Ride with Paul Revere

, 5 Comments on Ride with Paul Revere

I hope my fellow Americans had a lovely and safe Independence Day. We spent the evening at home enjoying Disneyland’s fireworks from our front yard, but not before going to Knott’s Berry Farm’s Independence Hall as per my tradition for the last couple of years. While Knott’s Berry Farm’s version of Independence Hall is open every day of the year (with the exception of Christmas Day) during Independence Day, they have a Ben Franklin reenactor, as well as an Abigail Adams reenactor. Franklin regales Guests with tales of his discoveries, and role in the American Revolution. They also offer a replica of the Declaration of Independence for Guests to sign.

Unlike the last two years, I opted for a more casual look, because I recently scored this vintage Paul Revere and the Raiders tee on Etsy, something I’ve been on the hunt for years! I saw this shirt back in college at a vintage store and it wasn’t for sale, and then one day I walked in and it was gone! Apparently the owner had had a very slow day, and someone made of offer he couldn’t refuse.

Not only are Paul Revere and the Raiders among one of my favorite bands, they are close to my heart. While The Raiders started in Idaho (where my mother is from) they gained success after moving to Oregon, and Mark Lindsay joined, who was born in Eugene, where I was born as well. They were also the first concert I remember I attending, which was a reunion show back in the 90s. I’ve been told by my parents Jan and Dean was actually my first concert, but I was a year old, so like I remember!

Also, wearing this shirt to Knott’s is kind of funny, as Lindsay actually left the band following a gig at Knott’s in 1975. And aside from the band’s obvious American Revolution inspiration, Revere got married on Independence Day, 1976, during a Raiders show.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Close-up of my t-shirt. Red letters read "Paul Revere" with black letters reading "and the" and then text emulating the flag reads "Raiders" the original version of the American flag juts from the "Raiders" portion. A small bird sits on the E of "Revere" and plugs his ears.

A replica of the Liberty Bell sits within Independence Hall, with an upper balcony above. The walls are painted a muted teal.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Inside Independence Hall, a large chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Close up of the replica bell.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Inside the gift shop portion of Independence Hall. A massive flag, the original version, hangs on the wall. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Close up of my shoes. The front platform features red and white stripes, the back heel is blue with white stars. The top part over the toes is blue with white stripes, and the heel and ankle strap are red and white stripes.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Inside the singing room, a chair and small desk sit against the back wall. The walls are painted a pale green color.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

A Ben Franklin reenactor sits at a table holding a kite.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Inside the singing room, a chair and small desk sit against the back wall. The walls are painted a pale green color. In front a small collection of tables and chairs, atop each table are quills and parchment.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

Myself standing outside Independence Hall, a red brick building with white windows and doors, wearing a tricorn hat of red, white and blue stripes, a white t-shirt reading "Paul Revere and the Raiders" with the original flag jutting from the "Raiders" portion, and jean shorts, and platform shoes features red and white stripes and blue with white stars.

If you’re unfamiliar with Paul Revere and the Raiders, which would be a gosh darn shame, check out the video of them performing their hit “Kicks” below, as it really highlights the awesome ridiculousness of the band.

Also, one thing I’ve failed to mention in my previous posts about Knott’s Independence Hall is that 2005 film National Treasure actually used this interior, as opposed to the real Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

National Treasure Screencap: A group of men walk up a staircase inside Independence Hall.

National Treasure Screencap: A group of men walk along the upper balcony of the interior of Independence Hall.

National Treasure Screencap: Abigail and Riley look at an odd pair of glasses inside the signing room of Independence Hall.

National Treasure Screencap: Ben, Abigail, and Riley look look at the Declaration of Independence inside the signing room of Independence Hall.

The film gives Knott’s Berry Farm a special thanks in its credits.

On a more personal note, and as mentioned in the last couple Independence Day posts, this holiday has become one of the more difficult ones to celebrate. I have had to change my perspective on the holiday in many ways, and this year wanted to focus on the historical aspect as to why this day is important, rather than celebrate what America currently is, because, let’s face it, it’s in shambles, it’s a disgrace, and I am embarrassed on a variety of levels, not to mention flat out scared half of the time. Here is to the 2020 election!

Visit the west cost Independence Hall at Knott’s Berry Farm (no admission needed, and park in the Marketplace lot for free two hour parking) at 8039 Beach Boulevard in Buena Park.

Outfit
Hat: Elsewhere Vintage, Orange, California
Earrings: ???
Paul Revere and the Raiders Shirt: Cairo VintageShorts: Buffalo Exchange
Bracelet: A Rolling Stone, Redlands, California
Shoes: Jeffery Campbell
Purse: Frock You, San Diego, California

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5 comments on “Ride with Paul Revere”

  2. Here! Here! Redhead! I am with you on the last part! Shambles! Good for you to find a way to refocus! Cheers to 2020!
    –E

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  3. Wonderful T-shirt, Janey, you look wonderful in it. In 1987 when the Monkees reformed (three of them, not including Mike Nesmith), they put out an album with a new single on it, which was a cover of Kicks. I don’t think the Raiders were released in Australia in the 60s – it was great to hear/see their (albeit crazy) original: that poor lady on the horse, she looks mortified!

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