Celebrating Independence Day with Adventure and Style
Independence Day is when the first bold Americans declared to the world that this country would exist, on its own terms, by its own beliefs, and its own ideals. History tells us that it took courage, sacrifice, passion, and gumption to pull off the birth of our nation, which is why we still honor the occasion today. But how often do we think about what that means? Or why we celebrate?
Those guys who signed the Declaration were literally risking their lives to found this country. They were committing treason to the crown of England. If they lost the Revolutionary War, they would’ve been tried and found guilty, probably drawn and quartered.
But they still did it. They knew the risks and took the chance anyway.
In a letter to his wife Abigail, John Adams called Independence Day “the most memorable epoch in the history of America.” He went on to say: “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
This is a special holiday for Ellicott & Co. because our patriotism is part of the inspiration and mission—to rekindle the spirit of the American maker, by stocking exclusively American made goods.
This may be an uphill battle, but we’re up for the challenge. According to the American Apparel and Footwear Association, during the 1960s around 95% of apparel worn by Americans was manufactured here. Today, more than 97% of apparel and 98% of footwear sold in the USA was made somewhere other than here.
We’re working to reverse that trend, at least in a small way, and in doing so, we hope to reignite pride in the American experiment and an appreciation for the history that forged our nation and our communities.
In order to celebrate Independence Day according to John Adams’ poetic wishes, we are planning an Ellicott Expedition from June 20 until our Grand Opening Celebration on Friday July 1.
So, what’s an Ellicott Expedition, you say?
Andrew Ellicott was a man of adventure. He traveled all over the young America to complete major surveying projects. He studied astronomy and literature. He was known as a man of great skill, integrity, and was a devoted family man. He’s the type of guy that made America a successful experiment in the first place. And, he called Lancaster home for more than a decade of his adult life.
In the spirit of Andrew Ellicott, we’ve designed the Ellicott Expedition as a way for Lancastrians to show off their historical knowledge, their American ingenuity, as well as their love of Lancaster. It is a city-wide scavenger hunt that’ll take you about an hour to complete. And, if you complete the Expedition on or before July 1, you can enter to win a $150 gift card to Ellicott & Co! See details below.
Swing by the Ellicott & Co. store on July 1 from 6 to 8 PM to grab a cold beverage from Wacker Brewing Co, a bite to eat (we’ll be grilling), and to join us in celebrating the birth of our Nation. At 7 PM, we’ll draw the winners of the expedition!
The Ellicott Expedition Official Rules:
Drop by Ellicott & Co. (45 North Market Street, Lancaster, PA) anytime prior to 2 pm on Friday, July 1 to pick up an Ellicott Expedition clue card.
Your goal is to solve each clue using whatever resources you can, and travel to that location. When you get to that location complete the task and record your answer.
Feel free to do this as an individual or work together with a team of friends. But, each person should be sure to fill out their own clue card to be entered to win prizes. Only one entry per person.
As you go to each location, post a photo to Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #ellicottexpedition to chart your progress. Be careful not to reveal any answers when posting. We’ll then check your location photos when you finish.
When all clues are solved, all five locations visited, and all tasks completed, return to Ellicott & Co. and submit your clue card prior to 6 PM on July 1.
You will then be entered to win the grand prize of a $150 gift card to Ellicott & Co, as well as other awesome 2nd and 3rd place prize.
Winners will be drawn during our early Independence Day Celebration on First Friday, July 1 at 7 PM.
