Fourth of July Special 2022 by Signal

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Fourth of July Special

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Fourth of July Parade Returns to Newhall After Skipping for the First Time Since World War II By Leon Worden SCV Parade Committee Chair Special to The Signal

ewhall’s Fourth of July Parade is a tradition that has brought together Santa Clarita Valley residents from all walks of life every year since 1932 – except for when it couldn’t. After four dark years of war, the parade came roaring back in 1946 with 75 official entries, some last-minute arrivals and an estimated crowd of 3,000 spectators. That was more than half the population of our valley. What would have been the 10th anniversary parade in 1942 came seven months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and by early July, it looked like Hitler’s army would soon “grab Cairo, the Suez Canal and the oil fields of Iraq,” as Signal editor Fred Trueblood put it. (In fact, Rommel was stopped 150 miles outside of Cairo later in the month.) There were practical reasons for canceling the local festivities, as well. The sponsor was the American Legion, and “there simply were not

enough Legionnaires to swing it,” Trueblood reported. Many veterans of the First World War were tied up with the Second, either on active duty or civil service. Fireworks were completely forbidden — both personal fireworks and the official display that the Bermite Powder plant in Saugus normally supplied. Not only were the munitions needed for more important things, but the county fire warden also was concerned that fireworks “might be used by saboteurs or fifth columnists for signaling purposes.” Wartime rationing and a general sense of sacrifice for the greater good put the kibosh on the parade throughout the remainder of the war. But that didn’t stop the locals from celebrating their community’s biggest contribution to the war effort. Four thousand revelers packed Bonelli Stadium, later to become Saugus Speedway, in June 1943 when U.S. Navy officers presented Bermite chief Patrick Lizza with an award for his company’s wartime production. See PARADE, P14

Welcome Back!

What to do for the 4th

By Laurene Weste

From running to pancakes, residents have various options to choose

Santa Clarita Mayor

By Rylee Holwager Signal Staff Writer

he city of Santa Clarita has multiple events to entertain the community in celebration of the Fourth of July holiday. Events start early Monday morning and run throughout the day. The highlight is the return of the Fourth of July Parade after a two-year pandemic hiatus and culminates with the city’s fireworks show at the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Following are brief summaries of the day’s festivities:

Rotary Club of Santa Clarita’s 56th Annual July 4th Pancake Breakfast

Rotary Club of Santa Clarita’s 56th Annual July 4th Pancake Breakfast is scheduled to take place at 6 a.m. in the Roger Dunn Golf parking lot on Main Street between 5th and 6th streets. There, you can have a hearty breakfast to be ready for the day ahead. See EVENTS, P8

Signal file photo

Members of the Rotary Club of Santa Clarita serve up the traditional pancake breakfast Thursday morning prior to the 88th Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade in Newhall.

INDEX Parade Lineup �� P2 Parade route map �� P11 Main News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1

Lottery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7

t is my greatest pleasure to welcome you back to the hometown favorite Fourth of July Parade. I know how much this treasured event means to the Santa Clarita Community and how many of you missed seeing this glorious display of patriotism. After being forced to skip the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am thrilled that the parade will once again take to the streets of Newhall. This year you are in for a treat. The parade is back bigger and better than ever with the theme “Celebrating America’s Independence and Honoring our Front-Line Personnel.” The parade will kick off on Main Street in Old Town Newhall at 9:00 a.m. and make its way to Lyons Avenue, where it will head west to Orchard Village Road, then north on Orchard Village Road to the end at Dalbey Drive. Make sure you find your spot along the parade route early! This year’s parade will feature our front-line workers — from our brave firefighters to the staff at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. You will also see a wide range of patriotic entries from local organizations, scout groups and even Magic Mountain and Disney! Let’s celebrate our patriotic best and be out together for the best Fourth of July ever. Please be safe, enjoy and I’ll see you at the parade.

Remember to celebrate safely Santa Clarita Valley

P2 · SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022 · THE SIGNAL

2022 Pre-Parade

PP-1 CHP Motors PP-2 Metropolitan District Elks & Cub Scout Pack 494

Division I

D1-1 Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard D1-2 LA County Sheriff’s Department D1-3 California Highway Patrol D1-4 Panorama Towing Service D1-5 LA County Fire Department D1-6 American Medical Response D1-7 US Forestry - Smokey Bear D1-8 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary D1-9 The Signal D1-10 Santa Clarita Veterans Center D1-11 Castaic Animal Care Center D1-12 Cub Scout Pack 527 D1-13 Check One Two D1-14 Trail Life USA Troop 4110 D1-15 Six Flags Magic Mountain

