He shall fire a national salute and proclaim the name of the parade ground, with such ceremonies as he shall see fit." This occasion, an anniversary of American independence, seems to have been a most gorgeous affair, with the Governor, Mayor and other officials present, and a monumental feast to wind up with.

The menu included, among other dainties, two oxen roasted whole, two hundred hams ("with a carver at each"), and so many barrels of beer that the chronicler seems not to have had the courage to record the precise number! 1827 seems to have seen a real growth of social life around the Washington Parade Ground.

The New York _Gazette_ of June 7th advertised "three-story dwellings in Fourth Street, between Thompson and Macdougal streets, for sale.

The front and rear of the whole range is to be finished in the same style as the front of the Bowery Theatre, and each to have a grass plot in front with iron railings." This promise of theatrical architecture seems a curious inducement, but it must have been effective, for many exclusive families came--no, flocked,--to live in the houses! In 1830 there was a grand celebration there in joint honour of the anniversary of the British evacuation and the crowning of Louis Philippe in France.

Everybody sang patriotic French and American airs, sent off fireworks, fired salutes and had a wildly enthusiastic time.
Incidentally, there were speeches by ex-President Monroe and the Hon.
Samuel Gouveneur.