“Time flies. It’s up to you to be the navigator.“
— Robert Orben (1927-2023) American comedy writer and magician
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July 4, 1976. Not long out of college, and I’m on the Naples Monitor newspaper masthead: “Photographer and Reporter.”
Daily papers in the office browsing bin carry front-page stories about the U.S. bicentennial—the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. About New York Harbor where a parade of 16 majestic tall ships from around the world paraded. Where President Gerald Ford rang a ceremonial bell aboard the USS Forrestal and delivered a nationally televised speech honoring U.S. naval history with an International Naval Review and Blue Angels aerial demonstration.
All in celebration of our nation and its Navy—both with 1776 beginnings.
Every major broadcast network (ABC, CBS, and NBC) preempted programming for live coverage of the day’s events. On CBS, Walter Cronkite led 16 hours honoring the bicentennial.
At home, an early-July heat wave tortured Texas with temps exceeding 100.
The Texas Independence Bicentennial Wagon Train traversed the state stopping for huge public events. Cities large and small held community-wide parades, historical programs, and fireworks displays.
In true Texas music tradition, Willie Nelson’s famous Fourth of July Picnic kicked off at the Sterling Kelley Ranch in Gonzales County. Multi-thousands of country music fans and legendary artists joined Willie to celebrate Independence Day, including Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Leon Russell, Ray Wiley Hubbard, George Jones, and more.
For the Thursday, July 1 issue of The Monitor, we produced one of those fun editions that owner and publisher Morris Craig taught me to enjoy. Back when mom-and-pop weekly newspaper publishers often did things … just for the fun of it. That week’s edition carried a mock front page resembling a 1923 Naples Monitor and a 1926 Omaha Breeze.
A “Bi-Centennial Celebration” logo adorned the upper left corner, and the early 1900s looking page proclaimed news in the old style. Before photos when advertising was intermingled with local tidbits and every page was mostly words.
“Personals and locals” on the front page. “Mrs. Virene Weathersby is visiting her parents in Naples. • “For sale, one large black workhorse. See J.C. Wommack in Marietta. • J.F. Musik and sheriff Ponder of Daingerfield were in Naples on Wednesday • Groceries a specialty. See our line. H.B. Moore.”
The few front-page stories included things for which locals had no other way of learning. A report on the Odd Fellows district meeting in Mount Pleasant. How the Breeze in Omaha received a ticket to the Central East Texas Fair in Marshall, and “it was appreciated whether we attend or not.” That “Rev. J.E. Evans, pastor at the First Christian Church at Sulphur Springs, conducted the opening services in the new Christian Church in Omaha.”
Turning to page 2 of that “Bi-Centennial Edition” revealed The Monitor’s “real” front page that looked like 1976 and carried an explanation for the “fun” front page as a historical feature. Also reported were plans for a holiday celebration on Saturday, July 3, to mark the nation’s 200th birthday. Events included festivities at the Naples City Park and Community House including games for all ages by the local Jaycees, a fiddlers contest, patriotic music and speakers, and a free barbecue dinner.
Other community news included a story about a new deputy sheriff being sworn in, and how Omaha was cracking down on noise and liquor violators.
And now, here we are 50 years later, still celebrating the United States of America … the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The Monitor is still publishing weekly editions. But after serving as publisher of four newspapers since 1976 and a little time in between as marketing director for a couple of businesses, you’ll likely find me at home July 4th. Cool and comfortable; reminiscing and wondering.
How is it that I was just minding my own business, and suddenly, it’s 50 years later?
While I try to navigate my way through dilemma, best wishes to each of you for a happy, safe and memorable 250th Independence Day! And may God bless America for 50 years more, and beyond.
—Leon Aldridge
(The Naples Monitor image above: “Fun front page” of the 1976 Naples Monitor bicentennial published for the July Fourth edition that year during my first newspaper job. the “real” first page for the edition was on page 2.)
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Leon Aldridge is a veteran editor, publisher, and communications professional, currently enjoying semi-retirement while awaiting his next challenge. His columns appear in: The Center Light and Champion, The Mount Pleasant Tribune, the Rosenberg Fort Bend Herald, the Taylor Press, the Alpine Avalanche, the Fort Stockton Pioneer, the Elgin Courier, The Monitor in Naples, and Motor Sports Magazine.
© Leon Aldridge and A Story Worth Telling 2026. Feel free to use excerpts with full and clear credit given to Leon Aldridge and ‘A Story Worth Telling.’
A Story Worth Telling 