Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 11, 1987, Pages 1 & 9

A long time in the planning and in preparation, the Maloy Centennial celebration is getting ready to unfold this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14.

There will be reminiscing about meaningful times that went into the town's 100-year history.

There will be remembering - as the newly remodeled community building is dedicated to the memory of Frank and Virginia CARR (on Thursday evening); as a historical review of the community is presented; as grandparents introduce their grandchildren; as quilt and antique showes are viewed. A parade will be held with three distinguished citizen - Margaret BOPP, Della CULVER and Guy DUGAN as marshals.

There will be events - the Emeral J. WHEELEN Memorial Car Show; a Lola and E. B. MERCER Memorial Tea; the naming of a prince and princess; a two-mile fun run; a talent show; a Tae-Kwon-Do demostration, and worship together on Sunday morning.

There will be contests - children's games; frog jumping; a pedal tractor pull; a staple throw booth (open on Sunday), and an antique tractor pull.

There will be - just plain having fun together, perhaps with some persons with whom you grew up, but haven't seen in years. There will be dancing. Food stands, flea markets, pony cart rides and a space pillow will be available all day, each day. A music jamboree, provided by various groups; an ugly pickup show and the Shriner's merry-go-round are in the offing.

There will be momentoes for sale that will continue the remembering process - a Centennial book and a belt buckle auction.

Shuttle busses will be available to transport to town those who have to park some distance away.

A pre-Centennial event on Thursday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. is the dedication of the newly remodeled community hall at Maloy in memory of the late Frank and Virginia CARR.

They had given 45 years of continuous community service as they ran a dance hall (located in the present community hall building), store, gas station and served as postmaster and acting postmistress.

At the dedication ceremony, pictures of Fran and Virginia will be hung in the community hall. A 10-minute video tape of scenes of Maloy in 1967 will be shown.

A longer version of the video and scenes from the 50th anniversary celebration of the late Father M. J. CULHANE'S ordination will be shown at the community hall at intervals during the Maloy Centennial celebration June 13-14. Father CULHANE offered his first mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic church in Maloy on Aug. 18, 1932, and officiated that day at the marriage of John D. WARIN and Mary SHAY. He conintued to serve at Maloy until his retirement in 1971.

A flag raising ceremony opens the two-day celebration. It will be at 10 a.m.

the naming of a prince and princess will be at 12:15 p.m. Saturday. The pair selected will then ride on the Maloy float in the parade which starts at 1 p.m.

The rest of the prince and princess candidates will be in the parade, providing their own transportation. Following the parade, the 17 duos will be brought to the stage to be introduced and recognized.

The selection of the princess and prince will be by a random drawing of names with entries being considered as a couple. Entries are: Meliss EIGHMY and B. J. POPPE; Larry "Scooter" LANE and Jessica GRAHAM; Jacob TODD and Stephanie TODD; Rachel EGGERT and Ryan EGGERT; Katie OVERHOLSER and Tommie OVERHOLSER; Annie JOHNSON and Brad JOHNSON; Megan PETERSOHN and Brandon GREENE; Michelle DUGAN and Dennis DUGAN; Ann WALKUP and Joe SNETHEN; Tiffany SIMMONS and Nathan DRAKE; Mandy WILKEY and Jason WORTHINGTON; Valerie LYNCH and Cale HAINLINE; Jolene FROST and Justin FROST; Kylee MINNICK and Brandon ADAMS; Ashley PETERSON and Michael JORGESEN; Amy SOBOTKA and Adam STEVENS, and one entry from Kellerton with names not yet known.

The parade is to start at 1 p.m. As of Monday of this week there have been 60 entries. Included are the Mount Ayr Community high school band, fire trucks, an honor guard, and many floats.

Grand marshals are Margaret BOPP, Della CULVER and Guy DUGAN.

Margaret BOPP, 88, at present is a resident of Clearview Home in Mount Ayr. The former Margaret WORTHINGTON, she and James BOPP were married in 1942. She had been a supervisor at Thompson Beauty School in Des Moines and later lived in California. She was reared at Maloy and she and her husband retired in Maloy where they lived until his death in 1982 until she entered Clearview after hip surger.

