The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Monday, June 3, 1946, Page 1

The North Iowa band festival will be the first stop for the United States army band of 80 pieces when it comes to Iowa June 20 for a 10-day series of parade and concert appearances in connection with the state centennial, it was announced Monday by Lester Milligan, Mason City secretary of the Iowa centennial committee. The Mason City appearance, June 20, will include appearances both in the band festival parade and in afternoon and evening concerts, Milligan said.

The army band, largest concert and marching musical organization of its kind in the armed forces, is being sent to Iowa by the war department at the request of the centennial committee, Congressman John W. Gwynne and others.

Following its appearance here on Thursday, June 20, the band is scheduled at Spencer on Friday, Charles City on Sunday, Webster City Tuesday, Waterloo Wednesday, Cedar Falls Thursday, Marshalltown Friday and at Des Moines Saturday and Sunday.

The schedule for the band is being arranged by Mulligan with local arrangements and management of the Iowa tour in charge of H. B. "Hank" Hook, public relations director of radio station KGLO, who has been released for the period for that purpose.

The band is being sent to Iowa without cost as a courtesy to the centennial. All expenses while in Iowa, however, including meals, lodging and transportation, are being assumed by the respective communities in which it appears at a cost of about $500 a day. It will travel in 2 large buses and will require 2 large trucks for baggage and instruments.

The band has recently returned after 2 years of overseas service. It will be under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer Hugh W. Curry, Boston, Mass. He is a graduate of the Boston university college of music, a prominent teacher and director of light operas.

The band will have 2 nation-wide broadcasts while in Iowa on its regular Friday morning series over the Mutual network. It is heard each Friday morning at 10:30 a. m. The broadcast June 21 will be from station KICD, Spencer, and on June 28 from KFJB Marshalltown.

A number of Mason City "old timers" have sent replies to the invitations issued them by the centennial committee, with all indications that they will be here for the homecoming and band festival celebration starting Sunday, June 16.

"Was indeed pleased to receive the program so apropos for the 100th anniversary of our state," wrote Mrs. Bonnie Felt Black from San Bernardino, Calf. "I plan to be there to attend each day's program."

As to being an old timer, Mrs. Black said: "Yes, I was raised in Mason City since 1889 so believe I am an old timer even if I do feel young." She wrote that she was bringing along some small exhibits made by her ancestors, which she hoped to find a place among the store window displays. She added that she expected to stay at the homes of her brother Roy Felt, and her aunt, Mrs. Carrie Felt, while in Mason City.

Mrs. Lois MacNider Johnson, sister of the late Charles M. MacNider, writes from Minneapolis that she plans to be here if it is possible. "I was born in Mason City and lived there for 21 years. I am sure I will enjoy being there at that time," she wrote.

From a little closer home, Nora Spring, comes word from Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Symes that they have a display of historical articles at the Boomhower hardware store. The Symes came to Cerro Gordo county, in 1910, and have lived here ever since, they said.

The committee who sent invitations to these persons and many others is anxious that no one be overlooked. It requests names and addresses of anyone who should be invited sent to the Centennial Committee, 823 Foresters building.

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
April 4, 1946, Page 5

Band entries from North Iowa schools are coming in at a rapid rate for participation in the band festival to be held in Mason City June 20, the last day of the 5-day centennial celebration here.

The 22nd band to announce its intention of joining to the festivities is the Renwick concert band. It voices willingness to join in a concert with other schools in its neighborhood while attending the event here.

Wayne Summers is the band director. Other officials from the town of Renwick are: F. H. Montgomery, superintendent of schools; C. M. Gillespie, principal; and Floyd Lane, president of the school board. C. Packard is mayor of Renwick.

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
May 09, 1946, Page 17

An invitation to Mason City's 5-day "party" in celebration of Iowa's admission to the union 100 years ago was voiced on the KGLO Forum Wednesday evening by B. A. Webster, chairman of homecoming and reunion day.

Mr. Webster gave the chief feature of each of the 5 days here and particularly stressed the official homecoming day, Monday, June 17. He urged people of the community to get in touch with old friends who formerly lived in Mason City asking them to visit their old haunts here the week of June 16-20, all events free.

On Homecoming day, said Mr. Webster, all old-timers and former Mason Cityans arriving here will register at a designated place, be officially greeted and given welcome buttons. Later in the day they will take part in an old timers program - "no dry, canned speeches," according to Webster. He promised a "greasing up of the old Rusty Hinge quartet, with HardyPoole in charge of the shining - who always delivers." In the evening of this days store windows will be unveiled, with bands roving on the streets to add to the merriment of the occasion. He asked people of the community to hunt up articles from their attics and basements to be used in the window displays.

Webster pointed out that the first day of Mason City's celebration, Sunday, June 16, visitors come upon attending church services commemorating the occasion.

Tuesday, June 18, is Veterans of World war II day, he said. On Wednesday, airport day, the now ship, "Miss Mason City," will be christened with an appropriate ceremony. Other plans have been promised by the war department to be here for that day. A special centennial municipal band concert in East Park and some numbers by the Chamber of Commerce male chorus will be the evening program. Thursday, the last day of the party, is band festival day when about 50 visiting bands are expected and the crowing of the queen will take place.

Other parts of Webster's talk consisted of his giving a concrete picture of the merits of the state of Iowa and Mason City in particular. The city is 9th among cities in the state in population, 27,000 at the last censes in 1940, but "if you happen to be one of those looking for a house it seems nearer 50,000," he said.

"But it's the 27,000 people here in town and the land adjacent to it that make the town what it is," he said.

[Page 17]

Meredith Willson, native of Mason City, whose song, "Iowa," has been adopted for the Iowa centennial song, has been invited to his home town to direct the massed band of 2,000 pieces at the North Iowa band festival and centennial observance here June 20.

Willson is Mason City's outstanding contribution to radio and music, and had his musical start in the Mason City municipal band, then under the direction of the late Harry Keeler. Willson played the flute in the organization and was librarian.

Just a lad at this time, he astounded his fellow townsmen, for it was considered an exception ot allow anyone other than a mature musician to play in the band. But Willson took up playing the flute because he had already learned to play every other instrument Mason City had to offer - piano, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and ukeleke.

A man by the name of Squiz Hazelton, who came to Mason City to play in a theater orchestra, started Willson on the flute, but it was not long until Hazelton confided to Willson's father that the boy knew more about the flute than the teacher and lessons ceased.