Division II

D2-1 Vietnam Veterans of America D2-2 Employer Support of Guard & Reserve D2-3 Div.2 Marshal — Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital D2-4 U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia D2-5 KHTS Radio Fire Truck/Sen. Scott Wilk/ Asm. Suzette Vallardares/Softball Olympian Brittany Cervantes D2-6 Mayor Laurene Weste D2-7 Mayor Pro Tem Jason Gibbs D2-8 Councilman Bill Miranda D2-9 Councilwoman Marsha McLean D2-10 Councilman Cameron Smyth D2-11 Hello Auto Group D2-12 Mike Garcia for Congress D2-13 Suzette Vallardares for Assembly D2-14 Blue Star Mothers D2-15 Oak Creek Corral D2-16 Burrtec Waste Industries D2-17 Surface Busters LLC D2-18 Julie Sturgeon, SCV Woman of the Year D2-19 SCVi Charter School D2-20 Miss SCV Program D2-21 PFLAG D2-22 Itsy-Bitsy Spider D2-23 Bill Cooper, SCV Water Director

Division III D3-1 D3-2 D3-3 D3-4

L.A. Commandery No. 9 Al Malaikah Shrine Old West Lodge Div. 3 Marshal - Saluting our Education Lifesavers D3-5 Dance Studio 84 D3-6 Hart High Football D3-7 Cub Scout Pack 40 D3-8 Miss L.A. & Miss SFV Scholarship Programs D3-9 Dome Sweet Dome D3-10 Canyon Theatre Guild D3-11 Selina Thomas, City Council Candidate

Parade Lineup D3-12 Cub Scout Pack 490 D3-13 SCV Girl Scouts of Greater L.A. D3-14 Moore for Hart Board D3-15 Old Town Newhall & Canyon Country Farmers Markets D3-16 Saugus Spartan Cheer D3-17 Saugus High Cheer D3-18 Daughters of the American Revolution D3-19 Jerry Salinas D3-20 SCV Corvette Club D3-21 Round the Clock Pest Control

Division IV D4-1 D4-2 D4-3 D4-4 D4-5 D4-6 D4-7 D4-8

Prayer Angels for the Military Div. 4 Marshal - Lowe’s Santa Clarita Samuel Dxion Family Health Center John Deere Friends Canyon High Cheer Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch SCV Congress of Republicans Freedom’s Way Baptist Church & Lighthouse Christian Academy D4-9 Derek Smith D4-10 Gabriel Gagnon D4-11 Chili’s Grill & Bar D4-12 Fil-Am Association D4-13 William Egan D4-14 Hestia Medical Spa D4-15 Round the Clock Pest Control D4-16 David Barlavi, City Council Candidate D4-17 Christy Smith for Congress D4-18 Pilar Schiavo for Assembly D4-19 Andrew Taban for Hart District D4-20 Sage Rafferty for Water Board Div. 2 D4-21 Lynne Plambeck for Water Board Div. 3 D4-22 SCOPE D4-23 SCV Democrats

Division V

D5-1 (City) Patriotic Tour & Pee Wee Parade Winners D5-2 Div. 5 Marshal - Boys & Girls Club Auction Winners D5-3 Boys & Girls Club of SCV D5-4 FIT4MOM Santa Clarita D5-5 Hot Wheels Paddy Wagon D5-6 Denise Lite, City Council Candidate D5-7 Old Orchard II Sharks Swim Team D5-8 Real Way Foundation Inc. D5-9 Padco Auto Parts - Marvel Car D5-10 Murder on the Newhall Express D5-11 Cali Clean Bins D5-12 Party In The USA Dancers D5-13 The ARTree D5-14 Gregory Jenkins, M.D. D5-15 Round the Clock Pest Control D5-16 Junkluggers of Greater SCV D5-17 SCV Warriors Football & Cheer D5-18 Ken & Joe’s Honda Kawasaki KTM D5-19 Saugus School Board Candidates

THE SIGNAL · SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022 · P3

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P4 · SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022 · THE SIGNAL

Family, Friends, & Freedom

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THE SIGNAL · SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022 · P5

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P6 · SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022 · THE SIGNAL

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THE SIGNAL · SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022 · P7

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P8 · SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022 · THE SIGNAL

Spirit of the Fourths past

The History of Old Glory Facts about the American flag: how it came to be, the significance of its colors and how it received its nickname

Dan Watson/The Signal

Drummers play Yankee Doodle Dandy as they head down Main Street in Newhall during the start of the 83rd SCV Fourth of July Parade in 2016 By Daniel Hon The Signal July 1, 1988

