THE AMERICAN BICENTENNIAL Monthly Volume V, No. 1 • January 1975

DESIGNATED AS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION BY THE BICENTENNIAL COUNCIL OF THE THIRTEEN ORIGINAL STATES PRESIDENT FORD LAUNCHES THE FREEDOM TRAIN ALEXANDRIA, VA., Dec. 19-Amidst motives of 1930s vintage, the train is Ford spoke from the rear platform of some signs of dissent and controversy, scheduled to take off in April of 1975 the four-car "Preamble Express" which President Gerald Ford appeared at the for a 48-state tour to 76 American cit­ toured the country in 1974 promoting railway station here today to formally ies lasting until late 1976. There will the Freedom Train to the prospective announce the American Freedom Train. be 12 cars bearing Americana exhibits 76 cities. Lauding the project as "one About 500 people attended the cere­ and artifacts, service cars, a press car, of the focal points of our Bicentennial mony, including officials and about 108 and two VIP lounge cars. Organizers celebration," the President drew a par­ placard-bearing protesters organized of the project expect 10 million Amer­ allel between the problems of 200 by the People's Bicentennial Commis­ icans to pass through the train on mov­ years ago and of today. In an optimis­ sion. There were also two high school ing walkways (at the pace of 40 feet tic declaration, he said that the reaffirm­ bands, a sizeable press contingent, and per minute) and another 30 million to ing of "the American spirit" will help a multitude of security men. view the contents through special large win the battles against economic and The Ford blessing, plus financial windows in the cars during layovers at other problems. He also presented for support provided by five U.S. corpora­ the 76 cities. Many other millions will exhibition on the train George Wash­ tions, makes the Freedom Train the sense the nostalgia of the steam loco­ ington's copy of the Constitution. first major national Bicentennial project motive age by witnessing the train en Acting as emcee for the occasion was to be launched on a solid footing. route between cities. ARBA Administrator John W. Warner. Drawn by refurbished steam loco- In whistle-stop fashion, President He announced ARBA's formal en­ dorsement of the project and presented a large replica of the national Bicen­ Jack Anderson Searches For '76 Slogan tennial symbol. Stressing the impor­ tance of private sector support of the The hard-hitting newspaper column­ American people have faith in their Freedom Train, Warner said it is "the ist and expose-artist, Jack Anderson, country and confidence in the future," most significant- certainly the most vis­ has gone upbeat for the Bicentennial. despite all of the difficult problems of ible and national in scope-of the many Though normally dealing in contro­ the time. projects planned to honor America dur­ versial subjects of major proportions Now, Anderson reports in a third ing the Bicentennial." plus the minor transgressions of Wash­ column, a number of organizations Both the President and Warner ington lawmakers and bureaucrats, have come forth to help out in the stoically ignored the chanting of the 1} Anderson now has turned his sights on project. The Copernicus Society has hecklers who were protesting the eco­ finding the best possible slogan for the put up $10,000 in cash prizes, includ­ nomic situation and the financial in­ Bicentennial. ing a $5,000 first prize. American volvement of major corporations. Motors will give the winner a station Five corporations have each con­ wagon and Holiday Inns will provide ( Continued on p. 4) free accommodations for a month of touring the country leading up to a IN THIS ISSUE ... reception at the White House. The American Legion, the Jaycees, the Most Dangerous Man in ' National Federation of Women's Clubs, America-P. 2 the Girl Scouts, and the Boy Scouts Bicentennial Goes Abroad-P. 3 have all volunteered to help process CBS's Franklin Mini-series-P. 3 the entries. The American Revolution Georgia Town Sets Pace-P. 5 Bicentennial Administration has made Rhode Island Diggers-P. 5 its post office box address in Washing­ 13-State Commemoratives-P. 6 ton available. 200 Years Ago This Month-P. 8 In two of his widely-syndicated col­ Anderson says that the "spontaneous American Fashion Revisited-P. 9 umns last fall, he urged readers to send outpouring has compelled us to go La Scala Enhances Opera in their ideas for a slogan, for "the formal. We have now formed a non­ Outlook-P. 10 right words to reaffirm profit our faith in corporation, Slogans USA, to Bird & Son-P. 10 America." handle the slogan search." Penney's Musical Even though no prizes Celebration were offered, The contest will be closed on July -P.ll Anderson said that the response was 4th, 1975. Entries should be addressed overwhelming and that "we have mail­ to: Slogans USA, Box 1976, Washing­ America Center For Times bags bulging with evidence that the ton, D.C. Square-P. 12 Bicentennial Books U.S. Exhibit on Jefferson and Franklin Opens in Paris A "WONDERFUL BOOK" ON BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Catherine Drinker Bowen, The Most out "Poor Richard's Almanac." He Dangerous Man in America-Scenes was at the same time creating a postal from the Life of Benjamin Franklin service, building waterworks, and car­ (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., rying out experiments in the detection 1974), $8.95. of electricity, all with indefatigible energy and elan. when the fomenting and "In an era In the next scene Ms. Bowen picks support of revolution are claimed by up Franklin at the Albany Congress of youth as their especial attributes, it is 1754 where he advocated a "Plan of to recall that two hundred significant Union" for the mutual defense of the years ago the person feared by the colonies, a plan that also contained the of England and many crowned heads germ of federalism: "One General parts of Europe as the most dangerous Government," wrote Franklin, "to be The opening of a major exhibit, en­ political, philosophical, military, and somehow held the colonies together man in America was Benjamin Frank­ formed in America, including all the titled "The World of Franklin and social milestones, both in America and throughout the War-and to the Con­ lin-aged sixty-eight to eighty." said Colonies, within and under which in her Jefferson," marks the first completed in Europe. stitutional Convention. Catherine Drinker Bowen, Colony may retain Government, each THE ELDERLY FRANKLIN as de­ international project of the American The "epilogue" of the exhibition pre­ entertaining and inquisitive manner, . ..." A collection of memorabilia includes its present Constitution picted in this detail from the painting Revolution Bicentennial Administra­ sents one of Jefferson's most significant presents in her last book six scenes The next scene follows Franklin and materials from Franklin's crucial ex­ life. His character and by Charles Willson Peale. tion (ARBA). In the words of ARBA, political legacies-his plan for west­ from Franklin's his son William as they lead a military periments in electricity and Jefferson's history long intrigued her and were those men who was born with a cheer­ the exhibit "will launch the Bicenten- ward development. It traces the events expedition to the western frontier of Notes on Vir!!:inia. an earlv record of .. ~ ... • • T u- her previous books, and as woven into Pennsylvania in an attempt to repel ful disposition," Ms. Bowen says. "This her life. She makes it clear ke she states, French and Indian raids. is a tremendous gift. He had a talent that the completion of ast from the outset The last scene is set in London, for happiness, just as George Washing­ this last book was not only a necessity, ton had a talent for character, integrity. ne where Franklin, on behalf of the col­ BUSINESS REPLY MAIL ast but a true delight. She