The Odd Fellows of San Jose joined the Rose, White, and Blue parade for the second time this year, just in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence.
Last year, we ended up pushing Jane and Andrew’s 1930’s Chevy through the last two thirds of the route, so this year, we decided to just walk it, no vehicles needed. Our group included Andrew Crockett in his finest tri-corner hat, Angela Commean in her magnificent women’s suffrage tribute outfit, Abigail and Nathan Bartlett in their revolutionary era wool coats (which were both fashionable and miserably warm – we were all impressed!) Jane Beckman and Kat Powell were beautifully attired in American flag-inspired outfits. Mason Wolf, Debbie Wolf, Scott Spence, Amanda Bartlett, Judith Bartlett, and Harold Bartlett wore odd fellows shirts and hats, and everyone sported a true fellowship red velvet collar.
Our banner led the way down the 1.5 mile route. As we walked, we passed out flyers for our upcoming and recurring events, and had lots of opportunities to explain who we are, and that we’ve been part of the community since 1856!
Ahead of us, a piano school provided live music from the bed of a pickup truck, as a posse of extremely talented young people took turns playing their favorite patriotic songs. It made for a very pleasant accompaniment for our two hours’ march.
It was a fun way to celebrate our Independence, 250 years and still going.
— by Mason Wolf