Mills County, Iowa

Silver City Community History
1879 - 1979

ACTIVITIES IN SILVER CITY

In the early days “Lecture Course” were held in the Pulman Hall every winter. That consisted of Lectures, Musical Groups, etc. being one evening entertainment per month during the winter months. Silver City also had a 5 day Chautauqua each summer for about 15 years.

Beginning in 1910 a Corn Show was held for a 2 or 3 day period in the fall or early winter in the Pullman Hall. All kinds of vegetables and fruit, canned and fresh, grains, foods and fancy work were displayed and judged. These were also held over a period of years.

The Silver City Merchants held several Fall Festivals during the 1930s. There were kings and queens, parades, and free entertainment each afternoon and evening with all carnival attractions, Floral Hall etc. The Volunteer Fire Dept. and American Legion also sponsored one or two such celebrations.

THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF SILVER CITY

The crowd estimated at 1500 people thronged the streets of Silver City; Thursday, May 27, 1954 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the town. The observance was sponsored by the Silver City Fire Department.

In the Legion Hall was a display of many antiques from long-tailed baby dresses to brass kettles. The ferris wheel, merry-go-round and fortune tellers were among the carnival attractions.

Throngs of mounted riders, top carriages and buckboards, long-skirted women and derby-hatted men gave Silver City an air of bustle and activity which it had not experienenced for years. Many of the citizens that participated are descendants of the first settlers.

Principal attraction of the afternoon was a parade which was scheduled for 2 p.m. but was delayed for 30 minutes as the parade committee, the parade, and crowd waited by the Wabash freight which had been due since noon, to go through. The parade crossed and re-crossed the tracks because it had been routed so that it would swing around one of the town’s residential blocks so that two local citizens could get to see it. They were Mrs. Omer Adair, who has been bedfast for 30 years, and Geo. Waltrip with failing eyesight.

Representing the town doctors were Art Burgoin and Harold Williams, who kept darting in and out during the parade to minister to the need of the onlooker with doses of peppermint candy tablets. Mrs. Alfred Miller represented the town peddler. At the conclusion of the parade, a style show was held at a main street platform.

Attics and trunks had been thoroughly searched for this event and the result was a remarkable collection of shawls, hats, gowns and shoes dating back to 1863. Some of the accessory items were 100 years old.

Rain cut short the carnival festivities on main street and also interfered with the celebration on the second day. They had an old fashioned barn dance at the fire house with a home talent orchestra, consisting of Willa Pullman, Earl Taylor, Gene Williams, Ona Lee Miller and Dick Hunt. The celebration ended up with the Alumni Association Banquet followed by a dance, also the Memorial Day Service.

SILVER CITY CENTENNIAL, 1979

Silver City held an elaborate celebration for their Centennial year over the Labor Day holidays, Sept. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Labor Day was picked as some 20 years the City held an annual Labor Day Celebration, and the Centennial is reviving the tradition.

Plans for the Celebration started the year before, with Edna Bolte acting as Centennial Superintendent; but it wasn’t until March of 1979 that things really got into the swing-of-it.

Fund raising for the celebration, headed by Jan Fisher and Ed Marshall started with a raffle for groceries, selling bonnets and buttons, a chemical can smash, main money-maker the minting of Bronze and Silver Centennial Coins. Individual organizations also raised funds; a Centennial Plate and Church Plate by the Methodist Church Women; A Community Birthday Calendar by the S.C. Slick Chicks; Centennial Cookbook by Ida Black; A Historical Quilt and Lamp by Legion Auxiliary; and a Shotgun and Groceries by the American Legion. Finance Chairman was Joe Kruse.

Starting July 4th, for 2 months, the Committee put into effect the “3-B Law” (Beard, Bonnet, or Button). The area men were to grow a beard or wear a “Shave Permit” Button and the ladies to wear a bonnet, apron, or Centennial Button while off of their own premises in town, or be fined 25 cents a day by the Centennial Marshal Everett Simmons. The first fine was paid by Ormand Schoening.

