Lorain Prepares for July 4, 1946

 

Detail of a July 2, 1946 Marshall's ad

Eighty years ago, Lorain was preparing to celebrate its first Post-War July 4th. But it was not going to be a raucous celebration, as noted on the front page of the July 3, 1946 Lorain Journal.

"America's first peace-time 4th of July in six years will be a quiet one in Lorain. If Dad and Junior plan to set off any firecrackers or skyrockets tomorrow, they're either going to be sorely disappointed or face a $500 fine.

"Lorain police are going to crack down on all fireworks – and that includes anything from Roman candles to cap pistols.

"For the first 4th in five years, however, local celebrators will take to the county's highways and byways without war driving restrictions for the traditional Independence Day festivities – picnics, outings, and automobile excursions. 

"Practically all industry except the steel and iron producing departments of the National Tube Co. will be closed down to give workers a holiday.

"Lorain park authorities anticipate the year's biggest beach crowds and will have an augmented staff of park police and life guards."

As in other years, traffic fatalities sadly were the headline.