The Rockport Democrat, June 28, 1935

Citizens of the Tri-State territory and adjoining sections will have the opportunity of seeing modern times grouped with the exciting progressive period at the 4^th of July celebration at Rockport, and even the Indians will have a part in the big parade. More than 50 business men and civic groups of Rockport, and several from other towns in the county, have signified their intentions of participating in this grand commencement of Rockport’s pioneer village dedication.

Colorful Indian troups, old southern customs of living; Abe Lincoln in Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois; slave auctions and other slave scenes of Uncle Tom’s Cabin days, America’s first industries, including the riving of clapboards, shoe making, farming, early laundry work, pack peddling, blacksmithing, weaving and spinning, all will be in evidence. Oxen and old tools will have their place. Old Father Time himself will be there, and so will Miss Rockport, Miss Spencer county and Miss Indiana. Miss Columbia will also be represented. There will be an old fashioned style show. The United States Constitution, and its three departments—judiciary, executive and legislative, will be shown. The I. O. O. F. lodge plans an unusual float. The old Rockport fair band wagon, more than 50 years old, has been repainted in white and gold and will be drawn, as in other days, by four white horses driven by a negro coachman. T. C. Basye, president emeritus of the Spencer county historical society and general chairman for the event this year will ride in the wagon, as will Henry Hoch, who with Basye, was connected with the old Rockport fair committee as officers of the fair association.

There will be women on horseback, hunters in coonskin caps carrying squirrel rifles. Every community in the county will be represented in the parade with a float. These are Rockport, Eureka, Hatfield, Richland, Grandview, Newtonville, Gentryville, Chrisney, Dale, Lincoln City, Fulda, Mariah Hill, St. Meinrad, Santa Claus, Lamar, New Boston and Evanston.

The pioneer parade will begin at 10 o’clock in the morning forming at the courthouse square and marching down Main street to the city park. Hilbert Bennett and Claud Snyder are parade directors and Loney Parsley is parade marshal.