July 4th.A day celebrated by all in America and especially the immigrants. Everyone celebrated it differently. There were fireworks like today. Those I don’t remember. Of course July could be a very hot month. And of course July 4th,was celebrated on July 4th.Everything closed down.
Grammy and Pop would get their work done early and then prepare for “Saucon Park”. Now there were some 4th of Julys that Pop had to work day shift at the mill and he couldn’t come. Grammy would pack extra clothes and some “snacks” for us to take along. We’d walk down to Fourth Street and catch the trolley. Yes a trolley. The windows were always open and the breeze was wonderful on my face and of course I had long hair done up in curls and it was hot under there.
When we would get off the trolley we had to walk into the park a distance. Under the railroad bridge and I knew that was a stop for us since it was so cool there. There was also this creek running along side of the road. Also many ducks. While Grammy stood in the shade of the bridge I would, sorta wander down to the banks and sorta wander into the water trying to catch the ducks. She knew I would do it! That’s why the change of clothes. Yes I took my shoes and socks off first! After my time was up, my feet got dried and socks and shoes on and the walk continued. You could hear the laughter and music and smell the food.
After we got into the park proper, we would look for our group. When we found them we would sit down and cold drinks were handed to us. Then fun began.
This was not a park with rides and food stands and other things you would think a park would have. This was as is known today a “Green Area”. Although all of Bethlehem had “Green Areas” .We all brought food and drink from our homes and shared at our table. There were stands set up for buying cold sodas and also food stands. All the grownups would talk in their native languages and catch up on stories from home and of the days they came here. We kids ran around and played. Ring-around- the rosy, jumping rope,tag and so many other games. Then the time came for the gymnastic exhibition. That was the best of all.
We walked over to the exhibition after washing up in the creek and combing our hair. The “Sokols” were doing well in all their competitions and we were about to see what they were doing.
My Grammy stood with pride shoulders back and as straight as a poker and I had better follow suit. This was serious business. One by one the gymnasts performed. They were wonderful Oh yes I did gymnastics at the Sokols also but, I wasn’t any good. I couldn’t jump on the horses, or climb the rope or even the parallel bars. Nothing like my mother. She was a wonderful gymnast and went to many competitions with the “Sokols” Well; it’s not always, like mother like daughter. Grammy leaned over and said,”Borka, your mother was like a monkey on those bars and she was so graceful “I just looked up at her. I wish I could have pleased my Grammy by doing well. Trees I could climb! I could find my way around the “South Mountain” and find the herbs needed for healing and I knew where all the secret spots were. When it came to gymnastics, I did not shine. Then she looked at me and smiled. “You know your mother could never peel the potatoes or go to the mountain and find what we needed but, but you, now you can go miles away looking and find your way home” I guess that was her way of saying everyone has a special talent. She squeezed my hand and I knew. It meant I love you.
We would spend most of the day there and sometimes Pop would show up and that’s when the fun would really start for me. Of course he always showed up with an ice cream cup for me. After we had our supper with the rest of the people we would clean up and say our good byes and leave. On the way out Pop would stop at the creek and say “take the shoes off we are going into the water” Pop would take me out into the middle of the creek and I would try to catch the minnows and he would laugh. A few times I would fall down and get wet but that was ok with both of them. I would slop in that water until I couldn’t anymore. Then Grammy would holler to us” the trolly just went down, come on now it’s time”. We would get out and dry off and of course, Grammy had a dry set of clothes for me. We got on the trolley after it turned around and were so glad to sit and feel the nice breeze. We would get so far up Fourth street and the conductor for some reason would holler” Bethlehem, Bath, and Nazareth, don’t forget your packages”
I was so tired walking up Hillside Ave I didn’t think I’d make it all the way. Everyone along the way asked if we had a good time and of course we shouted YES!
When we got in the door the first thing Grammy did was fill the sink for my bath. Like I didn’t have enough water? Pop would be putting away the food or what was left of it and Grammy would be washing me. When Pop was finished he said to Grammy, ”Mary, go get yourself changed and I’ll finish washing the kid and get her ready for bed” Grammy smiled and went along. I remember getting out of that sink and Pop drying me. He put on my nightclothes and that was it. Lights out!
We didn’t have much in the way of entertainment so we made our own. The 4th of July was very important to my grandparents and almost all the people around us. They loved this country, worked hard, and counted their blessings daily. Insisted that their children had a good education and respected and defended this country. They were very glad to be here. All of Pop’s family immigrated behind him. Grammy went to work in a cigar factory to save the money to bring her family here. Her Mother and two sisters refused to come, but one sister My Great Aunt Annie and my Great Grandfather came. I knew “Nina”which was Annie. A trolley killed Great Grandfather, long before I was born.
The values they instilled in me as far as family, education, and country are concerned are priceless. It didn’t cost them a thing to do it. Just patience and teaching. I hope I have passed some of this on to my children and grandchildren and now we start with the great great grandchildren.