Litchfield Centennial - 1969
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Litchfield and Meeker County have a history of celebrating history. This included the Meeker County Centennial in 1956 and the US Bicentennial in 1976. But perhaps the biggest celebration was the Litchfield Centennial in 1969.
Planning began months in advance. Committees were formed. Headquarters was established. Volunteers were recruited.
The festivities were scheduled for July 9 through 13, but there was much to do beforehand. Central Park was given a facelift, including new street lamps and sidewalks. A Minneapolis decorator was hired to supply and install flags and bunting on local businesses.
Individuals were also preparing. Many of the men became “brothers of the bush” and worked to grow historic-looking beards and facial hair. Pioneer and historic costumes were made for all ages, and “Litchfield Centennial” hats, pins, and bow ties could be seen around town. Leading up to the celebration, residents would “promenade” downtown in their costumes on Friday nights.
Antique cars and centennial banners helped to promote the celebration in local parades. There was even a group of 75 costumed individuals who traveled to a Twins baseball game, stopping at towns along the way, and being interviewed by WCCO radio before the game, all with the hope of bringing people to Litchfield.
The official celebration began at noon on Wednesday, July 9, with the opening ceremony and speech by Representative Fred Marshall, a Meeker County resident. A full schedule of events would follow, including the Coronation Ball, golf tournaments for all ages, a style show at the Colonial Cafe, cooking demonstrations, a kiddie parade, and a carnival in Central Park.
Minnesota Governor Harold LeVander was on hand to seal the Litchfield time capsule. For one dollar, residents could add a letter, photograph, or small memorabilia to the 10-gallon First District milk can. It was encased in cement and is set to be opened in 2069.
“The Litchfield Legend” was a large-scale production on the history of Litchfield. Hundreds of residents were in the cast and helped create the elaborate backdrops. The play was held at the Meeker County Fairgrounds for four performances and covered every era of local history. Over 3,500 people attended.
No festival would be complete without a coronation. Nominations for the Centennial Queen were open to all women, age seventeen and older. Votes could be purchased leading up to the coronation. The Litchfield Independent Review was happy to report that their nomination, 89-year-old Nona Eberts, was named Queen.
As for the men, sixteen beard-related awards were given. The best all-around beard was won by David Dean. Other categories include longest, best goatee, most unusual, and “tired hardest but got the least.” Floyd Warta won for having the whitest beard. People encouraged him to keep the beard until Christmas, to which he replied “I just might.” Little did he know, this would launch his career as Santa Claus!
On the last day of the celebration, there was a grand parade with 150 units. An estimated 35,000 people gathered to celebrate 100 years of Litchfield history.