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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (July 3, 2024)
EIGHT - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, July 3, 2024 History of the Fourth of July and how its celebrated -Continued from PAGE SEVEN al Fourth of July foods and recipes, such as apple pie and corn on the cob, have their roots in colonial American cuisine. Bell Ringing Tradition: The tradition of ringing bells to celebrate Inde- pendence Day began with the Liberty Bell. Though the Liberty Bell is now cracked and cannot be rung, it is symbolically tapped 13 times every Fourth of July to honor the original 13 colonies. Early Fireworks: The tradition of setting off fire- works on Independence Day dates back to 1777, when Philadelphia cele- brated the first anniversary of the Declaration of Inde- pendence with a display of fireworks and cannon fire. Fireworks Imports: The vast majority of fireworks used for Fourth of July cele- brations in the United States are imported from China, which is the world’s largest producer of fireworks. Monticello Natural- ization Ceremony: Each year, Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, hosts a naturalization ceremony on the Fourth of July, where new citizens are sworn in, celebrating the enduring legacy of America’s found- ing principles. First Public Fourth of July Event at the White House: The first public Fourth of July event at the White House was held in 1801 during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency. He opened the White House grounds to the public for festivities. Original Document Preservation: The original Declaration of Indepen- dence is preserved and dis- played at the National Ar- chives in Washington, D.C., along with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Hollywood Sign Dedi- cation: The famous Holly- wood sign in Los Angeles was dedicated on July 4, 1923. It originally read “Hollywoodland” and was intended to promote a real estate development. Competitive Eating: Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, held annu- ally on July 4th at Coney Island, has become a major tradition. Joey Chestnut holds the record for the most hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes, with 76 hot dogs consumed in 2021. Independence Day Songs: Aside from “The Star-Spangled Banner,” other patriotic songs com- monly associated with the Fourth of July include “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” and “Yankee Doodle.” Presidential Birthdays: Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, was born on July 4, 1872, making him the only U.S. president born on In- dependence Day. Hollywood Bowl Fire- works: The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles is known for its spectacular Fourth of July fireworks shows, which often feature performances by famous musicians and orchestras. Fourth of July in Space: On July 4, 1997, the Path- finder spacecraft success- fully landed on Mars. The Fourth of July has seen several other significant space events, including the launch of the Deep Impact probe in 2005, which col- lided with a comet to study its composition. Picnic Tradition: The tradition of having picnics on the Fourth of July dates back to the early 19th cen- tury. Communities would gather for outdoor meals, games, and socializing, fostering a sense of togeth- erness and celebration. Longest Baseball Game: On July 4, 1985, the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves played a game that lasted 19 innings, ending at 4:00 a.m. the next day, making it one of the longest games in Major League Baseball history. Mid-1800s: The ear- liest recorded 4th of July celebrations in Oregon date back to the mid-1800s. As pioneers and settlers moved west along the Or- egon Trail, they brought with them the tradition of celebrating Independence Day. O r e g o n Te r r i t o r y (1848-1859): During the Oregon Territory period, communities would gath- er for patriotic speeches, parades, and communal meals. These events helped foster a sense of unity and American identity among the settlers. Statehood and Growth Statehood in 1859: Oregon became the 33rd state of the Union on Feb- ruary 14, 1859. Follow- ing statehood, 4th of July celebrations grew in scale and significance, reflecting Oregon’s integration into the United States. The history of July 4th celebrations in Oregon is closely tied to the state’s de- velopment and its integra- tion into the United States. Here’s a brief overview: Modern Era Post-WWII Era: After World War II, the nature of 4th of July celebrations began to change, with more emphasis on fireworks dis- plays and less on formal speeches. Community pic- nics, barbecues, and local festivals became standard ways to celebrate the hol- iday. Independence Day cel- ebrations in Eastern Oregon have a rich history, reflect- ing the region’s pioneering spirit, agricultural roots, and close-knit communi- ties. Here’s a detailed look at how Independence Day has been celebrated in this part of the state: Early Celebrations Mid to Late 1800s: As settlers established com- munities in Eastern Oregon during the mid to late 19th century, they brought with them the tradition of cele- brating Independence Day. Early celebrations were modest, often involving community gatherings, pic- nics, and patriotic speeches. Pioneer Days: In these early days, events were held in towns like Pendleton, Baker City, and La Grande, featuring activities such as horse races, shooting con- tests, and communal meals. These gatherings were cru- cial for fostering a sense of community and shared identity among settlers. Development and Growth Late 19th to Early 20th Century: As towns grew and transportation improved, 4th of July celebrations became more elaborate. Parades, fireworks, and organized events became common. Local newspapers from this period provide accounts of festive parades, music, and community feasts. Agricultural Influence: Given the agricultural focus of Eastern Oregon, many celebrations were tied to the farming calendar. After the spring planting and before the busy harvest season, the 4th of July provided a welcome break for farmers and their families. DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 5PM ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. WWW.HEPPNER.NET Put the Brothers to work for you • Office and Business Printing • Signs, Banners, and much more Chris Sykes Andrew Sykes Vinyl Banners High-Quality Custom Vinyl Banners Customer Service at Sykes Brothers Printing Signs made: All sizes and Colors Graphic Design Services Available 541-676-9228 Two locations to serve you: 177 N. 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