4th of July Memories
In celebration of Independence Day and of our congregation’s independence from paying the mortgage, the service started out with everyone singing “In the Good Old Summer Time”, “You’re A Grand Old Flag” and “God Bless America.” This got me to realizing that we are really lucky to be living in the United States of America. I thought of last week’s topic called “Celebrating the 4th” and how that was canceled because our building was closed. We had a week of wonderful weather – it is the “good old summer time,” after all. My family had a great time celebrating the holiday.
So, I hope you will indulge me while I reminisce about how my little hometown of Forest Lake (just 30 miles north of here) used to celebrate the 4th of July. The parade, of course, is always – and I mean always -- on the fourth. No matter if it is a Sunday or a Wednesday, rain or shine. Everyone marks their spot on the parade route with lawn chairs or blankets at least two hours before the starting time. The first unit in the parade lineup is always the military proudly displaying the flag. Everyone stands and salutes the flag.
In the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, Marching Bands were in abundance. And, floats! Many, many floats. We had “REAL” kings and queens such as the Winter Carnival King and Queen of the Snows and the Minneapolis Aquatennial Royalty. And, besides Miss Forest Lake, Miss Wyoming, and Miss Lindstrom, there were lots of princesses and girls in formals and crowns adorning each float.
The carnival was set up in the park by the lake. All the vendors lined the streets and the stores and bars were open with various “specials” to lure in the customers.
My folks owned the roller rink located next to the lake. Coincidently, it was also located just across the street from the carnival. Mom and dad would open the rink immediately after the parade ended and close it at 10:00 at night – right when the fireworks started. One could buy a ticket to skate for 25 cents and skate for as long as you wanted. Then, when you wanted to take a break and maybe go to the carnival or just hang out with your friends and get some popcorn or a snow cone, mom would stamp your hand and you could actually come back and skate some more later on. All for 25 cents! No wonder they didn’t strike it rich! But, it was a safe and fun environment for all and they continued this tradition for the 14 years they owned the roller rink.
And now, I want to tell you what happened on one particular 4th of July in 1958. I wrote this part for one of our assignments last year – but, in my mind, it is worth repeating. I had just turned 14 the month before and would be entering high school in September. This was the summer I fell in love. His name was Mike. An “older” boy – of 16. Black hair – combed into a ducktail. He wore white t-shirts and low-rider jeans. He had a car – a 1955 Chevy – that he would cruise in throughout the town several times a night. Oh, did I mention that he was just absolutely the most gorgeous creature ever created? Wonderful smile. Straight, white teeth. And beautiful eyes with the longest eye lashes. Yes, I was in love.
The fact that I was just 14 and would not be allowed to date for another two years didn’t stop me from falling in love. Mike would ask me to skate with him during a “couple skate” and, of course, I always did.
Mike had other followers – or love interests, however. One in particular – Joan Bond – was my biggest competitor for his attention. She was my age – but allowed to date! She also didn’t have both her mom and dad watching her every move at the roller rink! So, she had it made.
Well, back to July 4, 1958. My best friend, Phyllis, and I decided to take a break from skating and go to the carnival. While waiting in line to get our tickets, we found ourselves standing behind Mike and his friend, Leon. Well – wouldn’t you know it? Phyllis had a secret crush on Leon – another Frenchman like Mike who had black hair and dark eyes and was almost ---- almost ---- as cute as Mike. Anyway, Mike and Leon immediately grabbed our hands and said, “Let’s go on the airplane ride.”
I was in heaven! The airplane only held two people, of course. Just me and Mike. Mike and me. Could the day get any better? Well, yes, it could. And, it did. We had a great time talking and laughing during our little airplane ride when all of a sudden, Mike leaned over ever so slowly and kissed me. On the lips. This was a kiss that lasted all of three seconds. But, it was a kiss! This counted in my book! To this day, I have no idea if Mike was aware of the fact that he was my “First Kiss.”
Well, that kiss certainly sealed my love for Mike. The next week after that unforgettable 4th of July, my family went on a week-long vacation to the Black Hills. I, of course, did not want to go on the trip because I would be leaving Mike. Remember, I was not allowed to date; but, that didn’t matter. I just knew that if I was absent for a week, Mike would forget me and end up going steady with Joan! I just knew it.
My parents were adamant that I go on the trip and have a good time. I was just as adamant to NOT have a good time. I sulked in the back seat of the car the whole way to Deadwood, South Dakota. I wouldn’t even look out the window. Even stopping at Wall Drug didn’t change my disposition. I was a brat. I’ve often wondered how many times my dad wanted to stop the car and tell me to get out. I remember going horseback riding in the hills. I didn’t learn until years later that my mom told the horse trainer to tell me that my horse’s name was Mike. That was the only day out of seven that I was in a good mood and was civil to my family.
Somehow, I (or rather my family) survived the vacation and we soon were back in Forest Lake. I went skating the first night we were home – hoping to see the love of my life. Sure enough…. I found him. He was with his new steady girlfriend. That’s right….. Joan! My prediction had come true!
Well, I got a little off track there, didn’t I? But, even if that “First Kiss” hadn’t happened on the 4th of July, celebrating that holiday will always remain special to me.
Why? Because I was introduced to Norm’s family at their yearly 4th of July picnic. This reunion has been a tradition for over 50 years and continues to this day. Sometimes, we would change our routine a little and first take our kids to the Forest Lake parade, the carnival and celebrate with my parents until the middle of the day and then attend the McGraw picnic – ending with watching the fireworks.
My mom and dad are both gone now. Even their home has been torn down. And, we have no desire to watch a three-hour parade that has only one marching band, no floats, and Miss Forest Lake sitting on the back of a convertible…. plus, dozens of politicians roaming the parade, trying to shake our hands to get our vote. The roller rink has been demolished and a little shopping center has taken its place. It just isn’t the same anymore. We’ve made new traditions and life goes on. One thing remains the same…. we will always celebrate the 4th of July!
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