July 2026 - 15656.com

The anniversary of our national independence used to be observed in a proper manner by more or less of the citizens. The chronicle of the celebration of July 4, 1838, has casually come to the writer’s notice. On that occasion the Armstrong Light Dragoons and a large number of citizens assembled at “Farmer’s Delight,” the residence of the late Robert Parks, along the ﬁrst bend in the Kiskiminetas above Leechburgh. David Kuhns was appointed chairman, and Alexander Gordon secretary. After various evolutions by the dragoons, they partook of an excellent dinner. The Declaration of Independence was read, and‘ thirteen sensible and patriotic toasts were submitted and unanimously approved. There were only two volunteer toasts, one of which was complimentary to Mr. and Mrs. Parks and expressive of the thanks and gratitude of the assemblage to them, as host and hostess, for their liberality and bountiful repast, and the other complimentary to the Armstrong Light Dragoons for their correct and gentlemanly deportment, reﬂecting upon them honor and the admiration of their fellow-citizens.

Taken from the following publication, the passage above describes an early Fourth of July celebration that occurred in Allegheny Township, Armstrong County. This township was later split into Glipin, Parks, and Bethel townships. This was the celebration of America’s 62nd birthday.

Smith, R. W. (1883). History of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Waterman, Watkins. University of Pittsburgh Library System Digital Collections. https://digital.library.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt:31735056287661

In accordance with previous arrangements, a fox-hunt occurred on Friday, March 11, 1828. The circle commenced at Long run, in Kiskiminetas township; thence up that run to Jno. Shirley’s; thence to Jacob George’s; thence in a straight line down Crooked creek to its mouth; thence down the Allegheny river to the mouth of the Kiskiminetas, and thence up the same to the mouth of Long run. The closing inner circles were closed by strewing straw lightly around at or near Robert Criswell’s, on Carnahan’s run. The distance from the center to the inner circle was one-fourth of a mile, and to the outer circle one-half a mile, both having been marked by straw or blazing the trees. Seventeen or eighteen red foxes were taken in the course of that hunt.

Taken from the following publication, the passage above describes a fox hunt that occurred in Allegheny Township, Armstrong County. This township was later split into Glipin, Parks, and Bethel townships.