kaleidoscope of pancakes, barbecued beef, balloons, queens, carnivals, dances, fireworks, flags, floats, parades, shootouts, high stakes poker games, low stakes bingo, greased pigs and poles, speeches, rodeos, cotton candy, watermelons, traffic, heat, wind and crowds upon crowds of people have painted the environs of downtown Newhall since the first officially sponsored Fourth of July Parade was held in 1932: the epitome of small town America in the Santa Clarita Valley. The idea of the celebration was born during the depths of the depression when people here, as in the rest of the country, had no money to use frivolously. The town fathers wanted to give the community a day to celebrate without the need to spend a lot. They succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. It has been variously called The Beeg Peerade, Placeritos Days, Old West Celebration and, simply, the Fourth of July. Fireworks came to it regularly and in a big way when Pat Lizza of Bermite Powder Company first donated them to the community in 1952. Several years thereafter, the Kiwanis Club took over the display until it became too expensive for them (they broke even one year by passing the hat in the stands). The Mighty Signal stepped in 10 years ago and filled the gap at the last minute when no other fireworks sponsor could be found. Magic Mountain and the Saugus Speedway have complimented The Signal’s already incomparable show over the years with their own displays. But nothing has been done to compare with the extravaganza as Hart High School that is peculiarly home grown and loved by all, especially when the popcorn is plentiful. Three generations of Truebloods have run the whole shebang while other chairmen have come and gone after being burned out by heavy volunteerism at the beginning and ending with the gasps of the few who actually did the work. In 1953, Fred Trueblood Sr., owner and publisher of The Signal wrote,

EVENTS

in a moment of pique: “Staging a full day’s activities is a job of enormous proportions in a community the size of Newhall. The number of individuals who are capable of doing things, who have the requisite imagination and energy, is a relatively small one. Then, if you subtract from this minority the competent individuals who simply will not perform what they promise, you get down to a small hard core of workers who both CAN and WILL.” The editorial was written in sympathy for Ted Lamkin who was the president of the Old West Association and ran that year’s parade with precious little help. Not only that, but this was the year that “little Tommy Frew came as a giant firecracker” and had to be extricated from his costume: He damned near suffocated in the 105 degree heat. Mr. Trueblood, Sr. knew whereof he spoke. He ran the affair in 1939 and 1940 and again in 1952. Even today, burnout is a problem. Organizations such as the Jaycees, Rotary, Optimists, Lions, Kiwanis and the overall sponsor, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, have to scramble to keep finding volunteers to take on such diverse tasks as publicity, communications, float and other entry judging, breakfasts, parade lineup, parade announcers, parade script writers, secretaries, sheriff coordination, refreshments, sign painters, VIP greeters, convertible top car owners to carry politicos in the parade itself, clean up crews and a myriad of others to handle details too numerous even to think about. In earlier years there was even a street dance where Tresierras Market now is [24316 Main Street, Newhall — Ed.] It was the only Safeway in the valley. In 1939, Satchell McVay’s orchestra received great fanfare in The Signal as being a “colored” band. People came from miles around to dance and be entertained by his music. Howard Wingfield won the pie-eating contest. Queens have come and gone: Barbara Borden, the sister of long time Saugus High math teacher Judy Stevens, Barbara Ayers, Carol

Continued from P1

Shaughnessy, Jimmy Wright, Barbara McIby, Billie Sitton, Linda Pigg and one lady in the late ‘30s who was the mother of two. Lack of music has always been a problem because of the Fourth falling in the middle of summer vacation. The paucity of bands became so acute that Signal columnist Mimi [Ruth Newhall — Ed.] was forced to dub the 1977 effort as the “Plop Plop Parade,” because the only sound that could be heard was the dropping of road apples by horses as they plodded along the route. A year or so later, poor Proposition 13 was blamed for the kids not suiting up and marching — it simply was not in the budget. Traditionally, however, Hart and Placerita have teamed up to march in some array or other. Usually, they are not uniformed but they always sound good, especially when Larry Thornton, the venerable Hart bandmaster, puts that famous wide smile on his face and marches proud down San Fernando Road leading his latest kids in the Stars and Stripes Forever. Until recently, gambling always found its way into the melee. It got out of hand one year when some of our more illustrious citizens set up a high-stakes poker game next to the low-stakes bingo game at Saxonia Park. Money passed hands furiously. That is, the money of the outlanders passed into the hands of our card sharks, in such huge sums that the fleeced complained to out-of-town newspapers. They raised such a ruckus that bingo disappeared. Then there was Dale Taylor who became the hero of at least three of his girlfriends with whom he shared his winnings in 1956. One of the carnival games boasted huge panda bears as prizes. All one had to do was to throw a dime so that it landed and stayed in one of the glass plates affixed to the heads of the bears. No one won until Dale came along and hitched up his pants in true Newhallian fashion. He won a bear and people yelled with glee. He won another and a crowd See SPIRIT, P17

The Santa Clarita Running Club’s 38th Annual Independence Day Classic 5K & 10K

Online registration for the 5K and 10K runs ended on Friday, but in-person registration will be available at the Boys & Girls Club in Newhall on Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Monday from 6 to 8 a.m. The club’s website states, “Proceeds benefit the seven Santa Clarita Valley High Schools’ cross-country programs and other local charities.” The 10K race starts at 7 a.m., Kids K at 7:45 a.m. and 5K race and walk at 8 a.m. The races will start and finish at Newhall Memorial Park, 24923 Newhall Ave. More information is available at bit.ly/3OENJ0K.