When he finished high school, young Willson took his flute to New York, where he joined Sousa's band and studied at the Damrosch institute. At 17 he was Sousa's flute soloist and toured the country with him.

Toscanini was then conducting the New York Philharmonic. Though he had heard but one symphony concert in his life, Willson was hired as first flutist with Toscanini. Later he directed top flight radio orchestras, developing what he called "Chiffon swing," defining it as the playing of popular tunes with "legitimate" instruments - strings and woodwinds, including a flute.

Success has come to Willson through the years in recording works, as guest conductor of symphony orchestras, arranging scores for movies and in executive positions. Composition has also been an important part of his work, ranging all the way from the popular hit "You and I" to a complete symphony, one of whichhe has entitled, "Missions of California."

Among some of his more important compositions are his "Symphony No. 1 in F Minor," "Radio City Suite," "Song of Steel," "Parade Fantasique," "Liberty Bell" march, and "Wings on High."

Willson married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Willson, of Mason City, and often return to visit relatives and renew old friendships.

His song, "Iowa," introduced on the radio by Bing Crosby, who has recorded it on a Decca disc for release soon, reflects a nostalgia by the writer for his boyhood days in Mason City, and has captured Iowa's personality in the lyrics:

Another band to prticipate in the centennial band festival in Mason City on June 20 is the Forest City high school concert band of 50 pieces, bringing the total entries published so far up to 21.

The school is also entering a queen candidate for Miss North Iowa and plans to take part in a community broadcast over station KGLO some evening in the near future.

Harry J. Eastman is superintendent of the Forest City schools and the high school principal is Selby A. Ballantyine. Sigurd J. Fardal is the band director. Other officicals connected with the band's appearance here are M. H. Wolfe, mayor; Albert R. Olson, president of the school board; and Mrs. Art Sims, president of the Music Mothers association.

Old time articles - pictures, clothing, hardware, automobiles - anything you can name - are wanted by Mason City retailers for their window displays for the Iowa centennial celebration in Mason City, June 16-20. The windows will be unveiled Monday evening, June 17, at 7:30, it was announced, Friday morning, to a meeting of the retailers by Bernard E. Manley, chairman of the committee on window displays.

"It will be a big night down town," Mr. Manley stated. "The window displays when we celebrated in 1928 and again in 1938 - our [Mason City's] 75th and 85th anniversaries - created intense interest. These windows will be left in during the entire week, which concludes with the band festival on Thursday."

There will be music down town Monday night, too, he pointed out. It is expected that both Monroe and Roosevelt Junior high bands will be down that night for parades and concerts.

All retailers will receive a special bulletin from the retailers division of the Chamber, Mr. Manly stated, outlining steps which they should take in getting and preparing their window displays. In the meantime, the general public in Mason City and all the surrounding territory is invited to inventory their historic items and make arrangements for their display in a retail window.

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
April 4, 1946, Page 5

[Page 17]

Miss Margaret Fossey of St. Ansgar became entry No. 1 in the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20. Miss Fossey's entry blank and picture arrives at the Chamber of Commerce offices Thursday morning - the first of what is expected to be a large number of girls who will compete for the coveted role of Miss North Iowa, queen of the festival.

The queen candidates will be entertained in a fashion fitting for royalty on the band festival day. On their arrival in the city they will be greeted by a committee of hostesses headed by Irene Friesner. The queen will then take part in a parade at 11 a. m., riding in open cars - providing the committee can find them.

The girls will be guests at a special luncheon at noon and appear in Central park at 2, following which they will attend a theater party. They will be guests at a dinner in the evening and then have a prominent part in the grand finale at the Roosevelt field in the evening, at which time the queen will be announced and the coronation will take place.

Fifteen bands have now been entered for the festival, with 3 additional musical organizations announced Thursday by the Chamber of Commercer. These are Nora Springs, Ventura, and Lake Mills.

The Nora Springs high school band of about 40 pieces is directed by Eddie Snyder. Other community officials at Nora Springs are G. P. Littelle, superintendent of schools; Margaret Riepe, principal of the high school; Joe West, mayor of the city; Paul Artz, president of the board; Mrs. John Smith, president of the Music Mothers association.

Miss Arline Halvorson is bandmaster at Ventura where they have a band of 40 pieces. Leo J. Esbeck is the superintendent of schools; Mrs. Tom Hayes is principal of the high school; Theo. Wolfram is prsident of the board and Mrs. Bob Gisel is president of the Music Mothers association.

From Lake Mills will come a school band of about 60 pieces in charge of Wilbur C. Harris. This band was first in concert work in contests of the last 2 years and won national honors in marching in 1941. Officers at Lake Mills include William H. Young, superintendent of schools; Miss Elva Fordyce, principal; Karl Hylbak, mayor of the city and Tom Shawhan, president of the board.

[Following, as entries were received]

The Eagle Grove musicians will come with the following guests: R. W. Gibson, superintendent of schools; A. M. Wuintard, principal of the high school; J. H. Martin, mayor; E T. Gray, president of the board; and Marcus G. Boe, bandmaster.

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
May 10, 1946, Page 14

Another band to participate in the centennial band festival in Mason City on June 20 is the Forest City high school concert band of 50 pieces, bringing the total entries published so far up to 24.

The school is also entering a queen candidate for Miss North Iowa and plans to take part in a community broadcast over station KGLO some evening in the near future.

Harry J. Eastman is superintendent of the Forest City schools and the high school principal is Selby A. Ballantyne. Sigurd J. Fardal is the band director. Other officials connected with the band's appearance here are M. H. Wolfe, mayor; Albert R. Olson, president of the school board; and Mrs. Art Sime, president of the Music Mothers' association.

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
May 13, 1946, Page 8

The Manly band of 36-42 pieces is No. 26 on the list of bands that have announced their intention of joining the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20.

The Manly band raned 2nd in the state contest and its equipped for both concert and marching. The school has already entered a queen for the candidacy of Miss North Iowa at the festival. It is interested in broadcasting a program from music hall over KGLO and is willing to join in a contest with another band from its community here.

Alice Selness is director of the band. Frank Ralston is superintendent of the Manly schools and L. D. Hungerford, president. Other officials connected with the school and the town to be here with the band are O. H. Lichtenstein, mayor; Ben L. Lake, president of the school board; and Mrs. Irwin Wrenn, president of the Music Mothers' association.

Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
May 26, 1946, Page 7

MANLY - Miss Alice Selness has been chosen to direct the band at Manly for summer concerts which will begin on the night of June 1.

