Patriotism is key to a healthy democracy, which, as each American generation has learned, is hard work. As a people, we salute our Declaration of Independence ideals on a few national holidays, acknowledging government by the people, for the people, of the people, including July 4th, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day.
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How did Sherbornites celebrate these civic holidays over the years?
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What inferences can we make based upon the changing patterns of red, white, and blue community gatherings?
1952: Richard Crooker captures a few scenes from the 300th anniversary of the English arrival to Sherborn (then called Boggastow)
1964: Eliot Taylor documents the July 4th fun less than a year after JFK's assassination and just a month before LBJ announces dramatic escalation of American forces in Vietnam following the controversial Gulf of Tonkin Incident and subsequent Resolution. One of the floats honors JFK.
1967: Bob Delaney loved taking 8mm home movies of his kids, several of which include great footage of town events. Here's some action from Sherborn's 1967 celebration: firetruck rides, parade and fun field events. The good ol' days indeed.
1970: More of Bob Delaney's 8mm home movies, this round some action from Sherborn's epic 1970 parade - Sherborn knew how to party then!
1974: Old time farmer Harold Hildreth drives a wagonload of indentured servants to work his land. Or just the Grange float in 1974.
1974: Sherborn's tercentennial parade: a lot to live up to now 50 years later (another from the Bob Delaney home movie archive)
2001: The ubiquitous George Fiske, Mr. Sherborn!