Santa Clarita Valley Annual Fourth of July Parade

Dan Watson/The Signal

The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the Newhall Roundabout in front of Hart Park. It will end at Orchard Village Road and Dalbey Drive. The parade route is available at bit.ly/3y1Dugd. A complimentary post-parade lunch will be available at approximately 11 a.m. at American Legion Post 507, 24527 Spruce St., Newhall. Parade trophies will be awarded at The Main at approximately 12:30 p.m. The Main is located at

ational flags serve to unite citizens of a given country. Flags wave proudly in front of government buildings and schools, and they also identify athletes during international sporting competitions. In many countries, flags also serve as symbols of honor for members of the military and their families. For more than 200 years, the American flag has been a symbol of unity and pride in the United States. The red, white and blue flag has a storied history and has gone through various incarnations. The following are some of the more interesting facts pertaining to the American flag. ■ Six different flag designs were flown before Betsy Ross announced that she had sewn the official American flag. These designs included a series of alternating red and white stripes, the Liberty Tree, the Sons of Liberty and the Forester flag designs. The Continental Army once used a flag featuring a snake with the mantra “Don’t Tread on Me.” ■ On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress proposed and passed the Flag Act of 1777. This resolution was designed to facilitate the creation of an official flag for a nation that was aiming to earn its independence from Great Britain. The flag was to have thirteen stripes, alternating red and white, with thirteen white stars on a blue field. The thirteen stars signified the original members of the Union. ■ The American flag remained unchanged until 1795, when the stripes and stars were increased to 15 for the addition of Kentucky and Vermont to the Union. ■ After seeing the new stars-and-stripes flag flying over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem that would eventually become the nation’s national anthem. ■ A sea captain from Massachusetts named William Driver named a large, 10-foot-by-17-foot flag “Old Glory” after it survived multiple defacing attempts during the American Civil War. Driver’s nickname of the flag inspired the name to be used for all American flags. n Although Flag Day was established as a formal national holiday in 1949, it was not made a federal holiday. Flag Day is only an official holiday in the state of Pennsylvania. This may be fitting because legend holds that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag in Pennsylvania. n Today’s flag features the original 13 alternating white and red stripes (in 1818, another design went into effect, permanently setting the number of stripes at 13 in honor of the original colonies) and 50 stars to represent the states of the Union. The colors of the flag signify as follows: red for hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice. The Color Association of the United States creates the palette of colors used for both private and public institutions and the U.S. Army. Mass-market flag manufacturers tend to use Pantone Matching Shade of Dark Red (193 C) and Navy Blue (281 C). The American Flag has been a fixture of the United States for centuries and continues to serve as a symbol of pride, valor and history. (MC)

24266 Main St., Newhall.

“Spirit of America” Fireworks Show

The annual “Spirit of America” Fireworks Show is scheduled to take place at approximately 9:20 p.m. at the Westfield Valencia Town Center. The launch site will be near the corner of Magic Mountain Parkway and Citrus Street. Residents should be aware that Citrus Street will be closed beginning at 3 a.m. on the morning of July 4. In addition, a portion of the Westfield Valencia Town Center parking lot will be blocked off to the public for the firework fall zone. All other roads in the area will remain open to vehicle traffic and existing “no parking” zones will remain in effect and be enforced by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. More information on fireworks shows in and near Santa Clarita and additional resources can be found at santa-clarita.com/Fireworks.

Six Flags July 4th Fest

Six Flags’ July 4th Fest takes place over the course of three days, Saturday through Monday. Each night there will be a fireworks show starting at 9:15 p.m.

THE SIGNAL · SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022 · P9

By Leon Worden

Newhall’s First Parade

SCVHistory.com

t was July 3, 1930. Herbert Hoover was in the White House. The nation’s economic troubles were looking like they would get worse before they got better. Nobody was in a particularly celebratory mood, and from his tiny office and print shop at 636 Spruce Street, Signal editor A.B.”Dad” Thatcher griped about Newhall’s lackluster display of patriotism on America’s 154th birthday. “In the old days,” Thatcher writes, “two objects were to be attained, or a (July 4th) celebration was marked down as a fizzle. The first was to get the best known speaker possible, and the other was to buy more fireworks than (any) other town.” The next year, 1931, was worse. Just months after Congress made the Star Spangled Banner the national anthem, “the population of Newhall celebrated the glorious Fourth by trips in every direction, most of that direction was toward the beach.” Then a curious thing happened. In 1932 the locals got their act together and staged one wing-ding of a July 4th show. “The national holiday was celebrated in Newhall with the greatest and most colorful festivity that has marked the public doings in town for many years,” the ever-patriotic Thatcher writes. It seems our town mothers and fathers, most notably the realtor-turnedhistorian A.B. Perkins and Chevy dealer Fred Lamkin, decided that Depression or no, Newhall would have a parade. “The parade formed on Arch Street,” Thatcher writes, “from whence it marched to Newhall Avenue, which was followed to Tenth Street (now called Lyons Avenue), turning to Spruce Street (now called San Fernando Road) and moving south to Market Street, where it turned to the playground near the Community Church anddissolved.” The parade had an “Old Time” theme — no kidding — with an “old-timeprospector and his family, the Mule Team freight line, cowboys, old time ranchers and others, along with the newer things that have become a part of our communitylife.” Things like S.D. Dill’s brand-new