Miss Selness, who came from Mabel, Minn., a year ago to teach instrumental and vocal music and English in the Manly school, has done outstanding work among the high school students. She has consented to take over the band fo open concerts until such time as someone else can be obtained for the place.

Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
May 28, 1946, Page 8

The Garner high school band of 35 pices is the 30th band to signify its intention of attending the North Iowa Band festival in Mason City on June 20, according to the festival committee.

The Garner band is also entering a queen candidate for the title of Miss North Iowa. Mrs. Florence Ballantyne is director of the band during the school year. Director Pascuzzi of the Belmond band will take charge of the band at the festival.

Other officials from the school and community include Samuel T. Tweed, superintendent of the school; Mrs. Gladys Suecht, principal; Mr. Rasmussen, president of the school board; and Mrs. Russell Keith, president of the Music Mothers association.

Candidates for Miss North Iowa of 1946, as their entries were received by the Mason City Chamber of Commerce offices:

"

MARGARET FOSSEY No. 1, Miss St. Ansgar Miss Margaret Fossey of St. Ansgar became entry No. 1 in the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20. Miss Fossey is the daughter of Ms. and Mrs. Mense Fossey, who live on a farm. Her school activities include that of basketball queen in her junior year in the St. Ansgar high school. She is now a senior. She was active also on the school paper and in school dramatics. She is described as an above average student, whose ambition is to become a kindergarten teacher. Her hobbies include reading, sewing and embroidery. She was class secretary and treasurer in the junior and senior years.		GAYLIS BOCHARDT No. 2, Miss Carpenter Gaylis Borchardt, queen entry No. 2 for the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20, was chosen by the band to represent that community in the parade of pulchritude. Miss Borchardt is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Borchardt and lives on a farm near Carpenter where she has attended school through 12 years of grammar and high school, being a senior this year. At a carnival held at the school last fall she was crowned carnival queen. She is editor-in-chief of the annual which was sponsored by the class of 1946 and she was selected to represent her school at the Mitchell county D. A. R. contest. She was a winner in the class B division. Miss Borchardt was in the junior class last year and has a role in the senior class drama this year. She has been a member of the girls' basketball team 4 years and has been a member of the band 6 years. Miss Bochardt's ambition is to become a primary teacher. She is a Sunday school teacher and her favorite hobby is singing.		ROSE MARIE STAUDT No. 3, Miss Marble Rock Rose Marie Staudt was elected by the Marble Rock school to represent that community as candidate for queen of the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20. Miss Staudt is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lois Staudt and lives on a farm. She is a member of the junior class, plays the trombone in the school band and is a member of the brass ensemble, in which organization she also does solo work. Other school activities include junior class play and participation in other school organizations. She is vice president of her class. She ranks in the upper 3rd of her class scholastically.		FLORENCE OTTO No. 4, Miss Lake Mills Nominated by the high school and elected by the band - that was the way Florence Otto was named to represent Lake Mills at the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20. Miss Otto, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Will Otto, is a member of the senior class. Her school activities have included basketball, G. A. A., cheer leading, student council, glee club and Luther League. She is a member of the student council and is treasurer of the G. A. A. Her father is a carpenter.		DELORES HINDERS No. 5, Miss Britt Delores Hinders was chosen by the Britt high school band to represent that community in the parade of pulchritude that will be a part of the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20. Miss Hinders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hinders, lives on a farm. She is member of the senior class and her interests include music, dramatics and nursing. She has an identical twin sister. Both girls will be graduated from high school here in May.
MARGARET GILPIN No. 7, Miss Northwood Margaret Gilpin, daughter of T. W. Gilpin, was chosen by band members to represent Northwood at the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20. Miss Gilpin, whose father is a realtor, is a senior in Northwood high school and has been very active in extra curricular activities. She is particularly active in scouting, sports dramatics, music and church work. She has been basketball queen of the school this year and was a candidate of her class last year also. She has been in junior and senior plays, was a cheer leader for 2 years and sang in the glee club the same time. Miss Gilpin is class treasurer and was president during her sophomore year. She was president of the church young people's group last year and is now president of the Northwood youth center. She is on the scholastic honor roll in high school, has been in Girl Scout work 7 years and is interested in camping activities. She is planning to enroll at Iowa State Teachers college and to become a primary teacher.		MYRA FRANCIS No. 8, Miss Rockford Eight girls have now joined the procession of candidates for queens in the North Iowa band festival to be held in Mason City June 20. The 8th entry is Myra Francis, chosen by the student body and faculty of the Rockford school to represent that community at the big musical event. Miss Francis is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Francis and lives on a farm near Rockford. She is a member of the senior class and is rated as an "above average" student. She was [a] forward on the Rockford girls' basketball team, is treasurer of the senior class and had a leading role in the senior class play.		LORRAINE BOOS No. 9, Miss West Bend West Bend presents the 9th entry in the procession of queen candidates for the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20. She is Lorraine Boos, senior, and was elected by the school at West Bend to compete for the festival honors. Miss Boos is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Boos, West Bend. Mr. Boos is the manager of M. & J. Hakes Produce there. She plays the clarinet, is active in glee club, mixed chorus and all high school dramatic activities. She has achieved outstanding distinction as a piano soloist, and has distinguished herself in her community and school by her whole-hearted citizenship and co-operation with public projects. She is [a] church pianist in the Presbyterian church and is tied for valedictorian in the senior class.		JOAN MARLOW No. 10, Miss Lone Rock Another girl has been named a candidate for queen in the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20. She is the 10th entry, Joyce Marlow Miss Marlow is the daughter of Dell Marlow, farmer near Lone Rock. She is a member of the band, mixed chorus, is president of the junior of the junior class, had the lead in the junior class play, played basketball, baseball, is yell leader and ties with another girl for top scholastic honors in her class. She was elected school queen by a popular vote this winter.		MARY JANE SCOLES No. 11, Miss Nashua Queen entry number 11 in the North Iowa band festival in Mason City on June 20 is Mary Jane Scoles of Nashua, chosen by the band of the school. Miss Scoles, a member of the senior class of the high school, is a daughter of Mrs. M. Scoles of Nashua. She is a member of the concert and marching bands, glee club and mixed chorus. She is [a] student band director and won a division I in the state contest in Mason City in 1945. Miss Scoles was also attendant to Nashua's homecoming queen.
