Day of Jubilee: The Great Age of Public Celebrations in New York, 1788-1909

Day of Jubilee: The Great Age of Public Celebrations in New York, 1788-1909 examines civic performances designed to honor prominent individuals, mark political events, and issues of significance to New York City. The great celebrations of recent years, including the ticker tape parades for the astronauts and championship sports teams and the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, all drew on traditions established in the nineteenth century. Brooks McNamara sees these events as an extension of the traditional theatrical form.Although public celebrations take place outside of the playhouse, they are often loosely scripted, stage-managed, and performed by enormous casts -- with an entire city as stage and auditorium. The author examines the evolution of the broad themes of popular pageantry, and the effects of the growing and changing population on these events. Through contemporary accounts and illustrations, readers can experience the excitement of Lafayette's visit, the debut of Jenny Lind, and the first St. Patrick's Day Parade.McNamara also traces the decline of the golden age of jubilees, highlighting such factors as rising costs to the City, increasing traffic congestion, and alternative popular entertainment. Readers will ask: Is our society too big and too complex for public performances of togetherness? And if so, have we found a better way to enact our appreciation of what we value?-- Examines the great age of public celebrations in New York City.-- Showcases descriptions and illustrations of historic events including the Washington Inaugural, Jenny Lind's debut, the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge, and the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty.-- Analyzes thepatriotic themes that inspired and were promoted by many day of jubilee performances.A masterful chronicle of how urban Americans shared their joys and sorrows in public. -- Laurence Senelick, Fletcher Professor of Drama and Oratory, Tufts University