Step back in history to '76 bicentennial

In 1976 as the 200-year anniversary of the United States approached, Jasper was celebrating. From bells to fireworks, the town was coming together for the bicentennial.

"Two patriotic programs scheduled for Sunday will offer Jasper residents an opportunity to rededicate themselves to the ideals and principals which have held the nation together for 200 years," wrote The Jasper Newsboy.

The celebration began with a tolling of the bells that commemorated the ringing of the bells at 1 p.m. on July 4, 1776 at the close of the Revolutionary War. Jasper County Judge Mark Allen said recently he hopes the bells in the courthouse can be restored soon.

George Merritt was master of ceremonies. The welcome address was given by Bill Westmoreland, the VFW post commander in 1976. The pledge was led by D.L. "Chick" Dominy, another VFW commander, and the national anthem was sung by Jim Salles. John Ernst led the invocation.

The second program was held at Bulldog Stadium where Don Adams was the speaker, Glenn Chancellor the master of ceremonies, and Wayne Stephenson gave the invocations.

Fireworks were set off behind the shopping centers on South Wheeler; Sandy Creek Park didn't exist yet.

Folks going home from the celebration probably talked about the same thing they do today- the high cost of gasoline. A story in the same issue of The Jasper Newsboy said gas prices were up an average of two cents, selling for $0.54 for unleaded.

For more Jasper history, see Katie Waldrop's story on the cost of living, coming up soon.