of the kid in the Uncle Sam hat. But check out the clothing the adults are wearing.
Not exactly summer attire.
I vote for Nov.
By Pat on Nov 3, 2008
Dave,
I count 45 stars on the flag. Therefore our 45th state was Utah on Jan. 4, 1896 and our 46th state was Oklahoma on Nov. 16, 1907.
By steve harris on Nov 3, 2008
Dave,
On recount, there may be 46 stars. New Mexico became our 47th state on Jan. 6, 1912. Even if one wanted to argue there are 48 stars, Arizona became a state on Feb. 14, 1912. Therefore it can’t be Veterans day which started in 1919.
By steve harris on Nov 3, 2008
Thanks for the comment Steve, counting the stars is a great idea. I wonder if there was a parade for election day, or admissions day? I’ll have to check the microfilm on a day we are not running around covering election stuff.
By David Middlecamp on Nov 4, 2008
The bridge, whose balustrade is shown here, was constructed in 1909.
By Chris Weber on Aug 27, 2009