writes: "Not ony of Massachusetts, worked to miti­ "Dr. Holmes, 0. W. Holmes' father, superfluous en only is narrative continuity gate George III's harsh American pol­ said that sanctimonious people made NO POSTAGE STAMP NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES concerning such a well-known-indeed him sneeze and go home with a cold. hn icies. Franklin was forced to suffer in rs legendary-American, but a complete silence the invective of Solicitor Gen­ I think Franklin was like that. He Postage will be paid by: narration would have defeated my pur­ hated solemn, pompous people. He sim­ nd eral Alexander Wedderburn as he was ch pose; the wholly selfish, quite arbitrary castigated before the Privy Council in ply never replied to them. He talked desire to write only what interested me very little in company, but talked freely 4, 1774. Wedderburn was relentless and ng about this most consistently entertain­ his accusations against Franklin lasted with a friend or two, especially over ing biographical subject. ..." three-quarters of an hour. He con­ drinks." Ms. Bowen begins the weaving of cluded his diatribe, stating, "I hope, As this wonderful book ends, the The American her selective narrative with scenes of My Lords, you will mark and brand reader finds himself sympathizing with Franklin's boyhood in Boston, depict­ this man ...." Franklin remained im­ the author's last regret-"! cannot bear Bicentennial ing the 16-year-old printer's apprentice passive in the face of this rancor and to have done with this admirable be­ writing his controversial "Silence Do­ resentment, uttering no word in his own guiling character." And with the au­ Monthly good" letters, published anonymously defense. But he walked away convinced thor's last observation on Benjamin in his brother's newspaper. She then that differences between England and Franklin: "And he had that quality I ~~ jumps forward to Philadelphia where her colonies could no longer be recon­ call grace". The book is a work of the Franklin as a young man established ciled by diplomatic measures. heart, and it breathes compassion, himself as a successful printer, turning Ms. Bowen proposed "to catch humor, and love into the facts of Ben­ ~~ BOX 200 GLE;\1 RIDGE 1'\E\V JERSEY 07028 as glimpses of Franklin as he streaks, jamin Franklin's life. I I ni­ streams, boils by, borne along by a mternatwnal challenges or me l':lm ventor, an mteuectual wn1nwmo m senes;· mcl~New England corre.'ipondent: Jon· In the atrium are clusters of tall, mon­ tion in roles, Susan Sarandon man" (with Melvin athan Harr. Washington correspondent: Mel· of which Sheree North are excellent as Debbie, on January 9th and January 28th. Franklin had 15 more years to live. bourne L. Spector, W est Coast correspondent: ument-like structures, each aired Godfrey Harris. wife. Ms. Bowen (who was in critical health represents a contemporary of Franklin Franklin's neurotic, embittered Curiously, the programs have not Subscription $12 per year in U.S. and Canada, and Jefferson. Through text and im­ The portrait is an honest one, show­ as she completed her work) ends the $20 elsewhere. Address correspondence on edi­ received the attention they deserve. torial matters to USA-200, Suite 1008, 110 East mind and book with some of Franklin's traits agery, these structures present informa­ ing how Franklin's teeming None of the sponsors noted for high 59th St•·eet. New York, N.Y. 10022. son and that she did not have the opportunity (Tel: 212-371-9696) tion about friends and acquaintances egocentricity alienated his quality programs (such as Xerox or Address cot·respondence on subscription matterB respect, to include elsewhere. This last portion who influenced each other and their wife. Though excellent in every Hallmark) came forward to sponsor to: USA-200, P.O. Box 200. Glen Rid~re, N.J. slightly was dictated, and in it we find ourselves 07028. time. the program is overshadowed these, and the originator of the series, face to face not only with Franklin's Copyright 1974 Bicentennial Service Corp. A major feature of the exhibit is an by the first one, aired Nov. 21st, which Lewis Freedman, has left the employ of All rights reserved. May be quoted without per­ extensive time-line depicting a chron­ was superb in every respect. In con­ CBS. It may be that the false starts in THE MIDDLE AGED FRANKLIN incredible genius, but also with his gen­ mission if USA-200 is credited. Individual arti­ ology of major events between 1706 trast, that program covered only a the form of superficial documentaries as envisioned in the statue by Hiram erous and endearing '·philosophy" of cles may be reprinted if USA·200 is credited given. Reproduction of and 1826. Profusely illustrated, it pre­ short time in Franklin's career as a in recent years have poisoned the well. Powers located in the Senate Wing of life. with its full address entire issue forbidden. sents the lives of Franklin and Jeffer­ wily diplomat contriving to lure the If so, the American public will be the the U.S. Capitol. "Franklin was apparently one of son against a background of major French into the war on the American loser. 2 3 Bicentennial Books U.S. Exhibit on Jefferson and Franklin Opens in Paris A "WONDERFUL BOOK" ON BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Catherine Drinker Bowen, The Most out "Poor Richard's Almanac." He Dangerous Man in America-Scenes was at the same time creating a postal from the Life of Benjamin Franklin service, building waterworks, and car­ (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., rying out experiments in the detection 1974), $8.95. of electricity, all with indefatigible energy and elan. and "In an era when the fomenting In the next scene Ms. Bowen picks support of revolution are claimed by up Franklin at the Albany Congress of youth as their especial attributes, it is 1754 where he advocated a "Plan of significant to recall that two hundred Union" for the mutual defense of the years ago the person feared by the colonies, a plan that also contained the crowned heads of England and many germ of federalism: "One General parts of Europe as the most dangerous Government," wrote Franklin, "to be The opening of a major exhibit, en­ political, philosophical, military, and somehow held the colonies together man in America was Benjamin Frank­ formed in America, including all the titled 'The World of Franklin and social milestones, both in America and throughout the War-and to the Con­ lin-aged sixty-eight to eighty." said Colonies, within and under which Jefferson," marks the first completed in Europe. stitutional Convention. Catherine Drinker Bowen, in her Government, each Colony may retain THE ELDERLY FRANKLIN as de­ international project of the American The "epilogue" of the exhibition pre­ entertaining and inquisitive manner, A collection of memorabilia includes its present Constitution.... " picted in this detail from the painting Revolution Bicentennial Administra­ sents one of Jefferson's most significant presents in her last book six scenes materials from Franklin's crucial ex­ The next scene follows Franklin and by Charles Willson Peale. tion (ARBA). In the words of ARBA, political legacies-his plan for west­ from Franklin's life. His character and periments in electricity and Jefferson's his son William as they lead a military "will launch the Bicenten­ ward development. It traces the events men who was born with a cheer- the exhibit Notes on Virginia, an early record of history long intrigued her and were expedition to the western frontier of those and adventures surrounding the Lou­ nial abroad." to his native country­ his attachment isiana Purchase, which in one stroke The exhibit was created by the Office of his quality as a natural sci­ ""sl side and doubled the size of the nation. The last of C harles and Ray Eames, distinguish­ there are artifacts fJ entist. In addition, part