Della CULVER was on of the nine children of Mr. and Mrs. Lee JENNINGS, then of Maloy. Della married Evan CULVER in 1923 and they lived around Maloy all their married life. They had five children - Clarence, Richard, David Lee and Mae Marie (SHELDON), all of whom are dead, and Pattie (Mrs. Phillip FOLTZ), who lives north of Mount Ayr aon a farm. Evan died in 1962. There are 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Guy DUGAN, 90 , now lives at Heritage Park in Mount Ayr and spends much time keeping the grounds beautiful with roses. He was married in 1916 to Mayme Nevada McGEHEE and they had four children - Leland, John, Mildred and Mary margaret. The family moved in 1926 to "Uncle Tom SHAY'S farm" west of Maloy. After a brief interval hauling coal for William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., Guy and his family moved back to Maloy where he was to live for 50 years. He did general trucking and worked for the county running a maintainer. One daughter, Mary Margaret, is dead, and Mayme died in 1958.

While working at the Clarinda Mental Health Hospital he met Opal WOODS, who later became his wife. They retired in Maloy in 1965 and lived there until they moved to Heritage Park in 1984.

A Lola and E. B. MERCER Memorial Tea will be held after the parade. It is in memory of the parents of Goldie JACKSON. Cake and punch will be served.

There will be children's games held from 2-5 p.m. A frog jumping contest is set for 2 p.m. Contestants 12 and under are to bring their own frogs. At 2:30 p.m. the prince and princesses will be presented. Area talent will be part of the talent show to start at 3 p.m. Youngsters will be able to try their pedal pulling skills in a pedal tractor pull beginning at 4 p.m.

A jam session will be from 7 p.m. to ??? A dance will feature the "Fellin' Foxy" band.

Events will get underway early Sunday morning with a two-mile fun run at 8 a.m. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with a registration fee of $2.50 being charged.

The saying of a Catholic Mass has been announced for 8:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception church.

An ecumenical worship service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Sunday out of doors just east of the community hall. (Another site was announced in earlier publicity.)

The program for this service includes: welcome - Father John ZEITLER, pastor of the Maloy Catholic church and musical and narrative "medley of time" by Cheryl, Richard, John and Mark BELL. (Richard is the son of Mrs. Pauline WHEELEN, formerly of Maloy, now of Mount Ayr.)

An opening prayer will be given by Betty CONLEY, chairperson of the centennial planning committee. Scripture readings will be by Carroll MOTSINGER, a former Sunday School teacher at a Maloy church; and Richard PRENTIS, a descendant of the SAMS family, and representative of the Baptist church, which once had a congregation in Maloy.

The morning message will be delivered by Rev. Doris KINTON, president of the Ringgold County Ministerial Assocation. A litany of thankfulness will be given by Liz LYNCH, Centennial Book committe

[page 9] member and a blessing by Sister Bernadine PIEPER. The congregation will be involved in the passing of peace and familiar religious songs will be used.

The Emeral J. WHEELEN Memorial Car Show will be held all day. It is sponsored by and the trophies provied by Earl WHEELEN. There will be four classes judged and there is no entry fee. A car built by the late Emeral WHEELEN is expected to be driven in the parade. An ugly pickup show and contest also will be held all day.

The Catholic church barbeque will begin at 11 a.m. and an antique tractor pull gets underway at 1 p.m. to be held on the old railroad right of way, east of town. A music jamboree begins at 1 p.m. and continues through the evening and children's games will be held all afternoon.

There will be a live radio broadcast by KJJC from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A belt buckle auction is set for 3 p.m., grandparents can introduce their grandchildren at 4 p.m. and a drawing will be held at 5:30 p.m.

The historical review starts at 4:30 p.m. Sunday and will be held out of doors, just east of the community hall. the program will involve the tracing of the beginnings of the town of Maloy and the time just prior to its coming into being. Antecdotes about historical happenings and projections for the future are a part of the program.

Readers for the review are LeAnn KEENAN and Jim RUNYON and participants are high school and college students from the area.

See ads elsewhere in the paper for additional information.

Page 3

June 8 - Here it is, Count Down Time for the Maloy Centennial.

Everyone is busy completing plans.

Saturday morning at 10 is the memorial Tea honoring Mr. and Mrs. (PeeWee) Irwin MERCER by their family, the big parade at one and talen show at three with the dance in the evening.