Silver Citizens had a permanent Gazebo built in the Centennial Park, which had been established the year before. The Gazebo is a replica of the one Silver City had 100 years ago. It was dedicated by S.C. Mayor Jerry Jones and was used extensively throughout the summer and celebration days for concerts by the Centennial Band, made up of musical minded local and area residents. Also in the park located on main street is a flag pole near the Gazebo, which hosts the American and Iowa flags.

Most of the 350 residents of Silver City and many from the surrounding area worked together to beautify the town and put on a big celebration. The old jail was restored, stores were painted, fresh signs placed in front of each establishment, vacant lots cleared off, a banner of “S.C. Centennial Days” placed across Main Street, and decorations put in place by Program Coordinator Rolland Franke and Decorating Chairman Marcia Steffenson. Much of the Art work was done by Julie Jones and Patricia McMullen, with Publicity by Lenora Stogdill.

Throughout the summer, many hours of preparation went into the production of the fabulous pageant “Good Old Daze” which featured the 4-act play “River Boat Rogue”. Bill Rowe directed the play with parts played by Rex Burgoin, as Captain Billy; Mark Hamilton as Ned the First Mate; Jan Schnoor as Caroline, the Captain’s daughter; Tim Barnes as Four Flush Folsom the Villain; Brenda Lewis as Estralita the Villainess; Jim Maloney as Prof. Von Mallard; Lenora Stogdill and Dorothy Techau as the Hooker Sisters; Bill Mass as Col. Sourmash; Leslie Speck as the opera singer Madam Mazola; Fred Techau as Parson Goodbody; Connie McVay as Mrs. Goodbody; Rita Maloney as a Indian Princess; Gretchen Speck and Sandra May the Parsons daughters; Jimmy Techau, Matt McVay, Shari Wenninghoff, and Laura Lewis as children aboard ship; Mike McVay, Dan Schoening, Jeff Techau, Deiwyne Franke, and Jeff Kruse as Deck Hands, Lisa Stogdill as the Waitress; Narrator Jim Goos; Susan Miller and Lisa Stogdill as Card Girls; and pianist Cindy McCollester and Ann Kruse. The Centennial Commission paid $250 for the rights to the play which was adapted for the S.C. Centennial. It was about the S.C. Queen Riverboat which was racing the Nishnabotna, but being undermined by a dastardly Villain and Villainess.

The Pageant under the direction of Rita Maloney, also hosted a Chorus Line, directed by Lisa Plumb. It included Suzanne Burgoin, Bonnie Decker, Mary Ann Barger, Gloria Burgoin, Cindy McCollester, Luella Franke, Judy Goos, Kathy Schoening, Irene Rowe, Pam Godfroy, Diane Hoffman and Cheryl Gough. The mens chorus line included Bill Hunt, Bill Burgoin, Delbert McVay, Jim Boyer, Bob Fisher, Gary Selecta, Dave Godfroy, Bert McCollester, Harold Skerritt, and Jack May. It also featured the Prattler Bros. and Sisters, Jan Fisher, Sharon McNutt, Jim Goos, Bill Burgoin, Judy Goos, Kathy Schoening, Bob Fisher, Gary McNutt, with Fred Techau on the Guitar. Short skits were presented by Jim Goos, Bill Burgoin, Jeff Kruse, Rolland and Luella Franke, and Jim Skahill presented the Whistlers Hat Dance and the Pith Cutter. Centennial Taffy was sold to the audience by Candy Girls Teresa Boyer, Becky Miller, Lisa Stogdill and Susan Miller. The Centennial Band under the direction of Kate Christensen also played before and after the play. Silver City Centennial Band: Kate Christensen, Bernice Darnold, Bonnie Decker, Luella Franke, Lois Malone, Jim Maloney, Paul Black, Mike McMullen, Rita Maloney, Wilma Menschel, Ona Lee Miller, Vera Mills, Kristie Murdock, Sharon McNutt, Kenny Ord, Mable Reason, Beth Roberts, Donna Schoening, Everett Simmons, Eva Speck and Anna Techau. The 2 showings of the pageant on Sunday and Tuesday hosted more than 800 people.