of the epilogue is devoted to one ed American designers. ARBA is pre­ and instruments associated with the tl with New of the great treasures of Jefferson's last e-year subscription in my name to USA-200/ THE AMERICAN BICENTEN­ senting it in cooperation two men. b Please enter a on York's Metropolitan Museum of Art years: the renewed friendship between 0 NIAL MONTHLY. The one-year s ubscription fee of $12.00 will be paid as follows: through a grant from the IBM Corpor­ Within a special section is a collec­ him and his onetime adversary, John C< ation. During its tour abroad, the ex­ tion of documents of importance in Adams. Quotations from their letters If D check enclosed 0 bill me 0 bill my organization hibit will be managed by the U.S. the history of the new United States. reveal the extraordinarily close and n Information Agency. Special attention is given to the circum­ lively exchange between them, which p My full mailing address is: Following the premiere showing in stances surrounding the framing of the ended when both men died on July 4, d Paris the exhibit will proceed to the Articles of Confederation, the docu­ 1826-50 years to the day after signing a Name .. Title (if relevant) . National Museum in Warsaw and then ment which satisfied no one but which the Declaration of Independence. II to the British Museum in London in Organization (if relevant) .. . late 1975. Early in 1976, it will begin h CBS Franklin Series its U.S. tour in the Metropolitan Mu­ High Quality Marks F Address ...... seum, and then at Chicago's Art Insti­ The second of four 90 minute dramas side. For his witty and wise portrait, il tute before a final showing in San based on the life of Benjamin Franklin, Eddie Albert should win the Emmy v ...... State ...... Zip ...... Francisco. aired Dec. 17th by CBS, maintains the Award. g City ...... The exhibit spans the 120 years be­ high level of quality evident in the first The series so far represents a break­ I I USA-200 Has B een D esignated Official Publication by the Bicentennial Council of the tween Franklin's birth ( 1706) and Jef­ program. through, showing that American TV jl ferson's death (1826), from colonial Entitled "The Whirlwind," the pro­ can produce historical dramas every F Thirteen Original States times through the struggle for indepen­ gram covers the years 1718 to 17 57, bit as good as the vaunted BBC pro­ h dence, the expansion west, and Jeffer­ portraying Franklin as a printer's ap­ ductions in that genre. Much care has son's response to the new national and prentice, a young entrepreneur, an in­ been lavished on the Franklin "mini­ international challenges of the 19th ventor, an intellectual whirlwind in series," including top writers (Howard smoking cataract, yet himself as cool century. general, and an incipient revolutionary. Fast for the first program, Loring Man­ as an apple in storage." And indeed she As partly shown in the illustration Beau Bridges plays the young Frank- · del for the second), top actors, and does. In every scene that the beloved above, the exhibit covers 7,500 square lin, and his father Lloyd Bridges takes beautiful productions generally. The historian sets down, Franklin is seen in feet. The visitor enters through an the part over as Franklin ages. The final two programs-"The Rebel" (with self-possession USA -201! is published m on t hly by the Bicenten­ States­ complete, unperturbed n ia l Ser vice Corp. Pres.: Richa rd W. Barrett, atrium with paintings of the period. transition is smooth. In another transi­ Richard Widmark) and "The of his faculties and temperament. Managb t$1 Editor: John E . Harr, Editor: Roger roles, Susan Sarandon and man" (with Melvin Douglas)-will be Guettinger, N ew England correspondent : J on­ In the atrium are clusters of tall, mon­ tion in The book stops in 177 4 even though athan Harr, Washington correspondent: Mel­ ument-like structures, each of which Sheree North are excellent as Debbie, aired on January 9th and January 28th. had 15 more years to live. bourne L. Spector, W est Coast correspondent: Franklin Godfrey H a rris. represents a contemporary of Franklin Franklin's neurotic, embittered wife. Curiously, the programs have not Ms. Bowen (who was in critical health S ubscription $12 p er year in U .S. and Canada, and Jefferson. Through text and im­ The portrait is an honest one, show­ received the attention they deserve. she completed her work) ends the $20 elsewhere. Address corresp ondence on edi­ high as toria l m atters to USA-200, Suite 1008. 110 East agery, these structures present informa­ ing how Franklin's teeming mind and None of the sponsors noted for book with some of Franklin's traits 59th Street. N ew York, N.Y. 10022. tion about friends and acquaintances egocentricity alienated his son and quality programs (such as Xerox or that she did not have the opportunity ( T el: 212-371-9696 ) Address cor responden ce on subscrip tion matters who influenced each other and their wife. Though excellent in every respect, Hallmark) came forward to sponsor to include elsewhere. This last portion to: USA-200, P.O. Box 200. Glen Rid~re . N .J . the program is overshadowed slightly these, and the originator of the series, 07028. time. was dictated, and in it we find ourselves one, aired Nov. 21st, which Lewis Freedman, has left the employ of ervice Corp. A major feature of the exhibit is an by the first face to face not only with Franklin's Copyright 1 974 Bicentennial S starts in quoted without per­ extensive time-line depicting a chron­ was superb in every respect. In con­ CBS. It may be that the false with his gen­ All rights r eserved. May be THE MIDDLE AGED FRANKLIN incredible genius, but also mission if USA-200 is credited. Individual arti­ ology of major events between 1706 trast, that program covered only a the form of superficial documentaries as envisioned in the statue by Hiram erous and endearing '"philosophy" of cles may be reprinted if USA-~ 00 is credited pre­ short time in Franklin's career as a in recent years have poisoned the well. wit h its full address given. Reproduction of and 1826. Profusely illustrated, it Powers located in the Senate Wing of life. entire issue forbidden. sents the lives of Franklin and Jeffer­ wily diplomat contriving to lure the If so, the American public will be the one of the U.S. Capitol. "Franklin was apparently son against a background of major French into the war on the American loser. 2 3 USA-200 SURVEY -WITH OFFICIAL MEDALS, COMMEMORATIVE ITEMS FIRST 13 STATES STIR BICENTENNIAL AWARENESS Delaware Delaware's medals, struck by t he With more and more Bicentennial Commission ( 10 Tremont Street, The medals can also be ordered direct­ Medallic Art Company, are sold commemorative items being announced Room 64, Boston, Massachusetts ly from the Medallic Art Company through banks. Available are: 02108) has published a $2.95 1975 (Box 771, Danbury, Connecticut each month-many of them endorsed 21/2 " high relief silver $75 Guidebook, and plans to do a 1976 06810). by state, local, or private Bicentennial l 1 1/2 " high relief silver $25 national edition as well (from Yankee Press, organizations-and with the The Connecticut Commission (59 11h" antique bronze $2.50 ARBA embarking on a new licensing Inc., Dublin, N.H.) . South Prospect Street, Hartford, Con­ Also available is a 2,000 set limited program, USA-200's editors decided Rhode Island necticut 06106) is also offering a set of edition which includes, for $52, a 2112" that a listing of Bicentennial medals officially endorsed booklets, five per Although Rhode Island originally antique bronze, a I 1/2" silver vermeil, and commemorative items available year for eight years, on various aspects participated in the Franklin Mint's 50- and a 1 1/2" fine silver medal. through the official Bicentennial agen­ of the state's Revolutionary Era heri­ state medal series, the state is now de­ The Delaware ARBC (P.O. Box cies of each of the 13 original states tage. Each booklet is $2.50 with dis­ veloping a new medal, through the 2476, Wilmington, Delaware 19899) would be timely and informative. Some Roger Williams Mint. It should be counts for schools, libraries, and local report substantial proceeds has also endorsed several Wilton Brass of the states available this month and can be ob­ Bicentennial committees. NORTH CAROLINA'S commemoratives include necklace made from Bicenten­ program is just beginning. Here are the Armetale products which are sold tained by writing directly to the Rhode New York through department stores and gift nial medal (left) and Wilton Brass Armetale items. results of a recent telephone survey: Island Bicentennial Commission (CIC ive medals, shops: an $8 auto tag; a 10" dinner New Hampshire Building, 289 Promenade Street, Prov­ New York's commemorat Virginia South Carolina struck by the Medallic Art Company, plate for $12.50; a tankard for $1 0; Official state medals will be out this idence, Rhode Island 02908). Approx­ The Virginia Independence Bicen­ South Carolina's medals, struck by are sold through banks, at present. New and a 6" plate for $6. year, hopefully by March. The medals imate sales prices will be $20 for high tennial Commission's Medallic Art the Medallic Art Company, can be promotional techniques are currently Maryland are being struck by the Medallic Art relief silver, and $3 and $5 for coin­ Company medals come in four ver­ purchased by writing the South Caro­ being considered. The medals are: Company of Danbury, Connecticut. type silver and bronze versions. Maryland's medal (sec picture) was sions, which arc sold through banks lina ARBC (P.O. Box 1976, Colum­ 1 11 Prices will range from $1 to $45 for Other commemorative items include 2 /2 silver $40 struck by the Medallic Art Company and savings and loan associations or bia, South Carolina 29202). The med­ bronze and silver medals to be sold, a $4 Rhode Island '76 candle, mar­ 1 1/2" silver $10 and is sold through banks and savings through the Commission itself: als come in two versions: and loan associations. It comes in three probably through New Hampshire keted by the Johnny Fogarty Center 21/2" antique bronze $6 2lh " 24 k gold on silver $97 silver $17.76 1 versions: banks. for the Retarded; a $1 poster; a $1 ! /2" antique bronze $ 1 2V2" fine silver $75 bronze $2.50 So far the medals are the only com­ Junior Red Sox Oceaniers (R. I. Soc­ The New York State ARBC (99 21/2" sterling high relief $75 11/2" fine silver $22.50 Several other commemorative items memorative items planned by the New cer Team) patch; a $1 connect-the­ Washington Avenue, Albany, New 1 1/2 " sterling coin $20 ! 1/2" antique bronze $2 have been introduced recently: a silver­ ! 1/2 " antique bronze $2.50 Hampshire ARBC ( 3 7 Pleasant Street, dots coloring book for children on R.I. York 12230) also has a publications There is also a $57 three-piece set and-lucite block in the shape of South Concord, New Hampshire 03301). history; and a $2.95 children's book, program. A booklet on American wo­ The Maryland Bicentenni al Commis­ consisting of a 2 Vz" hronzc, a 1 1/2" Carolina with the state's Bicentennial Massachusetts Timothy and the King's Ship Liberty. men in early American history was sion (2525 Riva Road, Annapolis, gold on silver, and a I 1/2" fine silver logo inside, for $24.95; a similar Local banks are selling Massachu­ Other plans call for a $2.95 '76 R.I. published recently (see last month's Maryland 2140 I ) has endorsed four medal. bronze-and-lucite block, for $8.50; Wilton Brass Armetale products: a 6" setts' medals as a nonprofit public guidebook, other publications, mugs, USA-200). The Virginia Commission (P.O. pens and tie tacks for just over $2 each; and etched glassware at prices which plate for $5.50; a 10" dinner pl ate for a $10 necktie and a $ 5 l ady's scarf; a service. They can also be obtained Pennsylvania Drawer JF, Williamsburg, Va. 23185) Medallic Art Company, have not yet been set. $12.50; an $11 mug; and a crab mallet $48 si lver plate; and an $8.50 auto tag. through the Pennsylvania has had a medal avail­ also has a publication series, and five which struck them. A variety of med­ Connecticut for $12.50. titles were produced and sold during Georgia able for several years through the There is also an ambitious publica­ als are available: Connecticut introduced its first med­ 1974. Georgia's Bicentennial medal (see Franklin Mint's 50-state series. Now a tions program. 2lh 11 fine silver $75 al series in 1972. The medals, struck new medal is being prepared, also North Carolina picture), by the Medallic Art Com­ 11 by the Medallic Art Company, were pany, comes in five versions: 1lh proof silver $25 through the Franklin Mint, and details North Carolina's medal struck by 11 $10 sold on a nonprofit basis by banks. A 1112 proof bronze will be announced in the near future Medallie Art Company, is sold through 2112" high relief silver $80 11 new set of medals will be ready this 1 1lh antique bronze $2.50 by the Pennsylvania Bicentennial Com­ ' Association. There 112" fine silver $25 high relief and will be the state Bankers There is also a special $57 collectors month; they are mission (William Penn Memorial Mu­ 11/2 " 24 k gold vermeil ennial commissions are three versions available : set, in a limited edition of 5,000, which sold by local Bicent seum, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, Pennsyl­ on pure silver $30 prices which will yield a profit: 2V2" high relief silver $75 includes a 2V2 11 antique bronze, a at vania 17108). !1/2" proof bronze $10 11 11/2" high relief silver $20 1lh 11 gold on silver vermeil, and a 1 1/2 antique silver $25 Five commemorative items have 1 1 1/2" antique bronze $3 11 1/2" high relief bronze $2.50 11/2 11 fine silver medal. 21/2 antique bronze $10 been produced for the state commis­ The medals are sold through banks 11 Wilton Brass Arme tale items en­ The Massachusetts Bicentennial 1112 antique bronze $3 tale," a and savings and loan associations, and sion b y Wilton Brass, in "Arme dorsed by the Commission include a pew­ through the Georgia Bicentennial Com­ metal alloy which looks like old $6 plate, a $12.50 plate, a $10 tankard. through mission ( 1776 Peachtree Street, N.W., ter: a $5.95 auto tag (available and an $8 license plate. These prod­ plate; a Suite 520, South Wing, Atlanta, Geor­ state liquor stores); a $3.50 ucts are being sold in stores and gift $8 mug; and a small gia 30309) for out-of-state orders. $10 plate, an shops. beaker which sells for $3.50. Georgia also is making available a Other commemorative products en­ line of the Wilton Brass Armetale New Jersey dorsed by the North Carolina Bicen­ 1tems featuring the state's Bicentennial New Jersey's commemorative items J tennial Committee ( 109 East Jones logo: an $8 auto tag, a $6 plate, a program is still in the planning stages. Street, Raleigh, North Caroli na 27611) $12.50 plate, and an $11 mug. The only thing approved thus far-ex­ include key chains, cigarette cases, sun Twenty-five, one-page biographical cept for numerous publications - is a BICENTENNIAL TIE is worn by visors, pocketbooks, and some leather sketches of prominent Georgians, 1730- flag which will sell for $21.95, but it Barney Slawson, South Carolina Bi­ items which are sold through county 1790, are selling fo r $ 1 each. Other has not gone on sale yet. More details centennial program coordinator, as he organizations. publications which can be purchased on this and other items should be forth­ and Diane Robinson, staff assistant, A pamphlet about North Carolina's by writing the Commission include sev­ coming soon from the New Jersey admire a Bicentennial scarf. Both com­ role in the Revolution is being written, eral books, maps, and engravings. Revolution Bicentennial Cel­ to a license tags are sold for MARYLAND'S MEDAL shows Lord Baltimore (Cecil Calvert) as a knight on American memorative items show the state's and some thought is being given Aluminum Commission (349 West State about North Car­ forty cents to local commissions which horseback. The reverse is the state's Great Seal- the Baltimore coat of arms be­ ebration familiar cannon-and-palmetto-tree sym­ proposed guidebook Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08618). olina's historical sites. then sell them for $2. tween two figures, a farmer and a fisherman. bolism. 