Some things age well with time. Checkers, family games like a three-legged race, food and fireworks have been a part of the Fourth of July celebrations in Rockvale for ninety-one years.
Whether you're new to Rutherford County, or a seasoned citizen--you'll want to be at the Rockvale Community Center from 10:00 o'clock this coming Tuesday morning, July 4th, until 3:00 that afternoon.
This small historic community settled by early settlers following the Revolutionary War, is situated in the western part of Rutherford County. The old school grounds are where they gather to celebrate Independence Day every year, for over 80 plus years. It is a grand tradition, a neighborhood party of sorts, one with a lot of practice. Whether you come to help put things on or walk around, everyone enjoys seeing those they have missed throughout the year and "visit", as it called. There is also food of course, games and music.
The Fourth of July Picnic is attended by people from all over the county, some coming back to visit, some come and see what it is all about, and some new to the area. This year, The Rockvale Historical Society (RHS) will set up tents and hope you will stop by and sit awhile. Dana Lowe, RHS officer, and others will be there to hear your stories and memories of the history of those who settled in Rockvale. Most people never left, or if they did for work and service, came back to retire. Bring your own collection of history to share and see what shows up at the RHS table.
The picnic is as unique as Rockvale. The first school at this location was built in 1910 under the state's effort to consolidate community conscriptions schools for a more centralized education program. The first year, it went to 11th grade and the next year 12th. The wooden school was torn down, and in 1927 a brick school was built in its place. The picnic began that year and the maple trees were planted to shade future events at the school. That picnic started with a horse race and an effort to raise money to support the community and school.
The Rockvale community is proud of its history. Pride in their men who served in the military during WWWII prompted choosing the "Rockets", as the school mascot. Anyone, who knows Rockvale history will tell you that baseball in Rockvale was because of "Doc Burns". He organized and sponsored the game in 1928 and the rest is history. Oher memorable things about past Rockvale picnics, is the line waiting to get a seat at the table, all ages, elbow to elbow, hoping they got to call out bingo.
Well, sad to say, bingo has not come back, but another well-known tradition is going to be at this picnic. Checkers! For those who know of the reputation of the Rockvale Store checker players, you know how important checker playing is to Rockvale history. A crowd spent many days and hours in the back of the store waiting to see who out maneuvered who, and grandkids and cousins all waiting for the chance to give it a go.
An open players tent will be set up by RHS and a checker tournament will be held around 11 am for those who have qualified in earlier games starting at 10. There is no secret rule or method to playing a better game of checkers, of course, the best way to learn or improve your game is play more people. Checkers is about enjoying a good game. There will be an overall winner and bragging rights at the end of the day, but memories are what most will walk away with. See you at the RHS tent at the picnic Wednesday, July 4th. No need to register.
ROCKVALE'S 4th of JULY on Tuesday's Action Line
We're going to be doing lots of flag waving on the radio this Tuesday, Independence Day. Tune to WGNS between 8:10 and 9:00 Tuesday morning to hear Denise Carlton and numerous other Rockvale friends and historians tell what has made this annual event successful for 91-years.