BONNIE HANSEN No. 12, Miss Nora Springs An even dozen girls have now joined the procession of candidates for queens in the North Iowa band festival to be held in Mason City on June 20. The 12th entry is Bonnie Hansen of Nora Springs, chosen by the band of the school to represent that community at the musical event here. Miss Hansen is the daughter of R. H. Hansen, manager of the Trudden Lumber company, and Mrs. Hansen, at Nora Springs. She is a member of the sophomore class and has played oboe in the concert band for 3 years. She also has been the drum majorette the past 3 years. Active in the vocal field as well, she has been a member of the girls' trio, for 2 years; a member of the girls' sextet the last year and a member of the girls' glee club the past 2 years.		BEVERLY STILES No. 13, Miss Rudd The Rudd high school sends its queen candidate, Betty Stiles, chosen by the concert band to take part in the North Iowa band festival in Mason City June 20. Miss Stiles is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Stiles who live on a farm near Rudd. She is a member of the senior class and has been a member of the Rudd band for 4 years. She plays a saxophone, has been a member of the girls' glee club for 3 years and this past year has been a member of the girls' sextet. Versatile in her activities, Miss Stiles, besides participation in music organizations of the school, has been active in dramatics has been a cheerleader for 3 years, columnist on the school paper, "Rudd'r" for 3 years, and now is president of her class after serving as its vice president for 3 years.		LOIS BOEHNKE No. 15, Miss Ventura The Ventura school band presents Lois N. Boehnke as its queen candidate for the title of Miss North Iowa in the centennial band festival at Mason City on June 20. The total number of candidates now has reached 15. Miss Boehnke is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theo Boehnke, and lives on a farm near Ventura. She is a member of the senior class and plans to enter nurses training after graduation. She has played basketball 4 years, and is a member of the glee club, mixed chorus and band. She took part in the junior and senior class plays and was treasurer of her class during her freshman year. She was elected pep queen by the high school.		DOROTHY McKEE No. 19, Miss Plymouth The most recent candidate for the title of Miss North Iowa at the centennial band festival here June 20 is Dorothy McKee, chosen by the Plymouth school band. Miss McKee is the daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Cliff McKee, who love on a farm, route 1, Osage. She is a member of the senior class of the Plymouth high school. During her high school career Miss McKee has participated in girls' basketball and dramatics all 4 years. She took part in vocal music during her first 9 years. During her junior year she was elected vice president and was chosen carnival queen in her senior year. She has also helped publish the school paper and the annual.		MARY ANN TRIBBENSEE No. 20, Miss Rock Falls Member of the school band of Rock Falls chose Mary Ann Tribbensee to represent them in the procession of queens competing for the title of Miss North Iowa at the centennial band festival in Mason City on June 20. Miss Tribbensee is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Tribbensee who live on a farm near St. Ansgar. She is a member of the freshman class at Rock Falls high school and plays trombone in the band. She played basketball on the first team this past year and is a member of the girls' soft ball team. She also served as cheer leader during her freshman year.
ELGENE NOLTE No. 21, Miss Ackley Candidate No. 21 for the title of Miss North Iowa at the North Iowa centennial band festival in Mason City on June 20 is Elgene Nolte, chosen by the school band of Ackley. Miss Nolte, who has just completed her junior year, is a daughter of Will G. Nolte, who lives on the farm near Ackley. A cornet soloist, she won an A-1 rating in the state contest this spring. She is president of the Ackley high school band and plays solo chair in that organization. She is also a pianist and assists in accompanying the students. In addition to this she plays for various local functions and is active in the church.		ERNELDA V. BORCHERDING No. 23, Miss Latimer The 23rd candidate to enter the race for the title of Miss North Iowa at the centennial band festival in Mason City on June 20 is Ernelda V. Borcherding, elected by the Latimer high school. Miss Borcherding has just completed her senior year and plans to ender college next fall with aspirations to be an airline stewardess. She is rated above average in scholarship. She served as cheerleader for 2 years. In her junior year she was vice president of her class and took part in both the junior and senior class plays and again in the senior play this year. In addition she was assistant advertising manager of the school annual and art editor of the school paper. She sang in the school sestet and chorus. Miss Borcherding is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church.		BEVERLY MOLANDER No. 27, Miss Garner With the entrance of Beverly Molander of Garner in the Miss North Iowa queen contest here at the North Iowa band festival on June 20, a total of 27 queens are in the race. Miss Molander was chosen by an all high school vote. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred G. Molander of Garner. At present her father is operating a farm near Garner. Miss Molander has just been graduated from the Garner high school where she ranked among the first 10 in her class in scholarship. She was a member of the mixed chorus and took part in the junior and senior class plays. She is a member of the Delta club.		RUTH NORLAND No. 28, Miss Kensett The Kensett high school band has selected Ruth Norland for queen candidate to compete for the title of Miss North Iowa in the centennial band festival here on June 20. Miss Norland is the daughter of State Representative Norman Norland and Mrs. Norland of Kensett and lives on a farm with her parents. She was graduated from high school this spring with the rank of 3rd in scholarship. The Kensett queen candidate is active in a number of organizations. She won the D. A. R. citizenship contest for Worth county this year and ranked 3rd in the district contest. She took part in the senior and junior class plays and the all high school operetta. Besides being president of the band this year, Miss Norland as played trombone for 6 years with the band. She sang in the girls' glee club for 3 years and was a member of the girls; sextet for 2 years. She also sang with the mixed chorus. Other activities include a reserve member on the girls' basketball team, membership in the Kensett 4-H club for 7 years and president of the Worth county 4-H girls' club. She is a member of the Elk creek Lutheran church, president of the Luther league, teaches a Sunday school class and plays piano for the Sunday school.		ROMANE HUMPHREY No. 29, Miss Fertile The 29th candidate for Miss North Iowa hails from Fertile. She is Romane Humphrey, chosen by the school band to represent her community at the centennial band festival in Mason City on June 20. Miss Humphrey is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Humphrey who live on a farm with a Clear Lake address. She was graduated from the high school at Fertile this year. Besides being a member of the band for 6 years, she has been active in the different branches of music. She won a first with [a] French horn solo at the pre-state contest and also entered the state music contest. She was a member of the mixed chorus, girls' glee club and sextet for 3 years and a brass sextet. The queen candidate took part in both her junior and senior class plays and served as cheer leader for 2 years. She is a member of the Lutheran church and sings in the church choir.
		ELAINE SCHMIDT No. 31, Miss Wellsburg Here is one queen who won't be riding in a car at the parade of queens in the North Iowa Band festival on June 20. Instead she'll be stepping as drum major at the head of the Wellsburg band who chose her for the queen representative from that school. Miss Schmidt, daughter of Mrs. Richard Schmidt of Wellsburg, was graduated from high school this spring. She was rated as an excellent all around student during her 4 years in high school. Besides being drum major of the band for 2 years, she was star guard on the basketball team for 3 years.		DONNA MELHUS No. 32, Miss Clarion Donna Melhus of Clarion is the 32nd queen candidate to be entered in the contest for the title of Miss North Iowa in the centennial band festival here June 20. Miss Melhus, daughter of Joyce Melhus, who lives on a farm near Clarion, was chosen by the students of the Clarion high school in a popularity contest. She was in the sophomore class this past year.		SHIRLEY FOLKERS No. 33, Miss Dumont Queen candidates for the title of Miss North Iowa at the band festival Thursday were upped to 33 with the entry of Shirley Folkers, chosen by the band of Dumont to represent that community. Miss Folkers is the daughter of Harry Folkers, farmer near Dumont. She was graduated from Dumont high school this spring. She is a member of the band and sang with the glee club of the school. Miss Folkers was also active in speech work. (Russell photo.)

