Quintessential Patriotic Small Town---Pitman, New Jersey

 

Pitman Commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg

 

 

Yes, after viewing this Fourth of July parade in Pitman, New Jersey the only conclusion you can come to is that it is the Quintessential Patriotic Small Town.  It had all the elements that you need:  an utter faith that you are in a safe town, well-cared for homes be-decked with bunting and the American flag, people dressed in red, white, and blue introducing themselves to you and wishing you a Happy Fourth of July, a running marathon, and a parade with all the essential features. It is the town's most treasured community event.

One of the side traditions is the "placing of the chairs".  Residents can place chairs two days before the event to reserve a shady spot or some other prime property.  I did not stay for the evening fireworks which surprisingly was cancelled because of a technical difficulty. 

The parade featured several marching bands including my favorite, the Hobo Band.  But that wasn't the only music.  Many different churches participated and small bands were featured on their floats.  Some floats depicted Gettysburg themes along with one tall Abe Lincoln.   It is not surprising there were so many church floats considering Pitman's history as a church camp:

http://www.nj.searchroots.com/Gloucesterco/pitman.htm



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honored Grand Marshals: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



http://www.empaonline.org/Jackie%20Mclaughlin%20bio.html

I need to further investigate who drove this vehicle in the parade:

Driver of the McLaughlin race car:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Jersey is known for its flat featureless geography but Pitman seems to be a bit more hilly than most communites as the property below indicates:

 

 

 

 

The photo bellows shows "the placing of the chairs" that might occur up to two days prior to the parade:

 

 

A member of the Hobo Band is chatting in the staging area.  He must be the leader of the band with his fuzzy duster stick on the ground:

 

 

 

Proud to be driving the classic Farmall tractor:

 

 

A finer firetruck you will never see.  This photo does not do justice to the detailed pin-striped and unique finish:

 

 

 

 Aside from the historic homes, Victorian styles and classic craftsman styled homes, the yards feature some spectacular gardens.  These beautiful calla lilies have motivated me to make them my next garden purchase:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past Pitman Parades:

 

 

 http://sixty-fourandcounting-philly.blogspot.com/2012/09/pitmans-fourth-of-july-parade.html