Signal File Photo

Mint Canyon entry in the 1933 Newhall Fourth of July Parade. 1932 school bus, which was “an impressive lesson of the progress both of transportation and the number of pupils.” The “Catholic Ladies” won Sweepstakes for their model of the San Fernando Mission, complete with “Indians, Padre and other features.” Newhall Ice — still in business today — won the “originality” prize for its blocks of ice with flowers and fruit inside. Opal Houghton’s stunning hat won her the “best ladies costume” prize, presented by Ruby Kellogg. “Jess Doty and his men put on an odd stunt. A car of 1913 was shown with some wheels out of center, and known as Galloping Lizzie, was followed by one of the newestmodels.” “Herb Ball’s freight line got stuck, and lost the water wagon, but finally got its place with the sixteen mule team.” After the parade, “fully two thousand people milled around, visiting, greeting friends, dodging the fire crackers, and waiting the opening of the barbecue dinner. Pictures of the old timers, who were there in force, were taken.” Politicians made patriotic speeches,

How to Properly Display the Flag

he American flag symbolizes many things to many people. While the American flag is proudly displayed in millions of buildings and homes across the United States year-round, it tends to draw special attention each summer, when Americans celebrate their independence on July 4. The Flag Code formalizes and unifies the standards of respect that must be given to the flag, even containing specific instructions regarding how the flag should not be used. The following are some of the rules that govern how to display the American flag.

Raising and Lowering the Flag

According to USFlag.org, the American flag should be raised quickly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. While the Flag Code suggests the flag should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset, if it is displayed at night, it should be illuminated. The flag should be saluted as it is hoisted, and when lowered that salute should be held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the final note of music, whichever is the longest. When displayed indoors, the flag should be displayed to the right of the speaker, staging area or sanctuary. Any additional flags hanging in the room should always hang to the left of the American flag. When flags are grouped for display, the American flag should be in the center and at the highest point of any flag.

In Mourning

The American flag is often displayed in mourning. When placing the flag at half staff, first hoist it to the peak for an instant before lowering it to a position halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. During mourning, when the time comes to lower the flag, it should once again be momentarily raised to the peak before it is lowered. The American flag is flown at half staff when mourning designated, principal government leaders. It also must be flown at half staff upon presidential or gubernatorial order. When covering a casket, the American flag should be placed with the union

at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should never be lowered into the grave

Parading the Flag

When the American flag is carried in a procession, such as in a parade, the flag should always be to the right of the marchers when it is the lone flag being represented. When other flags are carried, the American flag may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. Parade audiences should salute the flag as it passes in the procession.

Flag Restrictions

There are many conditions under which the American flag is not to be used. These include: ■ The flag should never be used as a decoration. Use bunting to decorate with the colors of the American flag, always ensuring the blue stripe of the bunting is on top. ■ The flag should not be used as part of advertising. The flag also should not be embroidered, printed or impressed on articles such as cushions, napkins, boxes, or anything considered temporary that is likely to be discarded after use. ■ The flag should not be used as part of a costume. The uniforms of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations are permitted to wear American flag insignias on their uniforms. ■ The flag is not to be used as a receptacle to carry, deliver, hold, or receive anything. The American flag is an enduring symbol of freedom and sacrifice to millions of people across the globe. The flag should always be displayed with the utmost respect and in adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Flag Code. (MC)

and sporting events lasted until sundown. “The greased pig and greased pole contests seemed to make the most sport, the pole climbing being continued until finally Robert Poore, of Glendale, managed to overcome the slippery handicap and get the $2.50 prize.” Evening festivities included a fireworks display on the grounds of Newhall School. Every year after that, Newhall’s Fourth of July festivities just got bigger and bigger. The 1933 parade saw no fewer than 27 official entries, with “about a hundred horsemen, rodeo performers, cowboys, cowgirls and movie stars.” It is a fine tradition, one that has stayed the same more than it has changed over the years. Sure, we’ll have a few more than 27 official entries tomorrow. More than 127, even. And the parade will draw a bit more than 2,000 spectators. It’ll

likely be the biggest mass of humanity this town has ever seen at a single community event. But this year’s “Life on the Frontier” theme isn’t too different from the “OldTime” motif of 64 years ago. And we’re bound to have some 1930s-vintageautomobiles, as well as some of the “newer things that have become a part of our community life,” as Thatcher put it. Newhall Park will again be the venue for post-parade activities. We might not have a greased pig contest, but we’ll have pig races and all sorts of other contests at Frontier Days, which start right after the parade and run through Sunday, July 7 at the fairgrounds on Soledad Canyon Road. And “Dad” Thatcher would be pleased to know we’ll have fireworks. Independence Day is a special time in Newhall, where people from all over Santa Clarita come together to show their pride in the greatest community and the greatest nation on earth.

