100 Images, 100 Memories of Whiting’s Fourth of July Celebrations

John Hmurovic
June 2020

The first official Whiting Fourth of July celebration was in 1919, a year after a flu pandemic killed millions around the world. For the next 100 years, the parade marched on, until the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. No parade? It is certainly no substitute, but it might help to fill some of the void by looking back at the past 100 years with 100 photos and images of Whiting celebrating Independence Day.

Whiting’s Fourth of July parade was the subject of this drawing by artist Mitch Markovitz. Although the parade of 1919 is called the city’s first Fourth of July parade, the city had earlier celebrations of the holiday which included less organized p… — Whiting’s Fourth of July parade was the subject of this drawing by artist Mitch Markovitz. Although the parade of 1919 is called the city’s first Fourth of July parade, the city had earlier celebrations of the holiday which included less organized parades. In its earliest days, Whiting people often traveled to LaPorte for the area’s biggest Independence Day celebration. In 1897, for instance, an estimated 1,500 people traveled from Whiting to LaPorte on the 4th of July.

In 1979, the organizing committee for the Fourth of July parade claimed that Whiting had been unofficially labeled as the ‘Parade Capitol of Indiana.’ The year before, according to the parade committee, over 150,000 people viewed the parade. Whiting… — In 1979, the organizing committee for the Fourth of July parade claimed that Whiting had been unofficially labeled as the ‘Parade Capitol of Indiana.’ The year before, according to the parade committee, over 150,000 people viewed the parade. Whiting’s population at the time was around 6,000. If you add in the population of Robertsdale, the size of the crowd for the parade was about ten times larger than the total population of the Whiting-Robertsdale community.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, LaPorte was the place to go for an enjoyable Fourth of July celebration in Northwest Indiana. Starting in the 1920s, Whiting became one of the top destinations. Schools, organizations, and businesses from other cit… — In the late 1800s and early 1900s, LaPorte was the place to go for an enjoyable Fourth of July celebration in Northwest Indiana. Starting in the 1920s, Whiting became one of the top destinations. Schools, organizations, and businesses from other cities in the area joined the parade, while residents of their communities helped to line the street with spectators. This float from 1959 was from the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company, one of East Chicago’s largest employers. (photo by Vrabel Studio)

Whiting’s Fourth of July has always been a time for old friends and family to get together, and that includes high school classmates from years ago. The Whiting High School class of 1942, not only got together for their 45th reunion in 1987, but som… — Whiting’s Fourth of July has always been a time for old friends and family to get together, and that includes high school classmates from years ago. The Whiting High School class of 1942, not only got together for their 45th reunion in 1987, but some of them also marched in the parade. (photo by Joe Swisher, *The Calumet Day*)

In 1985, the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society invited its members to reminisce about past Fourth of July celebrations. Many of them talked about how the holiday brought friends and family together. “Meeting old friends and maybe making new fri… — In 1985, the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society invited its members to reminisce about past Fourth of July celebrations. Many of them talked about how the holiday brought friends and family together. “Meeting old friends and maybe making new friends,” said Pat Fett, “seeing that special person you had been wanting to meet for so long and casually becoming acquainted. Cross-town friendships thrived.” Ann Habzansky Keightley had similar memories: “Everyone came home on the Fourth. Mom made a pot of halupki, potato salad, and cakes. The flag flew proudly.”

Whether it’s waving a flag, taking a photo, or watching what may be your first parade with your mother explaining it all to you, the parade usually has something of interest to all generations. This is from the 2015 parade. (photo by John Hmurovic)

Whiting became fiercely patriotic during World War One. Its large foreign-born population strongly backed the war, as did its native-born residents. When the war ended, the patriotism did not die down. It was in that environment that Whiting’s Ameri… — Whiting became fiercely patriotic during World War One. Its large foreign-born population strongly backed the war, as did its native-born residents. When the war ended, the patriotism did not die down. It was in that environment that Whiting’s American Legion Post 80 organized a large Independence Day celebration in 1919 with the parade as the centerpiece. The Post 80 marching band was a part of many early parades.

