At 4 a.m. the first anvil blast was heard, signaling the start of the Town of Taylor 4th of July celebration. The Jennings Band played a patriotic song and the anvil blasted at Taylor Elementary School, Freeman Park, the LDS Stake Center and the Taylor ball fields.
Eric Thornhill, Clint Peck and others helped blast the anvil, keeping the more than 60-year tradition going.
The patriotic program began with music by the Jennings Band, comprised of more than 50 musicians from throughout the United States. Once again Roy and Lorraine Solomon and their family decorated the trailers that the band rode on, something they have done for more than 30 years.
Michael Cole conducted the band on the trailer while it followed the anvil, and Lenn Shumway conducted his 51st year at the program, where they played a rousing medley of patriotic songs.
The colors were posted and retired by Boy Scout Troop 743.
“We are celebrating patriots,” said Mayor Fay Hatch. “There are two couples who qualify in every sense of the word.”
Raymond and Twila Hancock were taught to work hard by their parents. They met in junior high school and graduated from Snowflake High School. Twila is devoted to her children and grandchildren, and is a talented tole painter, crafter and quilter. She is a blessing to all she comes in contact with. Ray was born in Shumway. He was drafted into the Army from 1973-75. He worked at the paper mill for 36 years. They were involved in Little League and rodeoing, and he spent many hours volunteering his time for the Taylor rodeo. He made the rodeo finals six times, taking first place in 1975, 1985 and 1991, and in 1992 he joined the Old Timer Rodeo Association.
Flynn and Katie Udall have deep roots in Taylor; both were born and raised in the White Mountains. They grew up in Taylor and love the 4th of July traditions. Katie was a substitute teacher and was involved in the scouting program, and is most remembered for her witches brew (homemade root beer) on Halloween. She has served on many committees, including the Taylor-Shumway Heritage Foundation and the Beautification Committee. She cares for the elderly and volunteers many hours of service to the town. Flynn is known for his stories and fun, plus his priceless words of wisdom. They fly a flag in their yard, putting it up and taking it down every day. The flag is a gift from their son, and has flown in Iraq, where their son served our country.
Both couples were inducted into the Taylor Hall of Fame.
The stump speaker was Larry Hatch, who reminisced of his drive through Taylor and Snowflake, and the changes that have been made in recent years.
Van Shumway was orator of the day. He served in World War II in the European Theater. He quoted John Adams, who said the day after signing the Declaration of Independence that this would be a day celebrated for many years to come. He spoke of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, noting, “Not much of this is mentioned today,” and they pledged everything they had including their lives, their honor and their money.
“The patriots were fighting for an ideal; the English, for a king,” said Shumway.
He spoke of how the government today tells people that they are entitled to public relief, which makes them dependent on the government, then quoted Thomas Jefferson, who felt that a wise and frugal government would make people happy. He said that our forefathers believed in limited government.
“I was proud to serve our country when I was called,” said Shumway, who acknowledged the contributions of our progenitors.
The bleachers at the rodeo arena were filled. Sunlund Chemical Corp. of Yuma donated 5,000 flags, thanks to the efforts of Tommy Hancock, and they were handed out by Boys Scouts as people entered the arena, increasing the patriotic spirit as flags were waved throughout the stands.
There were more than 50 Eagle Scout projects that completed work on Rodeo Park and the arena, and all were noted, The Town of Taylor was thanked for its cooperation in paying for supplies over the years as these projects were completed.
On Monday, July 4, approximately 70 to 80 people attended the Jamboree Extravaganza. Eugene Kartchner pulled a wagon with his trailer, giving tours of Taylor. Chili beans and cornbread were served, and the Sundowners entertained to complete the fun-filled evening.
Twila and Raymond Hancock (first photo), and Flynn and Katie Udall (second photo) were inducted into the Taylor Hall of Fame at the patriotic program on July 2.
