Flashback 1936-- It's About the Fireworks

The Chicago Tribune Magazine's back page always features an old photograph and then some information about it and then an expansion on the topic with all sorts of interesting facts. Nancy Watkins compiles the information.

This past July 1st, the photo was from 1936 of some children at a fireworks stand in the Chicago area. Back then, you could buy any sort of fireworks in Illinois. In 1942, just about all fireworks were banned without a permit. Judging from last night's displays by neighbors here in Orchard Bluff Subdivision in Spring Grove, a lot of folks defied that ban and are eligible for a trip to the old hoosegaw.

Chicago Tribune editorial, July 4, 1875:

Ninety-nine successive years have we set aside one whole day for killing small boys, putting out eyes, rending limbs [and] scaring horses...as a glorification and symbol of the American idea of freedom."

So, it goes back that far.

Facts:

1. #1 injury-producing firework in Illinois June 23-July 20, 2006: Bottle Rockets

2. #2- sparklers

3. Typical length of fireworks show 1977- one hour

4. Today- 20 minutes

5. Pounds of consumer products used by Americans in 2000- 102 million

6. Today- 255 million

Jose Can You See by the Rocket's Red Glare. --RoadDog