A Patriot-ical Weekend in Catasauqua

 Militia men just hanging

What a weekend in Catasauqua.  The J4 Celebration started Friday night with a free concert in the Park, unfortunately, I did not attend.  It was called "I am too darn tired to get off the sofa night" at my house.   I really wanted to see the Monkee's tribute band, but walking down to the park that night was not in the cards.

On Saturday I did a lot of work on around the house. I cleaned, finished a patio I have been working on and even shaved the cat (let's talk fun). 

And then Sunday the J4 Celebration began, except it all happened on J3, which was confusing to my mind.  Since July 3rd happened to be a Sunday it was a little bit of a bummer because I missed the parade that went pass my house since I was at church. I always love the parade.  It might be tiny but it always gives me a little lump in my throat.  I missed Uncle "Howard Hahn" Sam and I missed all the flag waving.

Speaking of Church that is how I got the word Patriot-ical.  Our Pastor, Pastor Mike, was on vacation this past Sunday so John Lutte filled it.  I asked John if he could do something patriot-ical, if you know me, you know I mix my words up-a lot.  That was a combination of patriotic and historical, and John did deliver just that but with an added dose of spirit. Such interesting facts about the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The reading of the Declaration

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.  Wow.  Something I never even thought about.

We did go to the Catty Park for some lunch.  Had a really good cheese steak and some fries, which I shared with the BF, Parke.  There were not a lot of vendors, which was a bit of a disappointment, but it was a beautiful day so it was still enjoyable.  

Antebellum Marine Band

Sunday night was the FIREWORKS and as always they do not disappoint. They were spectacular.  There was a concert first but I sit with family (Actually it is more my daughter-in-law's family then mine but I feel like I am part of it)  on the grass on the visitors side so we really can't hear it well. But that means we can gab, eat and laugh. As always I had a great time and it is fun to see the grandchildren and their cousins.  (and yes Rami - it is always good to see you)

Summer Kitchen/George
Taylor Mansion

Then Monday, off to JULY 4th at the George Taylor Home.  This is a bit of tradition for BFF Cathy and I.  We go every year (when it is not raining) to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence and to hear the patriotic music of the Antebellum Marine Band.  This year, however, was even more special with a re-enactment of the reading by the Bachmann Players and the Northampton County Militia.  I loved it - it was so exciting!!!   BFF Cathy got to yell HUZZAH and she was so excited about it.  I mean, really, when else can you yell that?  (Oh now I keep thinking of places I can yell that at, darn)

So, another J4 has passed and I look forward to the next one.  Catty might small but it is rich in history.  I love seeing friends, I love patriotic music and yeah, I love another day in Catasauqua.

Happy Birthday America

This July 4th morning I picked up the bff, Cathy and we headed out to Catty's Historical hot spot, The George Taylor Mansion for the reading of the Declaration of Independence.  This year we were quite excited since it was going to be read by Pastor Bob Stevens of Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, the church in Allentown that is famous for hiding the Liberty Bell during the American Revolution.   Pastor Stevens was Salem UCC of Catasauqua's  Interim Pastor many years ago. 

The program was opened by Jessica Kroope, a councilwoman in Catasauqua, and real history buff. On to the Star Spangled Banner and raising of the flag.  Then  I was in awe of Pastor Stevens, not only was he dressed in appropriate historical garb,  but he had the beginning of the Declaration of Independence memorized.  Not only did he speak and read it - he meant it and you could hear it as he spoke.

Another great event today at the Taylor Mansion was the Antebellum Marine Band conducted by Bandmaster GySgt Kenneth J. Serfass USMC (ret) a former Catasauqua High School graduate.  The music was truly patriotic and Cathy and I stayed to hear it all.  The Battle Hymn of the Republic was the last song and that has been always one of my favorites.  In between the songs a gentleman portraying David Thomas (no not the Wendy's guy, but the industrialist who found the Crane Iron Works in Catasauqua) read the history of the different patriotic songs.

Truly a great way to start the 4th of July.

I took some nice pictures with my iphone - but for some reason I cannot get them off the iphone .  Darn technology.  Anyway, have a Happy Fourth of July - be safe - enjoy and that's Another Day in Catasauqua.