Karl Kae Knecht Cartoon

Description:	An older man thinks back to former July fourths, and tells his son that that was how is was in the old days, but thousands were killed or maimed, but laws were passed restricting the use of fireworks and deaths came down as a result. Death is behind a tree and he says that he gets them from auto accidents now. In the bottom panel we see that it is also the 100th anniversary of the Calliope, a steam powered piano. Death (Personification) Image Access WideTEK 25 Dad in rain coat and hat. Play gun. Yes sonny thats how it was back in the old days! But it became The Murderous Fourth! Thousands were killed or maimed for life. Then came Sane Fourths. Then legislation to ban all but public shooting - 33 states prohibit sales and congress prohibits shipping in - if not this, then this on July 5th. But now I get them on our highways. I expect 385 killed, 21,000 injured. 1955 3 days. John Adams had suggested July 2 as anniversary date to celebrate from Great Britain, however the date July 4th of signing of Declaration of independence was chosen. This 4th is 100th anniversary of the Calliope (or steam piano). Joshua Stoddard invented it in Massachusetts at Worcester. Years ago every circus parade had one, so too steam boats. One of few maicers was George Kratz here in Evansville during 1890s and early 1900s/ Today but one circus on tour uses one. Air Calliopes replaced the steam power. There are a few in museums. Harry Shell, of Farmington, MD will exhibit one at the Indian state fair.
Origin:	2014
Created By:	Karl Kae Knecht
Source:	http://digital.evpl.org/cdm/ref/collection/karlknecht/id/3102
Collection:	Karl K. Knecht Collection
Copyright:	Digital Image Copyright 2014 University of Evansville Libraries. All rights reserved. All other material is open to the public without restrictions. Copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.
Subjects:	Traffic Holidays Circuses Evansville (Ind.) -- History -- Caricatures and cartoons United States -- Politics and government -- 20th century -- Caricatures and cartoons Caricatures and cartoons -- United States

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