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Parade Route

1955 Fourth of July Parade T

his is downtown Newhall’s entire 1955 Fourth of July Parade. The Newhall-Saugus Kiwanis had organized the parade until 1938, when American Legion Post 507 took it over. By 1955, however, the parade was in the hands of an association called the “Old West” which, according to historian A.B. Perkins, had “died on its feet.” As seen in this photo, fourteen people (including photographer Richard Trueblood) insisted on keeping the tradition alive. Newhall had seen a Fourth of July Parade every year since 1932, with the exception of two war years. From left: Clyde Houdeshell, owner of Howdy Cleaners (head obscured by flag); A.B. “Perk” Perkins (tilted against wheelbarrow); young Johnny Trueblood (with little flag); Signal editor Fred Trueblood Jr. (with flag and gun); Jim Buddell (with drum); Fred Trueblood, Sr. (with crutch); Johnny Houdeshell, Clyde’s son (playing fife); Fred Trueblood III (coonskin cap and flag); Don Steward (carrying sign reading, “Don’t Let the Tradition Die”); Charles Stanley (with bass drum); Buck Pryde (with large flag); Cecil Knaggs (with baton at rest). Carrying the Union Jack and obscured by the color bearer is Bobbie Trueblood (wife of Fred Jr.), who would go on to participate in 50 consecutive Independence Day Parades in Newhall from 1946 to 1995. Not shown: photographer Richard “Gus” Trueblood. ( SCVhistory.com)

The History of America’s Independence Day

ew summertime holidays elicit as much excitement as the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day in the United States. Each year, family, friends and revelers anticipate the arrival of the holiday so they can host barbecues, enjoy the sun, listen to their favorite summertime tunes, and commemorate the freedoms afforded by the monumental events that led to the holiday’s establishment. Independence Day became a federal holiday in 1941, but July 4th has stood as the birth of American independence for much longer. July 4th marks a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. According to PBS, the colonies were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. “Taxation without representation” became a battle cry and was one of several grievances colonists had with Great Britain. Conflict between the colonies had been going on for at least a year before the colonies convened a Continental Congress in Philadelphia in June of 1776, says Military.com. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from England. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence is an historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer of the declaration writing committee charged with putting the colonies’ sentiments into words.

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia was one of the first people to present a resolution for American independence, and his commentary was the impetus for the formal Declaration of Independence. A total of 86 changes were made to Jefferson’s original draft until the final version was adopted. The signing of the document helped to solidify independence, and eventually lead to the formation of the United States of America. A total of 56 delegates signed the document. Although John Hancock’s signature is the largest, it did not hold more weight than the other signatures.

Rather, rumor has it, Hancock signed it so large so that the “fat, old King could read it without his spectacles.” However, the National Archives says it was also customary that, since Hancock was the president of the Continental Congress, he be the first person to sign the document centered below the text. The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence on July 6, 1776. The first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square on July 8, 1776. (MC)

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COURTESY PHOTO

Clyde Houdeshell of Howdy Cleaners hauls pharmacist Ralph Williams into the hoosegow that’s parked in front of Loren Clymore’s Ford dealership (one door south of today’s Newhall Refinery restaurant). Williams committed the crime of shaving off his beard for some fancy-schmancy event he wanted to attend in Ellay.

PARADE Continued from P1

Rudy Vallee sang with the Coast Guard band and Newhall School alumnus William Lamoreaux — known on the silver screen as Buzz Barton — demonstrated bulldogging in a rodeo that followed. By July 1945, the war in Europe was over, and the tide had turned in the Pacific – but folks weren’t counting their chickens. “No parade until after VJ day,” Trueblood wrote, referring to Victory in Japan, whether it happens “in 1946 or 1947 or certainly by 1948.” Nobody could know the end would come with such finality one short month later. Those 3,000 spectators in 1946 saw an all-equestrian parade with an “Old West” theme and “at least 400 horses and twice that many men, women, boys and girls.” The only self-propelled vehicle was a 1909 clown car that pulled up the rear. One local notable of the Old West was absent. William S. Hart had died less than a fortnight earlier. No doubt, that fact wasn’t lost on the entrants who gathered at the intersection opposite his estate for the parade kick-off. It took 35 minutes for the parade to pass by as it neighed and whinnied up Spruce Street, now called Main Street, reined over west onto 10th Street, aka Lyons, and ended at Chestnut. From there, the celebration continued in the park (now playground) next to Newhall School with a horse show and barbecue and ended with dance for teenagers and a big party for grownups at the French Village nightclub. The latter building still stands; it’s the Dip Stik oil change place and an adjoining business on Newhall Avenue. As per tradition, the males of the species grew beards for the whiskerino contest; the clean-shaven were tossed into a makeshift hoosegow. Then as now, the parade was a big one. The parade returns to Newhall in 2022 after two dark years filled with anxiety, confusion and loss of life. Today, the worst of COVID seems to be over, and while we’ve still got a fight on our hands — and mouths and noses — and while our health care centers