On Sunday Catholic Mass at 8:30 and the Ecumenical service will be outside at the platform at 9:30. Pastor Doris KINTON, president of the Ringgold Ministerial Association, will bring the message. There will be someone to represent each of the former protestant churches with prayer.

There will, of course, be fun and games, exhibits and music and a dance along with these events.

Food will be served by the community. We hope to see you there. Watch for a program elsewhere in the paper.

We receive more nice compliments about the [centennial] books every day, both by word of mouth and by mail from those we mailed it to. If you would like to get one and look it over before the weekend, the committee members and Mount Ayr Record-News have them for sale. We would also mail you one.

All eyes are focused this week on Maloy, Benton Township, Ringgold County, Iowa, U.S.A.! After many months of researching, planning and preparation by residents and former residers of this community, the streets of Maloy will be filled with revelry marking their 100th birthday anniversary party, come Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14. Although the normal population of this municipality may not be bursting its boundaries, spirits are running high and the welcome signs are out for a great two-day event!

In reviewing the centennial history of Maloy since 1887, an advertisment promoting their town in 1896 and sponsored by 13 local businesses and professionals gave conclusive evidence to people everywhere that inhabitants of their proximity were living in the oasis of Ringgold County.

"Maloy is a substantial town on Platte river in the midst of the most fertile soil in the county. It is on the C.G.W. railway, 12 miles southwest of Mount Ayr, the county seat. Its businessmen are thriving, their trade extending over a wide territory, and the farmers in its vicinity are among the most wealthy in the county. It has two churches, good public schools, and claims the champion baseball talent of the county."

Now, how could you ask for more? Promotion of our communities was well done even 90 years ago! One of the promos of this particular advertisement was "W. H. DeWEESE, tonsorial artist'. We wonder if he was the only barber in town or was the need of a tonsorial artist that much in demand? We realize that this has been a predominately Catholic community, but if the procedure of tonsuring continued in great mass today, we have been mistaken. . .we thought some of our friends had lost this portion of their hair naturally!

Did you realize there are FOUR MAIN BONES in every organization?

THE WISHBONES wishing somebody would do something about it; THE JAWBONES doing all the talking but nothing else; THE KNUCKLEBONES that knock everything; and THE BACKBONES that carry the load and do the work.

Don't forget to fly your flag June 14 in observance of Flag day. This will also be the first anniversary of the flags on the courtyard square.

Quote of the week: "There isn't much to be seen in a little town, but what you hear makes up for it." K. HUBBARD.

Have an idea about something positive in Ringgold County you would like to see mentioned in this column? Contact Jack Elliott, Ringgold County Development Corp., c/o Ringgold County Court House, Mount Ayr, Iowa 50854.

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 18, 1987, Pages 1 & 8

People provide most of the enjoyment at a celebration such as the Centennial at Maloy held over the weekend. The prince and princess were a little hot after parading in the 100 degree weather, but that didn't stop them from allowing a picture. Top left, from left are Brandon ADAMS and Kylee MINNICK, both of Kellerton, who reigned over the celebration. Top right, Rebecca QUICK'S frog "George" proved to be the best jumping frog at the centennial's frog jumping contest. The frog covered six feet in three leaps. Above at bottom, winning the float competition in the parade Saturday was this group of descendants of David MALOY, for which the town was named, who waved banners indicating the they came to the celebration from all over the United States. More included on page 8 in today's Mount Ayr Record-News.
Photographs courtesy of Mount Ayr Record-News.

Estimates reached as high as 2,500 people swelling the ranks of the 35 everyday residents of Maloy as the community celebrated its 100th birthday Saturday and Sunday.

The temperatures soared both afternoons, but people didn't let the heat stop them from sharing in the celebration. Visitors from 16 states and at least one foreign country came to take part in the celebration.

"The events went like clockwork which is a real tribute to the many people who worked so hard to put the celebration together," one of the committee said, summing up the events.

There were all kinds of contests and events for participation, as well as opportunites for friends to visit and reminisce, during the two days of activities.

The Irish flag was run up the flag pole at 10 a.m. Saturday to mark the official beginning of the observance. The flag recognized the Irish heritage f many of the original settlers of the Maloy area.

