Fourth of July 1876

The citizens of Ventura have always celebrated the 4th of July with a parade down Main Street involving vehicles, prominent citizens, beauty queens and bands. First responders such as local firemen were always part of the parade.

This photo taken by Ventura photographer John Calvin Brewster in 1876 shows Main Street looking west from Palm Street. In the foreground you can see the Monumental Fire Brigade.

The Monumental Fire Company was first organized June 8, 1875 with 53 members, composed of “the most prominent men in the community,” serving under Fire Chief B.T. Williams. The City of Ventura Fire Department was born in 1878 and at that time the Monumental Fire Company turned its equipment over to the new fire department.