continue to be overburdened, the afflictions tend to be less severe. Santa Clarita Valley residents are more than ready for a return to normalcy, and they’ll get it this July 4 with all its trappings: a 5K run and Rotary pancake breakfast on Main Street in the early morning, a parade starting at 9 a.m., and a fireworks spectacular 12 hours later over the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall. No fifth columnists are expected, although you never know. This year’s parade crowd could be 10 times bigger than in 1946, and most of the 100-plus entries will have many multiples more than “two per.” It’ll take a bit longer than 35 minutes to pass, and we’re likelier to see 400 cars and trucks (including fire trucks!) than 400 horses. Instead of two announcer stations, there will be six, plus a live telecast and radio broadcast. Instead of three judges, there will be 18. Instead of watching for cap pistols — or maybe in addition — our deputies will be on the lookout for Silly String. Instead of two arrests for disorderly conduct, there will be — well, hopefully there won’t be any. A couple of things haven’t changed in all those years. The parade will follow the same route and pass by a few of the same old buildings that were there eight decades ago. The parade starts at the intersection, now a roundabout, opposite Bill Hart’s estate, now a public park. From there, it travels up Main Street and turns west at Lyons. Instead of ending at Chestnut, it turns north onto 16th Street and ends at Dalbey Drive near Placerita Junior High and Newhall Park. This July 4, as we reflect on two and a half centuries of battles to gain and then to preserve our nation’s independence, we pay homage to the soldiers on the front lines of our latest battle against a deadly and disruptive microscopic invader. From the healthcare workers who put their lives on the line to the law enforcement and fire personnel who kept us safe, we salute you. From the teachers who invented new ways to engage students over Zoom to the social service agencies that made sure our elderly were fed, our homeless were sheltered and our pets were cared for, we salute you. From the retail store clerks who helped frustrated customers muddle through supply-chain shortages to the

COURTESY PHOTO

Charles Kingsburry took the prize for best Western single rider in 1946. He’s seen here in 1934 when he led the sheriff’s posse in the parade. restaurateurs who found innovative ways to fill our bellies and slake our thirst for social interaction, we salute you. The list goes on. The parade can go dark from time to time when it’s in the public interest,

but you can’t snuff out the Spirit of ’76 or the ties that bind us together as a community. Leon Worden has been in charge of the SCV Fourth of July Parade since 1996.

Festive facts for Fourth of July

ach year on July 4, Americans celebrate the birth of their nation and independence from Great Britain. This day marks the anniversary of the presentation and acceptance of the Declaration of Independence, signed 242 years ago on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence began as a letter to Britain’s King George to explain why the Continental Congress was interested in declaring independence from Great Britain. The writing of the declaration began on July 2 and the final wording was established on July 4. Besides the usual, another way to commemorate Independence Day is to educate oneself about the many historical and entertaining facts that surround the day. The following are some interesting details about the origins of Independence Day and the celebrations that surround it. ■ Although 56 people eventually signed the Declaration of Independence, only John Hancock signed the document on July 4, 1776. The rest added their names later on. John Hancock’s signature is ornate and widely recognized. Putting your “John Hancock” on a document has become synonymous with the process of

signing something. ■ The Declaration of Independence was adopted while the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Statehouse. That building is now known as Independence Hall. ■ The average age of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was 45. The youngest person to sign was Thomas Lynch, Jr., who was 27 when he signed the document. Benjamin Franklin, at age 70, was the oldest signee. ■ John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were the only signees who went on to serve as presidents. Coincidentally, Jefferson and Adams both died on July 4, 1826, within hours of each other. ■ Philadelphia is the birth place of much American history and is home to the Liberty Bell. Each Independence Day, the Liberty Bell is tapped (not rung, as the vibration would further damage the cracked bell) 13 times in honor of the original 13 American colonies. ■ The original 13 American colonies were located all along the eastern seaboard. They include Virginia, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Maryland,

Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. ■ Independence was gained in 1776, and the first celebration took place in Philadelphia four days later. The White House held its first Independence Day festivities in 1801. ■ Benjamin Franklin proposed that the turkey be the national bird of the United States. He was overruled. ■ The only copy of the engrossed and signed Declaration of Independence is in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Independence Day is a time for hot dogs, ice cream and, of course, revisiting America’s history.