7 6 COUNTDOWN TO 1976- "T" MINUS 18 MONTHS Exhibits, Films Document 200 Years of American Fashion The "pioneer look" that the Paris shown. These include Samuel Slater's Oliver Wolcott is the 38th of the 56 200 Years Ago This Month fashion marts are exporting this year, original spinning machine and a model signers of the Declaration of Indepen­ a new Smithsonian Institution exhibit Eli Whitney made in the 1800's show­ dence to be honored in the monthly by DR. J. DUANE SQUIRES on 200 years of American fashion, and ing minor adjustments to his original medal series sponsored by the Bicen­ JANUARY 1775: BELATED EFFORTS TO PULL BACK two new film projects all give evidence cotton gin. tennial Council of lthe 13 Original FROM THE BRINK OF WAR of a burgeoning Bicentennial interest Claudia Kidwell, coordinator of the States and produced by the Franklin exhibit, emphasizes its historical im­ Mint. We have learned many times in the reach Gage until April 16. Action fol­ in the history of our forefathers' and plications. "The social, as well as the Wolcott (1726-1797) was educated 20th century that, when the outbreak lowed at once, and the war began. foremothers' attire. The Smithsonian's 1,500-garment ex­ economic evolution of the United at Yale, and was as active in military of war seems imminent, there will be Meantime, in various portions of as well as civilian life during the Revo­ last-minute attempts to prevent the Great Britain the economic results of hibit, "Suiting Everyone," opened last States can be traced in a large measure fall at the Institution's National Mu­ through fashion and production tech­ lution. In 1775, after serving as a com­ final collapse of peace. So it was 200 the colonial boycott on British goods missioner negotiating neutrality with years ago in the burgeoning dispute were making an impact. Unemploy­ seum of History and Technology. It niques of the nation's clothing indus­ the Indians of the Six Nations, he went between the British and the Americans. ment in certain industries swelled, and is the result of two years of research try," she maintains. to Philadelphia. Illness forced him to After a leisurely Christmas and New petitions were sent to the House of by curators of costume, textiles, and Ms. Kidwell calls the exhibit a Year's recess, Parliament reconvened Commons urging a modification of the military history at the Smithsonian. It tribute to the thousands of men and in London on January 19, 1775. On government's policies. These, however, will run through 1976. women who "contributed to the ad­ that day the British leadership for the had no effect on the determination of The American look of bygone days vancement of an industry that led to first time laid before the House of the Ministry to have a show-down with is attracting a lot of attention these the democratization of clothing in Commons 149 documents bearing upon the colonies. days-it could become the vogue-and Ameril:a and in other parts of the the American crisis. Now at last the On the American side, in January one fashion editor has reported spot­ world." legislative branch of Great Britain 1775, in Georgia there was an effort ting New York dress designers sketch­ Film Projects could grasp most of the details of what to calm the situation. Certain patriots ing antique costumes at the Smithson­ "American Women: Two Hundred had happened and what might be im­ in some of that colony's eastern par­ ian in order to "knock thl'!m off" Years of Authentic Fashion" is the title pending. ishes- Governor James Wright de­ (copy them for their own lines) . of a filmstrip produced and marketed On the very next day, William Pitt, scribed these men as "poor insignificant "Suiting Everyone" depicts, for the by the Butterick Fashion Marketing the notable Earl of Chatham-a long­ fanatics"-failed to arrange for a dele­ most part, the clothes worn by the Company of New York City. In two time friend of America-delivered an gation to attend the Second Continen­ average man and woman throughout parts-1776-1876 and 1876-present­ historic address. Denouncing Prime tal Congress scheduled to meet in May the nation's history-rather than the the filmstrip traces trends and devel­ OLIVER WoLCOTT Minister North's policies and praising at Philadelphia. Georgian sentiment elegant fashions. It also concerns it­ opments in feminine fashion. LOGO ILLUSTRATION for the the conduct of the colonies, Pitt urged was so clearly divided that no such ac­ self with manufacturing techniques Designed for classroom use, the "American Woman" filmstrip shows return to Connecticut before the vote the immediate recall of General Gage's tion was possible. Not until July 1775 and shows how mass-produced cloth­ documentary outlines the evolution of an early 19th-century look. on independence but he recovered his troops from Boston. In the ensuing did Georgia finally make up its collec­ ing narrowed the gap between the styles fashion-what women wear and why health in time to take the field in sup­ debate he was supported by a few other tive mind to support the other 12 col­ worn by the very rich and the very they wear it, where styles come from package selling for $38. (For more in­ port of Washington in command of Lords. But on a roll-call of the mem­ onies in their struggle with Great poor. and how they become popular. The formation write Margery Mellman, fourteen units of the Connecticut mil­ bership he was voted down by a wide Britain. In addition to the clothing display, filmstrips are supplemented by a sound­ Butterick Archives, 161 Sixth Avenue, itia. It is believed that he affixed his margin. the early tools of textile manufacture track on tape cassettes, a Teacher's New York, N.Y. 10013.) signature to the document either in On the 23rd of January in the House Dr. Squires, professor emeritus of and the ready-made dress trade are Guide, and a wall chart-the whole A separate project involves a film October of 1776, or on a subsequent of Commons another famous friend of history at Colby College-New Hamp­ designed for television, called "200 occasion when he was in Congress. the Americans, Edmund Burke, de­ shire, is chairman of his state's A RBC. Years of Fashion in America," that is In 1777 he was active in recruiting livered the first of several noteworthy being prepared by the Fashion Group, troops which he led at Saratoga at the addresses on the subject of reconcilia­ a prestigious organization of women defeat of the army of General "Gen­ tion between Great Britain and her 13 executives in fashion and allied indus­ tleman Johnny" Burgoyne, the first American colonies. To no avail. He too tries. The film will treat clothing as a major victory for the Americans. was overwhelmingly voted down. barometer of manners and mores. When Congress fled to York, Penn­ On the 25th of January, Lord Dart­ In addition to the film, the Fashion sylvania, to escape the British, Wolcott mouth, Secretary of State for the col­ Group (9 Rockefeller Plaza, New took his seat again in 1778, but he was onies, in a private letter wrote: " ... mea­ USA-200-the American Bicentennial Monthlll York, N.Y. 10020) is planning to put off again in 1779 to command Connec­ sures were now determined with re­ has been designated as official publication by the together a live fashion show featuring ticut military forces defending the sea­ spect to America." These measures on B icentennial