Yes, tradition is wonderful, and I was back in Plymouth Notch, VT, for the third time on the 4th of July to help celebrate President Calvin Coolidge’s 144th birthday, and our Declaration of Independence. If you want historical details, search for any of my many other posts on this bucolic spot where our 30th President was born, and is unchanged since he was inaugurated President here in the early morning hours of August 3, 1923. Rural 1923 Vermont typifies the 1880s elsewhere in the US – I love it, but you know that. So, this is a visual post, and here is what you missed today along with the largest crowd I had ever seen here.

July 4, 2016 Parade about to begin in Plymouth Notch Heading to the Coolidge gravesite

“Parade” heading out of the village for the cemetery.

DRESSED FOR THE OCCASION

THREE GENERATIONS OF THE COOLIDGE FAMILY AWAITING FOR THE CEREMONY TO BEGIN

Wreath from the White House.

The Placing of the Wreath which was followed by short speeches and quotes from Coolidge’s speeches – impressive to say the least of this unsung hero.

And, back in town I caught Regional Site Administrator, Bill Jenney, bringing Calvin’s cake out. It is always so wonderful to be warmly greeted by Bill — thank you, Bill.

 Around the village were crafter’s demonstrations, the buildings were open, and there is always a wagon ride. The garden was wonderful, and I need to get the folks who do this garden to teach me – please! (remember, you can click on an image for larger size)

Backroads home to avoid the backroad – over the hill to Reading and down Route 106 – for the first time this stone jumped out (well, I noticed a car pulled over to the side of  road, and my eyes followed).

In 1918 these stones were placed in this position by descendants of Capt. James Johnson

And the plaque on the road reads as below. This Indian raid in Charlestown (just north of me at Fort No. 4) is a classic tale of the French and Indian War, and worthy of further study by me.

All for now — but more coming — Happy 4th of July – yours, RAY