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Signal Staff

It’s a Grand Old Flag

or more than 200 years, the American flag has been flown across the nation as a symbol of allegiance and pride, and the Santa Clarita Valley is no exception. In fact, Santa Clarita is known as a patriotic town by many. Flags proudly wave on light poles down many of the streets, at homes across the city and at various schools and businesses, including some especially large flags at Camping World of Valencia and Schwartz Oil Co. at Castaic Junction. “People tell us they love seeing (the flag) from the freeway,” Camping World spokeswoman Melissa Manning said to The Signal in a previous interview. “It’s loud and proud, and it never comes down, unless it has to be repaired.” The massive 40-by-80-foot flag was put up three years ago, and stays up year-round, after officials at Camping World in Lincolnshire, Illinois, announced that all of the chain’s stores would be flying the massive flags in honor of veterans. “Our company places extreme pride and value on our country and its veterans,” Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World, said in 2014, according to the company’s website. “A large percentage of our employees and also customers are veterans, and we want to honor them, their dedication to our country and to our local communities.” While the Camping World flag is certainly the biggest flag in Santa Clarita, it is not the oldest of the giant flags in the area. Though the Schwartz Oil Co. flag is a bit smaller at 30 by 50 feet, it has seniority as it’s been around for more than 20 years. The owners said they’re proud of their huge flag, which can be seen from both the Interstate 5 freeway and Highway 126, and was put up by the owners because they wanted to show some patriotism. They put the flag up during the

Fourth of July holiday and try to keep it up throughout the year. “I’ve been driving past (this flag) every week for over 10 years now, and every week it makes me smile,” said truck driver Ryan Pullman. Pullman said he drives the same route weekly, and cannot wait to see the “towering flag,” as it means he has almost made it home. “I can’t think of a better way of honoring our country than by doing this and keeping it up as much as they do,” he added. Smaller yet still impressive, two more local businesses along the I-5 have also put up approximately 20-by-30-foot flags. Both Conserv Fuel, located on the 28100 block of The Old Road, and McDonald’s at the corner of The Old Road and Magic Mountain Parkway, have recently put in new flagpoles to accommodate the larger flags. Six different flag designs were flown before Betsy Ross created the official version, and today’s flag still features the original 13 alternating white and red stripes, in honor of the original colonies, and 50 stars on a blue background to represent the states. The red signifies hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice. Stevenson Ranch resident Shayna Reems said her 2-year-old son, Caleb, salutes — with the wrong hand, she added, laughing — every time he sees the giant flags. “My kids love driving around town and seeing all the flags, especially the boys,” Reems said. “My oldest likes to see how many he can count in a day, though he can only count up to about 20 before he loses track and has to start over. Their dad is a U.S. Army veteran, so they know the importance of being patriotic. … This is their favorite time of the year because all the flags are out.”

Signal file photo

A flag flies in front of the Valencia Atrium, casting multiple images in the building’s mirrored windows.

Creativity in Motion

Signal File Photos

Fred Lamkin’s Newhall Garage entry in Newhall’s 1934 Fourth of July Parade. Lamkin operated a well-trafficked auto garage and eventually held the local Chevrolet franchise.

Parade participants pop up the front two wheels of their car.

1934 Fourth of July festivities parade participants.

Why the Fourth?

he Continental Congress declared its independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. If that date raises an eyebrow, it should. Independence Day in the United States has long been celebrated on July 4th, which would seem to be two days late. But upon closer examination, it seems Americans are not really celebrating their independence two days later than they should be. According to the National Constitution Center, the Continental Congress approved a resolution declaring its independence from Great Britain on July 2. However, a document still needed to be drafted to explain the decision to the general public. Such a document was already in the works, but it took two days for the men of Congress to agree on a final version. That would have been July 4. The resulting document, known as the Declaration of Independence, was sent to John Dunlap, an Irish printer who served under George Washington during the American Revolutionary War, who subsequently printed roughly 200 broadsides. Still, the Declaration of Independence was not read to the public until July 8, 1776, when Colonel John Nixon did so in Philadelphia on what is now known as Independence Square. It was nearly a month later, on August 2, 1776, when most members of the Continental Congress actually signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. (MC)

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2022 4th of July Committee, Judges and Sponsors

2022 Parade Committee

Leon Worden, Chair Nancy Gallardo, Coordinator Jessica Boyer, Secretary Dave Knutson, Parade Marshal Lillian Shaw, Lineup/Registration Steve Blumenfeld Dave Caldwell Bruce Fortine Laura Hauser Carrie Lujan Michael Mazzetti James McCarthy Gloria Mercado-Fortine Teresa Todd Fred Trueblood III Laurene Weste-McCarthy Chuck Willett Kenneth Wilson Alan Wykoff Lisa Wykoff