Kylee MINNICK of Kellerton and Brandon ADAMS of Kellerton, sponsored by Ron and Betty CONLEY of Maloy, were chosen as princess and prince for the celebration Saturday.

They were selected by random drawing from a group of 16 prince and princess couples entered in the contest.

Other participants included Mandy WILKEY and Jason WORTHINGTON, Valerie LYNCH and Cole HAINLINE of Maloy, Jolene FROST and Justin FROST of Beaconsfield, Ashley PEDERSON and Michael JORGESON of Maloy, Ann WALKUP and Joe SNETHEN of Redding, Tiffany SIMMONS and Nathan DRAKE of Blockton, Amy SCHLAPIA and Adam STEPHENS of Diagonal, Melissa EIGHME and B. J. POPPE of Mount Ayr, Jacob TODD and Stephanie TODD of Maloy, Annie JOHNSON and Brad JOHNSON of Tingley, Megan PETERSOHN and Brandon GREENE of Tingley, Michelle DUGAN and Dennis DUGAN of Mount Ayr, Rachel EGGERT and Ryan EGGERT of Maloy, Katie OVERHOLSER and Tommy OVERHOLSER of Maloy, and Larry LANE and Jessica GRAHAM of Benton.

Prizes were also given in three categories during the 45-minute parade held Saturday afternoon, led by the Mount Ayr Community highs (sic) school marching band.

Grand marshals for the parade were Margaret BOPP, Della CULVER and Guy DUGAN, all longtime Maloy area residents.

Winning first place in the float category was the entry of several Maloy Descendents, who showed parade watchers the various areas of the country where they now reside.

Second place went to the float reminding people of the Benton Centennial coming up July 5 [Benton Centennial Float committee consisted of Rose ANDREWS, Shirley WALLACE, Dorothy MATTHEWS and Lucy RICKER] and third place went to the float of the Maloy Shamrocks 4-H Club.

Taking first place in the tractor division of the parade was Robin HARRISON of Bethany, Mo. Second place went to Richard DAVISON of Maloy and third place to Randall RILEY of Lenox.

Pony hitches were also judged as part of the parade activity. L. B. WALKER of Ravenswood, Mo., James DUGAN of Ravenswood, Mo., and Forest OVERHOLSER of Maloy placed first, second and third in this division.

Following the parade, a tea in honor of Lola and E. B. MERCER given in memory of her parents by Goldie JACKSON was served.

A number of kid's games were also held. One of the most colorful was the frog jumping contest, which drew a good deal of response.

Frogs were placed in a circle and given three jumps from the start, with the frog jumping the fathest distance winning.

Rebecca QUICK had the winning entry, a frog named "George." It traveld (sic) six feet in the three jumps.

Melissa EIGHME had the number two frog, "Ferdinand's Granddaughter" and third was Brad MELVIN'S "Fred."

The prince and princess contestants were presented on the stage, a Tae-Kwon-Do demonstration by students was given and a talent show held in the early afternoon.

Winners were named in three divisions of the talent show.

The NICKELL sisters took first place in the 0-8 division for singing their medley of old songs. Rachel and Elizabeth CRAWFORD placed second and Amanda SCHLAPIA was third in the division.

In the division for contestants 9 to 16 years of age, Bethany GATOR took first place, Nancy HUGHES was second and Melissa BARKER placed third.

Jerry NOBLE topped the 16 and over division with his drum solos.

Peddle pulling skills were tested in four divisions in another Saturday afternoon event.

Winners included:

3-4 years old -- 1. Shawna BRABY; 2. Jacob TODD; 3. Nicholas WETZEL.

5-6 years old -- 1. Wes MATHANY; 2. Benjamin JACKSON; 3. Ross MINDENHALL.

7-8 years old -- 1. Jason WETZEL; 2. Angie NICKELL; 3. Adam DREDGE.

9-10 years old -- 1. Clint DREDGE; 2. Kathy NICKELL; 3. Paul MAULIN.

Music filled the air for the rest of the evening, with a dance with music by "Fellin' Foxy" wrapping up the day's events.

Flea market sales and crafts demonstrations were also held throughout the day.

Sunday's events got underway early with a two-mile fun run.

Eric MOE topped the male runners and sister, Laurel MOE, topped the female runners in the event.

