Independence meant a great deal to our ancestors. Many of the German emigrants came to America between 1838-1860. By 1859 there was a great July Fourth celebration in Jasper, IN. The Jasper Courier reported: "At daybreak, the cannon boomed and aroused sleepers to a knowledge that the anniversary of a grateful nation was dawning. At sunrise the splendid Saxe-horn band of our town paraded the streets, and with soul stirring airs reminded patriots of their duty."

A procession then formed, passing the decorated schools of Mr. Decker and the sisters. Fr. Bede O'Connor was the ensign of the day, and after some "neat and appropriate remarks" the people proceeded to St. Joseph Church where a High Mass was celebrated.

The procession then marched to the public square "where a splendid liberty pole was raised, measuring 130 feet above the ground. After it was fixed, the 'Star spangled Banner' was hauled up amid the prolonged cheers of the multitude, the booming of the cannon, the ringing of bells and the music of 'Hail Columbia.'"

The crowd then proceeded to Edmonston's Grove (where the Parket Market is now) where accommodations were ready for the crowd. Many speeches were rendered--some two hours long. "Yankee doodle" was sung. Fr. O'Connor, first in German, then in English, "spoke very creditably of the liberties of this country, both civil and religious, and hoped they might be preserved for ages."

At the Green Tree Inn (now the restored home of the Joe Rohleders) there was also a Grand Ball, with the raising of a splendid hickory pole. A band had been engaged and John Opel promised "to render everything pleasant with good drinks and a fine dinner for all. Fee for the dinner and ball $1.25. Ladies free."

The following poem stated the feelings of our pioneer ancestors:

America a blest and favored soil,
A consecrated land where free men dwell;
A dear-bought country, where in war's dread toil
Our honored fathers nobly fought and fell;
Wrestled from the oppressor's cruel hand,
Whose tyranny no longer could be borne.

From "Long Ago ..." by Lillian Doane, August 1987 in The Tower, St. Joseph Church, Jasper, Indiana.

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