Here Comes the Boom!
The History Behind Taylor's Independence Day Tradition
Early in the morning on the Saturday nearest to the 4th of July, a loud boom can be heard around Taylor, Arizona, signaling the start of a yearly procession that displays the town’s rich heritage.
On that morning each year, town folk can witness the Independence Day tradition of the firing of the anvil and the Jennings Band, featuring the Jennings Drum.
One anvil is placed on the ground and on top of that anvil, a hollow cylindrical piece of metal is filled with gun powder. Paper acting as a wick is placed in between. A second anvil is placed face down on the cylinder. From a distance, a long stick with a torch on the end ignites the wick and the force created shoots the top anvil up in the air as a cloud of smoke surrounds the explosion.
Two anvils from early Taylor pioneers are still used today: one originating from John Henry Standifird and the other from Joseph Smith Hancock. Billy Jo Hancock is in possession of the Hancock anvil; it is proudly displayed at his residence in Taylor. The Standifird anvil can be seen at the Taylor Heritage Museum.
The Hancock anvil was used by the Mormon Battalion that marched from Iowa to California in 1846-47. Hancock, a blacksmith by trade, brought the anvil to Taylor.
Standifird’s descendants have taken up the duties to fire the anvil annually. Standifird’s son, Quill, continued the tradition which has been passed down to great-grandchildren who now facilitate the firing.
The first firing occurs in front of the old church on Center Street at 4am. The firing of the anvil makes its way up to the softball field park at 5am accompanied by the Jennings Band. A few more stops are made before it ends at the Rodeo Park. At each stop, the anvil is fired several times.
The band performs at each location. The special feature of the band is the Jennings drum. The drum itself has quite the history. It was made for the Nauvoo Legion Band, led by Major Edward Duzette. The Legion was the state-authorized militia in Nauvoo, Illinois. After Nauvoo was vacated by the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the drum made its way west. The drum was gifted to Cyrus Jennings by Duzette. Jennings later settled in Taylor, Arizona and brought the drum with him. He would play it for special events, including Independence Day. His descendants have kept the drum tradition alive and it has continued to be a major feature each July. The drum is also on display in the Taylor Heritage Museum when it is not being used.
The Town of Taylor logo features the anvil and drum accompanying the phrase “Rich in Tradition & Pioneer Heritage” which perfectly describes this annual tradition.
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Great article Hunter!! If your mama does say so herself.😘