“In 1919 and thereafter, the lads of Post 80 of the American Legion (veterans of World War One) marched proudly, in their khaki uniforms with the high-buttoned collars and roll puttees. Swinging along, all in step (or almost all in step) were such s… — “In 1919 and thereafter, the lads of Post 80 of the American Legion (veterans of World War One) marched proudly, in their khaki uniforms with the high-buttoned collars and roll puttees. Swinging along, all in step (or almost all in step) were such stalwarts as Cap McNeil, Leo Mulva, Chet Schlatter, Arnold Exton-Porter, Mel Abraham, Montie Markert, Charlie Perel, Scotty McNeill, Herb Brown, John Sharp, Ernest Hein, Frank Lauer, Bill Gilman, Paul Mihalso, Jim McCarthy and Don Spurrier.” - - -Austin Boyle, June 1985. This photo is from 1924. (donated by Lou Kovach)

The American Legion made sure that those who lost their lives in war were remembered, and the parades always included tributes to those who died for their country, as in this float from the 1930s. In the years between the two world wars, “In Flander… — The American Legion made sure that those who lost their lives in war were remembered, and the parades always included tributes to those who died for their country, as in this float from the 1930s. In the years between the two world wars, “In Flanders Fields” was the most recognized poem in America. It was written by Canadian John McCrae to remember those who died in World War One, and refers to the battle at Flanders, which is in present day Belgium. This float by the American Legion, uses the familiarity of that poem to pay tribute to the Whiting men who died in that war. “Take up our quarrel with the foe: - - To you from falling hands we throw - - The torch; be yours to hold it high - - If ye break faith with us who die - - We shall not sleep, though poppies grow - - in Flanders fields.”

For decades, a huge American flag has been carried in the Whiting parade to raise money for local organizations, as it was in this photo, believed to be from the 1930s. The large flag has been a favorite of parade-goers, or at least most parade-goer… — For decades, a huge American flag has been carried in the Whiting parade to raise money for local organizations, as it was in this photo, believed to be from the 1930s. The large flag has been a favorite of parade-goers, or at least most parade-goers. Edward Kory of Griffith, though, registered a complaint about it after the 1959 parade: “A certain club carried a flag, a huge flag of our country, down the street so people could throw money on it.” Kory complained that the weight of the coins caused the flag to touch the ground. “What disrespect we have for the flag of our country! I would think any club would have more respect for our flag. Or are they money happy? If they are, why not have monkeys with tin cups?”

The early Whiting parades were after the First World War, but in 1942, for the first time, a parade was held while a war was underway. Once again, Whiting residents responded with patriotic fervor. This float featured a large “V,” for “Victory,” a n… — The early Whiting parades were after the First World War, but in 1942, for the first time, a parade was held while a war was underway. Once again, Whiting residents responded with patriotic fervor. This float featured a large “V,” for “Victory,” a nationwide symbol during the Second World War. Even the photo processing company included a frame around the photo which featured the “V,” as well as other war time symbols.

The Fourth - 2010.15.bmp.jpg — As the Second World War waged on, Whiting residents were reminded of ways to help. This photo, encouraging residents to buy bonds to help finance the war, was probably taken in 1942. By 1943, the parade was limited to marching groups in order to conform to national gasoline and rubber conservation guidelines.

Whiting’s Fourth of July parade has almost always been a morning event, but one of the exceptions to that was during World War Two. The war time parades began at 1 P.M. They also took a different route than parades in more recent years. The 1944 par… — Whiting’s Fourth of July parade has almost always been a morning event, but one of the exceptions to that was during World War Two. The war time parades began at 1 P.M. They also took a different route than parades in more recent years. The 1944 parade, for instance, started at Clark Street and Indianapolis Boulevard, north to Roberts Avenue and 117th Street. They turned south at Central and then east on 119th Street. From there, the route took the parade participants to Front Street and Whiting Park.