Transcriber's Note: I did not have access to all of the queen candidates biographies. ~ SRB

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Friday, June 14, 1946, Page 1

      Ready to greet the band festival queens when they arrive in Mason City at the Hotel Hanford Thursday morning and assuming charge of them throughout the day is Mrs. Irene Friesner, hostell in charge, and 5 assistant hostesses as follows:

Mrs. Larry Beardon, Mrs. Robert Berguson, Mrs. Chester DeSart, Mrs. Meredith Temple and Mrs. Marshall Ervin.
The first event of the day for the queens will be the ride in the parade. Following that they will return to the Hanford for noon lunch. In the afternoon they will appear in Central park to be introduced at the band concert there.

The rest of the program for the afternoon will be attendance at the matinee and a buffet supper at the Hanford.

At 6:30 the queens will be taken to the Roosevelt stadium for the grand entry into the field after which they will be seated on a platform prepared for them.

Highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the judges for the selection of Miss North Iowa and the crowning of the queen.

Participating in the ceremony will be 2 queens of former years, Mrs. Bethel Lashbrook Adick of Osage, queen of 1942, and Mrs. Alberta Joslyn Hall, Decatur, Ill., the 1941 queen.

Each queen will be given a gift from the centennial committee with a special gift for Miss North Iowa.

Mrs. Marjorie Smith Ellsworth, 1939 Miss North Iowa from Clarion, writes the centennial committee that she will be unable to attend but sends her "best wishes for a gala and successful festival."

[Page 20]

[Page 21]

MASON CITY HIGH SCHOOL CADETS IN 1888 - Back in about 1888, when drilling and pump-pump-pullaway comprised the only "extra-curricular" activities in Mason City high school, Capt. Arthur L. Rule commanded these cadets. The 20 of them in the company made up practically the entire membership of boys in the high school in those days.

From left to right are: H. D. Page, George Van Wie, Dr. C. E. Dakin, Hugh H. Shepard, Peter Sweningson, Frank Currie, Ed Wilcox, Bert Hamilton, Clifford Robinson, Frank Renshaw, C. A. Parker, Oscar Swanson, Dr. Will Farrell, Hans Johansen, Archie Dougan, Bert Brock, Harry Dyer, Harry Kellogg, Willis G. C. Bagley and Capt. Rule.

[Page 22]

  

[Page 23]

[Page 24]

[Page 25]

[Page 26]

[Page 27]

One of the oldtimers registered for the Homecoming celebration Monday is J. P. Randall, a pioneer North Iowa brick mason and father of Dave and Gilbert Randall and Mrs. W. J. Easley, all of Mason City.

Mr. Randall was born Oct. 28, 1865, in Grant county, Wis., and came to Mason City in a covered wagon with his parents [Reuben and Cordelia Clarrisa (Worden) Randall] when he was 8 years old. For some time he lived on the southeast corner of the intersection of what is now 3rd and N. Federal, across from the T. B. McNider home.

The family moved to Sheffield in 1876 and John Randall has divided his time between there and Mason City for the last 70 years. His wife died in April, 1945.

For many years he has written poems for the pleasure of his friends and himself and this spring had a number of them published in book form.

Transcriber's Note: John died of a heart attack at the age of 83 years on Sunday, January 16, 1949 at his son Roy's home, Osage, Iowa. His wife, Mary Ann (Tegard) Randall, was born in January of 1865. They were married in 1885 and raised a family of 10 children, namely: Mary Jane, David Elisha, Cordelia E., John Lincoln, Jennie (Mrs. William J. Easley), Ralph Palmer, Roy Ransom, Harvey Sheffield, Gilbert and Seth. John P. and Mary Ann were interred at Hillside Cemetery, Sheffield.

[Page 28]

[Page 29]

"OLD MAIDS CONVENTION" - This picture of "old Maids" was taken at Thornton in 1900. Of course they weren't old maids. They were members of the cast of a play by that name. The picture and the story about the drama is valuable because its part in the early history of Thornton community.

Cast members were identified as follows, left to right"
Top row: Mrs. Weston, Mrs. J. Natress, Mrs. George Downing.
Middle row: Mrs. Ed Allan, Miss Nathalie Thada, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Well.
Bottom row: Mrs. Spence Downing, Mrs. Barlow, Mrs. Tiffany, Mrs. Price, Mrs. Pierce.

[Page 30]

[Page 32]

This is the old courthouse building where many of the early legal battles in Cerro Gordo county were fought. It stood on the presnt site of the Cecil theater. The above picture, taken notso long before the present courthouse was constructed in 1900, shows the county officers and associates in 1896 - exactly 50 years ago, left to right: Harry Keerl; O. A. Brownell, county treasurer; I. W. Keer clerk of court and later cashier of the Iowa State Bnk; Ernest Stivers, deputy couinty superintendent; J. H, NcEwen, county recorder, later city clerk; Hugh H. Shepard, then in early days of abstract business, manin full beard; J. J. Long, county auditor and grandfather of Dr. Draper Long; Lambert Philips, insurance man; Becky Foster, later to become Mrs. Frank Ramey; Eugene Brown, county superintendent of schools; Mrs. Ella F. Hitchcock, formerly Miss Ella Shephard, sister of Hugh Shepard; Carrie A. Wilson, deputy county auditor; and Rena Dunham.

