Old-time mountain 4th of July celebrations focused on patriotism. In smaller communities, they involve simple patriotic services in churches and a community dinner. In larger towns like Asheville, day long events included various races, baseballs games, picnics, and band concerts. Military drills, patriotic addresses, and readings of the Declaration of Independence rounded out the formal events. More riotous behavior included shooting fireworks, guns, and anvils. The holes of an anvil were packed with gunpowder, and another anvil was set on top. When the powder was ignited, the top anvil flew high into the air, often sailing well above rooftops. A big boom accompanied this, the ground shook, and sometimes property was damaged when the anvil came back down to Earth. Then, as now, the 4th of July was a day of excitement and unruly behavior.
Tonya Carroll (B.A., 2007 M.A., 2009) with Bruce Frazier (Carol Grotnes Belk Endowed Professor in Commercial & Electronic Music) in the recording studio.