The Odessa Record -

One of the earliest recorded celebrations of the Fourth of July in Lincoln County was this peculiar mention: “The Davenport fireworks were let off in the suburbs of that city, for the reason, I suppose, no buildings are insured. A few boys enjoyed them, but those who remained to witness them were at the dance when the display took place, and did not see the balloons ascend. The celebration was purely Republican, even Democratic office-seekers being scarce.” (Sprague Herald: 7-12-1888) For a frame of reference, according to McKenny’s Pacific...