Independence Day 2002

July 4, 2002 - Rutledge, Pa.- Bradford Hampsey Morbeck fought off the most serious challenge ever mounted to his Rutledge race dominance as he JUST edged a kid named Gabriel in the annual Rutledge Triangle “25 yard dash for 6-year olds” contest. In the past few years Mr. Morbeck has been repeatedly hampered by “late” starts off of the starting line; this time he almost MISSED the race completely.

In Independence Day Parade news, a deadly combination of cute babies and rampant post 9/11 jingoism sank the mighty Morbeck entry in the heralded “family float division” competition to a disappointing 3rd place.

Our story begins earlier in the day, however. On a gruelingly hot Independence Day our stalwart assemblage of Morbecks chose to honor one of the Borough’s most celebrated citizens: OREO! The Senior’s house at the corner of Rutledge Avenue and Unity Terrace has long been the traditional “halfway” point on our numerous trips to the “Triangle” playground and baseball field throughout the years. Since Rutledge Morbeck time immemorial the unofficial “King” of Rutledge has always been able to take time out of his busy schedule to repeatedly greet our merry band of revelers.

“He’s a “WICKIN’” Cat!” I’ve heard remarked upon on more than one occasion, Oreo’s rough tongue dancing about smooth outstretched hands. In the past few months all visiting Morbecks have been sworn to secrecy, careful not to tip Oreo off as to the identity of our Independence Day Parade nominee.

STOP THE PRESSES!

Okay, we have no presses. We DO have a NEW innovation, however! Morbeck.com now offers VIDEO on demand! Click on OREO ON PARADE to see breathtaking digital footage (courtesy BWdemille) of "Oreo: The Movie"

In a frenzy of early morning preparation we five Morbecks donned ears, white vests, and tails. Rubber cats’ noses spray painted black never dried even using the expensive “sneaker shelf” option I sprung for when I bought the Kenmore dryer 4 years ago; We opted for the more traditional magic markered whiskers instead. Brad and visiting cohort Shauna Wallace chose to ride decorated bikes in this year’s extravaganza so our backyard is strewn with miles of red, white, and blue crepe paper and patriotic ribbon.

(l to r: OREO the Float, Gabe, Ben, Lily Wallace, Michelle Senior, OREO the Cat, Brad, Sally)

At about 9AM Sally and I dragged our monstrous tribute to cat excellence down our rough pockmarked driveway and we were soon on our way. Our float rolled rather well despite the addition of numerous stowaways up in the cargo hold. We gamely pushed on down Unity Terrace, eager to receive a pre parade blessing from Oreo Senior: “The Nicest Cat in Rutledge”ä.

Little did we know that disaster was about to strike. Our right front caster, possibly damaged on the rough trip from the driveway onto President Avenue, chose to disintegrate before our very eyes. Luckily Michelle Senior had the presence of mind in this dire emergency to immediately come up with a novel solution: New Wheels! Bruce Wallace helped me laboriously strap our entire float onto a three wheeled hand truck and we were on our way. We proceed to roll down Rutledge Avenue with renewed vigor, unfortunately with a new “No Riders” policy due to the float’s newly acquired “tippy-ness”.

We reached the 200 block and lined up with our fellow Independence Day Parade marchers. I strolled around to check out our fellow competitors in the hallowed “Family Float” competition. Everyone was quite hot but our small borough has really “pulled out all the stops” this year in our tribute to our founding fathers. As always, our hearts leapt when we saw the fire engine slowly ambling down Swarthmore Avenue, soon to take its rightful place at the head of the procession. A few quick blasts of the horn and we were on our way!

(l to r: Tim Sullivan, Ian Wallace, Joan Sullivan, Matt Sullivan, Rick Sullivan)

This year has been very special to us due to a planned influx of out-of-town guests. Our old Massachusetts friends the Sullivans and the Wallaces have both braved incredible distances to join us in this solemn tribute to cat perfection. We see them lining the parade route as we head into the first turn and urge them to march with us here in Delaware County’s tiniest municipality (860 souls; Eat your hearts out, Milbourne and Rose Valley). Besides, this thing is getting really heavy and we desperately need some help pushing our fur covered behemoth. Frank Lacon also joins us in the nick of time as well, offering well needed strength on our circuit throughout the Borough.

We reach Town Hall for the flag raising ceremony and listen with interest as the various competitive awards are announced.

“Second Place: those Teddy bears who tried to cut Cheryl Blair off somewhere over by the corner of Melrose Terrace and Linden Avenue.”

Oh well, last year we didn’t place “in the money” at all. I send Brad up to receive our ribbon and he also brings back the 3rd place share of the Prize Money: the munificent sum of $2!

We gobble down a few water ices while most of our visiting entourage takes refuge in 15,000 BTU comfort back in the 28 President living room. We convince a contingent of fun lovers to participate in the next hallowed event of a Rutledge Independence Day: the riding of the Fire Engines!

Much like the “Running of the Bulls”, this yearly extravaganza serves as a keynote to our lives in this, Delaware County’s most wonderful borough.

Brad and Evan Lacon join Ian Wallace up in the “jumpseat” while the rest of us scramble up top to receive an exciting whirlwind journey throughout the streets of Rutledge, sirens and lights a blarin’. We’re the last ride of the day so we’re able to snap a quick picture of our junior firefighters sitting on the tall steps we’ve just used to ascend to fire truck glory.

We return home for a delightful lunch of cold cuts and chips, chips, chips. Due to the severity of the midday heat we’re forced to eat in shifts in the kitchen, the oppressive temperatures precluding an outdoor picnic. Those willing to brave the searing climatic conditions stroll back down to the Triangle with us at 1PM to take part in the annual “Rutledge Games”.