In 1917, families from all over the Southern Oregon Coast gathered in Harbor, at the Antler Hotel, for an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration.
The Honorable A.H. Davis gave the main speech, dwelling on the previous year and the role taken by the United States in the great causes of democracy. He also spoke about the benefits of working together to develop Curry County.
The stirring speech received hearty applause, and was followed by a group of children carrying flags who marched onto the stage and each recited a version of 鈥淲hy I Love the Flag.鈥�
The program included singing of patriotic songs and readings of President Woodrow Wilson鈥檚 recent speech to the U.S. Senate.
The formalities over, the men and children joined in games and sports while the ladies prepared a picnic in a myrtle tree grove, loaded tables with food, and invited everyone to the feast.
When the sun set and the evening turned soft and warm, lights were strung across the dancing platform and couples danced under the moon into the early morning hours.
Source: "July Fourth Celebrations at Harbor." Gold Beach Reporter, 5 July 1917.
