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.

What's in a name?

Catasauqua......we learn to spell this word in first grade. It has a flow to it when you spell it - it reminds me of spelling Mississippi. Did you know there is no other town in the United States with the name Catasauqua? (Thank God)

In 1840, the anthracite iron industry was founded in Catasauqua, originally Biery's Port, making it a birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. Welsh immigrant David Thomas relocated to the area and opened the Crane Iron Works. Remembered as "the father of Catasauqua," Thomas initially named the community Craneville, after his former employer in Wales. (Boy I am glad they changed it, Catty might not be the easiest to spell but it's better than Craneville.)

David Thomas founded the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua. Thomas organized Catasauqua's first fire company, installed its first public water system, and served as its first burgess.

In 1854, the town was formally titled Catasauqua , from the Lenni Lanape language, meaning "dry ground" or "thirsty ground." (this is all according to Wikipedia)

My favorite part of being a Catasauquian (hmm) is when you call somewhere, perhaps ordering something and listening to the person on the other end try to pronounce it.

I like this entry in Wikipedia "The word Catasauqua is shortened to "Catty" in local dialect when speaking of the place." Local dialect, we have a local dialect? Local dialect is defined as words and phrases that are only used in a particular region/area/town/city. Parke is always telling me that he has never heard things referred to as I refer to them, such as buggy for shopping cart. Maybe that's Cattyspeak, or maybe it's just Bevspeak. And with that it's just....another day in Catasauqua.