Looking Back

HUGHES, STUTSMAN, SEHR, YODER

Posted By: Mistina Christner (email)
Date: 8/2/2018 at 10:20:02

Source: Sharon Center UMC Newsletter Unsure of date

In 1868 the Welsh people north of Sharon began the custom of celebrating the Forth of July. In 1905 the Unity Presbyterian church participated with the Welsh Congregational in the celebration, and a year later the Hummer Methodist and Sharon Evangelical became a part of the sponsoring group. The celebrations were held in various groves just west of the Welsh church, the Hughes grove (the present Cecil Hughes farm), the Stutsman grove (the present Frank Sehr farm), the Omar Yoder grove (present Calvin Yoder farm). People came from miles around in buckboards and wagons, later in Model Ts and As and other autos. They brought well-filled picnic baskets to share with others. There were races -- sack, three-legged, relays-- and contests -- nail pounding, weight lifting, hog and husband calling, baseball games -- and lots of visiting. The morning program featured a patriotic address. Often given by a State University of Iowa professor, this reminded and admonished the people of the gratitude and obligation we still owe to the founders of this nation under God and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. Though at least part of the families had to return home for the evening chores, some stayed and many returned for the evening events of band concerts, music, recitations and fireworks -- roman candles, pin wheels, sparklers shot off or supervised by the men.

LOOKING BACK

JIM TRUELSON
100 years ago
July 1, 1909

Sharon
The Johnson County Patriotic Association extend to all good citizens of Johnson County, a most cordial invitation to spend July 3rd with them at the Walter Hughes's Grove.