9)   The Fourth of July

4^th of July in the 1920s

(Ruth Sipe)

The 4^th of July, of course, is the big holiday in Granville.  But when I was a child, they didn’t have a four-day celebration like they have now.  But they had a grand march and you wore costumes for it.  I was always just a spectator for that.  There also were races and contests and things pretty much like they have now.

“Miss Granville” in July 4^th Parade of 1972

(Greg Ream)

It’s the third of July, 1972.  The Taylor Drug float is being built at the Ream household and they’re discussing the Miss Granville Pageant that had been announced by Jim McCallum, newspaper proprietor and editor.  To date, no one had entered the contest.  The ladies of the town were pretty insulted that there was even going to be a Miss Granville.  So Johnny Green and my father [ Louie Ream ] talked and decided there should be a Miss Granville.  So they asked his wife Ruth if she would help Johnny dress up because Johnny was going to be Miss Granville!  So the next morning Johnny shows up in his dress, all dolled up and showing a little thigh.  Dad drove a Model A (or Model T -- I’m not sure which) and Johnny rode with his legs crossed and a poster on the side a the car that said “Miss Granville 1972.”  Most people didn’t even recognize Johnny.  We still have a picture of that at the store.

4^th of July Parade – A Small Town Tradition

(Robin Bartlett)

I always thought the 4^th of July Parades were the best.  I ran the Granville 4^th of July parade for three years through Kiwanis.  That was kind of a hoot.  I don’t think people realized how much it took to get two hundred and fifty entries and politicians and everybody who thought they should be at the front of the parade at the front and to get people not to blow horns so that the horses wouldn’t bolt and run into the crowd.  But everybody always looked forward to that parade.  And you could say it was truly small town and I hope they don’t get rid of it.  I think that’s the best tradition that we have.  Even if a lot of people don’t like the carnies, you just don’t have a small town 4^th of July like that.

<- Back  /  Forward ->

        If you have website technical questions or corrections email Bill Holloway, at wehollo@gmail.com
        Copyright © 2008 Granville Historical Society
        Last modified: 02/07/08