Parade Floats, Bands and Vehicles
Here comes the Parade! This week for our Throwback article we will look at some of the floats that graced our Clear Lake 4th of July parades. Clear Lake began its Main Street parades in 1856. They may have been smaller than today, but they were loved by the entire community. Early parades began at the “Foot of Main and marched east to what is now 8th Street. More modern parades as we know them today began in 1917 when the first motorized vehicles, including a new firetruck that is in an included photo were a part of the event. The parade was eventually moved to the route/direction that is used today.
Horses were always a favorite of parade attendees. In the early 20th century, a beautiful trained white horse known as “Pidgeon” opened that parade with buggies and floats following behind. Enjoy the photos below that cover July 4th parades from 1900 until early 1950.
Happy 250th Birthday USA! Enjoy the FUN in Clear Lake!
Jim Miller’s Horse Team 1911
1905 Fourth of July Float
1926 Fire Truck
Midget Horse Team Dick & Dick
Fourth of July 1900s
Fourth of July 1911
Fourth of July Drum & Bugle Corp 1940’s
1918 Decorated Car
Fourth Of July Navy Mother’s 1942
Elk Hotel Float
Fourth of July 1912