Council of the Thirteen Original States. The Council is the non~profit corpora­ 200 years of clothing from museum coast against the British raiders. Inter­ the 27th were put into an official dis­ tion established by and representing the official costume collections. mittently, he relinquished his military patch to General Gage in Boston. But State Bicentennial Commissions of the Thirteen So we will all have a chance to learn duties to serve in Congress until 1784. Original States. Editorial opinions expressed in some last-minute hesitancy held the USA-200 do not necessarily represent the views about the history of American cloth­ After the war, Wolcott, who had fatal instructions for several weeks. of the Council nor any of its delegates or ing during the Bicentennial. We may gained much popularity during the con­ member states. They were not actually mailed out of BICENTENNIAL COUNCIL OF THE also have a chance to purchase mass­ flict, continued to serve in public of­ London until February 22, and did not THIRTEEN ORIGINAL STATES produced colonial clothes in our de­ fice. He was repeatedly reelected Lieu­ Chairman- James McKins try of Delaware partment stores - fichus, petticoats, tenant Governor of Connecticut from 1st Vice Chairman-Walter Peters, Jr. of ebration of the Declaration of Inde­ New Jer~ey bonnets, and mantelets come to mind; 1786 until 1796, at which time he was 2nd Vice Chlt1.rma:n Lewis McMurran, Jr. of pendence. It was melted and cast into Virginia and breeches, waistcoats, cravats, and elected Governor. He died in this of­ bullets in the kitchen and backyard of Secretary- Norman Cohn of Pennsylvania Trea.':!urer- Michael Daly of Mnssachusctt~ cocked hats - some of the once-new fice the next year. Wolcott's house. It was said that his Executive D irector-Clifford M. Clarke of fashions that must have stirred the im­ An interesting anecdote connected daughter, 11 year old Mary Ann made Georgia Address all matters pertaining to the Council aginations of the colonists when the with Wolcott's story concerns the alone more than ten thousand bullets, and its activities to: "Fashion Babies" (dolls about a foot moving of the Statue of King George and his 8 year old son, Freddy, made Brian Dow, Director of Public Information high, meticulously dressed in London from New York to Connecticut in eel- Suite 2001. 400 Colony Square nearly a thousand! Atlanta. Ga. 30361 Tel: ( 404) 892-7028 and Paris styles and serving the same SMITHSONIAN EXHIBIT display illustrates women's fashions by decade, from purpose as our fashion magazines, ar­ left: 1920, 1930, 1940; and (also from left) mini, midi, and maxi. rived each month from Europe. 9

.. MASSACHUSETIS FIRM La Scala Enhances Rich '76 Operatic ANNOUNCES '76 GRANTS Menu National Geographic's Films for '76 Depict Tumultuous Times One of the world's greatest opera only other visit to this continent. This month the National Geographic companies, La Scala of Milan, will Other Opera News Society is scheduled to begin distribu­ make its first appearance in the United tion of 12 films on the Revolution The Central Opera Service's Bicen­ as States during 1976, enhancing with its a contribution to the Bicentennial. The tennial Information Program has is­ presence the already impressive list of 25-minute films are aimed at teenagers sued its second report on operas that Bicentennial operatic events planned and focus on human interest are being commissioned and prepared aspects of throughout the nation. the tumultuous times known as the for performances in the U.S. in 1976. With a company of more than 350, Revolutionary period. (The new bulletin incorporates the La Scala will appear for two weeks in All of the films have first report-which was summarized in as their es­ 197 6, from September 7-19, as part of sence the personal USA-200 of December 1973.) conflicts of people the lavish Bicentennial season being against the backdrop of a larger con­ Eleven world premieres planned for the Kennedy Center for have been flict, dramatizing how the interrela­ commissioned by major the Performing Arts (see last month's companies for tionship of the two affects choice. USA-200). The 1976-including, by way of example, exclusive engagement As the two scenes on this page sug- at the Center "Jubilee" which Ulysses Kay is writ­ is expected to draw op­ !!est. the 12 films strive for a hard and era buffs ing for Opera/South (see last month's from around the country. ned with USA-200); and "Bilby's Doll," an op­ The trip by the company of La Scala shington era which Carlisle Floyd is composing (which will celebrate its own 200th Jay with for the Houston Grand Opera based birthday in 1978) was authorized by or with upon Esther Forbes' 1928 novel the Italian Government as a tribute to of . Others, colonial times called "A Mirror the U.S. Bicentennial. La Scala ap­ for about an Witches; in Which is Reflected the peared at Expo '67 in Montreal in its s a con­ Life, Machinations, and Death REVOLUTIONARY FERVOR of n people fires the features of Ebenezer Mackintosh, popu­ Famous Doll Bilby, Who, With a More lar leader of Boston's South 14 STAMPS TO HONOR 1ras have End gang, as he readies effigies of Lord Bute and Than Feminine Perversity, Preferred a Andrew Oliver prior to a protest against the stamp act in National Geographic's BICENTENNIAL IN '75 Demon to a Mortal Lover." film, "Cry Riot." Loyalists The major companies The U.S. Postal Service has an­ list over two lm called dozen special nounced five Bicentennial subjects Bicentennial perfor­ ins some mances (non-premieres) Penney's Will Give Sheet Music to that will be honored in 14 postage planned for n which Schools 1976. In addition, the Central stamps to be issued in 197 5. Opera assachu­ The J. C. Penney Company last schools by the managers of the 1,640 Service report lists 50 or more Grants will be awarded up to $5,000 There will be two stamps commem­ Bicen­ lthe hands month announced a program called, J. C. Penney stores throughout the na­ orating tennial operas which will be performed for projects "designed to visibly im­ the 200th anniversaries of the "A Bicentennial Musical Celebration," tion. Included will be 70 minutes of by community opera prove the exterior of historic proper­ famous opening battles of the Revolu­ companies and through which a gift of sheet music specially arranged music recaptured college workshops. ociet~ is ties, to make them more accessible, un­ tionary War, one for the Battles of operatiOn will be made to every high school and from America's past, and 30 minutes Lexington For copies derstandable or environmentally com­ and Concord (April 19) and of the report, send two and the college band, orchestra, and chorus in of new works by four soon-to-be­ dollars to the patible to the public they serve." Appli­ the other for the Battle of Bunker Hill Central Opera Service ~for class­ America. selected American composers. Bicentennial Information cations will be accepted for sites open (June 17). Program, be The music will be packaged in spe­ In announcing the program at a Metropolitan Viii de- to the public and registered, or under A block of four stamps will honor Opera, Lincoln Center, cial gift cases for presentation to December 2nd luncheon at the Smith­ New consideration for registration, by the the Bicentennial of the formation of York, N.Y. 10023. sonian Institution, J. C. Penney Chair­ National Register of Historic Places. the American military services. The man of the Board Donald V. Seibert Organizations desiring consideration stamps will feature Revolutionary War BLUEGRASS STATE ENDS ITS revealed that he himself is a former should write a brief uniforms. letter of intent to BICENTENNIAL WITH A BALL school band clarinet player, and his Bird & Son, inc., Historic Grant Pro­ Another set of four stamps will three children all play at least one in­ gram, East Walpole, Mass. 02032. The mark the