Declaring independence: Special reading recalls the reason for the season

Tom Wadsworth portrays Thomas Jefferson at Chaplin Creek in Franklin Grove on Saturday morning. Wadsworth read parts of the Declaration of Independence along with other reenactors at the event. (Chris Padgett/cpadgett@svnmail.com)

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FRANKLIN GROVE – When the folks at historic Chaplin Creek Village celebrate Independence Day, it seems fitting that they go to the source material.

For the eighth consecutive year, volunteers in period costume and powdered wigs read aloud Saturday from the Declaration of Independence.

Organizer Max Baumgardner started the annual affair with a goal in mind. 

“We want to have every town in the United States to have a reading of the Declaration of Independence because it is important,” he said.

Barbara O’Rourke, one of the actors in the event, played the part of Rebecca Sherman, who had the honor of sewing three stars onto Betsy Ross’ original American flag.

“I’ve just always liked history,” O’Rourke said. That fondness is the reason she chose to take part in the event for the second year.

The reading attracted a large audience, both young and old. “I came to hear what our country did long ago,” said Adam Mairs, 11.