July & August 2006
McCarthy: —The town’s yearly observance of the 4th of July combined with the celebration of McCarthy’s Centennial brought out folks from far and wide. The festivities began as early as July 1st with live music at the Golden Saloon in downtown McCarthy. (continued page 7)
The Clothesline Photography Show at the “barn” next door to the Ma Johnson Hotel began its display of favorite pictures of the area, some from way back when!
The Kennicott Glacier Lodge held its annual holiday barbecue on the evening of July 2nd. A Kids’ Workshop at the Old Hardware Store in McCarthy gave kids an opportunity to do a few crafts but also to decorate bikes and carts for the 4th of July parade.
The McCarthy-Kennicott Marching Band began this year’s July 4 th festivities followed by the national anthem sung by Rebecca Bard and accompanied by Malcolm Vance.
A phenomenal parade, the largest participation remembered by locals, filled the tiny streets of McCarthy. Nine historic vehicles, members of the Antique Auto Mushing Club, were interspersed among the various and even humorous floats that entertained the bystanders lining the town’s main street.
The National Park Service employees entered a float for the first time. Their rendition of the CR&NW train, driven by Dave Williams of Kennicott, was accompanied by a comical skit depicting the Prohibition Agent, (Stephens Harper), who was doing his best to round up those pesky lawbreakers. Vicki Snitzler, dressed up as the town’s local schoolmarm, was giving her support to the “Agent” by flushing out two bootleggers (Megan Richotte and Jessica Speed).
A favorite of the patriotic side of the town was the Gary Baugh family’s display of the American flag.
The Copper Oar float and the Kennicott/McCarthy Volunteer Fire Department’s water truck made sure many of the bystanders were aptly doused with water.
After the parade and before the games began, it was a time for speeches and presentations in support and commemoration of the 100-year celebration of McCarthy’s existence and history.
The delivery of a citation to the town of McCarthy from the 24th Alaska legislature was read by Paul Barrett, grandson of John Barrett, the town’s founder. The tribute, congratulating the town for surviving 100 years and wishing it another centennial, was presented to Meg Hunt on behalf of the McCarthy Museum with special recognition to Neil Darish, for being originator of the McCarthy Centenniel project. Sponsors of the citation were Representative Woodie Salmon and Senator Al Kookesh.
Diane Milliard gave a speech on the history of the town. The author of Historic McCarthy the Town that Copper Built, M. J. Kirchhoff, addressed the audience with items of historical significance. He presented the town with an original painting by J. P. Hubrick which was eagerly examined by many in attendance.
A live auction followed with items donated by local businesses with proceeds going to community organizations. Raffle tickets were sold to raise money for the McCarthy Outhouse Fund. The prize was a Mill Tour with St. Elias Alpine Guides and dinner at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge.
Games for young and old rounded out the afternoon. McCarthy Lodge held an outdoor barbecue and the McCarthy Mercantile kept the town well supplied with ice cream cones.
Another 4th of July has come and gone with the small town of McCarthy now on its way to yet another 100 years.
4th of July and McCarthy Centennial celebrated—McCarthy style
(continued from Cover)
July & August 2006
