This week the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday, but 50 years ago America’s bicentennial was the nation’s focus.
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For the big birthday, Sentinel Star reporter Angela Jacobs found that Ben Franklin, John Adams and other notable names on the Declaration of Independence were celebrating in Orlando. Here’s her story from July 5, 1976.
Ben Franklin, who is proud of his direct links to the Philadelphia Franklins, was hosting a family affair at his Orlando home this July 4th. Others with the same names of those famous signers of 200 years ago were doing much the same Sunday, picnicking, swimming, watching TV, just taking it easy.
Benjamin Franklin of 2711 Keystone Dr. said his famous kin was a brother to a grandfather several generations back and that July 4th always has a special significance to him.
John Q. Adams, who carries the same name as a prime mover for independence, said he was spending the day watching the nation’s celebration on TV.
Winter Park’s John Hart became aware while in grammar school he bore the same name as one of the Declaration signers and felt very proud of the fact, he said. He planned to go to Lake Baldwin during the evening to watch the fireworks.
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Lewis Morris said he was aware of his link by name to another signer, but knew of no kinship. He manages the Marbeya Club Apartments in Casselberry and planned to host a picnic for his employees during the afternoon while watching television coverage of the celebration.
John Morton was another signer of 200 years ago, but the electronic age greeted a call to Orlando’s man of the same name. Seems he was away from home for a while and a recorded voice advised callers to leave their message.
As for the bold signature on the Declaration, the only John Hancock listed in telephone directory was the life insurance company of the same name.
And over in Oviedo, Thomas Jefferson was at church and couldn’t be reached for comment.
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