Early American July 4 celebrations included toasts, along with a speech and dinner. July 4 was a patriotic observance, not yet the recreational holiday of today. The victory and sacrifice of the Revolutionary War were top of mind. Many veterans or their survivors were still living.

“OFFICIAL” toasts emphasized patriotic themes, heroes, and more – including women. Women? That seemed a gratuitous gesture from male toastmasters, yet it recognized women’s vital domestic role. Women could not yet vote or participate in most male-dominated vocations. After each toast, participants took a drink, gave a loud HUZZAH! (“HUZZAY” as in today’s HOORAY!), and guns or cannon were fired. With each toast and gulp the vibe became more spirited, you could say.

The earliest official toasts numbered 13 for the 13 original colonies. The first July 4 celebration at Marietta in 1788 featured 13 toasts to: “The United States, Congress, the King of France, The United Netherlands, The Friendly Powers throughout the World, The New Federal Constitution, George Washington and the Society of the Cincinnati, His Excellency Governor Arthur St. Clair and the Northwestern Territory, The Memory of Heroes, Patriots, Captain Pipe (Delaware Indian Chief) and a Successful Treaty, The Amiable Partners of Our Lives (women), All Mankind.”

“VOLUNTEER” toasts followed the official toasts, offered impromptu by those present. These could be highly personal, humorous, and partisan.

Below are toasts (edited) for July 4, 1816, in Marietta, composed by civic leader/newspaper editor Caleb Emerson – original document from Marietta College Special Collections. These sentiments reflect the national situation in the post-War of 1812 period.

1. The day we celebrate. Time can destroy the marble monument and clothe with oblivion the noblest works of man, but the memory of this day shall live. 2. President James Madison. He has been weighed and not found wanting- his service deserves our gratitude. 3. Congress – may their exertions for the country be more conspicuous and solicitude for their own emolument be less conspicuous. 4. The memory of George Washington – guardian of our infant liberties. 5. Thomas Jefferson – the firm patriot and enlightened sage. 6. The Army and Navy – both conferred immortal honors on their country. 7. Our next president – James Monroe – the pride of his country. 8. The sovereignty of the people – the only source of legitimate power. 9. Gov. Shelby (governor of Kentucky?), the soldier and patriot. 10. General Jackson – The gallant Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans will be remembered. 11. Vermont and New Hampshire – northern lights, not blue lights. (A jab at Federalists from a War of 1812 event.) 12. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut – not the first time that the oldest children turned out to be a disgrace to the family (another partisan barb). 13. The western states (those west of the Appalachians). 14. Agriculture, commerce, and manufacturing – the main pillars of…our greatness. 15. The patriots of South America- may their struggles for liberty succeed.

Most of these resembled typical official toasts. But a few (number 3,11,12) are more personal, reflecting Emerson’s Democratic Republican Party views. That party was in power; Federalists’ influence was fading. The politics made me wonder what 2026 volunteer toasts might sound like with today’s unbridled discourse? I asked AI. Here are a few such hypothetical toasts: “Free elections and the peaceful transfer of power – the quiet strength of a republic, Civil disagreement – may we argue ideas without forgetting our common citizenship, Future generations – may they inherit a nation more united than today, May public service always place the common good above private gain. Worthwhile sentiments; maybe we ought to bring back July 4 toasts. Whaddya think?