Chamber Chatter for June 27th

by Debbe Ridley

The Marlow Chamber would like to say “thanks for joining us!” to all the folks who plan out their summer schedules to lock in the first week in July to be in Marlow.

Most everyone -- of any age -- with ties to this community looks forward to “THE FOURTH.” Looking to the past, as we remember our heritage, Marlow Grove, I.T. had its first community-wide Independence Day celebration on July 4, 1892. As related by Mrs. Elsie Howard in 1976, the event was planned by the founder of Marlow, A. B. Smythe, with Bill Wade. “Ranchers donated beef, men of the community dug a barbecue pit, and made other preparations for a feast.”

In Mrs. Howard’s memoirs written in 1968, she also tells us about Marlow’s long term commitment to a memorable 4th of July celebration. “For Marlow, summertime was picnic time. The Fourth of July picnic was the highlight of the summer, and it often continued for three or four days. Plans were laid well in advance, with all the town and countryside participating.”

“Individuals or small groups did the preparation, building platforms for music and dancing. The band consisted mostly of fiddles and other string instruments. Dancing was either square dancing or ballroom type. There were medicine-show type sideshows with special attractions, along with horseshoe pitching, horse racing, sack races, and red lemonade stands. Picnic baskets and every homemade attraction which people could contribute added to the festivities.”

And as we learn from the July 5, 1907 issue of The Marlow Review, the tradition continued. “The Gentry Grove Picnic. July 4th was duly celebrated by the people of this vicinity at the Gentry grove. The picnic is still in progress today, the 5th. The failure to secure good speakers for the occasion and the shortage of other attractions marred the occasion somewhat but the social side of the day seemed satisfactory.”

“There is no better place to hold such a gathering and this made all comfortable. The arrangements for water etc., are as perfect as could be desired. Pure, fresh well water is pumped from Mr. Gentry’s residence to the grounds.”

“An abundant dinner was also provided. In the morning Geo. W. Siever of Marlow addressed the people and a broncho riding constituted the main entertainment. In the afternoon the editor made a short talk on the constitution to which Garland Brown asked permission to reply. Quite a lively interest was produced. A baby show with two dozen entries and another broncho busting constituted the afternoon attractions. Everybody seemed to have a good time.”

For extra treat in your stroll down memory lane, the Marlow Area Museum will be open special hours for you to visit over the holiday. It is located at 127 W. Main, in the 3rd floor of the Marlow Mercantile. Contact the Chamber office, 5809-658-2212 for exact scheduling.

As all the Outlaws arriving from far and wide come to town, WELCOME HOME to all former residents or alumni for the 4th of July holiday. It doesn’t get much better than Independence Day in Marlow. Marlow is THE place to be in July!