10/10/2026
Ferguson Feature by Joe Bryan published in the Watonga Republican Oct. 7, 2026
Cheese Festival: Visit the Ferguson Exhibit at the Barrett Building on Main
Street Oct. 9/10 and parade.
In the January 28, 1926 edition of The Watonga Republican, Mrs. Ferguson filed a report on her visit to Philadelphia as a member of the Advisory
Commission for the Sesquicentennial (150 years since the Declaration of Independence) celebration planned for the summer of 1926. Only 45 of approximately 96 Commission members from 34 states attended the
meeting (1). The morning of January 20, 1926, the group of advisors visited
Independence Hall which was to be one of the Exhibits of the “Sesqui” as it was known. Mrs. Ferguson relates the feeling of awe standing “where Patrick Henry emerged with his eloquence (sic) shout “Give me Liberty or
give me death”. Benjamin Franklin gave an“immortal address which seemed almost inspired, in speaking for the signing of that document which gave the world the greatest nation on earth – the Declaration of
Independence.” Mayor Kendrick was 45 minutes late while attending to City business (1).
“The high-backed chair in which sat Washington while the signers came forward in the all the solemnity of the occasion and affixed their names still stands in its place”
“The Hall is preserved as far as possible as it was on this momentous occasion – the same chairs, desks, chandeliers and the same boards in the
floor, which were trod by men who laid the foundations for our nation”“The first meeting of the Sesquicentennial Advisory Board was held in this room presided over by James M. Beck, (former Solicitor General appointed
by President Coolidge), the chairman of the board. There the members answered to roll call and heard several talks. We were given the opportunity to visit this historic spot under the es**rt of the guards. The Liberty Bell was the center of interest in the wide corridor leading from
Independence Hall to the rooms of the Continental Congress. The two buildings are connected by a covered hallway or corridor and are built of
brick. Across the street is a whole block covered in buildings of the Curtis Publishing Company’s publications – the Saturday Evening Post, Ladies
Home Journal, etc. The Saturday Evening Post has developed from the original paper printed by Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac.”
“On the steps of Independence Hall moving pictures were taken of the Advisory group and notables who were present. From here, a luncheon at the Bellveu (sec) Stratford where speeches were made by Senators, Congressmen and many other noted men. (To be continued)
“Sesqui: Greed, Graft, and the Forgotten World’s Fair of 1926” by Thomas
H. Keels
