Shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor — the event that brought the United States into World War II — people around the country were enjoying the last few months before their age of innocence ended.
Here are some sweet, small-town photos from the Fourth of July parade, picnic and other carefree fun of the Independence Day celebrations in Vale, Oregon on July 4, 1941. (All photos by Russell Lee, courtesy of the LOC.)
Independence Day celebrations & parade in Vale, Oregon – the last 4th of July before WWII
The flags are out at this small town Fourth of July
Decorations on the Fourth of July
A family picnic on the 4th of July, 1941
Kids around the drinking fountain in front of the barber shop
Boys before the small town’s big parade for Independence Day
ALSO SEE: Vintage postcards for the 4th of July to see & share
Kids on a float for the Fourth
Enjoying cold drinks in a quaint cafe on the 4th
Decorating their automobile for the Fourth of July parade
Even at a Fourth of July picnic, the baby must have a nap
Farmers in town for the celebration
Kids on a float in 4th of July parade, 1941
Lighting a firecracker
Boy on a float in the small town Fourth of July parade
Pony ride concession
Reading the comics – funny pages
A ride at the carnival Fourth of July celebration Vale, Oregon – 1941
Sign and decoration on the Fourth of July
The flags are out
Watching the small town Fourth of July parade
ALSO SEE: Here’s how to have a festive 4th of July with a vintage vibe!