The celebration festivities of Sat. Sept 1st opened with a Grand Parade which was attended by 1,000 spectators viewing over one mile long parade of antique vehicles, floats, bands, etc. Don Burgoin, parade chairman, had the oldest S.C. Citizens, Grace Johnson and Ed Kruse, crowned the Parade King and Queen. Many of the antique vehicles were parked following the parade for closer viewing.

It was followed by an address by Rep. Harbor and a Coin Auction auctioneered by Ernie Bloomer at the Gazebo. The Mule Jump directed by Bernard Bryant, took place at the same time by the elevator.

The afternoon Talent Show had 41 participants in the unjudged Variety Acts which was conducted by Mary May and emceed by K.M.A.’s Mac Donald. Alicia Mikesell, Opal Clowers, Jennifer Mikesell, Maxine Techau, Ona Lee Miller, Tracy Click, Debbie Waller, Jennifer and Benjamin Perkins, Cindy Decker, Don Techau, Dick Hunt, Sean Fisher, Starr Fisher, Trisha Reinert, Terry Ross, Beth and Tim Barnes, Ester Rhee, Wendy Murdock, Chris Fisher, Angela Stortenbecker, Cindy McCollester, Mark Hamilton, Ami and Jennifer Burgoin, Diane Hoffman, Becky Miller, Jann Schnoor, Lisa and Linda Boyer, Stacy and Kelli Burgoin, Sandra May, Malvern Swing Choir, Leslie and Gretchen Speck, Ann Kruse, Jeff Kruse, Lynn Maddocks, Joanna Hamilton, Donna Sommer, Tracy Tornquist, Robin Lincoln, Sandra and Mary May, Brenda Peak, Scott McMullen, Ty Benton, Jack May, Sarah McMutt, John McNutt, Trudy Perry, John Fryzek and Valerie Colzin, Rich Mikesell.

A Frog Jump followed where you could bring your own or rent a frog from the chairmen, Dennis Miller and Jim Boyer. Concluding Saturday events was a dance sponsored by the American Legion with music by “Country.” Sunday, Sept. 2nd, morning events started with a pancake breakfast, a flea market and an 11 o’clock all denominational Community Church Service, with a family basket dinner. On Sunday afternoon: Style Show presented by Dorothy Techau and Lucille Ord featured mostly original 100 year old clothing with a finale outfit of every ten years. Models for the show were Alene Ord, Marcia Steffenson, Susan Schultz, Lisa Stogdill, Lenora Stogdill, Rhonda Schultz, Shari Wenninghoff, Sharah McNutt, Kathy Schoening, Susan Wilkins, Nancy Tasto, Julia Flack, Sharon Ord, Starr Fisher, Theresa McMullen, Dorothy Techau, and was narrated by Jan Fisher.

The Style Show was followed by Family Day Games directed by Rex Burgoin and Loretta Ramsey. They had a Water Fight with Fire Dept., a Tug-of-War Contest, Husband Calling, Egg Carrying, Shoe Kick, Penny Drop, Obstacle Driving Course. Children Games were Sack Race, 3 legged race, and piggy back ride. Monday began with a 7 mile run directed by Rev. Robert Hamilton and there were numerous entries.

Other Monday events included a Black Powder Shoot conducted by Chuck Copperston, a Pistol Class and also a Rifle Class. There were 50 entries in the children's Parade. A Spelling Bee was directed by the Library Staff.

The Mini-Tractor Pull, directed by Cliff Boyer and Richard Cool, included 1000 lb. Stock Garden Tractors, 1050 lb. Modified Garden Tractors, 1550 lb. 1750 lb. and 1900 lb. Mini-Rods, 4200 lb. 2 wheel drive pickup, and 5000 lb. 2 wheel drive pickup. The Micro-Mini Tractor Pull was conducted by Roger Young and judged by Chuck Kruse.