Bicentennial of the Postal An elegant Bicentennial Ball in the strument. proposals, due by March 31, 1975 will Service itself. Capitol rotunda at ,Frankfort on De­ John W. Warner, ARBA's Admin­ be judged by a panel of historians, A third set of four stamps bears the cember 14th capped a full year (see istrator, presented a certificate of of­ architects, environmentalists, and bus­ intriguing title of "Contributors to the USA-200 for March 1974) of over ficial recognition to the J. C. Penney inessmen. Cause." It will feature unheralded per­ 1,000 festive and historic activities Company-the first such document to In announcing the program at a sons who played important roles in the throughout Kentucky as the Bluegrass be awarded to a business corporation press conference held at Manhattan's American Revolution. The four to be state commemorated the 200th anni­ for its Bicentennial contribution. War­ 255-year-old Fraunces Tavern, Ralph honored are: Salem Poor, black hero versary of James Harrod's founding of ner called the program "an innovative, E. Heim, president of Bird & Son, inc., whose battlefield conduct was note­ the first permanent settlement west of worthwhile contribution that will bring explained that "having shared in the worthy during the first months of ac­ the Alleghenies in 1774. great music, great joy, and fun to ev­ events of the past 180 years, we felt tion; Sybil Ludington, 16-year-old who The invitations for the Ball were au­ eryone who plays or hears the selec­ that it was more than appropriate for rode through the night to bring sol­ thentic reproductions of an invitation tions." our company to participate in the Bi­ diers to the aid of the Danbury militia sent to Kentuckians for a Ball held in "It will enhance the meaning and centennial celebration." being attacked by the British; Haym Frankfort in 1825 in honor of Lafay­ impact of the nation's Bicentennial One of 31 American manufacturing Solomon, a merchant and banker often ette, the French hero of the American Celebration for all of us," Warner said. firms established in or before 1795 and called the "Financier of the Revolu­ Revolution. The invitations were print­ A widely-circulated Associated Press still in existence, Bird & Son has grown tion" for his aid to the bankrupt Con­ ed on a 233-year-old press in Colonial wire service story reported the price from its humble beginnings to a com­ tinental Army; and Peter Francisco, Williamsburg, Va. tag for the program as $2 million. But pany which employs 3,000 people in who enlisted at age 15 and fought with Gordon McRae, accompanied Penney's officials say that the figure is 30 plants by the and offices located in 14 distinction until the British surrender 60-piece much too high, that they do not know Lexington Philharmonic Or­ SOME HUNG UP Southern Tories states. at Yorktown. meet justice at the hands of the Overmountain how the erroneous report chestra, was featured at the Ball. Men for acts of violence got started, against the civilian populace in National Geographic's and that it is impossible film, "King's Mountain." to estimate the 10 dollar cost of the program. 11

.. MASSACHUSETTS FIRM La Scala Enhances Rich '7 6 Operatic Menu National GeogTaphic's Films joT '76 Depict Tumultuous Times ANNOUNCES '76 GRANTS One of the world's greatest opera only other visit to this continent. This month the National Geographic A $100,000 Bicentennial matching Society is scheduled to begin distribu­ companies, La Scala of Milan, will Other Opera News grants program for the preservation of make its first appearance in the United tion of 12 films on the Revolution as The Central Opera Service's Bicen­ national historic sites has been an­ States during 1976, enhancing with its a contribution to the Bicentennial. The tennial Information Program has is­ nounced by Bird & Son, a New England presence the already impressive list of 25-minute films are aimed at teenagers sued its second report on operas that corporation that was founded 180 years Bicentennial operatic events planned and focus on human interest aspects of are being commissioned and prepared ago during George Washington's pres­ throughout the nation. the tumultuous t imes known as the idency. for performances in the U.S. in 1976. Revolutionary period. With a company of more than 350, (The new bulletin incorporates the The Massachusetts company- today La Scala will appear for two weeks in All of the films have as their es­ a manufacturer of asphalt roofing, first report-which was summarized in sence the personal conflicts of people 1976, from September 7-19, as part of USA-200 of December 1973.) vinyl siding, paperboard products, and the lavish Bicentennial season being against the backdrop of a larger con­ industrial machinery-was founded as planned for the Kennedy Center for Eleven world premieres have been flict, dramatizing how the interrela­ a small paper mill by young George the Performing Arts (see last month's commissioned by major companies for tionship of the two affects choice. Bird in 1795. Bird's mill hand-pro­ USA-200). The exclusive engagement 1976-including, by way of example, As the two scenes on this page sug­ "Jubilee" u ,h;,.....h, T l hH:'oC. ~C ll" •:nt 1c u trit_ cessed five reams of mottled paper at the Center is expected to draw op­ gest, the 12 films strive for a hard and daily. era buffs from around the country. ing for 0 honest tone. Some are concerned with USA-200 The trip by the company of La Scala subjects such as George Washington era whicl: (which will celebrate its own 200th deciding whether his loyalties lay with for the I birthday in 1978) was authorized by the colonies where he lived, or with the Italian Government as a tribute to upon Est England where he was born. Others, the U.S. Bicentennial. La Scala ap­ colonial 1 such as "Mary Kate's War," about an 1.. peared at Expo '67 in Montreal in its Witches; outspoken lady who publ ishes a con­ REVOLUTIONARY FERVOR fires the features of Ebenezer Mackintosh, popu­ Life, M: troversial letter, concentrate on people lar leader of Boston's South End gang, as he readies effigies of Lord Bute and Famous I around whom no historical auras have 14 STAMPS TO HONOR Andrew Oliver prior to a protest against the stamp act in National Geographic's Than Fer formed. film, "Cry Riot." BICENTENNIAL IN '75 Demon tc The plight of the colonial Loyalists The U.S. Postal Service has an­ Them is treated sensitively, and a film called k in Sorrow" contains some nounced five Bicentennial subjects dozen s1 "Look Bac Penney's Will Give Sheet Music to Schools mances ( moving dream sequences in which that will be honored in 14 postage Penney Company last schools by the managers of the 1,640 1976. In Samuel Curwen of Salem, Massachu­ The J. C. stamps to be issued in 1975. ed a program called, J. C. Penney stores throughout the na­ Service n setts relives his harassment at the hands month announc There will be two stamps commem­ "A Bicentennial Musical Celebration," tion. Included will be 70 minutes of Grants will be awarded up to $5,000 tennial Of of the patriots. orating the 200th anniversaries of the gift of sheet music specially arranged music recaptured for projects "designed to visibly im­ by comrr The National Geographic Society is through which a of historic proper­ famous opening battles of the Revolu­ will be made to every high school and from America's past, and 30 minutes prove the exterior college W< producing the films (in cooperation tionary War, one for the Battles of college band, orchestra, and chorus in of new works by four soon-to-be­ ties, to make them more accessible, un­ For co with WQED-TV of Pittsburgh and the Lexington and Concord (April 19) and America. selected American composers. derstandable or environmentally com­ dollars tc Carnegie Mellon University) for class­ the other for the Battle of Bunker Hill The music will be packaged in spe­ In announcing