To celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial (250th birthday) Patrick and I headed over to Independence Hall. No, not the one in Philadelphia, although I would love that one day! But the one at Knott’s Berry Farm. That’s right, Knott’s Berry Farm has its very own full scale replica of Independence Hall, and the great thing about it is that it is located outside of the theme park, and is free to visit! Inside visitors can enjoy a show featuring a reenactment of the Founding Fathers arguing for and against independence before voting to form a new nation. While only audio, the show is still dramatic, and in a way eerie, as it is almost as if you’re hearing their ghosts.  For the Fourth, they added historical reenactors to depict colonists of the era, along with historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Abigail Adams. After we returned home to enjoy a small party with friends and watch Disneyland’s fireworks from the comfort of our front yard.

So, just how did Knott’s Berry Farm end up with a replica of Independence Hall? Well, as long time readers know, Knott’s Berry Farm, today known as a theme park, was originally just a simple berry farm, operated by husband and wife, Walter and Cordelia Knott. When the Great Depression arrived, Cordelia served up fried chicken dinner to make ends meet, and before too long there were lines out the door! Soon Walter built a ghost town for people to explore while they waited upwards of three hours for their table. Soon, the ghost town grew to become an attraction of its own. Fast forward to 1963. Walter and Cordelia went to Philadelphia, where he fell in love with Independence Hall. Walter, who considered himself a great patriot, realized not everyone would be able to visit the real Independence Hall, and chose to bring such history to California by recreating it at his farm-turned-theme park. He obtained original blueprints, sent designers back to Philadelphia to take photographs and measurements, and even had bricks handmade for the structure. However the biggest challenge was the Liberty Bell. In 1964 one of Walter’s men, Bud Hurlbut, was allowed extraordinary access to the bell. He later reflected on the task, “I got in there because of an article one of the men had read about Mr. Knott in Readers Digest…I measured every letter on it. It’s the most exact copy that’s ever been done, not only in weight, but in size too. They told me I could spend as much time measuring as I wanted, but when a tour group came through I’d have to stand back…I even took a little filing off the interior of the bell so I could figure out the exact metal composition and Mr. Knott would know that his [recreation] was perfect.” In the end Knott’s bell weighed in at 2,075 pounds, just five under the original.

So perfect, this replica has been used for filming, including National Treasure, and most recently, the first episode of Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America, on HBO.

As mentioned in my Fourth decoration post, I have had to shift how I view the holiday. As America sits in shambles, with unfair policies, attacks on liberty, and a wanna-be king, it is difficult to celebrate America as she is today. Therefore, I choose to look to the future, and celebrate what America can be, and try to do my part. For me that means voting and advocating for inclusive policies for people of color, the queer community, and more. I also want not just our country, but our earth to survive into the next generation, which means voting for and participating in eco-friendly actions. When I’m feeling really defeated, I often turn to is Postcards to Voters. The program results in increased voter turn out. It’s super easy, and can be done on your own, while watching TV, or grab your friends and make a fun night of it. There is always something to do to make our country a better, friendlier, and more inclusive place! So I encourage you to go out and find something!

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

Outfit
Hat & Purse: I can’t remember!
Shirt: Disneyland
Shorts: Hammies
Eagle Necklace: Ortega’s Trading Post, San Juan Capistrano, California
Declaration of Independence Necklace: Junk for Joy, Burbank, California
Freemason Ring: Belonged to my great grandfather
Shoes: Jeffery Campbell by way of Buffalo Exchange

Sources
Merritt, Christopher, & J. Eric Lynxwiler. Knott’s Preserved. Angel City Press: 2015.