Results by division included:

14 and under female -- 1. Kristi MOE, Mount Ayr; 2. Nicole LANDPHAIR, Mount Ayr.

14 and under male -- 1. Marty MOE, Mount Ayr.

15-19 female -- 1. Laurel MOE, Mount Ayr; 2. Jodi SHIELDS, Mount Ayr; 3. Dana CAMPBELL, Mount Ayr.

15-19 male -- 1. Eric MOE, MOunt Ayr; 2. Erin JACKSON, Redding.

20-29 male -- 1. John OVERHOLSER, Tingley; 2. Craig CIHAK, Creston; 3. Pat SCHLAPIA, Albany, Mo.

30-39 female -- 1. Laura JACKSON, Madrid; 2. Kathy RINEHART, Mount Ayr; 3. Lucia DRYANSKI, Davenport.

30-39 male -- 1. Pat HARDY, Grant City, Mo.; 2. Lynn RINEHART, Mount Ayr; 3. Larry FOLTZ, Mount Ayr.

40-over male -- 1. Larry DAVISON, Hopkins, Mo.; 2. Mel MOE, Mount Ayr.

Sunday mronign also saw church services with a mass in the Immaculate Conception church, followed by a (sic) ecumenical service.

The Catholic church service (sic) a dinner following the morning services.

The Emeral J. WHEELEN Memorial Car Show brought over 30 cars to be displayed in four categories with the best of show trophy going to Jim EARNEST of Beford.

EARNEST had the winning entry in the modified class with Jeff WHITE of Mount Ayr taking second place.

Rob GRAHAM of Benton topped the stock class with Ron SICKELS of Mount Ayr second.

First place in the pickup class went to Earl EVANS of Norwalk, followed by Richard La FOLLETTE of Leon. Bud AYRES of Mount Ayr topped the antique class, followed by Jason BELL of Atlantic.

While the fixed up pickups were being judged in one area, an "ugly pickup contest" was also held.

Dusty BARBER of Benton took first palce (sic) in this contest, with Jack VICKER of Diagonal second and Jackson BROTHER of Redding third. Randy TOSNWEND (?) of Mount Ayr topped the display category and Rod ZOLLMAN of Mount Ayr won the showmanship award.

[Page 8]

Another feature of the afternoon was the antique tractor pull held on the old railroad right of way.

Competition was held in six weight classes in the antique division.

Winners included:

3,250 pounds -- 1. Ann WENZIG, 157' 3"; 2. Tyler EDWARDS

3,500 pounds -- 1. Gene PENN, 167' 7"; 2. Dale BLAZEK; 3. Tyler EDWARDS; 4. Steve FLUCKY.

4,000 pounds -- 1. Dave SHRADER, 177' 2"; 2. Larry HAGGERTY; 3. Dale BLAZEK; 4. F.A. WITT.

4,500 pounds -- 1. Dave SHRADER, 178' 2"; 2. Dale BLAZEK; 3. Jeff CRILL; 4. Ann WENZIG.

5,000 pounds -- 1. Dave SHRADER, 187' 6 1/2"; 2. Rich WENZIG; 3. Ann WENZIG; 4. F. A. WITT.

5,500 pounds -- 1. Rich WENZIG, 158' 6".

Competition was also held for "classic" tractors, older tractors which are not yet old enough to compete in the "antique" class.

Winners in the four divisions there included:

3,500 pounds -- 1. Larry OVERHOLSER, 160' 6 3/4"; 2. Steve REEVE; 3. Roger TODD; 4. Jeff MILLER.

4,500 pounds -- 1. Larry OVERHOLSER; 2. John OGLE; 3. Randy SOBOTKA; 4. Bob DEVLING.

5,500 pounds -- 1. Larry OVERHOLSER, 158' 7"; 2. Mike GRIDLEY; 3. Steve REEVE; 4. John OGLE.

6,500 pounds -- Jerry OVERHOLSER, 159'; 2. Mike GRIDLEY, 3. Curt JACKSON.

The steeple throw was another event held Sunday. Laverne WORTHINGTON of Mount Ayr placed first. Greg BRADY of Maloy was second, Curtis BRABY of Morning Sun third and Daird PEDERSON fourth.

