The following appeared in the Rock County Star Herald on September 7, 1967.
Crowds Throng Here To Make Centennial Whopping Success
Luverne’s 100th anniversary birthday party was a whopping success.
Young and old alike came to celebrate — many in costume, many in whiskers, the rest in modern day garb appropriate for the occasion.
It was a fun event for three days and nights, and now that the official centennial observance is over, virtually everyone is agreed that it was a success in every way.
For one thing, the weatherman cooperated. Temperatures were just right Sunday to watch the horse show. It may have been a little cool for the old timers picnic Sunday evening, but it was clear and there was no wind. The weather was also ideal for outdoor dancing Saturday night. Square dancers on Kenny’s parking lot, and teen agers on the First National Bank parking lot found the temperatures ideal for enjoying them-selves out of doors. Spectators, too, were comfortable — not too hot, and not too cold.
Many Window Lookers
Main street was crowded with “window lookers” Sunday, with many coming considerable distances to view the antiques and mementoes of yesteryear on display in the various business places. The hobby show at the floral hall in the fairgrounds had a big crowd of viewers after the horse show, which drew the biggest crowd of any horse show ever held in Luverne.
Biggest Crowd Sees Parade
The biggest crowd was on hand for the parade on Sunday. With the sky bright and clear, and the temperatures in the high 70s, the day was ideal for parade watching.
Over 100 units, counting everything, took part. The crowd, lining Main Street from Estey street to Oakley, with overflow on the side streets, was estimated in excess of 11,000. One report that over 50,000 were on hand for the three-day event was considered to be exaggerated somewhat, but no one would argue that it was the largest crowd that had ever watched a parade in Luverne during the past 100 years. Floats, antique cars, horses, buggies, wagons, surries and even a yoke of oxen lent a pioneer flavor to the centennial parade.
Even the beard judging contest, which started at 10 a.m. Monday, attracted nearly 500 persons, it was estimated. The Palace theatre was packed for the judging of the Centennial costumes on Saturday afternoon. Master of ceremonies for the beard judging was David Smith Mrs. Cletus Gacke, narrated the costume show.
Sixty-seven registered at the pioneer picnic.
Pioneer Descendents Honored
About 50 attended the pioneer picnic. Descen-dents of pioneer families received pioneer citizen-ship certificates. The Reverend Martin Hauser paid eloquent tribute to the pioneers in a talk, and Frederick Manfred read a chapter from his forthcoming book which deals with pioneer life. Several members of the pioneer families told of their early life in the county.
Many See Talent Show
At the talent show, attended by about 1,500 persons Monday night, the Sundem Brothers of Hills, who did some old time “fiddling”, and Olaf Severt-son, Luverne, who played his harmonica, were given special senior citizen recognition for their contribution to the program.
In the adult category, Gary Hocking, Ellsworth vocalist, placed first, and Mrs. Willie Eichmann Luverne, who sang a solo, and Mrs. Walter Klosterbuer, who played the accordion, tied for second. In the youth division, first prize went to Tony Scheidt, who played the organ, and second prize went to Susan Bailey for her tumbling act. Bill Skewes served as master of ceremonies. Background music was furnished by “The Empty Set” local dance combo.
Klein’s Amusement Co. did a big business Monday afternoon, but one of the best concessions was the locally owned and operated beer garden, sponsored by the Cooties. A two-man dance band provided music, and there was fun for all. Proceeds will be used by the Cooties in their hospital visitation program.
Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.