1812: Hibernian Society of Savannah formed by 13 Irish Protestants to help needy Irish immigrants.
March 17, 1813: First private observance of St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah by the Hibernians.
March 17, 1818: Parade by the “Fencibles” (defense force), an unidentified group.
March 17, 1824: First public procession by the Hibernian Society.
1830: First time no parade was held. The Hibernians did meet and hold their annual meeting. No reason was given, but it was also the year that the Roman Catholic Church purchased property bounded by McDonough St. (N), Floyd St. (E), Perry St. (S), and Drayton St. (W). Construction was then begun on the “Church of St. John the Baptist.”
1833: The parade is held on Monday the 18th, as Sunday was the 17th.
1836: The Church of St. John the Baptist is completed. It is located on the corner of Drayton and Perry. It was formally dedicated in 1838.
1841: A new organization joined the parade: The Savannah Catholic Temperance Society. The society only appeared this one year.
1842: The U.S.S Falmouth was in port at Tybee. This is the first appearance of the U.S. Navy in a parade. This is also the year that the Irish Jasper Greens were formed.
1844: The Irish Jasper Greens march for the first time. And since the 17th was a Sunday, the observance was held on Monday.
1847: The Irish Union Society was formed and held the parade. The Hibernians gathered funds and donations for Ireland as it was in the midst of the Great Potato Famine.
1848: Michael Finney and Henry James serve as the first parade marshals.
1853: The parade was held despite torrential rains that had turned the streets to ‘muck.’
1854-55: These years, the city was suffering from a Yellow Fever epidemic. Although many Irish were taken, the parades were still held.
1856: The parade was held on March 24. It was deferred out of respect for Holy Week and Easter on March 23.
1861: Although secessions had already occurred and war was nigh, the Irish marched.
1862: Civil War raging. It was the second time no parade held. Notices indicate that the Irish Jasper Greens and the Irish Volunteers were fighting.
March 18, 1863: At Liberty and West Broad St. (now Martin L. King Blvd.) St. Patrick’ Church’s cornerstone was dedicated.
1864: Civil War raging. The third time the parade was not held.
1865: As Savannah had been presented as a Christmas present to President Abraham Lincoln in December 1864, a parade was held though it appears it was not sponsored or organized by the Hibernians or any other local group. Those met but did not march. There is also a record of hostilities breaking out as the newly freed blacks wanted to observe the parade but were beaten back by whites. It was also noted that black troops marched in the parade that year and were ‘sneered at’ by attendees.
1867: No parade held because the 17th fell on a Sunday though the Irish Union Society went to mass and the Hibernians held their meeting later in the week.
1870: The inception of the office of “Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah.” The office came about as there were several organizations that participated and all had their own marshal. Those marshals formed a committee that would act on behalf of their respective organizations in preparing for the day. The chairman of the committee was given the title “Grand Marshal.” John Feely of the Hibernians was the first.
1875: Celebration had two grand marshals, James D. Reynolds for the procession to the church and Michael J. Doyle for the parade. In addition, the first units that could be classified as floats were entered.
1877: Previous years had shown more and more participates but this year, only a couple of units marched. The summer of 1876 was host to another Yellow Fever epidemic. The disease took a good many of the various societies member, sobering the celebration.
1882: Celebration was held to dedicate the new St. Patrick’s Church. The church was located on the Southeast corner of West Broad (now Martin L. King Blvd.) and Liberty St. It was demolished in 1941.
1888: The Sgt. William Jasper Monument in Madison Square is unveiled and dedicated in February. President Grover Cleveland was invited to the dedication but only spent about an hour in the city.
1892: The Savannah Morning News was printed in green ink for the celebration.
1894: A group known as “Middleton’s Cornet Band,” Middleton’s Military Band,” or simply “Middleton’s Band,” composed of black musicians, joined the parade. They would be a featured group over the next 20 years.
1897: The Savannah Morning News was printed on green paper.
1899: Joseph F. Doyle serves as Grand Marshal for the fifth year in a row.
1903: 25 cadets from Benedictine Military School join the parade, starting a tradition that continues.
1905: Dignitaries begin riding in carriages.
May 1912: President William Howard Taft was invited for the parade and the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Hibernian Society, but unable to participate. He does attend the Hibernian banquet, which was rescheduled to accommodate him.
1913: A public parade is not held for the fourth time. The date fell during Holy Week. Rather than postpone the parade, none was held although the various Irish groups did meet.
1918: As the U.S. had entered World War I, the parade not held, but the Hibernians marched to Mass. It was the fifth time there was no parade.
1920: The Grand Marshal, Captain John A. Dailey and his aides rode horses at the head of the parade.
1921: No parade held in respect for Irish revolution being fought. It was the sixth and last time. The various organizations meet and march to St. Patrick’s but they are dismissed and the day passes quietly.
1922: Over 1,000 marchers participate with the flag of the Irish Republic making its debut.
1926: St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee formed.
1927: As the parade committee had formed the year before, the first adjutant, Daniel J. Sheehan, was appointed.
1928: Rain forced the early dismissal of marchers.
1931: J. Joseph Doolan was the last parade marshal to head the parade on horseback. From this point, the grand marshal would ride in an automobile.
1937: A bit of a kerfuffle occurred when the parade committee could not agree on a grand marshal. The seven were split 4-3. It was decided that 4 was a quorum. Only the 4 showed up at the meeting to elect the marshal, declared themselves a quorum, and made their selection. The announcement appeared in the paper the next day, surprising the other members. Bishop Gerald O’Hara was asked to be the arbitrator and declared Thomas J. Fogarty the marshal, the quorum’s choice.
1938: The first year the U.S. Marine Band from Parris Island participated. (Note: the band’s appearance was continuous until 1973 when the parade committee forgot to issue an invite.)
1939: The last parade with participation of the Marist School for Boys Drum and Bugle Corps. The school was merged with St. Vincent’s Grammar School to form Cathedral Day School.
1940: The first year the observance moved to Saturday when the 17th fell on Sunday. The 17th was Palm Sunday so the committee opted to avoid the Holy Week issue by celebrating the Saturday before.
1941: The first time Mass was held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. St. Patrick’s Church had been closed, the parish merged with Cathedral, and the church demolished.
1942-1945: While World War II was fought, the parade and observance was held but was scaled back. No Marshals were selected during these years.
1946: With the war over, the mass and parade resumed the normal routine.
1947: The parade committee forgot to obtain a parade permit from the city, breaking an ordinance. Mayor John G. Kennedy declared that the city would overlook the faux pas this once. One other thing of note was the lack of participation by Irish organizations.
1949: For the first time, former Grand Marshals were given a spot near the front of the parade, which was also beginning to overlap itself at Bull and Broughton. It was the second reported time, with the first being in 1939.
1951: The parade again overlaps itself at Bull and Broughton. The mass time was 9:30, moving back from earlier years when the mass started as late as 11:00 a.m.
1952: This year marked the debut of the parade’s signature tune, “It’s St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah,” written by Aloysius “Al” J. Handiboe Sr. The song was sung in front of the reviewing stand by Eddie Daly. The mass time was 9 a.m., moving back yet another ½ hour.
1953: The parade route was changed to prevent an overlap at Bull and Broughton. The only crossover point was at Bull and Liberty streets, which would require the parade to be over 42 blocks long for overlap to happen. The parade was also filmed by Paramount News.
1955: Many bands, both local and out-of-town, had joined the celebration over the years but this was the first year the band from The Citadel marched. It was also the first appearance of the local Shrine band and local Alee Temple units.
1956: The 100th St. Patrick’s Day parade celebrated, even though it technically wasn’t the 100th parade. Word of mouth through the years had declared the 1856 parade the first. The parade committee planned accordingly. This was also the first year that the parade passed in review in front of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the clergy of the city. It was the year that some visiting bands were sprayed with green ink by “unwanted spectators.
1957: In response to the green ink incident of the previous year, four rules given to govern spectators:
First, anyone caught would a water pistol along the line of march would be arrested.
Second: The west boundary of the parade was moved from W. Broad (now MLK Blvd.) to Montgomery St. to allow a north-south route through the city.
Third: “Rest stops” along the route would be reduced or eliminated.
Fourth: Motorcycle police would ride between units and spectators to keep the two separated and to assist plain clothes officer spot any attempts at vandalism or mischief.
1958: Due to the disappearance of traditional sashes worn by previous marshals and aides, new ones were made. It is also appears to be the first year the parade was televised live by WSAV from the corner of Bull and Broughton.
1959: For years, the U.S. Marine Band from Parris Island had served as the “Grand Marshal’s Band.” As a result, it was the first band in the parade. This year, Ft. Stewart invoked military protocol, dictating that the U.S. Army should be the first unit in all parades in which it participates. The Army would not march if this condition wasn’t met. The band was placed behind the Grand Marshal. They did not march but rather rode in jeeps. The public schools excused their students for the day for the first time.
1961: For the first time since 1938, co-marshals, Eugene G. Butler and Mickey Dooley, were named. An attempt was made to dye the Savannah River green. The river ended up with streaks of green rather than being turned completely green. The day was also marred by arrests due to racial incidents.
1962: Former President Harry S Truman attended the parade. He was also spoke at the annual Hibernians banquet. The sermon at that day’s mass was delivered by a newly arrived Irish priest, the Rev. J. Kevin Boland. He will later become Bishop of Savannah.
1965: A new Irish organization, Sinn Fein Society , was organized. The membership was to be limited to 25. The group began the tradition of an early morning breakfast with green grits as the centerpiece accompanied by the “morning dew,” aka Irish whiskey.
1966: Of note this particular year is the fact that attendance at the pre-parade mass had dropped to an all-time low.
1967: After forming the parade on Bay (area of Bull and Whitaker), Oglethorpe Ave. (then S. Broad St.), at St. Patrick’s Church on W. Broad and Liberty, in the vicinity of the Cathedral, on Abercorn and Harris, the newest staging area became Forsyth Park. The move was made to facilitate the growing parking problem. It also allowed WTOC to televise the parade for those who could not attend. It was also the year that Monsignor T. James McNamara became the first clergyman selected Grand Marshal.
1970: Jimmy Carter rode in this parade. He would be elected governor of Georgia later in the year.
1971: USS Savannah sails up the Savannah River as part to the festivities. Savannah is a multi-purpose ship and the fifth named for the city. The Clydesdales make their first appearance in the parade. The first Grand Marshal Medal was presented. As each year, the marshal was required to pass on the sash of office, the parade committee decided to cast a medal that would be presented each year to the outgoing marshal as proof of his service.
1972: Earlier in the year, George Doerner arranged “It’s St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah” as a march and sent copies to all participating bands. The Jesup Junior High School Band was the first to play it. The first float since 1940 was entered by Beaufort High School. And spectators made it difficult for some units to pass. Beach High School had to drop out completely.
1973: Tradition of having a chaplain started. The Rev. Joseph F. Ware assisted grand marshal Aloysius “Al” Handiboe Jr. The Fenian Society was formed by men who had lived in the area of Troup Square. In October, the Irish Heritage Society was formed.
1974: Lt. Gov. Lester Maddox rides his bike backwards in the parade. Bishop Raymond Lessard presided at his first St. Patrick’s Day Mass.
1975: This year proved to be a difficult one concerning drunken revelers. They blocked the parade route in the area of Bay and Habersham. Due to the rowdies, the local parochial schools were pulled from future parades.
1976: The Adjutant’s Committee wore green, white, and orange baseball caps to allow easy identification. The parade is broadcast live for the first time by two TV stations: WTOC on Abercorn and WJCL from Lerner’s on Bull and Broughton.
1977: The revitalization of River Street is completed. The project was dedicated in June. This would cause the celebration to explode as the years pass.
1978: President Jimmy Carter addressed the Hibernian banquet and made a quick visit to Pinkie Master’s lounge. Carter did this to pay tribute to the bar owner who had passed away in 1977. Pinkie had been a supporter of Carter since the ‘60s during his first run for governor. The spot on the bar where he stood has been marked with a plaque. Yet another Irish organization, Clan Na Erin, was formed later in the year.
1979: U.S. Attorney General Griffin Bell speaks at the Hibernian Banquet.
1980: “The Days We Celebrate” by William Fogarty is published. The first St. Patrick’s Day Celebrity Ball is held.
1982: A police officer is stabbed trying to break up a fight on River Street. Shriners refuse to march after the parade committee asks them to cut the number of units.
1983: “Erin Go Bare” becomes the unofficial motto as young women go topless on River Street. Use of video cameras and arrests in subsequent years stifles future demonstrations.
On December 3, the Celtic Cross monument is dedicated in Emmett Park.
1986: The annual wreath laying at the Celtic Cross begins.
Flaming grits catch the tablecloth on fire at the annual Sinn Fein breakfast.
Barry Goldwater speaks to the 174th meeting of the Hibernian Society. He responded to the toast, “To the United States of America.”
1996: David John Kelsey Jr., an Emory University student, falls into the Savannah River and drowns during river Street festivities on March 16.
1997: Monsignor Daniel J. Bourke is the second clergyman chosen as grand marshal.
1999: City council agrees to control access to River Street with temporary fencing and require alcohol drinkers to buy wristbands. Plan is aimed at improving safety and controlling the rowdy atmosphere. Last year for plastic 32-ounce “to-go” cups.
2000: Parade route shortened from 2.5 miles to 2 miles. Parade entries decreased from 315 to about 250. The idea is to make the parade easier on those marching and those watching. First year for smaller “to-go” cups. The plastic cups, used for outdoor drinking, were reduced from 32 to 16 ounces after 1999 parade.
2001: Parade route changed slightly to go left around Lafayette Square.
2002: The Shriners are invited to include some of their numbers. They refuse to cut the number of units and don’t march. Portions of Bay Street are closed on Friday and Saturday nights to facilitate public safety.
2003: The Shriners again refuse to march if their numbers are limited.
With most of the local military deployed to Kuwait, family member march in their place.
2004: The Savannah Waterfront Association threatens not to gate River St. and hosting the yearly party. After some tense negotiations with the city, the association agrees to business as usual. The parade is marred by an accident caused by an out-of-control car driving through parade participants and onlookers in Wright Square. The Rev. Joseph Ware becomes the third clergyman to lead the parade when he is selected Grand Marshal with no opposition.
2005: Shriners return to the parade with a smaller number of units.
2006: Cameras are used to monitor illicit activities.
2007: The city tries to limit partying by stating folks cannot camp out in squares until 3 p.m. the day before the parade, no tables or tents can be set up until 6 a.m. the day of the parade, coolers are restricted until the same time and tents cannot be larger than 10 x 10 feet. The city also adds metal barriers to parts of the parade route in an attempt to control the crowds. Police utilize 3-wheeled scooters for faster response to problems.
2008: The parade is held March 14 as the 17 is Monday of Holy Week.
The city attempts to require permits for spots in squares on the parade route. After outcry from families and others, the city backs off but stands by the no camping in the square the night before. People will have to wait until 6 a.m. the morning of the parade to claim their spot. More metal barriers are added to corner of East Broad and East Bay streets. A bomb scare occurs on the day of the parade turned to nothing. A blackout on Saturday night at the peak of drinking causing the police to evacuate all of downtown.
2009: The city tries to calm the rowdiness by proposing to limit beer sales. They also want to remove the gates from River Street. The council later relents and allows alcohol sales until 3 a.m. They remove the gates but continue the sale of wristbands to allow people to carry to-go cups.
2010: The Naval Band Southeast, out of the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, leaves the parade after a parade official made repeated request for them to cease performing routines.
2011: A YouTube video of a metro police officer trying to arrest people with was trying to arrest people involved in a fight goes viral. The officer is placed on leave while the case is investigated. The case is resolved when the two women involve agree to community service and to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The man involved faced felony charges.
2012: Snakes are banned from parade.
Grand Marshal Tim Ansley selects his sister, Collette Sego, as one of his aides, the first woman so honored. (A previous Grand Marshal had selected his sister as an honorary aide.)
Near the end of the parade route, Second Time Arounders Marching Band drummer Rick Sowers dies from an apparent heart attack.
2013: Will be the 189th march. The festival zone is expanded from River Street south to Broughton between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and East Broad Street. Wristbands will be required by those carrying to-go cups in that area. Some exceptions are made.
Compiled by Julia C. Muller
Sources:
“The Days We’ve Celebrated” by William L. Fogarty
Savannah Morning News files