Page 95

Shivarees

    Every couple could expect a shivaree* party soon after they were married. Young and old would go. The evening of the shivaree everyone would gather at the home of the person who had instigated the party. Pots, pans, bells, maybe a shot gun, anything to make noise were brought along. When everyone was accounted for they would go as a group to the home of the newly-married couple. As the home came into view the party makers became silent so as to make the surprise more fun. Upon reaching the door, everyone joined in the noise-making.

     The young couple presented themselves, inviting their self-invited guests into their new home. Cards were enjoyed by some, others took advantage of this time to visit with their friends. Later in the evening a lunch was served by the guests.

     Today we seldom hear of the shivaree. The custom dates back to early history inEurope. In German, the term used is Katzmusic – cat’s singing.

              Mrs. Melvin (Eleanor Mensing) Licht

Editor’s Note: Shivaree is sometimes spelled – charivari.

* ~ * ~ *

I REMEMBER -

…… two weeks in summer when the streets would be a sea of oil. No rock was ever put on top of the oil.

              Mrs. Melvin (Eleanor Mensing) Licht

* ~ * ~ *

Picture of Krieger Fest Scene
    Looking north from the intersection which is now McKinley Avenue and Main Street. The buildings to the left were constructed after the 1903 fire. A parade is in progress during a Krieger Fest.

Page 96

Your Centennial
1857-1957

The friendly town of LOWDEN, it's folks that we all know

Are having their Centennial of 100 years ago

They spent endless hours of planning, working far into the night

For this very special occasion, everything had to be just right

The Centennial Belles, in bonnets and fancy gowns

The bearded men in top-hats, they proudly gathered round

As they turned back the pages in the history they found

The wilderness of long ago, how it grew into a town.

Our ancestors and loved ones so beautifully portrayed

In the highlight of the evening as the pageant was displayed.

People by the thousands came from miles around

To celebrate the birthday of this friendly little town.

The historical pageant, the centennial parade, the many treasured relics, in windows were displayed,

The whisker shaving contest, all of these and many more, with perky little petunias 'round everybody's door.

And so the celebration closes a job “well-done”,

But memories will linger for years and years to come.

May the good Lord bless and keep you in His ever watchful care

As you start your second century with a “Thank-you and a Prayer.”

              “Mazie” - Ella (Von Roden) Henry

Editor's Note: Mrs Henry, a Lowden native, wrote this poem at the time of Lowden's Centennial observance, 1957.