A 1976 film captures life in Colfax during America's bicentennial celebration.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we look back at a film produced during the nation's bicentennial in 1976. This portrait of Colfax, Iowa captures the people, traditions, and rhythms of small-town life, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past and a chance to reflect on what has changed, and what has endured.
Transcript
[FEMALE VOICE OFF-SCREEN] There is an attitude that prevails in a small town that almost amounts to an ethic. You can feel it and see it in the pace of living. Join us now for a musical excursion to Colfax, Iowa. It's time to celebrate the country's 200th birthday and a small town's legacy.
[MAN SINGING] ♪ America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above. From the mountains to the prairies to the ocean white with foam. God bless America my home sweet home. God bless America my home sweet home. ♪
[MAN SITTING IN BARBER CHAIR] I'll have just a trim off the side, please. Oh, you say you're having a bicentennial celebration here? How could you people out here ever consider yourself capable of a 200 year history?
[MALE VOICE OFF-SCREEN] Colfax became a town in 1866. So, you see, we've been here, this town has been here for more than a century now. One thing that helped Colfax get going was the coal we had around here. We had camps and coal camps in towns all around here. Now, let me tell you, coal was big business. But that wasn't all we had. No, sir. We had mineral water. That was something. Came out, it could cure everything from rheumatism and constipation right down to a wart on your big toe. We had a real water boom going. Why, we had hotels, and every one of them had a mineral spring. This was a real resort town.
[WOMEN SINGING] ♪ There's a feeling comes a-stealing. And it sets my brain a-reeling. When I'm list'ning to the music of a military band. Red, White and Blue, I am for you! You're a grand old flag. You're a high-flying flag. And forever in peace may you wave. You're the emblem of the land I love. The home of the free and the brave. Keep your eye on the grand old flag ♪
[CLOWN] Where'd you get that little doggie? Did Mommy make that for you?
[GIRL] Uh-huh.
[CLOWN] Oh, that's nice. There you are. You see me a little later. Bye bye.
[MAN] Now, listen, the band is going to turn in between Warwick and Cross' Jewelry Store, but the parade will be going on.
[FEMALE VOICE OFF-SCREEN] Things like this are taking place in numberless small communities. But with all of them, there is something distinctive. The folks in Colfax are planning a real wing ding. There will be a parade, an historical pageant, a black powder shoot, and an honest to God greased pig contest.
[MALE VOICE OFF-SCREEN] Our Heavenly Father, this day we're drawn together in the spirit of oneness that this nation might be a melting pot of people from all nations with all kinds of differences and backgrounds and different colors. Amen.