It was a trio of unlikely teammates who were important catalysts for our Declaration of Independence back in 1776.
There was Jefferson of Virginia, a true Renascence man who possessed in his bag of talents, a gift for writing. That gift earned him the dubious honor of drafting a Declaration of Independence from the British Empire during that hot pre-air conditioned 1776 summer in, “filthy, foul, fuming” Philadelphia.
There was Franklin of Pennsylvania, a sage with a gift for tact, diplomacy, and patience.
“Old Ben” was a quiet force behind decision making in the Continental Congress. He effectively operated in the slow progress of the Congressional debate and was instrumental in the formulation of an important alliance with France.
John Adams was everything Franklin was not: He was impatient, considered obnoxious, and disliked by most of the congressional delegation. His tenacity and passion for independence from Mother England was both his strength and weakness. Ironically it was this 240 year old version of, “ Good cop-Bad cop”, that allowed Franklin to win over hesitant members to the cause.
On the eve of the signing of the Declaration of Independence Adams, in correspondence with his wife Abigail, shared his wish that future generations of Americans would appreciate and celebrate the event. He envisioned fireworks, festivities, proclamations,
and gatherings to honor the efforts and personal sacrifices now being made for the birth of this new nation. Be assured Mr Adams, your hope is alive and well. Let me share the proof of my assurance.
Last week, on the morning of July 4th, I mowed an area at the highest spot of my Joe Hill farm where neighbors usually gather to watch fireworks in the valley, five miles to the south East. Before I had cleared the village of Roaring Branch on my trip downstate to join a family celebration, I passed several picnic tents already decorated in red,white and blue, buntings that would be soon be crowded with folks and lots of good food.
As I drove through Williams-port, the local radio station reminded listeners of special parking restrictions needed to accommodate the record crowds expected for that night's fireworks display along the North Branch of the river.
Midway downstate I stopped at Hilsher's General Store in Port Trevorton, to stretch my legs and enjoy lunch at their buffet counter in the food section of the store. Hilsher's never ceases to amaze me. It's always three times bigger on the inside, than it is on the outside and they've even got a hitching post for the Amish buggies behind the store.
As I approached the store entrance, A young mother with two preschool children in tow was leaving. Mom had cleverly incorporated a red, white, and blue theme in each child's wardrobe. As I passed the young family the mother smiled and wished me, “Happy Independence Day.” To my delight each tot repeated their Mom's sincere proclamation. I reciprocated and continued into the store. What an All American moment !
That night, after a great picnic meal on my downstate riverfront porch, we watched a special fireworks display emanating from City Island located on the river near downtown Harrisburg. The reflection of the display on the surface of the Susquehanna was a bonus for each celestial original.
It had been a long, tiring, but beautiful day. When my head finally hit the pillow that night, I did a mental inventory of the day's events. It was no contest, the moment outside Hilsher's was the crowning moment.
Mr Adams, your wish is alive and well. Thank you for your tenacity.
Stratton Schaeffer is a retired consulting engineer and farmer who lives on Joe Hill.