“Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” — Miles Davis
When school was out, feet were bare, tomatoes red and ripe, and trees were hanging with peaches, we celebrated the prime holiday of the summer. The Fourth of July brings memories of barbeque smoking on an open pit of smoldering logs, large family gatherings, and Old Glory waving in the breeze.
On this 244th birthday of our country, even with the seasonal treats and memories of cherished traditions, the “livin’ ain’t easy.” Celebrations must be held within the confines of health and safety, along with our concern for justice. Barbeque will be cooked on patios over charcoal grills, and the Stars and Stripes will be displayed on most lawns.
In my early childhood, the Fourth was honored and celebrated in Canoochee at farm home of my Aunt Mae and Uncle Jim Raleigh Brown. There were several different routes to their home, but the last miles were down an unpaved red clay road, which went just past the right turn to the “city” of Canoochee. (Now that you have those directions, you can find the spot easily). The red clay was a terror on rainy day, but my father could stay within the well-traveled ruts.
Cars lining the lane in front of the house brought family members, friends, and neighbors from nearby and far away. This was a tradition not to be missed. Two hogs split down the middle were spread on a wire frame over the roasting coals. Nothing has ever matched the smell of that crackling meat. A pot of Brunswick stew hung on a hook over a small fire. The cut-up meat was put on the table with an array of fresh vegetables, salads, many homemade pickles, sauces, churns of ice cream, and other desserts brought by the guests. Many, many pitchers were filled with ice and sweet tea.
There was always a minister attending to give an extremely long blessing and a group to sing patriotic songs as Old Glory waved in the breeze from a tall flagpole. We lined up for the food covering the wood slat tables shaded by large trees. Some folks found chairs or steps for sitting, and others sat on quilts spread on the ground.
After the meal, the table was covered with cloths and folks gathered in groups to visit. I raced around the grounds with the many known and unknown young cousins. It was a Star-Spangled Banner memorable day. Why or when this celebration of the Fourth ended I have never been told. These were times long ago.
Even with the happy memories, I do have doubts that I cannot answer. It was July and had to have been uncomfortably hot with gnats and other pests. The only relief would have been handheld fans to wave rapidly in front of your face. Seating arrangements would have been uncomfortable. Even if you were fortunate and found a chair, your overloaded plate was held on your lap.
These discomforts did not affect the attendance year after year. My conclusion is that folks back then were not accustomed to an air conditioned, insect-free environment, or chairs with plump, soft pillows—or could it be that their priorities were on gratitude for this hallowed day?
On July 4, 2020, God bless America, land that I love, with liberty and justice for all.
Write to Twiss at sptwiss@gmail.com.
