A Patriotic Fourth at Blackfoot Reservoir

More than one person with a summer home at the edge of Blackfoot Reservoir near Henry on Harbor road described the area as “Caribou County’s Hidden Gem,” and it’s very hard to argue with either part of that sentiment.  Known by those who know it at all as the place that has its own lakeside fireworks, the Blue Landing neighborhood on the north side of the reservoir is also very clear that patriotism is an important part of the area’s character.

“We had the idea and it just sort of took off from there,” Jackie Custer says.  Though no one will really take the credit for the idea, more people than not point to Jackie as the primary force behind Harbor Road’s impressive flag display of close to one hundred flags lining the street, which the neighborhood plans to keep flying until July 24.

“After all the changes over the last couple of years, and the way things have been, I just wanted to do something.  There was a story about the semi going down the road to Arlington with all the flags on it that was just so inspiring.  If the least we can do,” Jackie says, “as Americans is to come together to salute our flag, then that’s something I can do.  And so we made it happen as a community.”  

Community is the operative word in this case.  Up and down the street, neighbor after neighbor played a part in the display.  Jackie Custer pointed to Paul Cox as one of those people.

“This man,” she smiled, pointed to Paul, “was one of the first out here to come and join in.  He also gave us education on how to do it the right way.”  

“I didn’t teach them anything,” Paul chuckles, though the gathered group insists that his modesty is misplaced.  The process of using the post pounder, securing the flags to the poles, and the fundamental importance of wearing gloves all came from Paul.    

Jackie’s husband Chris is one of the many residents who has been working on putting the flags in, and could have heeded the glove advice more closely.  “It was a lot of work,” he says.  “I beat up my hands pretty good.”

“Chris shed blood for us,” Peggy Custer laughs.

“I’m just the labor,” Chris says.  “These guys are the management.”

“And we don’t pay well,” neighbor Cindy Foote says.

“I’m looking for a raise next year,” Chris laughs.

Although there are only a few full time residents of the neighborhood (such as the Davises who donated the posts for the display), most of the families have a long history of fourth of July celebrations at the reservoir.  “We all come together for the fourth out here.  It’s something that you don’t forget.  We’ve had kids that have been little bitty grow up and wouldn’t miss it for the world. There’s a lot of memories here,” Jackie says.  

A big part of those memories is the sense of pride in country that is best exemplified in the Independence Day holiday.  “My dad was all about the flag,” Peggy says.

It’s an attitude that is widely shared within the group.  Cindy Foote explains that she sees the purpose of the flag display as a way “to show our patriotism.  Our freedom.  To honor those who fought before us—”

“—and who are fighting now,” Jackie adds.  “It means to me our independence, and the Bill of Rights.  It means freedom, and sacrifice and love—things that are country stands for.  And I feel like all of that is represented by our flag.  One nation under god.  How important that was when I was in school, it was the start of every day.  And to see schools now be depleted is sad.” 

While the exact number of flags wasn’t known, it was determined to be “more than ninety.”  Plans were underway to put lights on each of the flags as well.  Leesa and Jeff Coates had been deputized to do that part of the project.

Leesa, who lives in Maine most of the year, begins to sort a number of lights on the bed of a pickup.  “We have kids who live on both sides of the country, so we get back and forth a lot, but we love being here,” she says as she works.  

“Somehow we’re going to put them on all the poles to light them up.  If we can’t stick them in the ground, we’ll zip tie them to the poles.”  The solar powered lights should keep the display lit through the 24th, which is the plan.  

In any case, the flag display will be ready for the Fourth, which is a massive event on the reservoir.  “You’ll never see anything quite like the Fourth of July out here,” Peggy says.  “We have our own fireworks, there’s a boat parade at night, a kids parade, as well as a bunch of other things.  Every single house will light up a big aerial fireworks show, until early in the morning.  You don’t have to fight the crowds.    

Chris adds, “We’ve got waverunners, boats, great fishing, a floating bounce pad.  We celebrate family that come from near and far.”

Seth Smith, helping out while on break from medical school in Texas, is one of those from “far.” “It is lucky,” he says.  “It’s beautiful out here. Can’t find a prettier spot.”

The group had about eight more sections to finish before the end of the weekend, and the busy holiday week’s full slate of activities. While a hidden gem to be sure, the Blue Landing neighborhood shines proudly when exposed to light.