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.
How did Sherbornites celebrate these civic holidays over the years?
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!