[Page 33]

MASON CITY BAND 40 YEARS AGO - Yes, that's the way it looked in 1905, Mason City's band. The bus was equipped with solid rubber tires, and consequently whenever a number was to be played, the bus had to sopt or the music would jiggle too much.

(Not all of the first names could be obtained.) Band members, reading from left are: Front row - Ray Seney, Art Spohr, E. E. Batty. Second row - Jeffres, Lindstrom, Smith. Third row - C. W. Wallace, Earl Barlow, James Eby. Fourth row - J. M. Jenny, W. A. McCarty, Ramsey, Sidney, Dent, Ed Hitchcock, Smith.

When Mason City was in another celebration - 70 years ago - there wasn't any queen and there wasn't any band festival. Visitors coming from surrounding farms and communities didn't find themselves in heavy automobile traffic and they didn't scan the skies for air planes.

It was on July 4, 1876, when the town joined with the nation to observe the 100th anniversary of its independence. The majority of visitors that came to Mason City to help the town's population of 700 celebrate the event were farmers with their families.

They came in wagons. Not one farmer in 50 had a buggy in 1876. Families were large and it took a wagon to hold them and the dinner basket and the horse feed - for the next day. They looked rather gay as they started out with a spring seat for the older folks and a board with cleats to hold it in place for the children.

They found Central park a little grove with no sidewalk and surrounded by mud streets. Occasionally somebody's herd of cattle wandered through it.

One band furnished the music for the day, the Northwood band. Other surrounding communities helped with the day's program. S. P. Leland of Charles City, the stories have it, was orator of the day. John Cliggett read the Declaration of Independence. H. G. Parker was historian.

The procession formed in the morning and marched to a grove near Parker's mill where a stand had been erected and the president of the day, C. M. Gaylord, welcomed the guests.

After an hour of oratory came dinner. In the afternoon those who liked ball games could see one, while those who preferred to dance had a chance at the bowery dance in progress all afternoon.

The crowd thinned out at "choretime," and the account has it that rain broke up the fireworks to be shot off where Sweiger's blacksmith shop later was built.

Organizing and marshaling a band festival parade is a big job and for years the festival committee has called on [the] Junior division of the Chamber of Commerce to handle it. This year, with much of their manpower back from the armed forces, they will be in charge again with E. C. Jones as general chairman.

The 35 bands from outside Mason City will report to the Mason City high school building, which is headquarters, and will immediately be in charge of the parade committee, which will route them into place on streets north and east of the high school, where the floats, queens' cars and other units of the parade will assemble.

The United States Army band, which will close the parade, will assemble in front of the Hotel Hanford and fall in at that point.

Here ar some of the committees on the parade:

Co-ordination - Roger Lyons, Bill Cameron and William F. Gildner.

Bands - Steve Stahl, Meredith Dillon and Russ Katzenburger.

Scouts - Stanley Grupp, Don Broadbent and Kenneth Beckman.

Floats - Syd T. Thompson, Claytus Melcher, Francis Darland and Keith Sanborn.

Military units and service organizations - George D. Dunn, Ray Seney, Jr. and John Pauley.

Queens' cars - Norman Allison, Bill Wagner and Lee Usher.

Spacing - Keith DeLaney, Jim Brown and Bob Harrer.

Signs - William Page and Bob Mutt.

Policing - 10 captains, each assigned by the seven men who will police the line of march - Bob Servison, Stratton Shannon, Dave Smith, Dr. W. B. Kennedy, Hank Kislin, Don Dailey, Dr. R. E. Griswold, Les Boomhower, Jr., Kenneth Carey and Max Hedrick.

Boy scouts will play a large part in the activities of the band festival day. Some 40 of them will report to the high school building at 9 a.m. for an all day assignment. One scout will be assigned to each band, will carry the band signin the parade and will then be with the band for all its assignments, incuding the grand finale at the night at Roosevelt football field.

Other scouts will be assigned to help the queens' committee at the Hotel Hanford and the headquarters tent which will be in Central park for the day.

HEADED FINANCE DRIVE - C. A. Parker (left), vice president of the First National bank, is chairman of the finance committee of the band festival and headed the canvass of business and professional men of the community which raised $6,000 for that project.

[Page 34]

OLD TIMERS HAVE IT OUT - These 4 old time Mason Cityans were having it out at the Mason City library where by noon 176 of them had signed in the special book provided for the occasion. From left to right are Wayman Closson, who came to Mason City in 1885; J. P. Randall, in 1873; W. H. Watson, in 1869, and J. O. Wilson, here since 1870. (Globe-Gazette photo.)

A total of 185 Mason City old timers and homecomers had registered at the public library by noon Monday, reunion day at the 5-day centennial day celebration now in progress here.

Persons stood in line at the registration desk waiting their turn. From there they were ushered to another desk for badges where many were given gold ones, showing they had lived in Mason City 70 or more years. Others were given blue for 60 years here, red for 40, and those of 20 years' residence were given white badges. At another desk those wishing to take a tour of the city were registering.

Everybody was having a good time. "Remember" was a prominent word in conversations.

Mason Cityans got an early reminder Monday that is was old timers and homecoming day. Those in the downtown area were awakened before 6:30 a. m. by the music of fife and drum.

Marching up and down Federal avenue in the vicinity of Central park wee a dozen members of the National Association of Fife and Drum Corps from all parts of Iowa and some from Illinois fifing and drumming in real old time spirit.

Quartered at the Y. M. C. A., the old timers, several of them veterans of the Spanish-American war and other sons of veterans of many wars, were up for an early morning practice session. They discontinued the one the evening before when it began to rain.

In addition to those from Illinois, the group includes Iowans from Corydon, Waterloo, Des Moines, Chariton, Nevada and Mason City. The old time musicians appear at events scheduled throughout the day.

Another day's program was heralded Monday also when an AT-6 U.S. army air force plane roared overhead bringing Lt. H. H. Wilson from Washington, D. C., to make arrangements personally for the Aviation day program. The officer, who was in Mason City with the Victory Loan Armada last fall, is now in charge of special events for the U. S. A. A. F.

Lt. Col. Richard Cline was scheduled to arrive from El Paso, Tex., late Monday on a B-25 twin engined bomber to take over as operations officer for the air show Wednesday, Lt. Wilson announced.

In addition to a P-80 rocket plane, making its first appearance in Iowa, Lt. Wilson said North Iowans would get their first opportunity to inspect here a B-29 Superfortress and an ATC-54 4-engined hospital ship completely equipped for evacuation work, and completely staffed including a flight nurse. More than a dozen other ships also will be here to take part in the air show Wednesday afternoon.

