From The Indianapolis News, Friday, July 4, 1919: A faint pop of a lone firecracker carried by the morning breeze was the only conspicuous noise to announce the Fourth of July. As the day passed, the lack of pops, crackles, whizzes, and big bangs was evidence that the great national holiday was being celebrated in a safe and sane manner and respecting the returning soldiers’ wish for quiet. Street cars carried individuals and families to picnic parties in the city parks; automobiles carried parties of friends on tours of the highways; the weather was perfect for a hot July day. Railroads and interurban lines reported a 30 per cent increase in traffic as many workers, enjoying a three-day holiday with most places of employment closed until Monday, availed themselves of the opportunity to take their families for visiting or vacation.