A Barbecue sponsored by the Mills County State Bank and Kiersch Welding was well attended by 1200 people. Throughout the barbecue, drawings were held. There were 34 drawings in all for a variety of merchandise, starting with a microwave oven donated by Coop Farm Service. The Beard Judging Contest was also held during the Barbecue, with the winner of the longest beard to Bob Fisher; fullest, tie between Richard Roenfeld, and Jack May; best goatee, Lyle Sell; and most personality change, Cliff Boyer and Chuck Stevens. A Square Dance on Main Street concluded the activities in the evening.

Throughout the entire three day celebration there were Carnival Stands, Kiddie Rides, Picture Taking, Bingo, a Dunk Tank, A First Aid Station, Antique display, Food Stands by the Eastern Star Ladies and by the Senior Citizens. There was Horse Show Pitching conducted by Clyde Shook. Another entertaining activity which continued throughout the three days was Arts and Craft Center, where displays and craftsmen in action showed or sold their arts and wares. Participating were Eva Speck with quilting and rope making; Kate Hunt with dried flowers and sachets; Connie and Bernice Darnold with crocheting; Fred Biermann with welding copper and brass; Linda Burgoin with toll painting; Suzanne Burgoin with silk flowers; Elsie Taylor with spinning and slides of weaving; Helen Sanders and Mary Louise Frye with handmade articles; 4-H member displays; Rodney Miller with Antiques; Margaret Mintle with Quilting; hand made Wind Chimes by Mr. Hansen; China Dolls by Hazel Holden; with Ruth Miller in charge.

TIME CAPSULE BURYING CEREMONY AND DEDICATION

Also for the Centennial year a Time Capsule and Burying Ceremony and Dedication was held Oct. 7th, 1979. The capsule, a silver painted milk can, was placed in its cement vault in front of the flag pole in the Centennial Park.

The new Gazebo served as the bandstand for the Centennial Band which played numerous songs as well as a sing-a-long. The bridge leading to it served as the speakers platform where Mayor Gerald Jones introduced various organization leaders, each placing a token in the capsule, and the Time Capsule Chairman Dorothy Teachau, who prepared the items for burial.

Among the items placed in the capsule are newspapers from the surrounding area, the Centennial rubber stamp, Bronze Centennial coins, the die from the Silver Commemorative Coin, Souvenir Buttons, Wooden Nickels, Coins of today and the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, Bumper Sticker, Souvenir Tickets, a Bonnet, Derby, Centennial Programs, Pageant show script, list of business building and churches, a 1979 Community Calendar, numerous pictures of the Centennial and through­out the year a Centennial Cookbook, Photostats, membership cards, local bank checks, cigars, bubble gum, the program from the time capsule dedication, and pictures of the Time Capsule Ceremony.

The capsule was closed, sealed with ten inches of concrete, and a temporary plaque placed on it, which will be replaced with a permanent stone marker until its opening in 100 years, 2079. To conclude the Centennial Year a Masquerade Dance, including a Haunted House in the Basement, was held at the S.C. Gym on Halloween.

As a follow-up to the Centennial, and to continue town improvement, entertainment, and progress, a COPE Committee (Community Organization for Planned Entertainment) was set up by the Town Council. Members of the board are Chairman and Merchants’ Representative, Jim Goos, Vice Chairman and Council Representative Dick Hoffman; Treasurer and Mayor’s Representative Janet Jones; Secretary and Organizations.' Representative Jan Fisher; City Exployee--Rex Burgoin. Under 20-Ron Stogdill; over 40-Irene Childs; and at large-Rolland Franke.

The town is a little quieter now and getting back to its normal everyday life after the hustle and bustle of the fabulous Centennial Celebration. That's Silver City, which now sports a new Gazebo as a result of the festivities, and is looking forward to rejuvenating the town gym, that it may possibly be used for the dual purpose of Gymnasium and Auditorium.

~submitted by Roseanna Zehner & Darlene Jacoby