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
Boy on float in Fourth of July parade
The flags are out on the Fourth of July
Decorations on the Fourth of July
A family picnic on the 4th of July, 1941
At a drinking fountain during the celebration
Boys before the big parade for Independence Day
Boys, Fourth of July, Vale, Oregon 1941
Enjoying cold drinks in a cafe on the 4th
Decorating their automobile for the Fourth of July parade
Even at a Fourth of July picnic, baby brother must have his nap
Farmers in town for the Fourth of July celebration
Kids on float in 4th of July parade, 1941
Lighting a firecracker at Fourth of July celebration
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 Fourth of July parade
