The Corner

Fourth of July at Belltower Hall - back - when growing up,

I recall that it was fifty dollars worth - and it may have increased after the initial startup,

But it was such a great time for a kid - firecrackers and sparklers - and booms and spark showers radiated - in the darkened sky,

Those times still set within a friendly way with me - a summer peacefulness - even with the excitement - before our eyes.

Jimmy Carroll (1932-2010) - would always set them off - us kids were not allowed close - in case something would erupt,

And one year Jimmy did have one rocket go off near him - we were all concerned for him - remember him walking - with help - to the Hall,

He was shaken, and hurt - but not badly as I recall - a trained paratrooper - he was back the next year - to set Belltower’s rockets off again - to fly,

The fireworks were the highlight of the night - but a socializing dance was to follow - in those days - by and by.

I knew the nooks and crannies of Belltower Hall - outside and inside - very well as a child - and in summertime the road culverts and the large propane tank - were instant draws - away from the cars and pickups,

We played throwing needle and thread spined seed heads at one another - they would stick nicely in our shirts - we were all heads up,

And the lights next to both Hall doors attracted loads of insects - millers and enormous moths at times - flying low then twirling up high,

This drew me like a magnet - on a pleasant July night.

I can’t recall when I lived there - it ever being too dry to shoot the rockets with multi-colored glare,

And the Hall - built with labor from Belltower - was always there,

With a collection plate was passed that night - and the people throughout the county - and beyond - chipped in as well - all to share,

And through all the times I recall - seemed that the weather mostly cooperated back then - and it was good - as the Belltower Community Club truly cared.

My dad played saxophone at times for the dances way back then - along with others hired to play and sing,

My memories of a slick sawdust covered floor - to slide on with my good shoes with hard soles - between jitterbugging couples - with dancers who could swing,

We sat along the walls - waiting for a music break,

To storm the floor - sliding - and sometimes a basketball entered into the fray.

The ground - roasted meat and sandwich spread on white bread sandwiches,

Saved our growing - twelve o’clock appetites - potato chips with lemonade - as we pleased,

Some of us who were younger - may fall asleep beneath the tables near the kitchen area - we couldn’t stay awake,

Any longer - too much excitement for the evening already - we might have even missed the chocolate cake.

The dance memories do intermingle - and are confused within me now - but the joy of community were constant as a school bell ring,

And these memories of those dances - when dancing was that last thing on this young boy’s mind - frivolity sterling,

Will always stay with me - perhaps will be that last memories to go - at least I hope - for my sake,

And each July fourth will be compared to those at Belltower - there may now be more to experience - but for the sense of community then - my heart now aches.

So if you remember those Belltower Fourths - please have gratitude,

For we all had a wealth beyond comprehension - and always remember the idea behind the fourth itself - for our national patriotism to be - in each year - renewed.

My last Belltower fourth was in 1983 - I remember talking to classmate Jeff Tauck - I would soon leave to a career - it was a fitting goodbye - my last Belltower night - I think I knew,

Finally - no two eyes see exactly the same colors - which we like - in the glitter above - and the dance tunes varied - but we all came together to take what we wanted from it all - but also to give or most - to the red - white and blue.

Erwin Curry

Formally from Belltower

Missoula, Montana