Capturing Essex and Middle River’s vibrant spirit, these historic snapshots showcase the generations of families, marching bands, and hand-crafted floats that made the July 4th Parade along Eastern Blvd an unforgettable summer tradition. The avenue is packed with families watching a classic lineup of local fire trucks, youth sports teams, and kids who clearly spent all morning decorating their bikes. Beyond the parade route, the collection dives into the rest of the holiday weekend—capturing everything from local beauty pageants and candid home movies to the backyard contests and games that kept the celebration going. (Click on photos to enlarge.)
Essex 4th of July Parade, 1965
Essex 4th of July Parade, 1968
Essex 4th of July Parade, 1969
Essex 4th of July Parade, 1976
Essex July 4th Parade,1977
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Essex July 4th Parade,1978
Bonus!
This 8mm home movie is of a Rockaway Beach community 4th of July parade in the 1950s.
Museum photos and clippings come from the Heritage Society Baumgartner Archives and other sources, scanned by Rita Gaunt, museum photos by Sue Carter and additional research by archivist Scott Huffines.
This print archive captures a historical snapshot of life in Essex and Middle River, Maryland. The archive contains nearly 300 categorical binders documenting our community activities with articles, pamphlets, and photographs from 1969 through the 1980s. The Heritage Society has been scanning the collection to our website to share with our extended community.
As we continue to build new collections, we are seeking new materials such as photographs and ephemera that pertain to the community and business history of Essex and Middle River. Please contact essexmuseum@gmail.com if you have historical memories or items to donate or would like to become a member.
Read more about the Heritage Society Baumgartner Archives.