Special guest speaker Barbara Lounsberry took a lighthearted look at Midwestern reserve-but also with a serious side; Lounsberry explored the possible causes of what she calls "our quiet culture" and suggested ways to counteract it when we wish in a talk entitled: "Yup...Nope...and Why Midwesterners Don't Say Much"**

Just like each year for the past fifteen years, folks gathered at the museum to hear a great speaker, sing patriotic songs and have a chance to ring one of the bells in front of the museum. There were school bells, church bells, and fire bells from all over Wayne County amongst the sixteen bells waiting patiently for July 4th so their voices can once again be heard. When all the bells began to swing the sound could be heard all the way to Corydon's square where people were setting up for the remainder of the old-fashioned celebration.

After ringing a bell it was time to head uptown and find a place on Corydon's square to watch the Funtime Parade beginning at 5 p.m. Great cooks could enter a pie in the pie contest with judging and a pie auction at 5:45pm. After all the ringing bells and parading the Lions Club ham barbecue and WAYCO Arts Council ice cream social really hit the spot.

People brought their lawn chairs and relaxed on the courthouse lawn listening to The El Dorado's at 6:00pm; the band played high energy music including old country and swing. Band member Jason Boggs is a former Humeston resident.

The old-fashioned July 4th celebration concluded with fireworks at Corydon Lake Park at dusk.

**The Wayne County Historical Society is pleased to have received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, to host "Yup...Nope...and Why Midwesterners Don't Say Much" by Barbara Lounsberry. A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowa's communities.

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WCHS President Hal Greenlee welcomed everyone to the 15th Annual Freedom Ring.

Cub Scout Pack 137 led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance

Anita Wells on keyboard and Georgia Runyon led the crowd in a few patriotic songs.

Guest Speaker Barbara Lounsberry shared an interesting look at Midwesterners in "Yup...Nope...and Why Midwesterners Don't Say Much"