By Patric Hedlund

Retired Kern County Sheriff’s Detective Kerry D. Savee, riding his trusty steed Mary, spent this Fourth of July playing the role of Sgt. Louis Welton, a Fort Tejon Dragoon in 1856. Welton was a tailor originally from Northumberland, England. He kept the Dragoons in snappy uniforms made of fine, tightly woven wool, Savee told picnicking families.

Many immigrants came to California for the Great Gold Rush of 1849, then had to join the Dragoons to afford boots and food when those golden nuggets were too elusive and they didn’t strike it rich.

On Sunday, celebrating families clustered under gracious oak trees, just down the Interstate 5 in Lebec, enjoying the booming 31-cannon salute to Independence Day. Sean Malis, Living History Curator for the Fort Tejon State Historic Park, explained, “There is one cannon blast for every state in the nation in 1856.” Jeannie Park of Granada Hills and her daughter Paige, 4 went dashing in the opposite direction to get away from the booming cannons. But Bob Hawks from Covina and his family were entranced by the explosions beneath the 30-foot flag with 31 stars that waved majestically in the breeze. Hawks wore a snappy U.S. flag top hat to honor the day.

Visitors were treated to three-legged sack races and a wild egg toss riot. They also enjoyed the blacksmith’s shop and demonstrations of everyday skills in 1856, such as candle making. The verdict? A great way to enjoy the Fourth of July.

This is part of the July 09, 2010 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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