Today, July 4, the Springfield community joins in tradition and celebration with its annual parade. Here's a look at some festivities of years past courtesy of the Springfield Heritage Museum.

During Springfield's Fourth of July celebration in 1949, a very young Jane Lownes and her brother take part in the float competition. The Lownes family owned plenty of properties in and around Springfield.

In 1952, Springfield held its Fourth of July celebration at Old Central Schoolhouse on Saxer Avenue. The celebration was sponsored by the American Legion. Many people came out in force to enjoy the parade and other activities, which included competition for baby carriages, bicycles and floats. Plus, folks watched races and a chicken-catching contest while being treated to free ice cream. The American Legion gave everyone a ball and flag.

In the late 1950s, the Fourth of July celebration took place at the Brookside Road area. Originally, Saxer Avenue was the site of all the celebrations. As the town developed, different sections of the township began to have their own community celebrations.