Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 June 1916 — Centennial News Letter. [ARTICLE]

Centennial News Letter.

The people of Indiana have already shown in this centennial year that they are alive to patriotism and good citizenship. The movement for statewide observance has thus early shown itself to be an assured success It is steadily rising and growing in enthusiasm. It is now the most universal fact in the state. It is compelling in impressiveness., The counties which have already held their celebrations have performed high service in the pace which they have set the state at large. They have shown that a fitting centennial observance is not only possible but the natural, popular sequel to the year. They have shown that the thing is worth doing and do-able, and in a dignified manner, untarnished by the big dollar mark. The majority of the counties have the (dates set for their celebrations and plans pretty well outlined. Those which have already celebrated have done more than merely set a good pace. They have demonstrated that the movement is to be really statewide and that a county which goes by default in this memorable year will achieve a lonely and unenviable reputation. Furthermore, it has been pretty well demonstrated that the thing can be done in any county undrr the right kind of leadership. This, for the careful consideration of those at the head of the work in the various counties. It is no longer a question of a successful statewide celebration. It is rather a question of whether your own county is going to measure up to the mark. There are a few counties in the state about to be distanced.

It’shigh time there was something done about it. Remember, no alibis in 1916. Madison county scored a big success in its celebration, from several viewpoints. It was, first, a county celebration in that it included not merely the county seat; the celebration was conceived and carried out in the right spirit; such unity and community co-operation prevailed as to insure its success. It was unique in the great spectacle put on at Anderson’s athletic park by the school children. The parade was really historical as well as spectacular. The museum of pioneer relics was a' revelation. Other features were in keeping, and John 11. Forkner and Frank P. Foster, and their assistants did their state and county a distinct service in their management of the Madison county observance. Among the most important features of the centennial celebration are the pageants that are now being given by the public schools throughout the state. Glowing reports are coming in regarding the work done, and du ring the past week the schools of Frankfort and Plymouth appear to have achieved the greatest success. The flag feature drill of the Frankfort pageant was so impressive “that many of the older people wept as they were carried back in memory to their early days.” Chairman O. M Pittenger announces "It. was successful beyond our fondest expectations.” The Plymouth pageant of fourteen scenes portrayed the growth of the state’s development from its earliest settlement to the present. Episodes depicting art, education, and industries, figured prominently in the celebration. In Lebanon one of the memorable featues. was the unveiling of a bronze tablet, marking the site of the first school building erected in that city, 1 8 34.