Independence Day with Howard Pyle, 1902

Before the sulfurous smoke of the Fourth of July dissipates entirely, here's how Pyle student Allen Tupper True described the day at Chadd's Ford in 1902:

…We spent the 4th at Mr. Pyle’s and had a good time. After firing crackers and sending up balloons in the morning we had a nice lunch out on the lawn and in the afternoon besides some impromptu stunts by the fellows we had a ping pong tournament and a general good time. In the evening after a bread and milk supper we had some fine fireworks and then everyone came home tired. The whole entertainment was typically big heartedly American and I appreciate Mr. Pyle’s kindness.…