Belt buckles were auctioned off, with number 87 going to the highest. Richard DAVISON purchaed that buckle for $65.

grandparents had the opportunity to introduce their grandchildren during the afternoon, with prizes given for various characteristics.

Receiving awards in the 0-2 year category were:

Eli JORGESON, Atlantic, youngest; Kylee MINNICK, Kellerton, biggest grin; Stephanie TODD, Maloy, cutest nose; Tommi OVERHOLSER, Maloy, bluest eyes; Ryan EGGERT, Maloy, longest lashes.

Winners in the 3-5 year old category included:

Michael JORGENSON, Atlantic, cutest grin; Rachel EGGERT, Maloy, friendliest; Jacob TODD, Maloy, darkest eyes; Valerie LYNCH, Creston, most talkative; Ashley PEDERSEN, Maryville, Mo., prettiest hair.

In the 6 to 8 year old category, the winners were:

Chad PEDERSEN, Maryville, Mo., friendliest; Katie OVERHOLSER, Maloy, most freckles; Meredith BAKER, Creston, cutest hair; Melanie MOBLEY, Benton, prettiest eyes; Emily LYNCH, Creston, prettiest smile.

A historical review told the history of the Maloy community. LeAnn KEENAN and Jim RUNYON were the readers for the program, while high school and college students from the area pantomimed actions to the historical story.

Drawing were held to close the regular program, with a music jamboree finishing out the activities.

Drawing winners were:

Maloy town and country quilt -- Rosalie McFARLAND, Ottumwa; afghan -- Ann O'CALLAGHAN, St. Joseph, Mo.; doll quilt -- Brenda JORGENSON, Atlantic; centennial bell - David MAUDLIN, Redding; centennial plate -- Pat CARR; Spencer centennial buckle -- Dale WALKUP, Redding; centennial t-shirt -- Tim DORAN, Winterset; centennial cup -- Virginia SIVERLY, Clearfield.

A quilt show, historical video tape presentations and open house at the Maloy Community Store were among other events of the busy weekend.

June 18 - The sun shined brightly on Maloy for the Saturday and Sunday celebration of our 100th year. I've heard reports from 103 degrees to 116 degrees shade and sun temperatures.

But there was a good crowd on Saturday for the parade and talent show. Sunday many who had come Saturday just didn't try it again in the heat and some didn't venture out at all.

I know I will of course leave out many who came from a distance but I would like to list some of them.

The Creston paper showed a picture Monday of the late Ed and Marea SHIEL'S family who were all present - Jim from California, John from Oklahoma City, Bill from Columbus, Neb., Jerry and Monica from Omaha and Mike from Maryville. I would vote for them as ones having the most fun. Jerry, who has always done a lot of sewing for his girls and the home, brought two lovely quilts he had pieced and quilted for the quilt show.

John, Jr. WARD and wife and part of their six children and families. His sister, Anna WARD WHITE.

Iver MENDENHALL and wife and his sister, Valnetta CRAFT, Cora NOLAN and Julia MULLIN RICE, all from California; Kay SHAY BLISS and husband from Galesburg, Ill. and her brother, Dennis SHAY and Janet from Des Moines.

We were disappointed that J.A. and Irene PARKS were not able to make the trip over.

Minnie FROST, who was 90 years young last November, came from Red Oak and greeted friends from the big cammper of her daughter, Lucille COYKENDALL.

A cousin, Brandon FROST came from Oklahomea.

Father ZEITLER'S family members were here from Pennsylvania.

Virginia DOWLIN, past 80, and her cousin, Paul HARTLEY, same vintage, and his wife from Des Moines, met here after many years of getting together. They are grandchildren of John HARTLEY, one of the first settlers and cousins to Dr. Benjamin WARING, the town's first doctor.

There were numerous members of the Maloy families here from California, Washington, Ohio and Illinois. These were descendants of David MALOY, for whom the town was named and his brothers' families. They put together and rode on the first place float in the parade.

There were many members of the MULLIN families, among them Don and Ed and their sister, Kathleen RYAN. Mary JOE and Bea HULL, and family members.

The SHAYS, who came to town were John from Manson, Carol Anne SHELDOM and Mildred SHAY of Des Moines.

Another elder generation who came from Creston was Hazel SHEIL EAGON, who grew up on the farm on Platte River.

