Did You Know?

Since 1897, when the Mountain Retreat Center was first organized, people have come to Montreat for many different reasons – revivals and conferences, rest and relaxation, health benefits, education, training as missionaries. Whatever their primary focus, everyone set aside July 4 for a shared experience. Our modern celebration, complete with flag-raising, parade, barbeque lunch, many smaller street parties, and an evening square dance, has evolved over the past 127 years.

The first opportunity to wave the flag was the summer of 1897. There was no parade then, probably because the very few streets that existed were more like dirt cart paths. Nonetheless, Montreaters proudly displayed the new flag with 45 stars, denoting the admission of Utah as a state in 1896. In the 1930s, groups in Montreat celebrated collectively with small, home-grown parades. In 1967, after a brief hiatus, that small celebration was renewed with a morning flag-raising, multiple activities on Moore Center field, a barbeque lunch on the grounds, and a larger but still home-grown parade.

While specifics have changed in the past 55 years, the parade defines July 4 in Montreat.  It is led by a fire truck, a police car, and the Grand Marshall riding in a convertible. The Scottish Society’s presence is noted with the pipe and drum corps. The Montreat German Society is fully dressed in authentic costumes. The entire parade is still home-grown: “floats” are flat-bed trailers pulled by pickup trucks; families decorate their cars and walk alongside, often with their dogs; the club programs each carry a banner and dress according to the year’s theme; and organizations like Landcare, the Cottagers, and the Adult Summer Club carry identifying banners.  Montreaters who are not in the parade line the route with their chairs the night before to get the best viewing locations. Cars parked along Assembly Drive all the way to the gate attest to the popularity of this event.  And after the parade, after the picnic, after a nap, it is time for the square dance on the tennis courts! Grab your partner and circle up!

Thanks to the Presbyterian Heritage Center, especially Nancy Midgette, for this glimpse from the past. Stop by the PHC for additional Montreat history and so much more. Have an idea for a future “Did You Know?”? Let Nancy know at midgette@elon.edu.