Mason City's celebration got under way Sunday with a summer sun blazing out a record 96 degree temperature mark. Representative of many Mason City churches attended a community religious service at Roosevelt fieldhouse Sunday evening and heard addresses by Father Norbert Barrett, head of the department of history of Loras college, Dubuque, and the Rev. Andrew J. Boe, Superior, Wis., a lieutenant colonel in the chaplain's service now on leave.

Choirs from the 2 Roman Catholic churches, singing together, and from 8 Protestant churches, also united, sang separately and also as one massed choir under the direction of Father Ambrose Giannoukos, pastor of the Greek Orthodox church.

Army air force planes were expected to begin arriving Monday from all parts of the country to prepare for Aviation day, Wednesday. The AAF is sending a jet plane and a helicopter here for their first Iowa display. There also has been promised a Superfortress for its first North Iowa showing, as well as more than a dozen other models.

MAKE MERRY FOR OLD TIMERS - Here is a close-up of 4 of the dozen or so members of the National Association of Fife and Drum Corps as they went about town to make merry for homecomers and old timers at their Monday celebration of the 5-day centennial festival. From left are, Chet Pierson, Des Moines; Fred Tims, Mason City; Warren Burton, Corydon, and J. J. Hawthorne, Mason City. (Globe-Gazette photo.)

[Page 5]

ARMY AIR FORCE TRUCKS HERE Above are views of the many army air forces trucks, which arrive in Mason City this weekend and are parked north of Central park for a 3-day recruiting campaign. The trucks will be here through Tuesday.

The top picture gives a closeup view of one of the trucks. One of the trucks contains a mock-up automatic pilot. It has in it a cut-away engine of a B-29 demonstrating how it is run. Others contain emergency equipment for landings on sea and land. There is a dark room, showing how photos are developed in 3 or 4 minutes and some of the high powered cameras used by the AAF. Some of the trucks contain enemy equipment.

A great many persons are inspecting th trucks and a number of young men have applied for enlistment according to Capt. Irby Bordelon of the local army recruiting station.

[Page 11]

[Page 12]

[Page 9]

It was really "old home day" at the Music Hall Monday afternoon. Between 250 and 300 oldtimers - some from away and a larger number from here at home - got together at 2 o'clock and engaged in a good old-fashioned gab fest, with a bit of musical entertainnment thrown in for good measure.

The program, feature of the 2nd day of Mason City's centennial celebration, was under the direction of B. A. Webster, with Remley Glass giving him some good help in the pleasant task of presiding.

One after another, pioneers were called upon, mostly without notice, to come front and centerand do some reminiscing about early day Mason City.

Ralph Stanbery was first on the list. He recalled early day Fourth of July celebrations and told of some Clear Lake picnics. When he claimed for his family the fastest buggy horse in the community, there was an obvious dissent among his listeners.

Clarence White of Cedar Rapids majored on the social life of the 90's when he came here, and claimed one of the community's belles for his bride.

Ed Clark referred to the "town herd" of cattle which was pastured on a tract now occupied by Mercy hospital.

E. P. DeGraw and Mrs. Grant McGowan talked mostly about life in the rural area about Mason City. James VanNote, early livestock dealer, was introduced.

Earl Dean traced the development of farm machinery in his 51 years as a Cerro Gordo countyan, pointing out the coming of power machinery, which enables one man to do what formerly required 3, as the most conspicuous phenomenon in the evolution of farm life.

Frank Currie harked back to the business houses operating here in 1892 when the Currie hardware store was established.

"My father," he said, "was essentially conservative. He waited just 400 years after Columbus discovered America to start his business here."

Present day Mason City's principal legacy from those who laid the foundations of our community and business life were the integrity, religiou and enterprise which marked the chapter of our pioneers, Mr. Currie pointed out.

Carl Parker told of some Hallowe'en pranks of 50 years ago. Mr. Parker remembered a buggy found on top of old Central school one morning long ago, after Hallowe'en, and wondered who might have been responsible for it. Some knowing smiles in the audience suggested that he might have had something to do with the mischief.

Mr. Hall spoke briefly for "newcomers" like himself to Mason City.

"We are grateful to the Mason City you have bequeathed to my generation," he said.

The first numbers on the musical program were provided by the Rusty Hinges quartet, consisting of Dr. R. F. Kunz, Earl Dean, Fred Shaffer and Earl Hall. It was their first engagement since Col. Shaffer's return from service.

Interspersed in the speaking program were several numbers by high schoolers under the direction of Miss Ruth Behrens, musician supervisor. These included a piano solo by Jean Cady, and a gay 90's skit entitled, "No, No a Thousand Times No" with Denise Bredall, Charles Swift and Robert Grupp participating. Old time selections were sung by "new timers" Don Woodhouse, Allen Helman, Dale Smith and Charles Swift, also of the high school.

The program was concluded with the reading of a poem on pioneers written and read by Mrs. Morrison Fullerton and with everybody joining in [singing] "Auld Lang Syne."

[Page 16]

The following list shows that more than 300 old timers and homecomers registered Monday in the book provided by the library for a permanent historical record to be kept there. The registration included the time of their arrival in Mason City. Names of those who registered in the advance registration on cards and who did not find it convenient to go to the library in the morning or later to music hall in the afternoon will be copied in the book>

(MORE NAMES IN NEXT ISSUE)

Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Wednesday, June 19, 1946, Page 10

Following is the remainder of the list of names of the 300 and more old timers and homecomers who registered at the library on Monday, reunion day of the centennial. In most instances the year they came to Mason City is listed.

PREVUE OF FESTIVAL - Ready to step "high, wide and handsome" as they lead the Mason City high school band down Federal avenue in the band festival parade Thursday morning at 11 are these drum majors and drum majorettes (above at left). Forty bands will throng to Mason City for the festival. The 2 drum majors from left to right are Jane Casey and Petty Yelland. The 4 drum majorettes from left to right are Edith Martin, Peggy Scheef, Betty Tanner and Ardith Probert. (Globe-Gazette photo.)

[Page 3]

Frederick A. Kirschman, mayor of Mason City from 1909-11, was among the old timers to register here during the Centennial celebration. For years he was engaged in the practice of law.

In later years he devoted his attention to the real estate business and platted the Fairview addition to the city.

Mr. Kirschman was born on his father's farm near New Hampton, Sept. 21, 1863, the son of Andrew and Christina Markle Kirschman, both of whom were born in Germany. Mrs. Kirschman attended Upper Iowa university at Fayette, Valder Business college, Decorah, and the law school of the Universit yof Wisconsin, where he was graduated with the class of 1891.