There were folks from Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Colorado as well and so it was quite a showing of interest in the get-together and to enjoy a good program the committe had put together. They should be commended for a job well done.

I was not on this committe but many, many people stopped at the hospitality booth to express their pleasure at a fine two days.

Mr. and Mrs. David PEDERSEN, Chad and Ashley of Maryville, Mr. and Mrs. Jim JORGENSON, Michael and Ely of Atlantic and Mrs. Geral CROSS of Hopkins were guests of the Richard DAVISONS and the ladies helped Carol put together the quilt show and antique part of the Centennial.

Marvin McELHINEY, a former resident and good friend of Bob LYNCH and friends had a lung removed at the Clarkson Hospital in Omaha two weeks ago. Jim SHEIL went to see him and reports that he is doing well and has returned to his home in Yorktown. Marvin's parents had the store in Maloy where the community building now stands.

Lee KEENAN'S three sisters, Jean WURSTER, who has retired from teaching and with husband, Carl, is moving to Arkansas, Dorothy HALL of Cedar Rapids and husbnad, Virginia SIVERLY of Clearfield, and his brother, Bob, from Omaha, all were in town for the festivities. Cherri KEENAN from Missouri was also here on Saturday. Lynn BAKER and daughters of Creston, George FRANCIS, fiance of LeAnn KEENAN, were also guests at the KEENAN home with Lee, Sheryl and LeAnn.

John DUGAN and his wife from St. Joseph, Mildred AUSTIN and husband, Don, and their married children from Kansas City area were here to witness their 90-year-old father and grandfather, Guy DUGAN, being presented as one of the Grand Marshalls (sic) of the parade. Guy's granddaughter, Barbara GOODARD and family came from Colorado to visit in the parental Leland DUGAN home.

N. H. and Dorothy JENNINGS from Waterloo greeted friends and visited with his sister, Della CULVER. Della also was one of the Grand Marshalls (sic), as was Margaret BOPP. LaVerene WORTHINGTON, Margaret's nephew, drove the convertible for them to ride in.

Martha and Jon HOVE and sons of Minnestoa, Tom and Sherry CARR and children of Storm Lake and Dan CARR spent the weekend with their mother, Maxine CARR. Dan and Maxine had, the latter part of the week, flown to the Boston area and attended graduation for Dan's son, Jeff, from high school. Dr. Dan STEELE and wife were guests of Pat and Gladys CARR. Margaret CARR HALEY of Shenandoah came on Sunday.

The following made the Bob LYNCH home their headquarters during the weekend: Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey LYNCH of Woonsocket, S.D., Teena and Bethany GATER of Oskaloosa, Craig LYNCH of Columbia, Mo., Heather and Robert LYNCH of Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. Larry WYER of Dows, Mr. and Mrs. Randall LYNCH and daughters of Kent, Mr. and Mrs. David LYNCH and family. Mr. and Mrs. John SCHWICHENBERG of Clear Lake attended the Centennial and Saturday night went to Mount Ayr where they were overnight Bed and Breakfast guests of Helen TERRY. They were delighted with their lodging and meal and found they had many interest in common with Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Harold DOOLEY, who came with Aubreys, were weekend guests of the Orlin HENSONS of Blockton. The South Dakota people left for home Monday morning. The other travelers went at various intervals on Sunday, with Robert, who had visited here a week, going home with his dad for a visit. Megan LYNCH went home with Bethany GATER and Heather remained to visit a few days.

MERCER family members here to help Howard and Goldie with the Memorial Tea they held honoring their MERCER parents, included Eugene and some family of Gladbrook. Mr. and Mrs. Ray MERCER, Mr. and Mrs. DeWaine JACKSON, Rexall's son, was also present.

I was remiss in my news last week when I forgot to include that a shower had been given to LeAnn KEENAN, a June 27 bride-elect of George FRANCIS of Creston. Miss KEENAN has taught English the past year at Waynesville, Mo. Hostesses were Pauline WHEELEN, Gladys CARR, Jane BRABY and Kathi SHAY. For entertainment, Kathi had written a poem for LeAnn which she read and the newlywed game was played with the bride-to-be as the only contestant. Ladies of her home community and her future mother-in-law and sister, Lynn BAKER and daughters were present.

  Transcriptions by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2012