With the help of our volunteers, we’re hard at work on a number of community projects.

Santa Barbara Breakwater Flagpole Restoration Project
The marine atmosphere, with its salty air, fog, and high winds, has tarnished and discolored the flagpoles that line our beautiful breakwater. We are initiating a program to restore and refinish those flagpoles. Each will fly an American flag. We will keep you updated on the progress and estimated completion date of this project.

Betsy Ross Flag Installation
In 1776, an esteemed furniture upholsterer named Betsy Ross was contacted by George Washington and commissioned to sew the first U.S. Stars and Stripes flag. Washington and a committee of congress brought a rough drawing of the proposed flag to her shop. Ross suggested alterations to the design, including the use of five-pointed stars instead of six-pointed stars. The Betsy Ross flag features 13 stars arranged in a circle to represent the original 13 colonies. In recognition of the significance of that first flag made for these United States, a 15 by 20 foot replica will be hung from the grand arch that leads to the sunken gardens at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The Betsy Ross flag will be presented June 1, 2011 and will be displayed for six weeks. It will then be on display at other suitable events and locations throughout the year.

Historic Heritage: American Wedding Buggy Renovation

We are in need of a team of horses for the historic American wedding buggy. If you have access to such a team, please contact us.

 

 

Long before there was a Ford Motor Company there was Ford Buggy/Wagon and Carriage Co. This 1893 buggy was designed by Henry Ford. The Spirit of 76 volunnteers were its foster Parents for three years. Chief Craftsman and Project Manager is Rex Stephens of Rex Stephens woodworks. Bob McNall, a 3rd generation Santa Barbarian, was diligent and skilled in his contributions. Jedlikas Western and Lara Leatherworks as well as the Home Improvement Co. were all very supportive of this project. Paul Lamberton, Pres of the 76 group of volunteers, furnished the leadership and focus. Today this wonderful bit of Western Americana is housed at the Santa Barbara Carriage museum.

Miss Liberty Comes to Santa Barbara
The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor is recognized worldwide as a symbol of liberty and freedom. It personifies the American Promise. Now Spirit of `76 is bringing a 1/10-scale replica of this inspiring icon to our city. The 15-foot tall Miss Liberty will hold a lighted torch powered by solar panel. She will be displayed at various appropriate locations and events throughout each year, including the end of the breakwater, the Lobero Theater, and in the annual 4th of July parade.

 

Miss Liberty Sponsorship Opportunities
Names of contributors to the fund to bring Miss Liberty to our shores will be memorialized on the base of the statue. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this exciting community project. Please contact us if you are interested in helping us bring Miss Liberty to Santa Barbara.

[Image: Miss Liberty under construction at The Theme Factory]