Two celebrations in the Yaak on July 4
Here are the readers of the Declaration of Independence at the Yaak Community Hall's annual Fourth of July celebration in 2024. From left, are Jerry Thomas, Judge Matt Cuffe, Zippy Purdy, Sarah Rusnak, Sen. Mike Cuffe, Judge Dan Wilson, Mike Harrell and Mike Zwiebel. (Photo courtesy Sara Harell)
July 4,1925, was an important day in the Yaak. Besides being the 149th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it was also the day that the Yaak Community Hall opened for a dance.
In 1924, the Yaak Community Association appointed Walter Smoot, an early homesteader of the area, to oversee building a larger community hall for the local residents. In 1925, large larch logs were cut and skidded down the hill directly to the site, where it was built and still stands today, on U.S. Forest Service Property at mile marker 33 on the Yaak River Road.
Over the last 100 years the Hall has been a place for plays, more dances, school functions, lady’s teas, family reunions, weddings and community meetings.
In colonial times, the Declaration of Independence would have been read to the townspeople in the town square, a tavern, or some other gathering place. It seems appropriate that since 2016, the steps of the Community Hall have served as the location for a reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
It is a very serene and beautiful spot to listen and reflect on the words of the nation’s founders on our Independence Day. This year will be no different. The Yaak community would like to invite the public to celebrate part of their Independence Day Holiday in the Yaak.
A parade starting 12:15 p.m. leaving the Yaak River Mercantile will proceed down the Yaak River Road to the Community Hall. Once the parade reaches the Hall (about 12:45), the Declaration will be read by veterans and community members.
There will be an opportunity for some discussion. Pocket constitutions, hotdogs and water will be available.
Following the Declaration of Independence celebration, the Yaak Community Hall membership is having a birthday party to celebrate that the beautiful larch log building has been standing strong for the last 100 years!
The members are prepared to undertake repairs on the foundation and floor with the help of a $168,000 Montana Historical Preservation grant, complemented by a match of locally raised funds. This initiative aims to ensure the building will continue to serve the community for the next 100 years.
The Birthday Party is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring performances by local musicians, games for the kids, hamburgers, hotdogs, potluck side dishes and birthday cake.
There is a silent auction and the drawing will be held for the handmade Yaak Community Hall 100-year Commemorative quilt during the celebration.
Raffle tickets are still available for $10 each. Please plan to join us for the celebration! You can call Sandy at 295-7095, for more information about the day’s events.