Special Guest Speaker Delights Crowd
The three day festivities celebrating the 250th birthday, “America’s 250th-A Bagley Celebration” July 3-5 kicked off in full force on Friday July 3, at 1pm, with special guest speaker Doug Ohman (Twin Cities). He shared his newest history program “America’s 250” to a group of nearly 50 guests who gathered at the Bagley American Legion.
Mr. Ohman was engaging, inclusive, knowledgeable, as well as funny with his quips and stories. He delivered a spectacular program about the events and people in our 250 year history who defined our nation by asking questions about certain events in history. Those who answered correctly received a prize, perfect for about anyone, piece of chocolate. Guest and history buff Veteran Dan Rivera left with several pieces, more than anyone. There were one or two close behind. It was a very fun way to get the audience’s attention and discuss our nations 250 year history. History that many individuals find boring.
Mr. Ohman began his program discussing the four presidents carved on Mt. Rushmore, and their main contributions to our country. The president he referenced first was, of course, President George Washington, our first President. Ohman said without Washington we would not be celebrating 250 years as a country. Then he spoke about President Abraham Lincoln, (father of Thanksgiving) the most important president during our darkest hour, the 4 years during the Civil War and Lincoln did not chop down the apple tree. Next Ohman discussed a few of the major contributions made by President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt established the national park system and the first of only two presidents to win the Nobel Peace Prize. And last, President Thomas Jefferson. Among the many of his contributions, he is the author of the Declaration of Independence and a small land purchase, only $15 million, that more than doubled the the size of the country, The Louisiana Purchase.
The great explorer’s of our 250 year history was next starting with Daniel Boone. Boone who was responsible for the famous trail through Appalachian Mountains to reach the Cumberland Gap known as the “Wilderness Road”. William Clark and Meriwether Lewis were sent to explore the unknown land of the Louisiana Purchase and reach the Pacific Northwest.
Ohman continued his discussion with notable men and women in our history who helped share our nation. Charles Lindbergh, the first solo transatlantic non-stop flight from New York to Paris in 33 hours. Neil Armstrong, the first man to step on the moon. Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the Reaper Harvester which mechanized harvesting that was done by hand. Ben Franklin whose first invention were swim fins. Thomas Edison was known as the greatest inventor. His first invention was the phonograph. He held 900 patents. Because of his invention of the light bulb the 2nd/3rd work shifts were introduced. Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone. Sears and Roebuck, the first mail order catalog of watches and jewelry. Wilber and Orville Wright, the first airplane to actually fly. A flight that lasted 12 seconds. Henry Ford, inventor of the assembly line and the most famous car in world - the Model T. A car he said you could have in any color as long as it’s black. Francis S. Key, famous writing his poem originally titled Defence of Fort M’Henry, “The Star Spangled Banner”. Elizabeth Blackwell the first female doctor. Clara Barton, mostly known for being a nurse on the battle field - founder of the American Red Cross. Andrew Carnegie funded 1700 libraries. Boris Mann known as the father of education and the first 1-8 grade school, “Education the heart beat of our nation”. Laura Ingalls Wilder, the story of America through her many stories for kids to read. Her first book “Farmer Boy” about her husband. Harriet Beecher Stowe the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Mark Twain, the American author known for the classic book series about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Harriet Tubman who wrote “The Underground Railroad”. Elizabeth Stanton, the Sufferage Movement. She worked 70 years for the women’s right to vote. She never survived to see it happen. Ohman mentioned other important figures in our history, Elenor Roosevelt-global human rights, Rosie the Rivetor-symbol of women during WWII, and Rosa Parks who sat on a bus.
A huge thank you to the sponsors of this event; Thompson Auto Repair, Team Industries, Off-Grid Armory, Ramsrud Ranch, and an anonymous donor, who made this amazing program possible.
And, of course a big thank you to the large team of volunteers who assisted in some way- from those who coordinated, made treats, helped serve, make decorations and/or decorate, to the clean up afterwards. It take an army to pull off a successful program.