This photo shows the Fourth of July parade going down 117th Street. The location of this photo is just west of Central Avenue. The house on the northwest corner of that intersection was owned by Dr. Robert Humphreys, the chief chemist for the Standa… — This photo shows the Fourth of July parade going down 117th Street. The location of this photo is just west of Central Avenue. The house on the northwest corner of that intersection was owned by Dr. Robert Humphreys, the chief chemist for the Standard Oil Company. He can be seen in this photo, standing on the porch of his house with his wife, watching the parade go past. (photo from George Johnson Estate)

Just like the years which followed World War One, the parades which followed World War Two honored those who served and those who died in the war. “In the 1945 parade, Marines rode a float depicting the famous flag raising on Iwo Jima,” wrote Austin… — Just like the years which followed World War One, the parades which followed World War Two honored those who served and those who died in the war. “In the 1945 parade, Marines rode a float depicting the famous flag raising on Iwo Jima,” wrote Austin Boyle in the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society newsletter in June 1985. “Mayor Jim McNamara and other city officials took them to lunch after the parade at Phil Smidt’s.” Iwo Jima is a small island in the South Pacific where the Marines fought a battle against Japan in World War Two. It became famous because of a Pulitzer Prize photo taken by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press of six Marines planting the flag on the island’s highest piece of land. After the war, that image was used for a statue in Arlington, Virginia, which serves as a monument to all U.S. Marines who have lost their lives in defense of the United States. First National Bank sponsored the float in the Whiting parade.

Veterans of every war have always been a part of the Fourth of July parade in Whiting, such as these men who served during the Korean War. This photo is from the early 2000s.

Those who died in wars continue to be honored in the Whiting Fourth of July parade, as seen in this photo from the mid-2000s.

Active duty military have also played a role in many Whiting Fourth of July parades, whether it’s jets doing a fly over, or groups like these sailors, who marched in the 1989 parade.

Twenty-one uniformed men silenced a crowd of one thousand people when they stopped in front of the reviewing stand during the 1979 parade. They were the United States Air Force Drill Team, and according to Rich Wheetley of The Calumet Day, their “c… — Twenty-one uniformed men silenced a crowd of one thousand people when they stopped in front of the reviewing stand during the 1979 parade. They were the United States Air Force Drill Team, and according to Rich Wheetley of *The Calumet Day*, their “complex shifts and alignments of a flight formation and precise execution of the Manual-of-Arms made the USAF Drill Team the stunning attraction in the parade.” (photo by *The Calumet Day*)

The Fourth - 2010.913.bmp.jpg — Ex-Marine Jack Duffy marches down 119th Street in the 1924 parade. Besides the Hoosier Theater, some of the businesses in the background include Glenn Shoes, next door to the theater. Another shoe store, Sam Kaplan Shoes, is on the right.

Before the parade begins, sometimes many hours before the parade begins, some parade-goers reserve their seats along the curbs by putting out their lawn chairs. Staking a claim in this manner, has become as traditional a part of the Fourth of July i… — Before the parade begins, sometimes many hours before the parade begins, some parade-goers reserve their seats along the curbs by putting out their lawn chairs. Staking a claim in this manner, has become as traditional a part of the Fourth of July in Whiting as fireworks, cookouts and the red, white and blue. This photo was taken at 7 A.M. on the day of the parade in 2018, at the corner of 119th Street and Oliver. (photo by John Hmurovic)

From a distance, the sound of the police and fire sirens signal that the parade is approaching. Until then, you wait, and stare down the street for the first glimpse, as these parade-goers did in 1980. (photo from *The Times*)

Lined up on Indianapolis Boulevard in 1989, ready for the parade to start so they could wave their flags, are Dean Bolz, 4; Jessica Bolz, 5; Joy Rios, 2; and Katie Rios, 4. The number of flags in the parade was actually a controversy for a couple of… — Lined up on Indianapolis Boulevard in 1989, ready for the parade to start so they could wave their flags, are Dean Bolz, 4; Jessica Bolz, 5; Joy Rios, 2; and Katie Rios, 4. The number of flags in the parade was actually a controversy for a couple of years in the late 1970s. “There was no flag in evidence to lead the parade,” complained American Legion Post 80 Commander Charles Greskovich after the 1977 parade. The American Legion had responsibility for the parade until 1971, when the Chamber of Commerce took over. The Legion took its complaints about the flag to the Whiting City Council in 1977. The Council responded by making the very politically wise move of supporting more flags at future parades. (photo by Tom Holoubek, *The Calumet Day*)

Any outdoor event runs the risk of bad weather. In early July, in Northwest Indiana, the bad weather is usually heat and humidity. But, sometimes it rains, as it did in 1981. Not everyone minded. There were plenty of puddles for those who enjoy spla… — Any outdoor event runs the risk of bad weather. In early July, in Northwest Indiana, the bad weather is usually heat and humidity. But, sometimes it rains, as it did in 1981. Not everyone minded. There were plenty of puddles for those who enjoy splashing in them. (photo by *The Times*)

It was so hot in early July 1977, that everyone cranked up their air conditioning. That caused a spike in electrical consumption, and a plea to the local steel mills by NIPSCO, asking them to temporarily cut back on their electrical consumption. It … — It was so hot in early July 1977, that everyone cranked up their air conditioning. That caused a spike in electrical consumption, and a plea to the local steel mills by NIPSCO, asking them to temporarily cut back on their electrical consumption. It was in the mid-to-upper 90s on the Fourth of July. About 40 parade-goers were treated for heat exhaustion. Fortunately, large ducks apparently adapt well to the heat. (photo by *The Calumet Day*)

Whiting Police Officer Paul Mihalso is looking in the same direction as the large crowd behind him, waiting for the parade to arrive, at the intersection of 119th Street and New York Avenue in 1941. Considering the size of the crowds, Whiting has ha… — Whiting Police Officer Paul Mihalso is looking in the same direction as the large crowd behind him, waiting for the parade to arrive, at the intersection of 119th Street and New York Avenue in 1941. Considering the size of the crowds, Whiting has had relatively few incidents during its Fourth of July festivities. “With 18 special policemen and every regular man on duty throughout the day,” the *Whiting News* reported in 1926, “little disorder was seen in the city during the Fourth of July celebration. About a dozen arrests, however, for drunkenness, disorderly conduct, speeding and reckless driving were recorded.”

With their sirens wailing, fire trucks are often the first sign for most spectators that the beginning of the parade is approaching. Firefighter Gus Danielides waves to the crowd in this photo from the early 2000s. While the sirens get everyone’s at… — With their sirens wailing, fire trucks are often the first sign for most spectators that the beginning of the parade is approaching. Firefighter Gus Danielides waves to the crowd in this photo from the early 2000s. While the sirens get everyone’s attention, not everyone loves them. Someone from Hammond named V. Jones, wrote to *The Times* in 1973 with his/her complaints about the parade. “I thought the time of starting the parade was too long…Then all the fire, police, ambulance units, and Civil Defense units for the next half-hour with blaring sirens was too much.”

Politics is a part of America, and certainly a part of Northwest Indiana. So it’s fitting that it’s also a part of the Fourth of July celebration in Whiting. Area Congressman Pete Visclosky marched with his supporters in the 2018 parade. He is to th… — Politics is a part of America, and certainly a part of Northwest Indiana. So it’s fitting that it’s also a part of the Fourth of July celebration in Whiting. Area Congressman Pete Visclosky marched with his supporters in the 2018 parade. He is to the right in this photo, wearing a long-sleeved blue shirt, walking just in front of the “Pete Visclosky U.S. Congress” banner. (photo by John Hmurovic)

For many years, local dignitaries were either at, or near the front, of the parade. In Whiting’s Centennial year of 1989, Mayor Robert Bercik and his wife, Jackie, rode in a horse-drawn carriage. — Local political leaders are often at the front of the parade. In Whiting’s Centennial year of 1989, Mayor Robert Bercik and his wife, Jackie, rode in a horse-drawn carriage.

Political leaders, parade dignitaries, and the parade planning committee are among those seated on the judging platform. Parade chairman Lambert Novak is seated left of center, wearing sunglasses, and local Congressman Ray Madden is to the far right… — Political leaders, parade dignitaries, and the parade planning committee are among those seated on the judging platform. Parade chairman Lambert Novak is seated left of center, wearing sunglasses, and local Congressman Ray Madden is to the far right in this photo from the early 1970s.

The Fourth - 2010.7144.bmp.jpg — The judges’ viewing platform has long been located on the north side of 119th Street, in front of Whiting City Hall. But for a time, as this photo from the 1950s shows, it was located on the opposite side of the street.

Among the dignitaries at the Fourth of July parade is the grand marshal. The grand marshal for the 1988 parade was Bozo the Clown. “The World’s Greatest Clown.” Bozo was a familiar character to children who watched him on WGN-TV in Chicago from 1960… — Among the dignitaries at the Fourth of July parade is the grand marshal. The grand marshal for the 1988 parade was Bozo the Clown. “The World’s Greatest Clown.” Bozo was a familiar character to children who watched him on WGN-TV in Chicago from 1960 to 2001. (photo by Gregory Johnson, *The Times*)

The grand marshal in 2006, was Mary Skavara of Whiting. She was that year’s recipient of the Carl Binhammer Award for Community Service. Among her many contributions to the city was her involvement in helping to establish the Whiting-Robertsdale His… — The grand marshal in 2006, was Mary Skavara of Whiting. She was that year’s recipient of the Carl Binhammer Award for Community Service. Among her many contributions to the city was her involvement in helping to establish the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society museum on 119th Street.

Every parade needs marching bands, such as this one from the late 1930s. But in 1938, the Whiting parade had a band controversy that resulted in fewer bands than had been planned. The musicians union believed that its members should get paid to play… — Every parade needs marching bands, such as this one from the late 1930s. But in 1938, the Whiting parade had a band controversy that resulted in fewer bands than had been planned. The musicians union believed that its members should get paid to play in the Fourth of July parade. The parade committee which organized the event in 1938, felt otherwise, and was labeled by the union as a group that was “unfair to organized labor.” The union did not join the parade, and the Clark High School band also did not perform. The Clark band was told not to take part by the Hammond School Board, which declared itself in sympathy with the union.

The George Rogers Clark High School Marching Pioneers in the 1982 parade. (photo by Susan Hmurovic) — The George Rogers Clark High School Marching Pioneers in the 1982 parade. From an earlier time, Gay Gehrke Liesse said she remembers marching with the Clark band. “It was a rare heat wave when Curly Snider let us parade without our heavy wool uniform jackets.” (photo by Susan Hmurovic)

A large marching band is in almost perfect step as they pass the judges’ stand in a parade around 1970. As an example of how big a role bands have played in the Whiting parade, in 1983, twelve of them participated. They were from: Whiting High Schoo… — A large marching band is in almost perfect step as they pass the judges’ stand in a parade around 1970. As an example of how big a role bands have played in the Whiting parade, in 1983, twelve of them participated. They were from: Whiting High School; Musicians Guild; Lake Central High School; Grimmer Middle School; Lowell High School; St. Casimir School; Clark High School; Washington High School; Wirt High School; Edison Middle School; Roosevelt High School; St. John the Baptist School.

Over the years, some bands have come from outside Northwest Indiana to perform in Whiting. This is a band composed of Chinese-Americans from Chicago who marched in the 1934 parade. Those are trolley tracks on 119th Street, from the days when trolley… — Over the years, some bands have come from outside Northwest Indiana to perform in Whiting. This is a band composed of Chinese-Americans from Chicago who marched in the 1934 parade. Those are trolley tracks on 119th Street, from the days when trolley cars operated on Whiting streets.

While they may not be the largest, local bands probably have the most fans in the crowd of spectators. Among those at the top of that list is the Whiting High School band, shown here from the early-to-mid 2000s.

Another local band is from St. John the Baptist School, also from around the year 2000.

Drum majorettes are the band members who probably come under the closest individual scrutiny from the crowd. Will the baton that they hurled high in the sky land in their hand when it comes down, or will it fall to the ground? More often than not, t… — Drum majorettes are the band members who probably come under the closest individual scrutiny from the crowd. Will the baton that they hurled high in the sky land in their hand when it comes down, or will it fall to the ground? More often than not, the drum majorettes made the catch. This drum majorette marched in the 1939 parade.

It’s possible that the late 1950s and early 1960s were the high point in the number of baton twirlers in the Fourth of July parade. Thee of them in the 1964 parade were Lorraine Serafin, Laura Parker, and Laurie Dvorchak. (photo from the Hammond Tim… — It’s possible that the late 1950s and early 1960s were the high point in the number of baton twirlers in the Fourth of July parade. Thee of them in the 1964 parade were Lorraine Serafin, Laura Parker, and Laurie Dvorchak. (photo from the *Hammond Time*s)

Over the years, some parade participants have become crowd favorites simply because they are different, or hard to miss. Bagpipers fit both of those categories. These marched in the 2006 parade.

The Fourth - 2010.556.bmp.jpg — Another crowd favorite are the Shriners, a fraternal organization committed to community service. They are known for the children’s hospitals they fund. They raise awareness of their efforts by driving their miniature cars in parades, while many of their drivers wear the traditional Shriners’ fez on top of their heads.

Jesse White was a top athlete in college who went on to become a long-time public servant in Chicago and the Illinois Secretary of State. One of the many projects he developed to help inner-city kids was the Jesse White Tumblers. Team members, as yo… — Jesse White was a top athlete in college who went on to become a long-time public servant in Chicago and the Illinois Secretary of State. One of the many projects he developed to help inner-city kids was the Jesse White Tumblers. Team members, as young as the age of six, pledge to stay away from gangs, drugs, alcohol, and stay in school, where they have to meet certain academic levels. Once those conditions are met, they learn to be acrobats. They give 1,500 performances a year, and have been a crowd favorite in the Whiting Fourth of July parade for many years.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Posse were an impressive sight in Whiting parades, including this group of sheriff’s deputies and their horses, who took part in the 1970 parade. The men wore brown and tan uniforms with yellow patches and neckerchiefs, as … — The Lake County Sheriff’s Posse were an impressive sight in Whiting parades, including this group of sheriff’s deputies and their horses, who took part in the 1970 parade. The men wore brown and tan uniforms with yellow patches and neckerchiefs, as well as a tan western-style hat. They also carried their rifles on their saddles, in the true western fashion. (photo from the *Times-Grafic*)

The Spirit of ‘76 was celebrated by these three young men, who marched in the 1922 parade, and then posed for this photo in Whiting Park.

For car lovers, there’s usually plenty to love in the Fourth of July parade. Schlatter Motor Sales showed off one of its convertible cars in the parade in the early 1950s.

Today, it’s classic car. But in 1959, it was just a station wagon pulling a float past the corner of Indianapolis Boulevard and 119th Street in Whiting’s Fourth of July parade. (photo by Vrabel Studio)

Automobiles were a part of the Fourth of July parade from the start. This was an entry in the 1920 parade, the second in Whiting’s 100 year string of Independence Day parades. It was the entry from H. Gordon and Sons, one of Whiting’s leading retail… — Automobiles were a part of the Fourth of July parade from the start. This was an entry in the 1920 parade, the second in Whiting’s 100 year string of Independence Day parades. It was the entry from H. Gordon and Sons, one of Whiting’s leading retail stores. (photo from Mrs. Bert Kerner)

Flowers and other coverings adorn many of the cars that serve as floats in the parade. For the 1985 parade, Whiting High School’s cheerleaders decorated this VW bug. The marching band followed close behind.

In the early days of the parade, especially in the less organized parades that took place before 1919, horses played a significant role. We don’t know the year this photo was taken, but besides the people and flags on the parade float, this group is… — In the early days of the parade, especially in the less organized parades that took place before 1919, horses played a significant role. We don’t know the year this photo was taken, but besides the people and flags on the parade float, this group is carrying a sign for the White Eagle Bakery.

Waiting for the parade to start allowed these participants to pose for photos at the corner of Indianapolis Boulevard and Euclid Avenue in the 1920s.

Though less numerous than cars, bikes are another popular means of transportation for those in the parade. This bike from the Haluska Oil Company is from the 1954. (photo by Bob Faising)

Besides cars, horses, bicycles, and trucks, the parade has had its share of unusual vehicles. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, a favorite of several generations, was one of those. The 27-foot-long hot dog made its way down Indianapolis Boulevard in the… — Besides cars, horses, bicycles, and trucks, the parade has had its share of unusual vehicles. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, a favorite of several generations, was one of those. The 27-foot-long hot dog made its way down Indianapolis Boulevard in the 2019 parade. (photo by John Hmurovic)

City trolley cars regularly operated on the tracks that ran down the center of 119th Street, but in this 1920 photo a trolley car was a part of the Fourth of July parade. This photo was just west of the intersection of 119th and New York Avenue, in … — City trolley cars regularly operated on the tracks that ran down the center of 119th Street, but in this 1920 photo a trolley car was a part of the Fourth of July parade. This photo was just west of the intersection of 119th and New York Avenue, in front of the First National Bank building. “By 1936, the glamour of the street car was gone. We were even irritated by the road space the tracks took, and many of us remember the sorry condition of the track road bed…” - - - Merwyn L. Mullins, December 1984. (photo donated by Lou Kovach)

The Fourth - 2010.824.bmp.jpg — A spectator steps out onto the street to get a better photo of an approaching float in the 1942 parade.

The first floats were decorated river barges, thus the name “float.” They date back to the Middle Ages, when they were primarily used in religious processions. The modern versions are usually on truck beds, such as this one which carried the Whiting… — The first floats were decorated river barges, thus the name “float.” They date back to the Middle Ages, when they were primarily used in religious processions. The modern versions are usually on truck beds, such as this one which carried the Whiting High School cheerleaders in a parade in the early-to-mid 2000s.

The Fourth - 2010.2203.bmp.jpg — McNamara Brothers and their Berghoff Beer parade float, probably from the 1930s, after the end of Prohibition. Berghoff was the first beer brewed and served in the Chicago area after Prohibition was repealed in 1933.

A good number of Fourth of July floats come from the retail business community, such as this float from Brown’s, a women’s clothing store, in the 1949 parade.

Whiting’s Dairy Queen had a giant dish of ice cream on top of their vehicle as they rode down the parade route in the 2000s.

The Fourth - 2010.7581.bmp.jpg — Chrislove, located at the corner of 119th and New York Avenue for many years, sold Precious Moments figurines. In this float from 1989, much larger versions of those figurines were on display.

The Fourth - 2010.480.bmp.jpg — Bercik Service Station was located at the corner of 119th and Indianapolis Boulevard. In this photo, its entry in the 1955 parade passes the corner of Indianapolis and Roberts Avenue, where Jansen’s Michigan Fruit Market was located.

With the possible exception of Halloween, no holiday provides a bigger stash of candy for children than the Fourth of July parade. In this 1989 photo, Karen Krull tosses out a handful to parade-going-kids, courtesy of the Whiting Refinery Federal Cr… — With the possible exception of Halloween, no holiday provides a bigger stash of candy for children than the Fourth of July parade. In this 1989 photo, Karen Krull tosses out a handful to parade-going-kids, courtesy of the Whiting Refinery Federal Credit Union float.

Floats can be simple, or they can be portable works of art. A good deal of work must have gone into the Bank of Whiting’s entry in the 1960 parade.

Whiting’s biggest employer has always been a part of the city’s biggest parade. One of Standard Oil’s fire trucks was decorated with red crowns, the name of its most familiar brand of gasoline at the time of the 1938 parade.