Fourth of July observances haven't changed much since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776, and July 4, 1930, was no exception.
The Sun reported that "cannonading and pyrotechnical displays throughout the city last night marked 154 years of American Independence."
With temperatures in the high 70s, Marylanders looked forward to the day's traditional parades, picnics and fireworks.
In Northwest Baltimore, while crowds of parade-goers wearing Panamas and straw boaters lined the curb, students from Public School No. 87 (Windsor Hills), depicted the Birth of Liberty from the flatbed of a truck while 11 youngsters dressed as firecrackers walked behind.
That evening, 80,000 people in Patterson Park heard Gov. Albert C. Ritchie give a brief address and watched a brilliant display of fireworks -- including a finale that featured a pyrotechnic caricature of Maryland's chief executive.