He was admitted to practice in the United States circuit and district courts in June, 1891. Later he returned to Iowa and settled in Mason City, where he resided until moving to New Hampton a few years ago. He was admitted to practice law before the Iowa supreme court and later in the United States circuit and district courts in this state.

From 1902-05 he served as city attorney for Mason City. He was one of the principals in the F. A. Kirschman Land company, being associated with Frank E. Melson and Thomas C Pierce. In politics he was aligned with the democratic party. While here he was a member of the Masonic Order, the Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America.

On Sept. 21, 1892, Mr. Kirschman was married to Miss Nellie Meader and 5 children were born to them, Cecil, Orton, Esther, Roy and a son, Charles, who died in infancy.

Frederick Andrew Kirschman died at age 86 November 6. 1949, New Hampton, Iowa. His son, Charles G., was born December 17, 1904, and died at 30 days on January 16, 1905. They were interred at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City. Nellie May (Meader) Kirschman was born in 1868, the daughter of Myron and Mrs. Meader. Nellie moed to California by 1930 where she died at the age of 84 in 1953. Charles, born October 14, 1895, served at a sergeant with the 17th Cavalry during World War 1. He died January 17, 1953 at the age of 56 years and was interred at Sacramento City Cemetery, Sacramento, California.

Tod, as he is known to everyone, attended the old stone Central school built in 1872, the year before he was born. The first day he was in school, Carrie Lane Chapman Catt whipped him and told the boys it was "dock soup."

Many was the time that Pap Owen, the town's first marshal, tripped up "Tod" with his hooked cane, when he stayed out too late for curfew playing "run, sheep, run" in Central park.

"Tod" recalls how he caught pickerel in Willow creek and kept them in a tub under the pump in the backyard. He remembers many a hot day in the old swimming hole in West park, and the trouble with the Irish from the southside, when the north and southside kids tried to swim there at the same time.

And he has attended every circus that came to Mason City, from the first he carried water for the elephants to the one here last week. The circus lot then was located where the Cecil theater is now.

"Tod" was married to Daisy M. Van Note, daughter of the proprietor of the Wheeler hotel, Cornelius Van Note, in 1898. He worked for his father-in-law for about a year, and then started his first cigar store in the old City National bank building in 1897. Jim Rule "staked him" in business and he operated there 10 years.

Then he moved across the street on the west side of Federal where he operated 12 years in a building owned by Joseph Clark. He then moved across the street again into the Patton building and operated there 3 years when the store burned out. All of this time his store was known as the Alexandria.

Seventeen years ago he took over the Pleazol from Abe Martin and has continued in that business since. He started with 12 pool and billiard tables, increased to 20 and now has 3.

"Tod" has never missed an opening day of hunting or fishing season in the past 62 years and he remembers when ducks, geese and prairie chickens were plentiful west of town. He has an Irish setter named "Jerry" and expects to be out on the first day of the hunting season in 1946.

Mr. and Mrs. Ransom have 2 children, James Harley, Jr., who manages the store, and Mrs. Charlie Crumb, nee Dorothy D. Ransom.

Transcriber's Note: Cort Ransom, a Civil War veteran who also served as a guard to President Abraham Lincoln, opened the cigar store and pool hall a year after the Civil War ended. It's was the Pleazol of which Meredith Willson was alluding to when in "The Music Man" he warned that "there's trouble in River City; trouble with a capital 'T' and rhymes with 'P' and that stands for 'pool.'" James Harley "Tod" Ransom was born in 1873, and died in 1950. His wife, Daisy M. (Van Note) was born in 1875, and died in 1947. They were interred at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

[Page 11]

The year 1946 was a significant one for it marked the passing of 100 years since Iowa became a state and the war was over. Mason City joined in celebrating the event with a glorified band festival in June.

The Globe-Gazette, in the June 10th, 1946 issue, stated that Cerro Gordo County's returned veterans of World War Ii would be honored guests at Mason City's centennial observance which would be held on Tuesday, June 18. "Features of the day will be a fun-fest at Roosevelt fieldhouse scheduled for 7:30 p. m., including a "Dutch" Schmitt vaudeville troup from Des Moines, to be followed by a pavement dance at Central park at 10 p. m. With most of the county's estimated 6,000 GI's back in civilian clothes, the crowd at the fieldhouse is expected to tax its capacity, so attendance has been limited by the committee to "the boys with the golden eagle" and a guest apiece. The discharge button is the admission ticket for 2." The community observed a moment of silence in memory of the 191 Cerro Gordo County soldiers who did not return home. The following day, Wednesday, June 19, was designated as Aviation Day with the dedication of Mason City's municipal airport at 10 a.m., christening of Mid-Continent airliner "Miss Mason City" and the U.S.A.A.F. air show and dog fight. Thursday, June 20 was the North Iowa Band Festival during which the U. S. Army band gave marching demonstrations.

Not only was this event a celebration of Iowa's Centennial, it was the return of the North Iowa Band Festival after a three-year hiatus which occurred during the war years.

TOO THRILLED TO EAT - They appeared too thrilled to eat - but here they are, the 33 queens just came in from the parade all ready to sit down to lunch at Hotel Hanford, one of the courtesies tendered them here during the day.

Seated clockwise around the table are shown Miss St. Ansgar, Miss Osage (reigning queen from the last festival), Miss Garner, Miss Greene, Miss Rockford, Miss Rudd, Miss Rock Falls, Miss Dumont, Miss Nora Springs and Miss Carpenter.

Standing behind them in the same order are Miss Thompson, Miss Ventura, Miss Lone Rock, Miss Eagle Grove, Miss Hampton, Miss Clear Lake, Miss Hanlontown, Miss Ackley, Miss Clarion, Miss Humboldt, Miss Plymouth, Miss Forest City, Miss Lake Mills, Miss Latimer, Miss Manly, Miss Marble Rock, Miss Kensett, Miss Fertile, Miss Nashua, Miss Northwood, Miss West Bend, Miss Britt and Miss Bode. (Lock photo.)

[Page 13]

[Page 14] Jay E. Belding, who first came to Mason City in 1859 and who i here from Minneapolis, Minn., for the centennial festival, visiting at the home of his nephew, Lynn Belding, 1112 Washington S. W., submits a few lines of verse summing up his family history and includes a long list of old timers he knew when living here. Wrote Mr. Belding: