In response to a facebook message about the history of the Union Sunday School Church Picnic, this amateur historian posted several articles about a Sunday School picnic which may have started with the African Methodist Episcopal Churches in Central PA (Altoona, Tyrone, Huntingdon, etc.) In the past years, this event as now become a family reunion of African Americans who had grown up in Blair County. As to why the 4th Friday of July was designated as the date for the Sunday School Picnic and family reunion, this researcher has not found that information.
Sunday School Picnic
The Pittsburgh Courier of Saturday, August 12, 1911, pg. 3 informed its readers that Bethel AME Church and Sunday School had its annual picnic on the past Thursday at Lakemont Park. The article was written by Andrew Downing.
The Altoona Times of August 2, 1911, pg. 6, stated that the 16th Street AME Church (Altoona), the St. Barnabas Mission of the St. Luke Episcopal Church and the black Methodist churches of Tyrone and Huntingdon would have their picnic on Friday, August 10. The day would be spent with the attendees listening to speeches and participating or watching athletic events, along with other activities.
The Altoona Tribune of August 8, 1916 pg. 5 stated that the 16th Street AME Church would have its annual picnic on Friday, August 25.
The Altoona Mirror of August 6, 1930 pg. 13
The Altoona Mirror of August 27, 1931 pg. 13
The Altoona Mirror of August 27, 1931, pg. 13