July marks the 250th anniversary of Declaration of Independence, and while fireworks and baseball will be commemorating the celebration this year, it does not compare to what Sacramento has done in the past for its 4th of July celebrations. In 1876, during the Centennial year, much of the city’s business district was decorated stretching from Front Street and going east several city blocks. The celebration itself started at midnight with the firing of thirteen artillery pieces. In the morning, a parade was held that included three military divisions, which also held demonstrations afterward. Throughout the day, several prominent Sacramentans gave speeches around the city. James McClatchy, editor of The Daily Bee (now The Sacramento Bee) was proclaimed “historian for the day.”Many people also submitted poems that commemorated the event and had them published in the local newspapers. The Sacramento Daily Union closed their paper so that all of their staff could celebrate the holiday. ...