the program at a patible to the public they serve." Appli­ Bicentenn room use. Teacher's guides will be de­ (June 17). cial gift cases for presentation to December 2nd luncheon at the Smith­ cations will be accepted for sites open veloped for each film. A block of four stamps will honor Metropoli sonian Institution, J. C. Penney Chair­ to the public and registered, or under New Yor consideration for registration, by the the Bicentennial of the formation of man of the Board Donald V. Seibert National Register of Historic Places. the American military services. The revealed that he himself is a former Organizations desiring consideration stamps will feature Revolutionary War BLUEGRASS STATE ENDS ITS school band clarinet player, and his should write a brief letter of intent to uniforms. BICENTENNIAL WITH A BALL three children all play at least one in­ Bird & Son, inc., Historic Grant Pro­ Another set of four stamps will strument. An elegant Ball in the gram, East Walpole, Mass. 02032. The mark the Bicentennial of the Postal Bicent~'nnial John W. Warner, ARBA's Admin­ rotunda at Frankfort on De­ proposals, due by March 3 I, 197 5 will Service itself. Capitol istrator, presented a certificate of of­ 14th capped a full year (see be judged by a panel of historians, A third set of four stamps bears the cember ficial recognition to the J. C. Penney USA-200 for March 1974) of over architects, environmentalists, and bus­ intriguing title of "Contributors to the Company-the first such document to festive and historic activities inessmen. Cause." It will feature unheralded per­ 1,000 be awarded to a business corporation Kentucky as the Bluegrass In announcing the program at a sons who played important roles in the throughout for its Bicentennial contribution. War­ anni­ press conference held at Manhattan's American Revolution. The four to be state commemorated the 200th ner called the program "an innovative, of James Harrod's founding of 255-year-old Fraunces Tavern, Ralph honored are: Salem Poor, black hero versary worthwhile contribution that will bring first permanent settlement west of E. Heim, president of Bird & Son, inc., whose battlefield conduct was note­ the great music, great joy, and fun to ev­ explained that "having shared in the worthy during the first months of ac­ the Alleghenies in 1774. eryone who plays or hears the selec­ events of the past 180 years, we felt tion; Sybil Ludington, 16-year-old who The invitations for the Ball were au­ tions." that it was more than appropriate for rode through the night to bring sol­ thentic reproductions of an invitation "It will enhance the meaning and our company to participate in the Bi­ diers to the aid of the Danbury militia sent to Kentuckians for a Ball held in impact of the nation's Bicentennial centennial celebration." being attacked by the British; Haym Frankfort in 1825 in honor of Lafay­ Celebration for all of us," Warner said. One of 31 American manufacturing Solomon, a merchant and banker often ette, the French hero of the American A widely-circulated Associated Press firms established in or before 1795 and called the "Financier of the Revolu­ Revolution. The invitations were print­ wire service story reported the price still in existence, Bird & Son has grown tion" for his aid to the bankrupt Con­ ed on a 233-year-old press in Colonial tag for the program as $2 million. But from its humble beginnings to a com­ tinental Army; and Peter Francisco, Williamsburg, Va. Penney's officials say that the figure is pany which employs 3,000 people in who enlisted at age 15 and fought with Gordon McRae, accompanied by the much too high, that they do not know 30 plants and offices located in 14 distinction until the British surrender 60-piece Lexington Philharmonic Or­ SOME HUNG UP Southern Tories meet justice at the hands of the Overmountain how the erroneous report got started, states. at Yorktown. chestra, was featured at the Ball. Men for acts of violence against the civilian populace in National Geographic's and that it is impossible to estimate the film, "King's Mountain." dollar cost of the program. 10 11 THE AMERICA CENTER WILL GIVE '76 FOCUS TO NYC

A major Bicentennial attraction, the building, an open-air cafe outside, called "The America Center," is being and a regional foods restaurant (Shaker planned for midtown Manhattan in an Herb Soup, Maryland Crab Cake, Dr. effort to give the Bicentennial in New Coffin's Lobster Stew, etc.) and crafts York City a focal point and bring the shops inside. maximum intensity of an American Ms. Zehring hopes to create a long­ people-to-people experience to the mil­ term event that will inspire movement Uons of domestic and foreign visitors of visitors to many regionalized events who will come to the city in 1976. and festivals throughout the country The new owner of the Allied Chemical (many of which might be announced Building in Times Square has turned on the Times Square ticker tape). Bi­ over the building's first two floors and centennial visitors will be able to find the famous news ticker to the enthus­ out what is happening all around the iastic and enterprising architect of the country (including New York City) . Center scheme, Karen Zehring. Ms. The America Center is part of a Zehring has already moved into offices larger plan which the Allied Chemical in the building at Number One, Times Building's owner, Alex Parker, has f<;>r Square, and has an impressive creative his newly-acquired building and the staff ready to go to work. whole of the now-rundown Times What is needed now is a corporate Square area. sponsor willing to underwrite a budget of approximately $1 million (with a If the America Center project maximum cash requirement of $878,- comes to fruition- and it seems well on 000). This would in effect act like a its way with the acquisition of the non-interest loan, Ms. Zehring ex­ Allied Chemical Building space-it plains, since the corporate sponsor should give focus to the idea that New would recover his outlay from sales at York City is the gateway to the United the Center. States and the gathering place for much The America Center will celebrate of what is best in America. And it America and its regional folk tradi­ should provide a place where some­ tions (what the people eat, what they thing will be happening each day dur­ THE AMERICA CENTER w ill oc­ make with their hands, and their mu­ ing the Bicentennial Era. As such, it cupy the first two fl oors of the Allied sic). There will be a Bicentennial in­ would attract New York area residents Chemical Building at the heart of New formation center on the first floor of as well as tourists. York City's Times Square.

BICENTENNIAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS C)"l!C: :;;!=>~ Jan. 9 & 10: Meeting of the Bicentennial Council of the ZmN :uoo 13 Original States, Atlanta, Georgia. c;>

Jan. 10: "World of Franklin and Jefferson" exhibit opens •~p~ 0 at the Grand Palais in Paris. z l:- Jan. 15-Feb. 15: Founders' Festival, Charleston, S.C. 0 Black heritage of South Carolina-outdoor fair, crafts ~ N show, Martin Luther King observance. m Jan. 15: Dedication ceremony and opening of exhibit "America's Inventive Genius", Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Illinois. ' Jan. 18, 19, 20: Fincastle County Festival. Reenactment of Fincastle Resolves, Giles County, Narrows, Va. Jan. 1-31: Dedicatory ceremonies, Denver Indian Center Complex, Denver, Colorado. Feb. 13: Beginning of 2 year Bicentennial Forum focus­ ing on principles of America's founding, Boston, Mass. Feb. 15-16: George Washington G ala weekend, C harles­ ,..Q .., ton, S.C. 2nd annual Sutlers' Muster, 167th Annual m C1l c: z !n 0> Light Infantry, Church services. 3 ,..c: ~ ., .., ;><; 0 ~ 0 Q z 6 ,m !' "'-i > Send Calendar Notices At Least Two Months in Advance of > "'-i en Ridge, N.J. 07028. 0. Q m Event to: Editor, USA -200, Box 200, Gl ~ w m !- "'

12