I usually update this blog on the 4th of July every year — I often mention the Porta Potty that arrives across the street annually somewhere around the first of July and sticks around for a week and a half or so. I also usually try to write something about the history of our Independence Day celebrations. This year, the traditional celebration on the National Mall is going to be bigger, better and more beautiful than ever, so maybe next year, I can talk about that.
Every year it seems to get a little more difficult to mention (without repeating) “facts” or interesting things/stories about America’s Birthday… but nonetheless, here’s this years attempt:
We all know that Thomas Jefferson was the drafter the Declaration of Independence, but not everyone knows that he did it on what was, I’d say, the “laptop” of the time. It was a kind of writing desk that could fit on one’s lap.
Jefferson’s original draft of the famous document contained the words “the pursuit of Property” but he changed it to “the pursuit of happiness.” (Not that it matters, but I think he made the right decision to change it.)
The Liberty Bell had nothing to do with July 4th. It wasn’t even called the Liberty Bell until the 1830s — that’s when it also got its famous crack.
Thomas Jefferson’s original draft of the Declaration of Independence was lost and the one eventually signed is kept at the National Archives.
The printed version of the Declaration was called the Dunlap Broadside — 200 were originally printed, but only 27 are currently accounted for. One of the 27 was found on the back of a picture frame at an auction and sold for $8.14 million to television producer Norman Lear. It now travels the country to be displayed to the public.
For the first time, the big 4th of July bash on our street is not being held on the 4th — it will supposedly happen Saturday of this week. They may call it a 4th of July party, but it’s not. A 6th of July party just have the same impact and to make things even more disturbing, there is no 4th of July Porta Potty. I’m guessing it’ll arrive before Saturday — I’ll keep you posted….
In the meantime, Happy Birthday America — hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th!
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