S.C. Folk Observe July 4 In Unique Drill Ceremonies
Dublin Core
Title
S.C. Folk Observe July 4 In Unique Drill Ceremonies
Description
"AIKEN, S.C. – (ANP) – A Fourth of July celebration that has been observed since the 1880’s at Bettis academy took place again this year when persons of this section fought a sham battle and executed fancy drill formations.
This mock warfare was the highlight of a day-long celebration, and it developed from a crisis between Negroes and white persons in this section during the Reconstruction Period. As the feeling became more and more bitter and threatened to break out into guerilla warfare, the men obtained guns and prepared for battle.
Rev. Alexander Bettis, white, prevailed upon the Negroes not to fight and persuaded them to give up their rifles and pistols. On July 4, 1881, the ground was cleared for a school of Negroes at the site of the present Bettis academy and Rev. Bettis raised enough money in six months to complete the buildings. Since then celebrations have been held each year commemorating the establishment of the school.
After the founding of the school, a law was passed prohibiting Negroes from carrying guns except at Bettis academy. The custom of mock skirmishes and military parades and drills has continued but wooden guns have been substituted."
This mock warfare was the highlight of a day-long celebration, and it developed from a crisis between Negroes and white persons in this section during the Reconstruction Period. As the feeling became more and more bitter and threatened to break out into guerilla warfare, the men obtained guns and prepared for battle.
Rev. Alexander Bettis, white, prevailed upon the Negroes not to fight and persuaded them to give up their rifles and pistols. On July 4, 1881, the ground was cleared for a school of Negroes at the site of the present Bettis academy and Rev. Bettis raised enough money in six months to complete the buildings. Since then celebrations have been held each year commemorating the establishment of the school.
After the founding of the school, a law was passed prohibiting Negroes from carrying guns except at Bettis academy. The custom of mock skirmishes and military parades and drills has continued but wooden guns have been substituted."
Creator
N/A
Publisher
The Chicago Defender
Date
1941-7-12
Collection
Citation
N/A, “S.C. Folk Observe July 4 In Unique Drill Ceremonies,” African American Fourth of July, accessed May 1, 2024, https://africanamerican4th.omeka.net/items/show/65.