I would like to wish everyone a very Happy 4th of July. This day signifies the signing of our Declaration of Independence and the revolution that lead to this great nation.
I don’t have any colonial ancestors. I don’t even have a colonial “uncle of the wife of my 6th cousin twice removed”. As yet, I have no roots in America prior to 1849.
That may change as I delve into my Irish roots. Did you know the parish records are going online July 8th? You can read more about this new offering in this article “Ireland Reaching Out Welcomes Launch Date for New Church Records Resource.” I hope that the records I need for Cam, Roscommon will be in this database. If so, I will be able to answer many questions. And, I might be able to figure out some of my DNA connections which most likely come from this side of the tree
Today, I will share with you this photo that a cousin shared with me. It’s from a 4th of July celebration in the 1920s in Oakland, California.
The young women are Sophie (Bonita) Guido, Margaret (Bonita) Moleiro, Gloria (Braga) Thom, and Rose (Bonita) Ferreira. The photo was taken in front of the Bonita house in Oakland, California. Gloria was visiting from Hawaii.
A ship manifest shows Gloria and her father, Seraphim de Braga, returning home to Honolulu in August 1924. Perhaps this photo was taken during that trip.
I wish you all festive and safe 4th of July celebrations! Be sure to spend a little time on the history behind our celebrations. It was a remarkable time in world history.
Kenneth C. Davis’s history books bring history to life. The “Don’t Know Much About…” Series is wonderful for those of refreshing our memories about American history or those who are learning it anew. I am partial to the book written for kids. It is full of facts and interesting tales and it make our history accessible. If you haven’t read these books, check them out!
