A LOOK BACK:Independence Day 1938: Main Street Parade

It is hard to believe that next week we’ll celebrate our nation’s birthday with a gigantic parade along Main Street.

Huntington Beach over the years has seen many famous people riding in this historic parade.

This week let’s look at our city as it prepared to celebrate Independence Day 1938 from Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4.

Fourth of July committee Chairman Ted Tarbox and the rest of the committee — which included Dr. Lawrence Whittaker, William Gallienne, A.W. Frost, John Africa, Bill Jones, Dr. Douglas Hough, Warren Bristol, Harry Overmyer, Daniel Huston, Clint Brush and Sol White — spent many months preparing for this great event.

By June 30 every available trailer space at the municipal trailer park was taken for the entire weekend. There were “no vacancy” signs posted at Seabridge Camp’s entrance and every tent, car and cabin space was occupied.

The celebration began with the arrival of the cruiser U.S.S. Milwaukee, which was anchored offshore Saturday afternoon with its crew of nearly 500 men and officers.

Mayor Marcus McCallen and the parade committee held a reception July 2 for the ship’s commander, F.H. Kelly, inside the Golden Bear Café.

During the reception, Harry Bakre, owner of the Golden Bear, handed Commander Kelly a telegram that contained his orders.

Later that evening, a National Youth Administration band concert was held at the Main Street grandstand.

Following the concert came the crowning of this year’s queen, Phyllis Plavan, and members of her court — Betty Black, Margaret Burry, Charlotte Heitz, Wanda McManus, Betty Priddy and Polly Wardlow.

During the coronation, Plavan stepped forward to receive her crown from Commander Kelly while Mayor McCallen welcomed the visitors.

Fred Grable, president of the Huntington Beach Lions Club, presented Queen Phyllis with a loving cup.

Margaret Colvin, Dick Beeson and Henry Wirth were in charge and saw that this part of the holiday celebration went smoothly.

The next day the public was invited to take a special tour of the Milwaukee followed by kayak races near the pier.

A carnival and fun zone was set up on 5th Street between Pacific Coast Highway and Walnut Avenue for kids to enjoy.

The Huntington Beach Municipal Band, under the direction of John Peterson, supplied the music for a beauty contest and parade at the beach.

Awards were given to the winners of the kayak races and there was dancing throughout the night at the pavilion.

Independence Day festivities began at 9 a.m. with a sucker scramble for the kids and a swim around the pier that was won by Art Bermudez, who had recently broke the national prep school 440 free-style record.

The main parade began at 11 a.m. at 6th and Main streets. It continued to Pacific Coast Highway, turned west on 8th Street, and then wound north to Palm Avenue and back to Main Street.

Following the 63rd Coast Artillery Band from Fort MacArthur came the year’s grand marshal, Orange County Sheriff Logan Jackson.

Following Jackson came Queen Phyllis, U.S. Rep. Harry Sheppard, Mayor McCallen and city officials, Lt. Gov. George Hatfield of California, Lt. Gov. Vic Meyers of Washington and former State Comptroller J.F.T. O’Connor.

Harry Kraemer thrilled the crowd with the 65 year old’s trick bicycle antics, followed by 8-year-old Mary Ellen Phillip on her unicycle.

After the parade, an Old Timers picnic took place at noon in the home of Tom Talbert, 518 Pacific Coast Highway, followed by a horse show and games at the baseball park.

Unfortunately for the announcer at the ballpark, Butch Underwood had forgotten the public address system and by the end of the day the announcer’s throat grew hoarse.

Many other events followed throughout the day, including a baby and pet parade down Main Street, a spelling bee, pie-eating contest, band concerts and fireworks show at the pier.