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A Letter From the
Chairman of the Quasquicentennial

     The Clarence Quasquicentennial Celebration (125th Anniversary) is now history and, judging from comments made during the Sunday dinner, it will remain in the memories of many as a big success. As overall Chairman of the Celebration and in behalf of the Central Committee (Don Johnson, Dennis Stresemann, Sue Debner and King Kelly), I would like to thank and name the various people and/or organizations who were assigned committee responsibilities.

     Rob and Sue Debner, SOC, Novelty Promotions; Roger Thiele, Gary Mohr, Ray Steinke, Fire Department, Parade; King Kelly, Photography and Video; Millie Mingst, 125th Anniversary Program; Bob Plueger, Jack Williams, Beard and Moustache Contest; Norma Dettman, Margaret Davis, Cultus Club, Old Fashioned Dress Contest; Mary Utley, Kirby Phillips, Henry and Charlotte Klatt, Marcia Kleppe, Anniversary Book; Florence Hunwardsen, Senior Citizens, Windows and Storefronts;

     Chris Plueger, Greta Havel, Kiddie Events; Roger Baldwin, Horseshoe Pitching; Carl Kohrt, Larry Licht, Legion and Lions, Parking; Kirby and Sally Phillips, First Aid; Jerry Goldsmith, Lions, Antique Display; Lawrence and Lois Ruther, Joint Church Services; Jerry Goldsmith, Lions, Sunday Dinner; Carl Kohrt, Legion, Opening and Closing Ceremonies; Rosalie Sheldon, Gail Stokes, Community Band; Gary Oster, Sheryl Cooperider, Community Choir; Sonny and Marge Stonerook, Tables and Chairs.

     Carl Kohrt, Legion, Beer Garden; Virginia Robinson, Bernita Walker, Janette Brendes, Ruth Hormann, Kirby and Sally Phillips, Churches, Park Boosters, 4-H, Scouts, Food and Refreshment Stands; Carl Kohrt, Sow Riding and Trailer Backing Contest; Jerry Goldsmith, Threshing Demonstration; Rob Debner, SOC, Display Booths; Greta Havel, Raffle Ticket Headquarters; Helen Lund, SOC, Program and Dance Tickets, Adelia Liercke, Central Committee, acquisition of Jerry Carr; Marty Shriver, Central Committee, Hot Air Balloon; Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Dance Bands;

     Dennis Stresemann, Central Committee, Sanitation and Park Cleanup; Sally Phillips, Central Committee, Security; Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Posters and Programs, Don Johnson, Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Sound Systems; Marty Hymes, Don Johnson, King Kelly, Central Committee, Queen Contest; Don Johnson, Central Committee, Hot Air Balloon; Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Moon Walk and Skill Cranes.

     Of course many other people from the various organizations and within the community, worked together to support the committees to make those 3 days a success. I believe we can no longer say the Clarence Community does not work together.

     Two of the events that stand out as exceptional and will remain in the memory of many for years to come, are the Friday and Saturday evening programs and the parade. A special thank you to Roger Thiele and the Fire Department, and Millie Mingst and her crew (Connie Kelly, Karla Chapman and Mary Kay Mostaert) for an outstanding job.

     Finally, I would like to thank my family for putting up with the many telephone calls and meetings and to pay a personal tribute to Don Johnson, Dennis Stresemann, Sue Debner, and King Kelly for the many hours they dedicated toward supporting the celebration. They are the Central Committee members whose responsibilities were as follows: Don Johnson, chairman; Dennis Stresemann, secretary; Sue Debner, treasurer and King Kelly, chairman. Although not a Central Committee member, Roger Thiele was instrumental in providing the positive attitude and a lending hand wherever I felt it was needed and furnished the spray which Gene Koth spread to control the bugs. It is difficult for me to find the words to express my appreciation for the support they gave me, particularly during the 2 weeks prior to the celebration. In my opinion, they are the unsung heroes of the celebration and will always remain in my heart as some of the most dedicated and conscientious people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

     Please join with me in congratulating these people the next time you have an occasion to seem them.

Marty Hymes
Chairman