As I remember the 4th of July in Hamilton Alabama in the 1930s. In our neck of the woods around the (Williams’s creek) area about all conversations in the month of June led to "what are you planning to do on the 4th". Most farm crops were laid by for the year, and time for a break from plowing hoeing Inc. For the people in Hamilton, it was a happy time. Just north of the old Albert Hamilton house is Mr. A. Harbor’s mule barn, with men like Mr. Ballard and Little George Palmer, putting their sales pitch on whoever may look like he would want to buy a mule. In town and around the courthouse is where the action is, games of pitching horseshoes, marble games, several men setting on the cement fence talking about the weather and chewing tobacco. Mr. William Green, has his wagon parked there under the big oak tree loaded with watermelons for sale, several people standing around thumping and some buying. Mr. Green knows his watermelons and he is about always first to have ripe melons by the 4th. Mr.Dovie Glenn makes it to town wearing a world war one over coat, with the temp. about 90. Mr.Berryhill, the sheriff says “Dovie, what are hiding under that coat ”? “Notten a tall mr.Angers”well take it off”! and he did,The sheriff checks him out and finds nothing on him that is breaking the law, Tell me please says the sheriff,”Why are you wearing that coat with the weather hot is it is”? Well says ole Dovie, “if it will keep the cold out it ought to keep the heat out.” Up in the court room there is wall to wall people singing fa sol la songs by the notes,(no music)and from the look on their faces they are enjoying their vocal freedom. easy to recognize them as a vital part of American culture.Not a new way of life for these people for it having been utilizad in england before the Pilgrims arrived in America. In front of the high school,under the big trees is the dog show,and here is where the croud is,Fox hunters like Stone Crain,Marvin Williams,and many more showing off their dogs.Coon hunters too. the ladys are setting out dinner on a long table that was built just for the day.Hand cranked ice cream,watermelon,too many good things to name.Those were the days.Good old days.I could use a few like that now.How about you?Joel