by Jennifer Thompson
Like many people, the thought of July brings back fond memories of Independence Days past, as well as anticipation for the upcoming Forth of July. And what do we think of? We think of fun family get-togethers, vacation, parties, and fireworks. Sometimes I think we lose sight of what we are celebrating, that American spirit that had won our freedom over two hundred years ago. We celebrate also the same spirit that has kept us fighting for our freedom and for the freedom of others ever since. This is the spirit that made our country a safe and prosperous place, without a doubt the best country in which to live. In light of current world events this is something we have all certainly reminded ourselves of.
This is also a time to remember the American veterans of all wars past. How grateful we should all be of their patriotism, their dedication, and their bravery. They fight not for themselves alone, but for the liberty of our nation as a whole. Most of us could not fathom the horrors of war. To imagine what our men and women endure, and the impact their experiences have on their lives. So, on this Independence Day, I would like to wish for everyone a fun family get together, vacation time perhaps, or at least a day off work. I wish for the children a beautiful sunny day, and warm summer night, chasing fire flies in bare feet. I hope for everyone a great party, surrounded by great friends and loved ones, and spectacular fireworks.
And on this Independence Day I would also like to issue, along with my wishes, a request. That request is that we should each take some time for reflection as to what this day is really all about; to take a moment to consider what our active troops are doing on their Independence Day, and to send them our best wishes or a prayer. And I would like to request that each of us make an effort to thank a veteran on this day, and any chance we have, for what they have given us, to express our genuine gratitude. They certainly don’t hear it enough.
Jennifer Thompson
US Legacies Volunteer Editor
Requests and Comments
ONeil Buggy
From Frank Dowling
Do you have any information on the ONeil buggy or ONeil Buggy Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? There is one on display in the museum of Pennsylvania Companies in Harrisburg, PA.
Response
We have plenty of readers around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Maybe one of them will be kind enough to check out the museum and see what information they can obtain.
Old Car in May Issue
Rita Redd
Editor of Grandmas Kitchen
I asked a friend about the car on page 35 of the May magazine. It is a Model T Ford. He was unsure of the year. But stated looks like possible 1925.
Spot Lights
The photo above was taken around 1951 or 52 and may help bring back some fond memories of the days when cars had bench seats, spot lights, sun visors and a wing type vent windows.
The girl in the car is Jackie Hostetter.
Submitted by Franlin Wike
Amelia Earhart
We just got a request from James Bullington for information on Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred. J. Noonan who disappeared in 1937. I thought this would be a great question for the column. Basically he wants to know about some of the theories stating she may have been killed by the Japanese, eaten by cannibals, or whatever. If anyone has any information on Earhart or Noonan, please send it to us.
Old Clothing Styles
The photo above was taken in the late 1910s or early 1920s and will help to show the animal fur and dark stockings worn by women. The man is wearing a double breasted suit.
The girl on the left is Marion Leedom. We do not know who the other people are.
Submitted by Franklin Wike
It Happened This Month100 years ago - July 1903
July 1 - Beginning of the first Tour de France bicycle race.
July 6 - Birthday of Axel Theorell, Sweden, biochemist that studied enzymes. He won the Nobel Prize in 1955.
July 14 - Birthday of Ken Murray, New York City comedian of the Ken Murray Show and the Judy Garland Show.
July 20 - Giuseppe Sarto was elected Pope Pius X.
75 years ago - July 1928
July 6 - Lights of New York, the first all talking picture, is shown in New York.
July 6 - The largest U.S. hail stone fell on Potter, Nebraska, 17 inches in circumference and weighing 1 pounds.
July 8 - The Phillies set a record with an errorless twenty-five inning double header.
July 12 - The first televised tennis match took place.
July 26 - Heavyweight boxer Gene Tunney knocked out Tom Heeney.
July 26 - Yankees score eleven runs in the twelfth inning, beating Tigers 12-1
July 29 - Walt Disneys Steamboat Willie was released.
50 years ago - July 1953
July 11 - Birthday of Leon Spinks, U.S. heavyweight boxing champion, 1978. (Olympic Gold, 1976)
July 13 - J.A. Bruwer discovered asteroids 1658 Innes and 3284.
July 14 - First National Monument dedicated to an African American, George Washington Carver.
July 25 - First use of New York City subway tokens.
July 31 - The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was created.
Published in U S Legacies Magazine July 2003
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