(1:17:31; 70MB; S. 2043)

For several decades the Stephen Foster Memorial in White Springs offered an Independence Day Festival that featured live music, dances, games, and food. The festivities took on added significance for the memorial as it was also the birthday of songwriter Stephen Foster, the author Florida’s state song, "Old Folks at Home." Recorded on July 4, 1964 by Foster Barnes at the Stephen Foster Center in White Springs, Florida.

Transcript of the Introduction

Welcome back to the Florida Folklife Collection podcast series from the State Library and Archives of Florida.

For several decades the Stephen Foster Memorial in White Springs offered an Independence Day Festival that featured live music, dances, games, and food. The festivities took on added significance for the memorial as it was also the birthday of songwriter Stephen Foster, the author Florida’s state song, "Old Folks at Home."

While few recordings of these early celebrations survive, the State Archives of Florida is thrilled to present for your enjoyment the following 4th of July program from 1964. Running a little over an hour, it was captured on reel to reel tape by memorial curator Foster Barnes.

The program offers listeners unique insight into the nature of patriotism in mid-20th century America as well as providing some good, old-fashioned singing and storytelling, free watermelon, home-style fixins and a mess of wholesome fun. Draw yourself a cold glass of sweet tea, and celebrate an old-time Independence Day with Cousin Thelma Boltin and friends way down in White Springs.