In 1836 James P. Allaire declared Independence Day a holiday for his workers and threw a day long celebration which lasted into the evening hours. The event included balloon rides, a picnic, musical presentations, toasts to our nation and its Leaders and even fireworks in the evening. The residents of the Howell Works enjoyed speeches, dancing, games, music and food. We know this because the event has been thoroughly documented in the Monmouth Democrat, the local newspaper of the day, describing the day's festivities.
Join us at the Historic Village at Allaire as we recreate this event. Visitors will enjoy games of the period, listen to toasts and speeches from the local dignitaries of the Howell Works, and even hear a very stirring reading of the Declaration of Independence given by James P. Allaire, himself. There will be music and dancing, games for the children, Militia Drills and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch.
While at the Historic Village, be sure to visit the home of the Howell Works Manager James P. Smith as the ladies of his household prepare special Independence Day recipes authentic to the early 19th Century or stop by our many Trades Shops and ;earn about the industrial side of the Howell Works Community. A visit to the historic Village at Allaire would not be complete without a trip to the Howell Works Bakery for fresh baked breads and refreshments or to the General Store Museum Gift Shop stocked full of reproduction items.