The Fourth in Catasauqua-Huzzah!

Declaring our Independence!

It seems that every year I write a post about the 4th of July in Catasauqua, and that is because BFF, Cathy and I always go to the George Taylor home for the festivities and the reading of the Declaration of Independence.  

Cathy and I were pleased to see that more and more people are attending the presentation.  This year it was an “interactive” reading of America’s Declaration of Independence – complete with patriots, loyalists, and muskets.  Huzzah!  

Original desk of David Thomas

The first couple of years Cathy and I went it was lightly attended, now you better get there early to get a good spot to watch;   oh, and listen to Gettysburg’s Antebellum Marine Band!

Jean in the Garden

Got to love the strains of the Patriotic music along with people strolling about in costume.  If you visit the George Taylor home at some later date, check out the garden that is taken care of by another BFF, Jean.  It is beautiful.


Cathy and I did something also different this year and so did the Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association, they celebrated the Froth of July with a exhibition of breweries, bottles and beer at the Beiry House Museum located at 8 Race Street in Catasauqua.  (Thanks Ben for showing off your collection)

Heads up (that was a beer pun) if you ever get the opportunity to tour through the Beiry house do it, it is beautiful! The house is decorated with original pieces.  Along with the art work  of local artist,  Bob LeFevre of the homes and businesses of Catasauqua. He collection is  breath taking, along with other artists,  the whole museum is a great experience.

 A visit to the upstairs is a must, but do not be alarmed by the headless women they are only mannequins (yes Cathy!)

Oh - and get this - The Biery House is available for special occasions.  Affordable elegance for small gatherings - such as - Birthday - Showers and special occasions. And here is what I want to do - but I might be too old, Fancy Dress-Up Tea Parties for the birthday girl!!!  Call 610-264-9716 for information.

I would like to end with this from the Declaration of Independence - 

"He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

...

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

...

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

....

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever."

("He"-is King George, just in case you didn't know there for a moment)

and that's Another day in Catasauqua ........

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.